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ova50
18th November 2012, 11:55 AM
Hi guys,
I tow a caravan with our 2010 DX 3 litre.
Am looking at getting some HD raised springs.
Currently it has std springs, when the van is hooked up, the rear of the vehicle drops by 75mm.
Do you guys have any suggestions on brands etc that could help in my decision making.
Thanks.

gu8 patrol
18th November 2012, 12:06 PM
i raised my gu8 50mm and put airbag helpers in the rear,this sorted all my problems out when towing my van

macca
18th November 2012, 12:07 PM
With such a reduction in rear ride hieght a set of springs may ride a bit harsh when the van is not hooked on.

Have you considered air bags, they are totally adjustable to suit any load.

Or possibly a quality load sharing / levelling device to suit your tow hitch.

Sure others will have some better ideas....

edit; gu8 beat me LOL

threedogs
18th November 2012, 12:37 PM
X 2 with Macca try airbags

happygu
19th November 2012, 09:26 PM
Hi Ova,

The recommended spring might be different depending on the ride quality you want without the van on the back.

You can easily get heavy duty springs that will take more load, but it will also ride a lot harsher unladen.

The other alternative is to get some progressive rate springs, where they are softer unladen, will drop a little under load but have better ability to carry to load, once the 'softer' coils are loaded up.

lorrieandjas
20th November 2012, 02:33 AM
I'm with macca and threedogs. Airbags could be the go for you. But..... That said progressive springs might help but you will still get some "sag" but shouldn't be as much. My preference is airbags for an answer to not sit on the fence!

Jas

BigRAWesty
20th November 2012, 03:35 AM
What ride height are you running? I have some poly air bags to suit stock height coils.. I'll never need them again. Pm me if your interested in them.


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

Tank
20th November 2012, 04:35 AM
I run heavy duty 50mm lift springs inn m y LWB GQ. There is very little sage in the back with a 2 ton trailer on and when it's loaded it rides really nice but empty it can be like being the only baked bean in a tin can, just a bit harsh

ova50
20th November 2012, 08:55 AM
Thanks guys,
Currently the Patrol is std suspension, I was considering a 50mm lift. As we are about to start on a round the country trip, I would prefer to upgrade the suspension and give it a bit more lift.
Was thinking of Dobsons springs.
Thanks

Steveo_the_Devo
20th November 2012, 09:46 AM
I have some firestone 2" lift airbags. Never used. Bought them to put in with my lift but never used them. PM if your interested.

MudRunnerTD
21st November 2012, 11:51 AM
I would be thinking about getting Poly Airs air bags for when your towing and a suitable spring rate for when your not. If you dont then it will be horrible to drive when unladen. Kidney Belt time. Have you ever driven a 1ton ute with nothing in it? Terrible.

http://www.heasmans.com.au/new_site/images/slideshow/AIR-1000.gif

http://www.polyair.com.au/


If your going to do a lot of towing then you have a few options. Note that putting in Heavy springs or air bags will really stiffen up the back of the car and you are loading it up a heap.

I would highly recomend that you consider a Spring Tower brace for the rear towers as this is a known weak link and if your set up really firm and loaded then your springs will be sending a heap more force through the spring towers.

My GQ is currently being fixed with a 100mm tear to the gusset of the left rear spring tower and deformation of the inside of the chassis rail as a result! Damn! I have a few friends that had done some difficult outback touring and had to Weld the Spring Towers on the track! No Joy!

Have a look at this link for a Great Aussie product that you should think very very seriously about if your heading off the bitumen with a van in tow doing a lap of this great land.

http://www.superiorengineering.com.au - GU Spring Tower Bracing (http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=31_32_34_186&products_id=10673)

http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/new/images/webimages/Tower_support_Brace_img2_1.jpg

nissannewby
21st November 2012, 01:02 PM
What MR has stated is the best way to go. If you plan on loading and using heavier springs with or without airbags then the above advice is highly recommended.

jack
21st November 2012, 02:04 PM
I was looking at 50mm lift and airbags, now it looks like I need to add a Spring Tower brace.
By the time I get everything done I'll only be able to afford to drive around the block. :driving2:

Thanks for the advice guys, always knowledgeable and appreciated. ;)

Cheers
Apollofish

ova50
23rd November 2012, 10:49 AM
Thanks Mud Runner,
Currently I am in Qld and not far from Superior Eng.
Planning to take a run over there and check out their stuff.
Thanks again for the link.!!!!!!