best expedition load (heavy?) suspension kit

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joshoisasleep

joshoisasleep

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Jun 20, 2007
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what suspension kits do you guys think are likely to be the best for long-term heavy load use? Ideally it would also provide as comfortable a ride as possible. Since it's for expedition use, as close to stock height as possible is probably desirable, and articulation isn't really a priority.
I'm thinking weight carrying, bulletproof, and as comfortable as possible.
 
OME or Dobinson make a very good product. Places that sell and install quality suspension systems will be able to tell you what combination is the best for touring based on the weight you plan to carry and or pull. I don't think I could recommend anything more than the brand because I don't have a clue of how much weight and where you are carrying it. Also, I don't know a lot about matching springs and shocks to weight and traveling conditions.
 
Yeah actually all I was thinking was brands really, not specific kits for my purpose. I just started thinking about it and the first thing that came to mind was OME, but I realized that was based only on name recognition and not on any actual knowledge of performance etc.
I'd walk into a suspension shop, but based on experience I kind of fear that in my location they might just tell me whoever they stock is the best in the world...
 
Josho, OME has been tried and tested across some of the harshest condition on a daily basis for decades. I would be more fearful that I was not getting OME but a cheap knock off. Only buy from an ARB certified shop - even then check to make sure they install OME products. BTW, did you give up on the Turbo or are you still working on SWMBO?:D :cheers:
 
For my HZJ105R I plan on fitting Welcome to Airbag Man on the rear. They will allow me to have a nice comfy ride while empty round town but have full control when fully loaded.
 
joshoisasleep said:
what suspension kits do you guys think are likely to be the best for long-term heavy load use? Ideally it would also provide as comfortable a ride as possible. Since it's for expedition use, as close to stock height as possible is probably desirable, and articulation isn't really a priority.
I'm thinking weight carrying, bulletproof, and as comfortable as possible.
Click to expand...

This is specificlly what most aussie suspension systems have been designed to do . Its suits out network of desert tracks and roads the best.
Because its such a long way between stops,the springs also have to carry the maximum vehicle load to have enough fuel,food and water.
My Dobinsons still look new after 4 years with no discernable sag.

A few years back there were a few less than useful suspension set ups sold here but they got wiped out in an avalanche of bad reviews
 
those airbag thingies look pretty cool. They look pretty expensive though... how much about do they cost?
 
I'd just go with an OME heavy kit. CruiserOutfitters (Kurt) and Bull here on mud both sell 'em. I've had OME springs on my expedition 80 and my current Troopy build, and can't be happier. Simple and close to stock is the best idea for overlanding...

-H-
 
Josho, I think this kit is very good value: Air Bag and Coil 2" kit Toyota Landcruiser 80 100 105 - eBay 4x4 Accessories, Exterior, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 16-Mar-08 10:19:08 AEDST). For another $200, you also get the front coils. I did not see any of these listed for a 60 series but that doesn mean they won't put one together for you. From what I have seen, Steve Hobbs has a very good reputation.

You can get the shocks locally. Hell, from what i have read most of them are made in Brazil anyways so you should be able to find good quality there at an excellent price.
 
I have tweeked my suspension on my FJ60 over the years to fit much the same criteria as you are describing.

My trips are typicallly fairly long and I carry a lot of supplies, spares, tools, etc. Add a couple of passengers and I found even the OME HD suspension needed some help.

I have OME heavy duty springs on the front and OME extra heavy on the rear with OME shocks and steering stablizer. Lift is about 2 1/2" overall in the unmodified OME setup. When fully loaded I was getting considerable squat in the rear which pushed the front end into the air. Not great for steering geometry and made the steering light and prone to wander. To compensate I have added Man-A-Fre heavy duty extended shackles on the rear. Pick your length, but I went with their tallest and the result is about a 4 1/2" lift in the rear. Truck has a bit of an ass up look when unloaded, but sits flat when all the gear is on board. Rides stiff, but stable and predicatble.

Another recommendation for these trucks. Your 62 should have sway bars front and rear (My early 60 didn't have rears). I replaced the front and installed a rear using MAF's heavy duty sway bars. Significant improvement and much recommended. Not sure you will get the same bump as you all ready have rears, but with the lift and loads I carry this has made a big difference in how the truck drives.
 
a little bit off topic but relevant to weight loading... sherpa is that 40 gal tank aux or is it just a replacement long range tank? If it's aux where is it mounted? I don't think the sway bars should make any difference to me without any lift??

canucksafari: any more specific info on these things being made in Brazil? I'm already looking into getting tires and a paraglider while I'm there because I've heard they can be found cheap... if I could find out who makes the airbags ...

