2/3" lift for GQ wagon

[benno]

Hi Guys & Girls,

How's it all going?? Just wondering what you guys reckon was a really good 2/3" lift for a GQ wagon, I've heard so many different stories I don't know what to believe. I've heard OME, Tough Dog, Iron Man, and many more, tell me a few stories guys.

Cheers Tony.

[Maxhead]

Mine is a GU and I have 2" lift with Dobinsons coils and Koni shocks. Very happy with the ride comfort on/off road and handling is great. Konis are highly recommended by me.
and of course tyre pressures play a big factor in ride comfort/handling

[NissanGQ4.2]

my GQ before having little screamin rug rats was..... 2inch body, 4 inch Dobinsons coils and Rancho shocks. Now its only got the 2inch body and the coils and shocks are living unhappy somewhere in the shed. I was very happy with the ride,comfort and handling on/off road.

[benno]

Thanks for thhat

[razzerback]

I have 3" lift in my GQ and I love the ride. Dobinsons coils and pro comp long travel shocks. It is great off road and on road, but make sure you buy all the other extras. I didnt do it the first time but have learnt the hard way lol

[benno]

Thanks guys, sounds as though you are all keen on Dobinsons coils and shocks, so they must be a good hard working system I take it, and what did you mean by all the other extras razzerback, also is a 2/3'' hard to fit yourself without a spring compreser???????

[NissanGQ4.2]

Thanks guys, sounds as though you are all keen on Dobinsons coils and shocks, so they must be a good hard working system I take it, and what did you mean by all the other extras razzerback, also is a 2/3'' hard to fit yourself without a spring compreser???????

brake lines, steering columns, gear shift levers, fuel fillers, wiring, offset castor bushes, may need to modify bullbar / rear bar.......the list can go on and on...

ok this article is showing a toy.....ota, but you may find it helpful
http://www.snakeracing.com.au/media/articles/DIY-body-lift.html

im pretty sure i done my 3" without a spring compressor but it was that long ago...who knows.......but i dare say they would be a lot easier 2 install using one...

[benno]

Thanks for that toddrhind, every bit of info is helpful.

[benno]

Hi NissPat, thanks for your help, are the Koni shocks full on off road.

[benno]

Hi razzerback,Thanks for your help, I didn't think you needed much in the way of extras for a 2/3" lift on a GQ, pro comp shocks also sound interesting, are they also full on off road.

[NissanGQ4.2]

there is lots of extras...depending if you want to do it properly or not............. and don't forget about making it legal 2, getting it engineered...........if your insured, are you insured with a lift.....

[Woof]

Not a real fan of Tough Dog adjustable shocks and the adjusting dial seems to cop a flogging and breaking off or just stop working.

[YNOT]

brake lines, steering columns, gear shift levers, fuel fillers, wiring, offset castor bushes, may need to modify bullbar / rear bar.......the list can go on and on...



Steering column, gearshift levers, fuel fillers and modifying bullbars and rear bars is only necessary for body lifts.
For a 2 inch suspension lift you should only need springs, shocks and a small amount of castor correction.
3 inch suspension lifts may also require extended brake lines depending on the extended length of the shocks. 3" lift is border line whether you need adjustable panhards and drag link, and maybe adjustable rear control arms for diff angle correction.

Whether or not you need a spring compressor depends on the springs. A 2" flexi coil will probably need compressors, but a 3" constant rate coil may not.

Tony

[NissanGQ4.2]

Steering column, gearshift levers, fuel fillers and modifying bullbars and rear bars is only necessary for body lifts.
For a 2 inch suspension lift you should only need springs, shocks and a small amount of castor correction.
3 inch suspension lifts may also require extended brake lines depending on the extended length of the shocks. 3" lift is border line whether you need adjustable panhards and drag link, and maybe adjustable rear control arms for diff angle correction.

Whether or not you need a spring compressor depends on the springs. A 2" flexi coil will probably need compressors, but a 3" constant rate coil may not.

Tony

Thanks Tony for the correction, done the 2inch body lift the same day as the 3inch suspension lift....

[razzerback]

The procomp shocks on and offroad are pretty bloody great. I got them the next length longer for more travel. I cant complain about them. I have had these ones in for just over 2 years and they are still going great. Will NOT EVER touch toughdog or iron man shocks. Damaged caused by there faulty shocks.

[lostmav]

Hi everyone i hope you have gone to the 4x4 monthly site and signed the petition about the new laws the NSW gov are trying to implement if they get this new law through we won,t have to worry about how big a lift were going to do we just won,t be able to lift our trucks at all!

[benno]

Thanks Dogman, so whats your choice of shockys??

[benno]

Thanks razzerback, procomp definitly seem to be ones to look at.

[Woof]

Thanks Dogman, so whats your choice of shockys??

Mate I am currently running Big Bore adjustable Tough Dogs but as soon as I can afford it I will be getting rid of them and coming back to this thread to decide as well, like you.
Sorry I can't be of any help at the moment mate.

