Shock recomendations (Dec 2014)

[znelbok Member Find all posts View Profile Close znelbok]

Hi Guys

Hooked up the camper trailer for its first trip last weekend and the rear end indicated that it was not up to the job. Significant saging with the extra weight.

Its a 2003 120 most likely with the original shocks on board (130K km) thus well and truly due for a change out.

From reading here, there are lots of options available which makes choosing one over the other very very difficult.

I looking for recommendations on what to use or not use.

Is there a brand or feature I should not be using?

Is there something that is highly regarded that I need to look at?

I'm looking at a 2" lift and as stated I will be towing a jayco camper. i would like to allow for a bullbar and winch for the front as well.

Is it worth looking at something that is re-buildable?

Any guidance is appreciated

Mick

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Like so many things I don't think their is any particular brand that is a standout. Some people will tell you " their" particular brand is the best, but I doubt that's the case.

Your sagging is more likely springs than shocks, but at you k's and if you want a lift then changing both is the best bet anyway.

Price is a pretty good guide with suspension I reckon, steer clear of the bottom end of the market as you are asking for trouble, likewise top of the line systems with remote reservoir shocks might be that ants pants, but probably overkill for most of us.

Personally I wouldn't worry about rebuildable shocks, your front struts hold up the entire car, after a lot of Kms I would be worried about metal fatigue if rebuilding them and doing another big heap of Kms.

Personally I have been happy with the performance and durability of my Old Man Emu suspension, as I am sure many others are with the brand they chose.

Cheers Andrew

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

OME has worked well for me. Medium springs front and rear [ 40+mm lift] and nitrocharger sports shock. Polyair bags in rear to help with loads. You wont know you are driving the same car!

[znelbok Member Find all posts View Profile Close znelbok]

Had not thought about bags for the rear. I have seen them in the past and vaguely remember my father having them in one of the cars he had in the long distant past.

So basically, you get what you pay for so stay away from cheap.

Springs were on the agenda with that question I originally posted, my mind knew what I wanted to say, but my fingers didn't get it out. So, yeah I am looking at both springs and shocks.

Thanks for the replies

Mick

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

OME has worked well for me. Medium springs front and rear [ 40+mm lift] and nitrocharger sports shock. Polyair bags in rear to help with loads. You wont know you are driving the same car!

Ditto

[Palmer Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Palmer]

When you are talking to the dealer of the suspension, make sure you let them know of your plans for bullbar & winch (what about dual battery?) so they know there will be extra weight up front. The airbags in rear will be a treat.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

I have TJM, next time round will be OME (old man emu ARB) like I had on two previous prados. The OME handles the load better without airbags in the rear. What I have now requires airbags to keep the bum level when loaded and the OME rode slightly better (TJM seems harsher as the klms climb ?? Would have thought the other way round). I agree with AJ in regards to rebuilding them. Yes you may be putting new seals and things in but how much of a pounding has the actual metal casing copped ??? Either way I love the OME stuff. I had medium in both previous prados with steel winch bar (no winch) duel batts and the usual crap we carry around....Cheers Steve

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Steve that's interesting. I find the TJM gold much better in the 150 than the OME in the 120. Weird.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Yea seems to be more firmer as the klms go ??? Weird eh, at first I thought the ride was better then OME. It sits higher then it would then if it had Arb even though both are classed as 50mm lift when I've compared it other 120's with OME.. Cheers Steve

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

We've only got 36,000 on ours and still very happy with the lift and ride.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

DOBINSONS SUPPORTED PRADO POINT IN THE 2014 pp gathering.

Dobinsons is always a good option, I have fitted up plenty in Prados including dozens of Prado pointers vehicles.
I think it rides very well & have not had a complaint.
Probably middle of the road price wise, definitely great value.
Definately worth considering.

[cameronsch Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close cameronsch]

Dobinsons is always a good option, I have fitted up plenty in Prados including dozens of Prado pointers vehicles.
I think it rides very well & have not had a complaint.
Probably middle of the road price wise, definitely great value.
Definately worth considering.

To save starting a new thread, I'll ask here if appropriate.
Im looking at getting on my 120 the Lovells shocks/struts with either the Lovells coil springs or Dobinson coil springs (extra $36-says recommended for 150 series)
Now my question is, are there any advantages/disadvantages to going dobinsons over lovells (with better warranty)? And what spring rate? Just undecided.

For reference-
sovereign bar + dual batteries up front
only occasional camp equipment (74L fridge and battery here too) and obviously dual fuel tanks in the rear

Id appreciate any input. Thank you

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

To save starting a new thread, I'll ask here if appropriate.
Im looking at getting on my 120 the Lovells shocks/struts with either the Lovells coil springs or Dobinson coil springs (extra $36-says recommended for 150 series)
Now my question is, are there any advantages/disadvantages to going dobinsons over lovells (with better warranty)? And what spring rate? Just undecided.

For reference-
sovereign bar + dual batteries up front
only occasional camp equipment (74L fridge and battery here too) and obviously dual fuel tanks in the rear

Id appreciate any input. Thank you

I went to John Zordo, (Zordo suspennsion in upper kedron). I have tried Lovell shocks and Dobinson shocks, and the dobinson ones that John fits are a better shock. John will fit a larger bore dobinson shock...he can explain teh detail, and its great. I had lovell shocks and did 50,oookm with some harsh desert and off road driving, and they didn't last as well as I thought. I now have the dobinson shocks and so I feel they are a better shock...I would go with dobinso shocks and springs all round with a 40mm lift, I have found it to be an excellent upgrade....speak woth John Zordo, he knows his stuff, and is s ole trader who just does suspension. You wont nead heavy dudty springs in the rear, else the lift will end up around 70-75mm unlesss you carry a cobnstant heavy load in the car, but John will let yuo know what springs to install, Let us know what you do.

[cameronsch Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close cameronsch]

I went to John Zordo, (Zordo suspennsion in upper kedron). I have tried Lovell shocks and Dobinson shocks, and the dobinson ones that John fits are a better shock. John will fit a larger bore dobinson shock...he can explain teh detail, and its great. I had lovell shocks and did 50,oookm with some harsh desert and off road driving, and they didn't last as well as I thought. I now have the dobinson shocks and so I feel they are a better shock...I would go with dobinso shocks and springs all round with a 40mm lift, I have found it to be an excellent upgrade....speak woth John Zordo, he knows his stuff, and is s ole trader who just does suspension. You wont nead heavy dudty springs in the rear, else the lift will end up around 70-75mm unlesss you carry a cobnstant heavy load in the car, but John will let yuo know what springs to install, Let us know what you do.

Thanks for that mate.
Im under the impression that they seem to recommend the dobinsons for the 150 over the Lovells spring wise, not sure.
Ive emailed Zordo and will let you know what he says and what the go is.

[cameronsch Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close cameronsch]

Thanks for that mate.
Im under the impression that they seem to recommend the dobinsons for the 150 over the Lovells spring wise, not sure.
Ive emailed Zordo and will let you know what he says and what the go is.

He's already replied. I'm impressed. As I hoped. Lovells shocks and dobinsons coils are the go.