I'm actually surprised at how well my suspension holds. All i've done so far is add one extra leaf (at $10 a piece!) on each side in the back, and the rear doesn't really sag even with all our gear, my massive cargo bumper, and four friends piled in. I've heard that was one improvement in the 62's over the 60's...
However, I'm a little worried about what will happen when filling up an aux tank and all four jerry's...
 
This is a good thread you should check out: Suspension Upgrade @ ExplorOz. The OME are made in Australia (or so I am told) but most other brands are apparently fabricated by one compnay in Brazil. Sorry, i can't remember the name and didn't bookmark the article when I read it. I am sure you will be able to dig it up. I remember reading some guys suprise when he accidently scratched the pain on a shock to find another brands paint underneath.

You can get the airbags cheap in the US. If your springs and shocks are in good condition then all you may need is a set of air bags. The Firestone are bags have a good reputation. Check this out: Vehicle Search Vehicle Search. Apparently they are a very good company to order from. I know of guys in Australia who have ordered rear bags for their Patrols from them at near a 1/4 of the price the shops are seliing them for in Australia.
 
40 gal. tank replaces rhe OEM unit. Bolts right in and uses all existing plumbing, fuel gauge, etc. purchsed at MAF. Spare tire needs to be relocated so it is mounted to a Kaymar bumper. I fabricated an adaptor that lets me mount 2 tires to the carrier, so there is some weight well aft of the rear axels. With a 40 gal. tank I only carry 10gal. of additional fuel...so 2 cans.

As you have front and rear bars in the stock set-up...and no lift the nsway bar upgrade may not be as high on the list as it was for me.
 
Sherpa 60 said:
40 gal. tank replaces rhe OEM unit. Bolts right in and uses all existing plumbing, fuel gauge, etc. purchsed at MAF. Spare tire needs to be relocated so it is mounted to a Kaymar bumper. I fabricated an adaptor that lets me mount 2 tires to the carrier, so there is some weight well aft of the rear axels. With a 40 gal. tank I only carry 10gal. of additional fuel...so 2 cans.

As you have front and rear bars in the stock set-up...and no lift the nsway bar upgrade may not be as high on the list as it was for me.
Click to expand...

Maybe I missed it, who makes the 40 gal long range tank? Where did you pick it up? What is the longest range tank made for the 40 series? Sorry if this is veering off topic.
 
joshoisasleep said:
I'd walk into a suspension shop, but based on experience I kind of fear that in my location they might just tell me whoever they stock is the best in the world...
Click to expand...

No one would do that would they :) ?

I have the BDS kit with greaseable pins and shackles. It seems to be pretty good. My buddy with the same truck and OME's figured the OME's were not worth the extra when he took my truck for a spin.

If someone has drawings or diagrams for the long range tank for a '60 please post them up. I'm sure the cost to fab one here in Central or South America would compare favorably to buying one.
 
Better yet (for veggie dreamers) drawings for an auxiliary tank... I'm going to be having one fabbed with poor spanish, lots of pointing, and no plans sometime in the next few days so every little bit would help...
 
joshoisasleep said:
Better yet (for veggie dreamers) drawings for an auxiliary tank... I'm going to be having one fabbed with poor spanish, lots of pointing, and no plans sometime in the next few days so every little bit would help...
Click to expand...

Take lots of pics and dimensions and POST UP!! Make sure they do some kind of baffles inside so you don't get too much "slosh" going on around corners.
 
joshoisasleep said:
Better yet (for veggie dreamers) drawings for an auxiliary tank... I'm going to be having one fabbed with poor spanish, lots of pointing, and no plans sometime in the next few days so every little bit would help...
Click to expand...

Josh,
I too want any drawings or plans . I am in Central Am and getting one fabbed here shouldn't be that bad. An added bonus if you like, if you have plans my spanish is excellent and I'd be willing to help you translate them before you take them around to the shop.:grinpimp:
 
jabxyz said:
Josh,
I too want any drawings or plans . I am in Central Am and getting one fabbed here shouldn't be that bad. An added bonus if you like, if you have plans my spanish is excellent and I'd be willing to help you translate them before you take them around to the shop.:grinpimp:
Click to expand...

sweet. Maybe we could design this together... perhaps I'll start a new thread for easily fabbed auxiliary tank design....
 
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