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Replacement suspension - recommendations anyone?

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:46 pm
by DeVooluff
I've been talking about replacing the suspension in my 89 F300 feroza for ages, and am finally in a position to do something about it. Wondered if anyone can recommend particular brands.

I need new springs and shocks all around (points to sagged out back of Fez to the left). I'm looking for a bit of lift over the factory spec., around the 1"-2" mark.

I'm looking at kits from Carrolls & Lovells ATM. Carrolls only do the spring in raised/HD format (DAI-04 - 2 stage spring), are they going to be too firm?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:55 pm
by rOd
Lovells gets my vote for rear springs on a Feroza.

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:49 pm
by murcod
Search the FAQ!

Does anybody use them?! :roll:

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:15 am
by icebreaker
what did the lovells springs set you back???

i'm assuming they are raised 2"

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:51 am
by Dangerous Dave
TJM have my vote. I purchased XGS shocks all round and rear springs, bushes and U bolts for around $1250. Haven't had a problem with them yet. They recon it'll give you a 50mm lift however I've got extended shackles so I got a little more.


Murcod, I recon we get rid of the FAQ section. No one uses it anyway.

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:29 am
by DeVooluff
Oh we use the FAQ alright :) , I was just looking for a manufacturer endorsement of some kind. Was just hoping someone might have tried the Carrolls HD/raised set and could advise.

Anyway, the Carrolls asking price is about $920inc for 2 rear leaf sets (raised HD), 2 rear shocks (extended), 2 front shocks (i burst one), bush kit & U-bolts. Seems okay deal to me.

As they only do these in HD, I'm concerned they might be too hard. I carry a fair amount of equipment in the back most days.

cheers

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:07 am
by Dangerous Dave
If you carry weight in the rear you shouldn't have a problem, however if you run around empty (incl. no rear seats) like me, it will be quite hard. Its just something you've got to get used to.

If all else fails, do what Murcod's done and remove a leaf from the pack.

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:52 pm
by icebreaker
Next time you speak to your contact, can you get a price for just the rear spring, pwease.


Dan

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:22 pm
by DeVooluff
rear springs (DAI-04) $192.09 each inc.

I'll sell you me old ones cheap though! ;)

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 9:07 pm
by DeVooluff
All fitted now (Carrolls rear leaves and new shocks all round), had to wind up the torsion bars to even it out a little. I only wound them until the arms were aproximately half way between the bump stops.

Thanks to the advice/piccys/comments.

It seemed to develop a vibration at about 70kph after the new springs, hopefully new tyres and a few minor (crosses fingers) drive train components will fix that. It's been whining since I got it.

The Carrolls springs are serious bits of metal and hard as all hell. Car stays on the track much better now while cornering. I can now throw a huge PA in the back losing sweet FA height. Drove around with the back half full of concrete blocks for a week while things were settling down.

Now... to order that set of Coopers. :)

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:36 pm
by rowdy24
`89 feroza, new springs, vibration around 70k, cooper tyres (nothing wrong with these, a good set of rubber)....humm sounds a bit too familar. Ohh, if you ever work out how to fix the vibration then let me know, I have given up!

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:55 am
by DeVooluff
Hehehe

I'm assuming it's because the propeller shaft is at an increased angle and placing some stress on the universal joints. I'm going to get some more experienced eyes than mine to give it the once over.

In the meantime... a few bags of cement in the bag might help. :)

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 10:23 am
by Toyhatsu
DeVooluff wrote:Hehehe

I'm assuming it's because the propeller shaft is at an increased angle and placing some stress on the universal joints. I'm going to get some more experienced eyes than mine to give it the once over.
You can grind out the yokes a little for more working angle. I did that. Just make sure that you leave plenty of metal around the needle bearings.

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:02 pm
by murcod
DeVooluff wrote: The Carrolls springs are serious bits of metal and hard as all hell. Car stays on the track much better now while cornering. I can now throw a huge PA in the back losing sweet FA height. Drove around with the back half full of concrete blocks for a week while things were settling down.
Are there any spring companies who can make raised springs that flex a bit???? Why is it all the raised Feroza springs seem to come in only one grade - "rock hard"? :bad-words: