Advice - Suspension

[Proudy]

Well I posted this question in another section but did not get to much of a response....anyway - I have an NS Exceed and want to 'improved' the suspension.
Reasons - well I am getting a long range tank and a bull bar, not sure if it will be steel or alloy yet...but bottom line is that there will more weight front and back. We will be towing a horse float (heavy!) from time to time and also - I am getting the 4by ready for a few trips (no horse float but maybe a trailer).

So I am keen to get a few ideas from anyone out there. I am not up to speed with 4x4 suspension really (coming from race car back ground) but I am intersted to know of the problems with suspension mods - what to look out for etc, so I am keen for help.

List of needs/thoughts so far.

1. What brand and or kit?
2. Whats needed? a bit of lift 30mm? may be 40mm? (definaly keen for some more cleanace
3. Poly bags to help with towing and keeping my end up...
4. I dont want to effect the on road feeling and steering dynamics of the car as we are on tar a fair bit, but also any reduction in road noise is a bonus.

Anyway - keen for any thought or experiences, and happy to be ponted to good 4x4 shop in Perth to help supply/fit.

Thanks and look forward to bit of advice on this.

[mrbitchi]

The NS i sthe same in the suspension as the NM/NP. My suggestion is a set of King springs (50mm lift, Extra heavy duty) which you can pick up and fit yourself for around $350, and keep the original shocks for a while. Nothing wrong with the standard units and your's will obviously be brand new. Changing shocks has stuff all effect on wheel travel, except at the very extremes.
Set of AT tyres in an LT construction.
A set of polyairs is a good idea for towing.
Car will actually ride and handle a whole lot better with this setup.

Cheers....

[matthewfnorbert]

how does the truch handle better with 50mm in extra height? or do you mean handle better off road clearance wise.

you could also see some people like 4x4 suspension tough dog or similar for advice ... they are a customer of ours and we took our patrol to them recently and the service and advice was great.

[pjchris]

I've got EHD 50mm raised springs and the Paj handles better on road and has better clearance off road.

On road the extra stiffness of the springs means less body roll in corners (despite the extra height) and better grip on corrugations bumps etc as the suspension can react faster.

Off road more space under the Paj means less hitting rocks etc..

Peter

ps. I'm also running stiffer Koni Shocks as well.

[mrbitchi]

What he said...;-)

[matthewfnorbert]

less body roll is great!

[Schniff]

What about ride comfort? I find that the NS standard suspension tune is very firm indeed, especially with tyres at 36 PSI. I let mine down to 32 just to make it a bit more comfortable. Won't heavy duty springs ruin the ride?

[matthewfnorbert]

wow i run mine at 40psi.. ride is ok , but i would not want it sharper

[Schniff]

You on 17s or 18s Norbet?

[matthewfnorbert]

18's if you want your tyres to last you will need to keep the pressure high

[Schniff]

Norbet, I agree however from my point of view:

1) Not impressed with Dunlop AT20 OEM tyres so looking forward to replacing them with better HT/HP tyres for bitumen.
2) Not worth spending 57k on a car if the ride is rubbish at high tyre pressure just to preserve said crappy tyres.
3) Replacement tyres are salary sacrificed.

Just my thoughts. Having said all that, the ride improves dramatically when you load the 4by up for a trip, even at higher pressures.

[matthewfnorbert]

yes i find the road tires are rubbish on 4x4 these days and they get a real hard time, i have fitted the cooper atr in the past they improved the ride/softer and cornering did not suffer too much. i don't find the ride hard, but of course its all every mans opinion, hell i have a suspension seat in my boat lol

[Wilmo]

I've heard that Bilstein Shocks are good on the NS, not sure what springs to match these up with though - anyone have recommendations / preferences on one brand over another? I believe most give around 40-50mm lift.

Considering Kings, OMEs, Pedders.....any others?

[Garygls]

Hi Proudly, I recently had my 05 NP Lifted. {3" Lovells springs & Bilstein shocks}. I am more than happy with the ride & it handles even better than before,{even the missus notice the differance} money well spent! Ground clearance is good front & back, as before towing a trailer it would bottom out doing creek crossings & so on. Had the Lift kit fitted in Bundaberg on holidays {Know the right people who fit & do the best wheel alinements} loaded up with new 80ltr Waeco & other shopping spree & back to Mt Isa. Lovells springs have always had a good name in springs & Bilstein shocks are highly recommended for your Pajero lift. Very happy with this lift, little extra height should suit towing your horse float to keep it level. Hope this can help you decide on the right lift. Gary

[NS Rob]

Would fitting heavy duty springs (kings, lovells etc) with 50mm lift affect the warrenty?