Mu Suspension Upgrade Option

[JeffKennett]

Hey Guys,

News from the RWC dude is that the current suspension is knackered.

What excellent news

Means I'll go ahead with the suspension upgrade a lot sooner.

Trouble is, I have no idea what is the best option. Obviously want lift. But wouldn't mind a bit of adjustability. height and stiffness perhaps.

Any thoughts?

perhaps even on a good place to go in Melbourne

Thanks

Marty

[-Scott-]

Marty

Springs and shocks or just shocks?

4WD Monthly did a couple of stories on MU upgrades out of the US - body lift (3"?) and suspension lift (including new front control arms!)

I thought the suspension upgrade looked poor, from memory they gained clearance at the expense of articulation.

Make sure you understand what you want to achieve. For cruising city streets stiffer might be the way to go, but if you stiffen up your suspension you generally lose articulation off-road.

I wouldn't replace the torsion bars unless they are wound to the max and you still want more. Even then you should be able to move the ajuster arm a notch or two - only go new springs if you want stiffer.

For adjustability you could consider Rancho 9000s, or the new Tough Dogs. My understanding is that the adjustable shocks all use the same valving, and they rely on the adjustment to find the right damping for the application. Given that the MU is a lighter vehicle you may find the shocks become too stiff very quickly, and you may not use the full adjustment.

You may get better advice if you can tell us a bit about the sort of driving you want to do!

Scott

[JeffKennett]

Thanks Scott,

To clarify.

The Mu will actually be our daily driver so there will be significant road travel. That's where I figured stiffer suspension could be of benefit

But having said that, we do get out a bit and intend to take it offroad (beach inc) more so than the average Joe - I am a bit of a nutter when it comes to going places I probably shouldn't go (you should see where I take my GTIR). Clearance is important, but likewise articulation. i can imagine the setup we're aiming is the same as what most on this forum try to achieve - rock climbing aside.

We also intend to tow a boat, and lug an average amount of weight in the back.

I think for now, we'll get this thing on the road, and look at the upgrade a little later. Spend a bit more time reading and seeking advice. I have the 4x4 Mag Mu suspension lift edition on order so I should atleast wait for that - but thanks for your opinion on it.

oh and yeah, when time comes for upgrade will look at the complete package.

Cheers

Marty

[jacka]

I had a 97 Frontera. Shocks and springs were OME, had a 2" body lift done buy GT Suspension in Nth. Melbourne. Wound up the torsion bars.