Few questions regarding suspensions

[Chello]

Hi all, new to the forum, have searched a fair but nothing really what I'm after.

I have a 1980 rn46 4x4 18r (Thinking of ugrading to 302w soon), currently running 31x10.5 15s and thinking of running 33x12.5 bighorns or mudzillas when and if it ever rains. I use it to tow from time to time and use it through the bush a fair bit for a bit of spirited driving and through mud but hardly ever rains haha and shooting.

The old suspension is thrashed out, rear shock leaking, front leafs are sagged. I am looking into a 2" or 3" lift kit. Basically something that reasonably comfortable ride, I know I will have to spend the money to get it, and know I won't get out of it cheaply, but in saying that I don't want to spend thousands upon thousands either, want to do it once and do it right.

I have been researching RAW, TJM, IronMan, and Mallee Bull the cheapest two are coming in at aroun $1000 which are the Mallee Bull and Ironman, the Raw and TJM are around the $2000 mark. The cheaper pairs don't come with shackles, just leafs, shocks, U-Bolts and bushes.

Basically after real world experiences with different systems, is it better to mix and match different components? I.e shocks from one manufacturer and leafs from another, shackles and so on.
Sorry about the long post
Any help and input would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Chello

[Seth]

One thing i can tell ya mate is do your research when it comes to suspension etc. I have a 1980 Single Cab with a 253 in it i replaced all four leaf packs , Shocks ,Bushes and Shackles. I ordered Heavy Duty Front Leaf packs and told the supplier that they would be going into the above mentioned Truck.Once i had fitted the Leaf Packs i then went off to work( Overseas ) and the Lux sat for a month. When i came back i noticed that the front packs were sitting pretty flat they had time to settle but i didnt think they would settle that much. On the phone to the supplier and the shit started backwards and forwards. It was supposed to be a two inch lift bla bla bla. To this day the only answer that the supplier can come up with is to have the front springs re-set at my cost . So like i say when you are getting your stuff together make sure that who ever you are getting it from is on the same page as you. Get it in writing if you can. Jjust some advice

[chunks]

EFS offers good value for money, and has a long warranty.

[Chello]

Yeah I will don't worry Seth.

Yeah I was looking at the EFS earlier aswell, was thinking using just the leafs and maybe different shocks like Bilsteins or Tough dogs or Procomps, lovells etc something like that, or am I better off staying with all EFS? Should I invest in 2" shackles or similar aswell?

On another note if I go to 3" will I have to extend stuff like brake lines? Will the angle be too great for the tail-shaft/s?

Thanks for your replies so far
Chello

[chunks]

You can upgrade to Bilsteins or Konis, but the EFS shocks will be fine aswell, dampners aren't as critical with leaf springs as they are coil springs. I personally would stick to 2" mate, its more then adequate for what you intend to do. You can get a full EFS kit that comes with 4x springs, 4x shocks, steering damper, urethane bushes, greasable shackles and new u-bolts for around $1600 + fitting.

[YN67highlux]

i agree with chunks. for what u want to do stick with 2''. the efs leafs i put in mine 3 months ago i couldnt be more happy with. im running Raw big bore shocks in front and powerdown in rear witch are also working fine. i would also reccomend your local suspension mob aswell. i wouldnt recomend longer shackles on standard leafs like i did. waste of time and money.

[Chello]

Thanks again boys, going out to see a EFS dealer shortly and have a chat to him about EFS all around, didn't realise there was a dealer here until I looked up the EFS site, will keep you posted.

Cheers
Chello

[Chello]

Ok, just back, works out to a pretty sweet deal, with springs, greasable shackles and pins, U-bolts, bush kits, Elite shocks, torque arm, and the comfort springs 200kg constant - GVM $1650, without the comfort springs around $1500, and the kit with the comfort springs, minus all shocks is around $990 abviously without the comfort springs around $840, seems like a good deal so far, also comes with 100,000km 3 year warranty

Cheers

Chello

[chunks]

Good stuff mate