[benno]

Thanks Dogman, the more I here about Tough Dog the more I'm inclined to leave them alone.

I would like to thank all you members out there, it's you guys that have already tried stuff that makes our choices better!!!!!

[benno]

Howdy, just another question on the 2" lift, did you go heavy duty with the shocks and springs, or comfort??

Talk to you soon, cheers Tony.

[YNOT]

When it comes to springs, they really need to be chosen to suit YOUR individual needs, so it's best to talk to a suspension specialist. A good suspension specialist will ask you lots of questions about what accessories you already have and plan to fit, if you plan on towing, and what sort of driving you plan on doing. If they don't ask all these questions, go somewhere else.
Pretty much any aftermarket shock absorber could be considered heavy duty.

Tony

[Bigrig]

I've got a 'saggy' 3" in it now (Pedders Springs - rubbish, with EFS shocks that I just fitted) - getting a new 4" setup next week (Dobinson Springs, keeping the EFS shocks, new control arms, adjustable steering arm, new panhards, extended link pins, 2 degree offset caster bush set, etc, etc) - will let you all know what it comes out like. Currently the ride is harsh to say the least - who ever had the rig before me fitted variable rate springs to the front which have virtually collapsed (top 3 coils on each side sitting on each other) and didn't modify anything else, so it's fairly 'bound up' for want of a better phrase ... stay tuned!!

[zmaster]

Hi Tony
Suspension decisions always a pain, most shops push their own stock, avoid dealers who trash competitors brands. Springs, can't beat dobinsons, good service and good communication. Shocks are a minefield, OME believe are fancy monroes, reliable but not inspiring, best left for cruisers, koni tough to beat, get 88's or 90's. Tough dog made in US, as with most 4x4 shocks, are revalved truck shocks, very tough and adjustable must use 45mm, although lose some travel due to adj knob. Best to talk to dealer who offers a range of brands, above all else, get a package so springs and shocks are balanced. 2in lift easy to fit, 3in will need spring comp but least of problems, will need brake lines, align bushes, adj panhards etc.
Hope this helps
zoro
zmaster

[YNOT]

Check out www.suspensionstuff.com.au

I've dealt with Shane (from suspension stuff) on a number of occasions and found him very helpful and easy to deal with. He sells mainly dobinson springs, and isn't afraid to order custom wound coils from them when there is no off the shelf spring that suits. He sells a range of shocks so he is not biased towards one particular brand. His prices are very reasonable and shipping to most parts of Australia is free.
I'm not connected with Shane or Suspension Stuff in any way other than spending quite a few dollars there.

Tony

[Matmobile]

go for the adjustable shocks for certain so it rides nice

[Mrowka]

OK, dumb question maybe, but what do you gain from a smooth ride other than a smooth ride?

Will this impact performance or handling in anyway or is it more to keep passengers from complaining?

[YNOT]

A smoother ride also reduces the amount of road shock that is transmitted to the chassis and body.

Tony

[MudRunnerTD]

Have a good think about whether you REALLY NEED ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS???

* => Are you a guy that understands suspension setup??
* => Do you know how your vehicle should ride?
* => are you competent to dial in your shocks individually to each corner of your car?
* => Do you understand the requirements of your vehicle once you load her up?

All of the above questions should be answered by each of you honestly to yourself. I dont care what the answer is, i am not going to drive your car.......

By buying manually adjustable shocks you are basically stepping back in time, disregarding the decades of Shock absorber development that companies like Old Man Emu and Bilstiens have put into their product and saying "fark it, you dont know nuffin" "I can dial my shocks in better than you can design yours"

Who thinks that???

If you consider that the latest Old Man Emu shock (Next Generation of a world class product) has an infinitely variable valving system that adapts to the shock input on a input by input basis and will remain variable for the life of the shock.. How can an adjustable shock compete with that??

ie. When your vehicle is empty your shock will perform a certain way, when it is full it will perform another,Over slow speed versus fast, bumpy versus corrugated. Input by input it is variable. How can an adjustable shock even dream of being this adaptable?? How can we as car owners pretend to be better than that science?

I run 12 stage adjustable BOSS shocks on my GQ because i have an Ohlins setup on my Road Bike and understand the minute adjustments on that shock, i weight the same all the time as does the bike and all i really do is dial it in 1 or 2 clicks depending on my environment.

On my GQ this is pretty well undoable.... I was kidding myself to think there was benefit in going an adjustable over a refined and developed variable valving shock. I know what i am doing and basically set the shocks and forgot them, i am unlikely to adjust them again and i will adapt my driving to how the car handles rather than the shock adapting to the environment. Yes I'm a Goose. I will be replacing the shocks when they are knackered with a variable shock of the best that i can afford.

Its pretty basic Science really, A mono set shock versus a infinitely Variable Shock?????

Go with the Pros!

