The Low Down on Suspension

[ant]

Alright guys and girls. Here is something you don't see very often. I am looking for advice and I have a tight timeline. I need a definite answer by the end of this week (15th June).

Here goes: I have a 1987 Factory Turbo Diesel Sahara Wagon. To my knowledge the suspension has not seen any changes for at least 5 years. I am heading back up to the cape at the end of this month and want to give the old girl a birthday. I am looking at replacing the shocks and leaf springs. Possibly also the bushes, etc if it warrants a replacement. Maybe Neoprene bushes??

What are your genuine suggestions?

Keep in mind that I want something that will last but something that is not also hyped up with advertising. There could be a possible review of the suspension work done in the next Cape Yorker too so if it is shit I won't be scared to say so. I also need something that is going to handle a bit of weight as the two and a half pallets of Cape Yorker magazines I carried with Batsey last week had me draggin' my arse around Cairns.
I am not going to be using the vehicle for any crazy off-road stuff so do not need advice on that side of things.

Okay-let it roll.

PS: From the research I have done so far, Pedders and TJM are looking like they have a chance. Again, it comes down to Quality VS Durability VS Price.

[Coza]

Not going to help much to you Ant as I have 4 coil's , but for the record I put king's spring's and when I get back from the Cape I will be putting Koni shocks.
I rang Kings direct in Brissy and they were very helpfull wanted to know all the in's an out of the 4wd and what I used it for and they suggest a set of springs for the back and the front had them in since Easter time and are very happy with what i got. And the shocks, well I have a mate in the trade and him and another fella I know both said Kings springs and Koni Shocks and you'll never shake you beer up again.

[campdog]

Could say jack the radiator cap up and drive a patrol under, but I wouldnt say that.
Ive always run rancho adjustable shocks and lovel springs. Try rancho.com and see what they have to offer.

[rushy]

hi guys the suspension set up i got off tjm does the trick for my rig and its coped a pounding in the last three years . rushy

[ant]

Rushy-If you don't mind me asking, what sort of dollars did it cost you?

Campdog, If I took your advice, the radiator cap would be the strongest part of the whole vehicle-not a good idea.
Serioulsy now, i checked out the Rancho stuff online and it seems a little dearer than the prices i have from TJM-not sure of the warranty from TJM though. Rancho has unlimited 3yr which sounds good.

Coza- I will call the guys from Kings on Wednesday.

Thanks for the input so far.

[Mav_SWB]

Try Fulcrum and Checkpoint in Cairns, from memory they both sell King Springs which TJM rebadge as there own, I think.

Also Wilkonsons's Springs works in Atherton and there is another blacksmith's place in Cairns that can reset, add extra leafs, etc. Wilko's sell Cofap shocks which get sold under a number of names TJM, EFS and Lovell's to name a few.

If your Springs are of a good brand and held up well over the years, I would just get them rebuilt, with a little extra height. Neoprene vs Rubber is like Toyota vs Nissan, They both have good and Bad points. in short, Neoprene last longer but are harder on your suspension. Rubber is good but needs to be replaced more often.

I use the TJM EGS shock because I knew someone, but shop around and you could get the same shock in a different colour for a lot less.

KingChevy uses Pedders.

Cheers
Nick

[rushy]

from memory $1100 normal price $900 on special. i booked the nissan in on the price of $1100 and they came up a week later at $900. they wanted me to pay full price so i said id cancel and rebooked for the $900 a week later.so it worked out with a $200 saving better in my pocket than theirs. 4 shocks 4 springs casters and steering damper. so it pays to do your homework and screw um down. ps.heading to the cape tonight after the state of origin go nissan and go queenslander.

[rushy]

tjm gave me a twelve moth warrenty

[campdog]

Rushy-If you don't mind me asking, what sort of dollars did it cost you?

Campdog, If I took your advice, the radiator cap would be the strongest part of the whole vehicle-not a good idea.
Serioulsy now, i checked out the Rancho stuff online and it seems a little dearer than the prices i have from TJM-not sure of the warranty from TJM though. Rancho has unlimited 3yr which sounds good.

Coza- I will call the guys from Kings on Wednesday.

Thanks for the input so far.
Ive had the ranchos on for about 4 years and 2 cape trips and held the patrol together so must be ok.
Just wind up the adjustable rear shocks when loaded up and back off when light load. cant fault them

[ant]

Thanks all for the help. Like I said, I am on a tight timeline and have made a decision as of today to go with Cairns Spring Works and Engineering. They can rebiuld my leaf springs but I have opted for new ones instead and I have gone for all new shocks and bushes.

I will keep you posted on how it goes on the next trip and also with the next load of Cape Yorker mags.

Thanks again for your assistance and input.