2in lift GU Patrol Wagon - Basic Questions

[gu4800]

I have the following vehicle:

2002 GU Wagon
4.8 ltr manual
285/75/16 Cooper ST's
Nissan Bar (alloy)
Lightforce 240's

After reading numerous posts about lifts, and after visiting various 4x4 shops, I have some very basic questions about a a 2in lift. I have been getting different information from different people, so I am interested in replies from people who have actually done this.

As far as use, this is a daily driver/family bus and I am only after something that I can take offroad with a bit more height to avoid/minimise scrapes on the underside and something that will perform better on easier to moderate trucks. In other words, not chasing anything extreme or anything to go outrageous with. I bascially go camping, and like to explore when I get there. I am only going 2in's.

Thinking of OME shocks (seem a popular choice - about $135 ea) and King Springs (can get at trade - $134 pr).

I have the following basic questions:

1) Apart from springs and shocks, what else should I be thinking of? (ie, are castor correctors, sway bar extension, etc definitely needed)
2) Will the lift effect any other part of the truck? (ie, what stresses will it place on other parts)
3) Will it compromise, or in fact improve, on road performance?
4) I have read about vibrations, etc caused by lifts (usually either in SWB or BIG lifts), but are there any real downsides to this mod?

Any other comments would be appreciated. I'm not looking to do this on the cheap (but I'm not going over the top either), but ask these questions becuase I don't want to buy things that are not absolutely necessary. Similarly, if they need to be purchased to make this comfortable and safe, then so be it.

Thanks in advance.

[AndrewPatrol]

I have 2" HD springs in mine and Koni's. Heaps less scraping off road and not too much more trouble as far as handling etc. If you have a shortness problem it may be a little more difficult to get in and out of car with kids etc. Insurance is the other question, check with yours to see if they are ok with it. Mine seems to be!!!!!!!!!! Recently had a problem where one of the welds holding the rear spring carrier on to the chassis came away due to poor weld penetration. Nissan didnt wanna know me for warantee!!!! Everybody who saw the weld said it was a crap job (includes some highly respected names in 4wd world). Point is, if still under warrantee I wouldn't do it again and expect it to hold up unless you get them re-enforced (?) Most comp guys do it as a matter of course. I dont caster correction and its fine. It may lift your COG a bit but this is offset by stiffer springs and the Patrols inherent stability. If only 2" sway bar ext not really necessary.

[gu4800]

Thanks - exactly the info I am looking for.

No probs with either insurance or the law (the tyres are already technically illegal).

Will check out the existing welds, and if need be get them reinforced.

Thanks again.

[Suspension Stuff]

My price for Dobinsons shocks $90 each decent shocks, but if you want really really decent ones than go for the Procomp shocks $120 each(normally over $150). Castor correction bushes optional $100 and longer sway bar link pins optional at $55 a pair, a lot of people get away with the original sway bar pins for a 2 inch lift. You are already getting the coils at a good price so either get them or I can offer you lovells or Kings for the same price.
Edited you can get light duty, heavy duty, extra heavy duty, extra extra heavy duty and extra extra extra heavy duty coils and the best ones are the ones that suit you best for what you want to carry and the ride you want and how much flex you want. Do a search to find out what shocks have worked the best for most people.

Shane
4WD STUFF

[Tiny]

I run the 2" OME kit on my GU, fully legal without engineers, but make sure it is listed on the policy as they may use it in the event of a crash to not hounour the policy.

there is no need for castor correction, or extended anything, all that is required is springs and shocks.

My suggestion is to go for either king springs or 4ways as they are a liitle stiffer and will offset the lift as far as onroad goes.

raqnchos and tough dog shock are fine, but the price Vs benifits of the adjustabilty is not worth it IMHO. get the OME nitro charger or the munroe gas shockie as they seem to be a good allrounder just make sure you get the extra reach ones to suit the lift.

PM me if you want more info

Tiny

[Dee]

$120 for procomps?? im paying 165!!!! wtf?!?! where the hell are they 120?

[Bingham]

$120 for procomps?? im paying 165!!!! wtf?!?! where the hell are they 120?

outer limits is a good source of reanobly priced parts..........

as for the main gu lift at hand...... most insurance wont have a prob but make sure its on the docket...
as your in brissy ryano at fourby's marooka....... drop in and see him and he can go throught the specifics and work out a quote for everything drive in drive out.......tell him bingham sent you and you'll get looked after