Suspension help please (Not covered elsewhere)

[Rodm]

Hi guys, 2 part question.

From the previous owner my Nav has a 3 inch snake racing lift including constant load 450kg springs, extended shackles, UCA's, heavy duty drag link and tie rod ends. I use it up the high country a fair bit and it performs well off road. I have been reading up a lot on here and thinking a body lift just for some more room to move. The problem I have is the rear is 40mm higher then the front. Measurements from bottom of rim are 785mm front and 825mm rear. I haven't touched the torsion bars but don't really want to as I want wheel travel.

2nd part is that the ride is rough as I don't carry large loads, just the camping gear etc.

So should I loose the extended shackles and then 1-2" body lift, should even it up. How much flex would I loose going back to standard shackles? And should I change the springs? Any suggestions would be great. Sorry for the long question, I have been learning heaps off this site, but usually guys asking these questions haven't already got the lift like mine.

 

[Rodm]

Should have added, it is a 2010 D22. And I know there is supposed to be a little difference between front and rear but my understanding is about 10mm not 40?!

 

[ShortyNavros]

The reason your ride is rough is cos you have 450kg constant load springs when you say you dont carry that much gear, not the extended shackles. You could try removing some leaves from the pack or get softer/less rated (150kg is about as smaller rating as you can get with after market leaves). Or carry around constant weight so the springs operate better.

 

[Rodm]

Hi Shorty thanks for the reply, yeah sorry my question is two part I prob made it as confusing as I could. I do need lower load springs, would that lower the rear at all? How many leaves can you take out for it still to function properly? When I referred to changing the extended shackles that is just in relation to the uneven height.

 

[storm83]

I run the same setup buddy, Check out my garage to see what I have , What tyre pressures are u running in the rear ? I know other blokes will say I'm a knob but I only run 32psi around town instead of the 40 they told me to, with perfect tyre wear and and it makes massive difference that alone, to the way it feels in the rear. I would have the bottom spring flipped in the leaf pack and maybe one takin out but check with a professional first as u can't do that with all of them! Ideally 25mm higher in the rear is good rake for these things Iv been told. Ring zordo on here! He is a top bloke and will steer u in the right direction mate

 

[mike1303]

Good excuse to buy more camping gear!! Haha

As above. Go see a suspension specialist and get the leafs played with.
Loosing the extended shackles would make it more legal. But not as high, but that won't solve your rough ride....

 

[Bad Juju]

Extended shackles normally make the ride better as at full compression they exert more leverage.

 

[ShortyNavros]

Yeah the 2 inch extended shackles lif the car by about 1 inch, this is what I have read elsewhere. Tyre pressure play a big role like stated above, I use 30-32 psi as anything above that is rock hard and rides badly, plus 30ish psi should give you pretty even tyre wear.

 

[ShortyNavros]

And yes generally less load spring will reduce the ride height in the rear. You should measure your suspension height from guard to middle of wheel as this is accepted standard, measuring to the bottom of your rim differs for everyone as some people may 15 or 17 inch rims which changes the figures without changing guard height.

 

[Rodm]

Thanks for the replies guys, heaps of good ideas. I run about 36 in the rears so ill lower those a bit and have a play with the leaves. I've read a lot about zordo and will be in touch with him soon I'm thinking!