[dhula]

EDIT: this post has been updated with all info I've collected so far to make it easier to read (hopefully)

I've been doing a bit of research and looking and reading and calling and stuff about suspension options for our 02GV (so much for not modding it. :roll: ) I'm after a general kit that gives better handling around town (DD) and for beach or light day trips to the bush, a bit better load carrying ability and if a lift comes with it then that's a bonus. I'm not after super expensive or crazy stuff, just honest gear that does what I need it to do for a good price.
Prices are what's quoted to me over the phone and are for Perth WA

OME -
Priced at ~$1650 fitted or for ~$350 less I could pick up the parts and fit it myself
Warranty is 2 years and 40k kms from what I was told. Things is with the warranty (this was from the dude on the phone) if I pay them to fit it covers everything with the decision on it being a warrantable claim being done at the shop I drive to. If I fit it myself the warranty is slightly different. I have to remove the part (or pay them to remove it), take it to an ARB shop who then fly it to Melb (at their cost) for a decision. If it's warrantable then the new part is flown back and I have to refit it (or they refit it for me at my cost). If it is not a warrantable claim then the original part is flown back, I have to pay for the freight/flights, I get the part back and have to refit it myself (or at my cost)
Kit does not include the camber adjusting bolts, but form what I was told on the phone, the struts are built to cater for camber associated with the kit.
My experience with OME is about 9 years old and was not positive either from a product point of view or warranty claims, but surely they have improved somewhat in that time.
EDIT: I've decided to discount OME due to the warranty BS, it just put me off getting the stuff.

Pedders -
Priced at ~$1480 fitted. This price included camber adjustment bolts and a wheel alignment
Warranty is 2 years and 40k kms.
Have used Pedders on my Prado since 03 (or maybe it was 04) and it has done everything we have asked of it. There have been small problems but they have been sorted without question by any Pedders shop I go to and none have left me stranded anywhere. From my experience they don't give a rats whether I fit it or they fit it.

Ironman -
Priced at $880 delivered then I need to fit it (or get it fitted if I'm lazy) which includes having to get camber adjustment bolts (depending on which ones I get, somewhere between $40 and $70 from bits4vits in the UK) and an alignment (about $60 locally)
Warranty is 2 years and 40k kms. I've no experience with Ironman warrenty but from some stories I've read and speaking with the local supplier it seams to be pretty honest and willing to help out.
My experience of Ironman springs and shock dates back to 1997ish when I had it on a pootrol (well a ford maverick to be exact) which saw us do a trip inland and it never missed a beat. I've heard/read stories on both sides of the fence about the quality of the shocks but there are the same for almost any brand. warranty support seams to be good tho.

Lovells -
Priced at $1200 for parts only and $1700 fitted (includes wheel alignment). The prices do not include camber adjustment bolts which from them will cost ~$90 for the pair.
Warranty is 5yrs/unlimited kms on the springs and 3 yrs/70k kms on the shocks. It makes no difference if I fit it myself. Some claims may have to be shipped to Melb for determination, but they said that for the vast majority of cases they are done in house.

ODA -
Priced at $880 which includes camber adjusting bolts. Freight to me in WA will range from $35 (to depot) to $100 (to front door). The kit is made up of dobinsons shocks/struts and coils plus a set of locally made camber adjusting bolts.
Warranty is 2yr and from speaking on the phone seams to be a pretty good, no BS warranty even tho he's on the other side of the country.

Suzistore -
Price from ~$1100 for bits, the coils are EFS and the shocks can be either Pedders or Ultimate depending on your choice
Warranty is what ever the maker provides so 2yr and 40k kms

Dobinsons -
Called a couple of suppliers locally to check out pricing
The first place was priced at almost $1800 fitted which included camber adjusting bolts and a wheel alignment or $500 less for just the bits. Warranty from them was lifetime for the springs and 3yr/60k kms on the shocks. Made a big thing of the warranty (it is pretty good) and the fact that they are the only supplier locally with everyone else buying from them to stock their shelves.
The second place I called wanted $1850 fitted but this did not include a wheel alignment as they could not do it in-house but could probably sort one out for the extra coin or $1550 for just the parts. These prices did not include camber adjusting bolts but they were confident that they could get some if I wanted them.

