Terrain Tamer parabolics tested in Baja.

[Jonathan Hanson]

We just returned from the first real test of the Terrain Tamer parabolic suspension I installed on our 1993 HZJ75—a 3,000-kilometer trek helping lead a group through Baja.

Our Troop Carrier has a Mulgo pop-top and bed, interior cabinetry including a sink, stove, National Luna combination fridge/freezer, and massive storage. Tankage includes 270 liters (70 gallons) of diesel, not counting the NATO can on the rear rack, and 24 gallons of water in a chassis-mounted tank, not including the NATO water can on the rear rack. There’s also a front winch bumper and Warn 9,000-pound winch. Fully loaded it very closely approaches GVWR.

The stock suspension was clearly inadequate for this load, despite it being within specified limits, so while the vehicle was still in Australia we switched on advice to a system modestly called “The Ultimate Suspension.” It proved to be the ultimate for sure: the ultimate in lack of compliance. It carried the load just fine, but it was our spines that did any absorption of road shock. And speaking of shock, one of them vomited its oil within 2,000 kilometers. So once back in the U.S. I installed an OME system with the heaviest rear springs available. The ride and compliance improved 100 percent, and the Troopy sat exactly level with empty tanks; however, with them filled the rear sagged just enough to be annoying.

In the meantime I had installed parabolic springs on our 73 FJ40, which proved to be a revelation (see here and here). So it was natural to consider the same technology for the Troopy. Georg at Valley Hybrids put together a complete set specced for our maximum load. Installed, the Troopy’s rear end sat at least two inches higher than it had with the OME springs, and the overload springs were not even engaged. The difference in ride was not as noticeable as it had been with the 40, but given the increased ride height I was impressed. Here it is shortly after installation.

We headed into Baja with a full load of fuel to avoid as much as possible filling from suspect sources in Baja’s backcountry, as well as a full load of water including the NATO can. The Land Cruiser still sat level and the overload springs were still not quite engaged when the vehicle was parked, which means they did so properly (and imperceptibly) whenever we encountered rough roads, dips, and rocky trails. They handled every terrain we encountered effortlessly while maintaining a ride that didn’t tire us after hours of driving.

My only regret is that we didn’t have this suspension in place when we drove around Australia and across southern Africa. Highly recommended.

 

[svsisu]

@janyyc

 

[svsisu]

View attachment 4087670

We just returned from the first real test of the Terrain Tamer parabolic suspension I installed on our 1993 HZJ75—a 3,000-kilometer trek helping lead a group through Baja.

Our Troop Carrier has a Mulgo pop-top and bed, interior cabinetry including a sink, stove, National Luna combination fridge/freezer, and massive storage. Tankage includes 270 liters (70 gallons) of diesel, not counting the NATO can on the rear rack, and 24 gallons of water in a chassis-mounted tank, not including the NATO water can on the rear rack. There’s also a front winch bumper and Warn 9,000-pound winch. Fully loaded it very closely approaches GVWR.

The stock suspension was clearly inadequate for this load, despite it being within specified limits, so while the vehicle was still in Australia we switched on advice to a system modestly called “The Ultimate Suspension.” It proved to be the ultimate for sure: the ultimate in lack of compliance. It carried the load just fine, but it was our spines that did any absorption of road shock. And speaking of shock, one of them vomited its oil within 2,000 kilometers. So once back in the U.S. I installed an OME system with the heaviest rear springs available. The ride and compliance improved 100 percent, and the Troopy sat exactly level with empty tanks; however, with them filled the rear sagged just enough to be annoying.

In the meantime I had installed parabolic springs on our 73 FJ40, which proved to be a revelation (see here and here). So it was natural to consider the same technology for the Troopy. Georg at Valley Hybrids put together a complete set specced for our maximum load. Installed, the Troopy’s rear end sat at least two inches higher than it had with the OME springs, and the overload springs were not even engaged. The difference in ride was not as noticeable as it had been with the 40, but given the increased ride height I was impressed. Here it is shortly after installation.

View attachment 4087672

We headed into Baja with a full load of fuel to avoid as much as possible filling from suspect sources in Baja’s backcountry, as well as a full load of water including the NATO can. The Land Cruiser still sat level and the overload springs were still not quite engaged when the vehicle was parked, which means they did so properly (and imperceptibly) whenever we encountered rough roads, dips, and rocky trails. They handled every terrain we encountered effortlessly while maintaining a ride that didn’t tire us after hours of driving.

View attachment 4087673

View attachment 4087676

My only regret is that we didn’t have this suspension in place when we drove around Australia and across southern Africa. Highly recommended.

View attachment 4087677

This is great, real world information. Especially comparing to your previous experiences and set ups. Looks like a fantastic trip to lower California. Thanks for the write up!

 

[svsisu]

View attachment 4087670

We just returned from the first real test of the Terrain Tamer parabolic suspension I installed on our 1993 HZJ75—a 3,000-kilometer trek helping lead a group through Baja.

Our Troop Carrier has a Mulgo pop-top and bed, interior cabinetry including a sink, stove, National Luna combination fridge/freezer, and massive storage. Tankage includes 270 liters (70 gallons) of diesel, not counting the NATO can on the rear rack, and 24 gallons of water in a chassis-mounted tank, not including the NATO water can on the rear rack. There’s also a front winch bumper and Warn 9,000-pound winch. Fully loaded it very closely approaches GVWR.

The stock suspension was clearly inadequate for this load, despite it being within specified limits, so while the vehicle was still in Australia we switched on advice to a system modestly called “The Ultimate Suspension.” It proved to be the ultimate for sure: the ultimate in lack of compliance. It carried the load just fine, but it was our spines that did any absorption of road shock. And speaking of shock, one of them vomited its oil within 2,000 kilometers. So once back in the U.S. I installed an OME system with the heaviest rear springs available. The ride and compliance improved 100 percent, and the Troopy sat exactly level with empty tanks; however, with them filled the rear sagged just enough to be annoying.

In the meantime I had installed parabolic springs on our 73 FJ40, which proved to be a revelation (see here and here). So it was natural to consider the same technology for the Troopy. Georg at Valley Hybrids put together a complete set specced for our maximum load. Installed, the Troopy’s rear end sat at least two inches higher than it had with the OME springs, and the overload springs were not even engaged. The difference in ride was not as noticeable as it had been with the 40, but given the increased ride height I was impressed. Here it is shortly after installation.

View attachment 4087672

We headed into Baja with a full load of fuel to avoid as much as possible filling from suspect sources in Baja’s backcountry, as well as a full load of water including the NATO can. The Land Cruiser still sat level and the overload springs were still not quite engaged when the vehicle was parked, which means they did so properly (and imperceptibly) whenever we encountered rough roads, dips, and rocky trails. They handled every terrain we encountered effortlessly while maintaining a ride that didn’t tire us after hours of driving.

View attachment 4087673

View attachment 4087676

My only regret is that we didn’t have this suspension in place when we drove around Australia and across southern Africa. Highly recommended.

View attachment 4087677

Did you use the TT shocks or go with something different?

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Did you use the TT shocks or go with something different?

I used the Terrain Tamer shocks. They performed really well. A crude measurement, but: I put my hand on the rears after a long, long stretch of washboard and they weren't even warm.

 

[OGBeno]

I used the Terrain Tamer shocks. They performed really well. A crude measurement, but: I put my hand on the rears after a long, long stretch of washboard and they weren't even warm.

Thanks for this, Jonathan. As a mix-and-match guy I was pondering what you ended up using.