Newbie's first upgrades?

[Sword]

Ok, as a recent owner of a 2002 v8 100 series, what would you say should be my essential upgrades to the basic (if any) model?

I don't intend to do too much off-roading in the vehicle as it was bought because we have a heavy caravan and lots of kids / other stuff to haul when we go on holidays etc.

Thanks,
Sword

 

[macneill]

For us Yanks, caravan is a trailer, as my Geordie wife informed me.

I'd say you may want to start with the suspension given the weight you'll be pulling and carrying. Then maybe tires? Hell, get a bull bar and sliders while you're at it too!

 

[tabraha]

Definitely upgrade the rear springs/shocks first. Others on the board can make good recommendations as to what combo. You may want to list the size of the trailer (length, gross weight and tongue weight).

Welcome to the board.

 

[hoser]

What about using rear airlift airbags?

 

[Sword]

Caravan - or trailer (how cute!) is 1800kg fully loaded and about 25 ft in length. Max nose weight is 150kg

So what shocks / springs if any - and how will changing these fit in with the automatic ride type selection thingy (5 settings, hard to soft) ?

ta,
Sword

 

[uHu]

I understand you have the AHC/TEMS equipped model. So,
have a look at this:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=94903
And the precursor:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=82251

BTW I'm happy with the AHC, as long as the tongue weight stays at around the recommended 50 kg. Problem with stiffer coil springs is they will be to hard when the car is empty. Of course if you accept not beeing able to lower it when empty, you could find some slightly harder springs.

 

[tabraha]

Didn't realize you had AHC. This would be my first mod then:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=100745

 

[Sword]

LOL at hotdogger!

I reckon that the suspension upgrade with AHC is quite an advanced upgrade from the posts linked ...

Perhaps I'll start with a chrome exhaust trim, lol

Sword