Suspension Change

[DirtyPaj]

I've been looking at suspension changes for my 99 NL Paj and I'm thinking of going with the Tough Dog foam cells with a 2" lift Cookie Monster seems to like his. Any other thoughts on what they're like? I've also been told that the rear has sagged by about 20mm , car has 165k on the clock, does this sound right? Done some off road and some heavy towing.

Any help would be great

[Lobby]

DirtyPaj, I've fitted Tough Dog suspension lift to my NL 6 months ago. The rear ended up getting 70cm lift from were it sat before starting. All because the springs had sagged over the years. Took a bit of dicking around to get the front to match the rear. But as u see from the picks sits and rides a lot better.

[DirtyPaj]

Thanks Lobby, looks cool

[South]

Its also worth noting that the taller of the 2 pajs in those pictures appears to have 265/75/16 tyres... giving a further ~13mm to the overall lift

[Lobby]

yea true bigger tyres. 285 x 75 x 16. also 50mm body lift give the tyres a little more room to move.

[Henry M]

What do you intend on using your vehicle for? What sort of constant load is on your vehcile? We all know there are many suspensions available for for these vehicles based on heights and rates. Let us know a few more facts so we can suggest a few options, these options will based on vehicles mass and ultimatley the dynamics produced. Talk soon.

[DirtyPaj]

Mostly used for towing a boat, but I manage to get it on the sand quite often and have the occasional play up at Cruiser park. Also planning to take it up to the Cape next year. A fairly good variety of different uses. Currently has Monroe gas shocks which seem to give it a harsh ride unless it has the boat on and is fully loaded up. Even then it is still very firm.

Thanks for the help

[South]

I personally would suggest you fit polyairs in the rear along with a decent shockie. From the use you have described it would suit you far better than fitting medium or heavy duty lifted springs and shocks to suit.

You can lift it by pumping the bags up fully (harsh unloaded) or you can level it with the boat on the back by pumping the bags up to the appropriate pressure. We gained 40mm (full 150L tank of fuel, but unloaded) on stock springs by fitting the polyairs, and when loaded its up around 30mm.

Couple this with 265/75/16 and you should be able to tow and tour anywhere you like with ease.

[DirtyPaj]

Thanks South,

I'll have a look into the prices etc.

[Henry M]

Polyairs sound good.

If you have standard springs and wish to preload the airbags to produce a 30-40mm lift, then leave your current monroes on there and assess the ride before replacing them. The monroe may have too higher forces for the standard coil but with the added airbag (less friction and added compliancy) may work ok, though I am not a huge fan of the monroe shock it would be worth trying before discarding.

If you feel a new coil is required, there are progressive rate raised coils that will produce a fair ride. EFS has a 170 to 225 lbs/inch & a 205 to 290 lbs/inch coil, the lighter one with polyairs will tackle almost all situations.