[benno]

Good reply, I like the logic, I think most people would not get under thier trucks and adjust shocks as conditions change anyway, and the adjuster is only another part to rattle to bits as you drive anyway, tnanks for that,

Cheers Tony.

[Bigrig]

Have a good think about whether you REALLY NEED ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS???

* => Are you a guy that understands suspension setup??
* => Do you know how your vehicle should ride?
* => are you competent to dial in your shocks individually to each corner of your car?
* => Do you understand the requirements of your vehicle once you load her up?

All of the above questions should be answered by each of you honestly to yourself. I dont care what the answer is, i am not going to drive your car.......

By buying manually adjustable shocks you are basically stepping back in time, disregarding the decades of Shock absorber development that companies like Old Man Emu and Bilstiens have put into their product and saying "fark it, you dont know nuffin" "I can dial my shocks in better than you can design yours"

Who thinks that???

If you consider that the latest Old Man Emu shock (Next Generation of a world class product) has an infinitely variable valving system that adapts to the shock input on a input by input basis and will remain variable for the life of the shock.. How can an adjustable shock compete with that??

ie. When your vehicle is empty your shock will perform a certain way, when it is full it will perform another,Over slow speed versus fast, bumpy versus corrugated. Input by input it is variable. How can an adjustable shock even dream of being this adaptable?? How can we as car owners pretend to be better than that science?

I run 12 stage adjustable BOSS shocks on my GQ because i have an Ohlins setup on my Road Bike and understand the minute adjustments on that shock, i weight the same all the time as does the bike and all i really do is dial it in 1 or 2 clicks depending on my environment.

On my GQ this is pretty well undoable.... I was kidding myself to think there was benefit in going an adjustable over a refined and developed variable valving shock. I know what i am doing and basically set the shocks and forgot them, i am unlikely to adjust them again and i will adapt my driving to how the car handles rather than the shock adapting to the environment. Yes I'm a Goose. I will be replacing the shocks when they are knackered with a variable shock of the best that i can afford.

Its pretty basic Science really, A mono set shock versus a infinitely Variable Shock?????

Go with the Pros!

Very informative ... but isn't it funny how the bolded comment was the one I was drawn to??? *LMFAO*

[MudRunnerTD]

Very informative ... but isn't it funny how the bolded comment was the one I was drawn to??? *LMFAO*

Cheeky bugger :trink13: :1087:

[Clunk]

anyone else other than razerback, had, heard, know of any issues with the IronMan shocks and springs?

[boggy2006]

I've just bought some Ironman springs (not shocks yet). I thought they we quite reputable, haven't heard anything bad before.

[Clunk]

I've just bought some Ironman springs (not shocks yet). I thought they we quite reputable, haven't heard anything bad before.

Cheers Boggy, can't decide whether to get Old Man Emus or save a spot of cash and get the Ironman

[boggy2006]

Cheers Boggy, can't decide whether to get Old Man Emus or save a spot of cash and get the Ironman

just fitted the 2" HD Ironman springs and they seem fine. Much thicker steel than the originals but not much longer. Ride is perhaps a bit firmer over big bumps, but haven't got the shocks yet, so originals are still on.

[growler2058]

I might be late replying but i went 4" BigO4x4 kit all the bells and whistles incl. for around $3k supplied not fitted took the joy of fitting that myself (sorta anyway lots of swearing, sweat, bark off fingers and the occasional tear) haha, was dobinson coils and shocks 3rds production panhards trailing arms, draglink dobinson steering dampner, BigO extended radius arms extended brake lines extended brake bias bracket genuine nissan bushes already installed into relavent parts. Have never looked back. told the bloke i wanted to be able to handle everything loveday 4wd park could throw at it and so far done the job and can still drive it home after. But I haven't done the tabletop jump, need to brace diffs for that and i like the ol girl too much to really punish her, but have full confidence to tackle anything my approch angle can handle

[big_fletch]

One of the boys at my work is running a 2" ironman lift and is very happy with it.. anyone looking for suspension I have a ridepro lift with rox shocks and I would definitely recommend having a look at them, very comfortable ride and very well priced

[da' maverick]

put some springs in this arvo, no spring compressor. undo the sway bar and shock jack the chassis up. easy as. only a few swear words needed.

[boggy2006]

sounds like yours were much easier than mine, I couldn't get the axle to drop down far enough to get the originals out, let alone put the new longer ones in. Had to squash them right down with the spring compressor and had to use many swear words!

[Manuel]

What is a good price for a lift kit?


1988 GQ Nissan patrol - need to invest in a lift kit

[YNOT]

What is a good price for a lift kit?


1988 GQ Nissan patrol - need to invest in a lift kit

What size lift and what country are you in?

Tony

[blake_gq4.2]

Mate i have just fitted a 3 inch lovells lift into mine and it is awesome 100% australian made all aussie steel and customer service is awesome, i wouldnt go past it,
cheers blake