2/3" lift for GQ wagon

[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.