Does anyone have experience with LJ73 and Ironman suspension?

[lj73]

I'm looking for a new suspension (coil springs and shock absorbers) for my '93 LJ73. The car is equipped with quite some travel gear and thus heavier then normal. I found an appropriate set at Ironman 4x4 Suspension - Toyota Landcruiser 70 73 Series Box Prado, but here in Germany there are no experiences with Ironman equipment.

I realise the LJ73 might have never been sold in the US, but perhaps someone from another part of the world can help me out.

A few facts about the car: one of the last (before the switch to the 1KZ machine) with the 2LT with normally 90hp, but retrofitted with an intercooler to boost it to 115hp. With the roof tent (Hannibal Impi), the water tank (70l) filled, 3 full jerry cans and all the other stuff one needs to achieve autarky for two weeks it weighs around 2600kg. I use it to gallivant around Europe and Northern Africa (for pictures follow the link in my signature).

Thanks,
Hans

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi Hans ,the Ironman is well known in Australia and its ok. I would prefer Dobinsons myself ,their leaf springs and shock absorbers have served me well and I know of lots of owners who are happy with their coil springs
But if Ironman is all you can get I dont think you will be disapointed,they are one of the big 3 sellers here.
Just make sure the suspension dealer knows your weight requirements


You have some great pics in those albums

 

[lj73]

Hi Hans ,the Ironman is well known in Australia and its ok. I would prefer Dobinsons myself ,their leaf springs and shock absorbers have served me well and I know of lots of owners who are happy with their coil springs
But if Ironman is all you can get I dont think you will be disapointed,they are one of the big 3 sellers here.
Just make sure the suspension dealer knows your weight requirements

Rules on modifying vehicles are harsh here in the old world. You can't just change safety related parts like suspension, brakes or even put on every tire you want. It's complicated.
So I'll have to stick with the makes that deliver the papers needed to legalise the use of the parts in my car and I think Ironman is one of them.
Never heard of Dobinsons.

You have some great pics in those albums

I know But it's not a good idea to hardlink the images cached on my server here (or anywhere else). The cache on my server gets brushed over regularly and seemingly the picture vanishes. You might see it now because your browser holds it temporarily in it's cache, but others don't.

Regards, Hans

 

[kallehzj78]

Hi,
Dobinson are sold by Offroadtarvike Finland,maybe they can get the right papers for you.
I do not have any experience of the springs but i have bought other parts from them,just send Timo an email in english if you have problem with finnish.

Offroadtarvike - Offroad varaosat, vinssit, renkaat, vanteet, ajosillat, jouset, korotussarjat

A friend of mine used to have a KZJ70 with Ironman, he told me it was a little to stiff/ hard but i do not think its a problem for you with all your travel gear.
I think he bouht it from Nordkysten4x4...

 

[jimy2]

Mate i wouldn't buy iron man unless you have to i used to have iron man all round the ride was stiff i even had a friend who was nearly car sick cuz it was just to bouncy . Plus the bushing is poorly made I've already replaced my leave spring bushes for the 3rd time in two years and the rear shocks too . I replaced the front suspension for Arb the ride is much smoother now and they are the same weight category as the iron man wear. Three of mates did the same the front is too stiff . So is the rear but its ok when its loaded I'm waiting for ome rear leafs to arrive if they don't I'm just going to remove one leaf and put a spacer under the leaf spring to compensate for the hight . But with all ur gear maybe ud like to keep the way it is but take it from me the front iron man coils and shocks are naff.

Sorry to others who think diff but this my personal point of view

 

[roscoFJ73]

Mate i wouldn't buy iron man unless you have to i used to have iron man all round the ride was stiff i even had a friend who was nearly car sick cuz it was just to bouncy . Plus the bushing is poorly made I've already replaced my leave spring bushes for the 3rd time in two years and the rear shocks too . I replaced the front suspension for Arb the ride is much smoother now and they are the same weight category as the iron man wear. Three of mates did the same the front is too stiff . So is the rear but its ok when its loaded I'm waiting for ome rear leafs to arrive if they don't I'm just going to remove one leaf and put a spacer under the leaf spring to compensate for the hight . But with all ur gear maybe ud like to keep the way it is but take it from me the front iron man coils and shocks are naff.

Sorry to others who think diff but this my personal point of view

Owners who drive around mainly unloaded often say this,but it changes when the vehicle is loaded up.

 

[LJjuz]

I have fitted 2" Ironman Lift springs and shocks and also Ironman Steering Damper to my LJ71 Landcruiseer. I find it great, rides nice Onroad and Offroad. Much better than The dobinsons I ran in my Safari. (completely different vehicle I know). Read recently guys in Australia are running Ironman shocks 1" longer than the springs. I rate them very highly.