Polyairs vs HD Springs

[stuee]

Currently on my disco the springs are such that when I.m driving around town the ride is perfect for my liking - nice and firm and good grip. The problem is that on a camping trip for a long weekend or with crap in the back for 3 or 4 poeple the back starts to sag quite noticably and travel is reduced enough to hinder progress along the serious tracks (read fun tracks).

My options are to replace the springs with more heavy duty ones and loose my on-road manners while being well suited to camping trips (this is a daily driver) or put in some polyairs. From searching the forum it seems polyairs can suffer from punctures from rocks getting trapped inbetween the spring and the bag and they can reduce articulation and even affect ride at the minimum infaltion.

If anyone can provide some more info or helpful opinions it would be appreciated.

[-Scott-]

I heard all the same arguments when I was looking, and went HD springs in the end. But I've also heard others say that the "stone in the bag" issue is more theory than real problem.

The bags have a minimum pressure, typically 5 psi, to avoid having them move when "empty." You could deliberately buy too soft springs, then never let the bags that low?

I was also wondering if it would be possible to make some canvas "socks" to go around the coils, to keep crud out?

Damn, this posting while sober isn't good!

Scott

[Suspension Stuff]

I agree with what NJ SWB said, and I will add that because you are looking for the extra travel while loaded, I don't think the polyairs are going to make it any better. So I suggest getting heavier springs, off me. pm me if you want a deliverd price for polyairs.
Shane
4WD STUFF

[Zute]

I've got a mate whos had polyairs, most of the problems came from the air lines. One melted because it was to close to the exhaurst. Another time a stick puntured the air line. This happened about 10ks into a Vic high country trip and so he was left with the standard set up.
I have a set of heavy springs for the rear of my Pajero. It takes me less than half an hour to swop them over with the standard springs by my self.
My next fourby, Ill prob' try polyairs but use steel braiding over the air lines.

[BundyRumandCoke]

I fitted a set of Polyairs to the rear of my leaf sprung Rocky, using the coils they supplied in the kit. I had nothing but problems. I had chafed a hole in one bag within a month, when a rock got lodged between the spring and the bag. And yes, I had the minimum of 5psi in the bags. I even bought a specific pressure gauge to suit them, because of the need to accurately read such low pressures.

Their after sales service was crap as well. I bought through a Central Queensland supplier. When I had the problems, he was very good, and sent the bag to the Qld supplier, some suspension mob at Moorooka. The bloke there wasnt so gracious. He denied the claim, saying, in essence, that because they had been subjected to a muddy enviorment, that such wear wasnt covered under warrenty. It took a trip to Brisbane, and confront the guy personally, to convince him that if the above conditions voided a warrenty, then they shouldnt advertise and sell them for use under 4wds. Eventually, after much discussion, (read arguement) he supplied a replacement bag.

After all that, they didnt survive much past 6 months, with another one punctured. With this, I gave up, and removed them, and tossed them inn the bin.

Save your money, dont buy them.

Its certainly the worst modification I have ever made to my Rocky.

[disco200tdi]

Stuee,

I have had a set of polyairs on my disco for ten years. I've never had a puncture or any problems.
My car has done lots of vic high country trips as well as the canning, etc.
They are ideal for what you want from them.
Firestone do the coil-rite air bag which is similar but seems a slightly better product. I have just fitted a set to a friends car to do the simpson later this year.

They will slightly reduce your articulation, but when fully loaded you shouldn't be trying to climb walls anyway.

All coil springs sag over time so they will need replacement occasionally anyway so the difference in cost evens out.

HTH

[AndrewPatrol]

I'vre had polys in two cars now and wouldnt hesitate to buy em again. Ive got heavy springs plus polys now and articulation is fine. If its not enough just go harder if you really need to!!!!!! Obviously the installation has to be up to scratch (never had a prob with air lines). I'd also add if you like the current spring rate then imagine how uncomfortable you're gonna be 90% of the time when driving around town if you go the heavy springs. The reason i got em is I have my tools in the back most of the time and also a Kaymar bar (polys are extra insurance when loaded with tribe and holiday gear)

[Area54]

I've had a second hand pair in the work wagon for 4 years now, never a problem with rock punctures, no restriction to articulation.

[Fathillbilly]

you could go straight air bag with a ride height control valve then you would have the best of both worlds.

Stu

[stuee]

you could go straight air bag with a ride height control valve then you would have the best of both worlds.

Stu

Only problem with full airbags is that they can get skitish on loose tracks. This is apparently one of the big gripes with the current series 2 discos with rear air suspension. That and that would cost too much.

So far the points for both hd springs and polyairs both seem about neck and neck even though polyairs lead the poll. I like zutes idea of replacing the springs the night before as it seems like a relativly simple opperation if you have a set of spring compressors. Still not quite as easy as putting air in the polyairs though. Decisons