West coast suspension
gave these guys a call to see about prices and specs as their catalog is a little sparce on info.
Unfortunately they do not stock or sell suspension for the old shape GV anymore as there was not much call for the gear. having a look a their catalog their part numbers seam pretty similar to those in the EFS catalog so I wonder if they were using something similar to EFS gear :?:

[larry]

look into dobinsons too, and camber bolts can be had on ebay for fairly cheap too

[MacDaddy]

larry wrote:

look into dobinsons too, and camber bolts can be had on ebay for fairly cheap too

The only problem with Dobinson lift kit, is they only do a 30mm front spring and 35mm rear, i have been looking into them recently, and for me, i would need spring spacers, but they do offer a couple of spring rate options, comfort and a heavier duty spring rated to 80kg front, and 130kg rear, which is why i am looking at, and considering getting them about midyear, but will see...

I would definitely forget OME, to overpriced for pretty average gear, and they really dont like to help if you have any problems...

Lovells is good gear, pretty sure they do a 35mm lift front and rear, but, it apppears they have only one rated spring for the GV, which, as far as i can figure out from the catalogue, is more a comfort spring, not enough weight rating for me...

I looked into the Peddars springs to, they said the best lift they would give me, is only 25mm, wasnt enough for me, especially for the price...

Another couple to look at is, Tough Dog and EFS, but they are expensive...

I have the Ironman, ebay, 35mm lift kit in mine, i have the performance springs in my 01 GV, they are rated to 50kg over stock, been in for 18months now, and i cant fault it, its performed amazingly, and i give my GV shite offroad, even getting air, it has never bottomed out, and i got twice the flex of stock springs... i have never had a problem, handles very well onroad as well, feels like a sports car, hehe, a few GV's in AZ have these in them... i got mine fitted, was only an extra $300, gave me peice of mind, hehe...

They say you dont need camber bolts for only a 35mm lift, but i got them fitted anyway, they were only $99...

Anyway, hope this helps you...

[fordem]

$99 for camber bolts I've been buying Ingalls Engineering from Amazon in the US for under USD$25/pair - they're not that heavy so shipping shouldn't be too much.

[Chop]

If you give Dank a pm on here he can give you a price on some dobinson springs. Very good pricing, even with postage to w.a i think you'd be surprised.
And as for fitting, it very easy mate, and you could save some coin.

Macdaddy macdaddy macdaddy, you need to stop quibbling about 30mm -35mm seriously its 5mm And not only that its most likely going on a stock car so its going to be a damn sight more than 30 -35mm lift when put in. I know mine was, and i'd say yours was too

[foonji]

I picked up my Lovells from this joint for $775 - http://www.4wddirect.com.au/scart/html/674.html

You will need camber bolts.

[MacDaddy]

Chop wrote:

Macdaddy macdaddy macdaddy, you need to stop quibbling about 30mm -35mm seriously its 5mm And not only that its most likely going on a stock car so its going to be a damn sight more than 30 -35mm lift when put in. I know mine was, and i'd say yours was too

Chop, Chop, Chop, i wasnt quibbling, i was just giving him ALL the info i have found, in my research, so he can make an informed choice... and my opinion... just trying to be helpful matey...

[bailey08]

I have terrain tammer springs in mine, $350 for all 4. they give a 40mm lift. I also have Ironman front struts as they are the longest and cheapest strut around from what I read with a great warranty. Also have camber bolts

[dhula]

Thanks for all the info and responses as is it very usefull (and adds to what I've already read etc so is usefull, to me at least)

Rang the local Lovells distribute today so here's an update to what I wrote in the OP

Lovells -
Priced at $1200 for parts only and $1700 fitted (includes wheel alignment). The prices do not include camber adjustment bolts which from them will cost ~$90 for the pair.
Warranty is as stated above (and on their website) and it makes no difference if I fit it myself. Some claims may have to be shipped to Melb for determination, but they said that for the vast majority of cases they are done in house.

foonji wrote:

I picked up my Lovells from this joint for $775 - http://www.4wddirect.com.au/scart/html/674.html

Thanks for the link. I gave 4wddirect a call about this kit but as I live in WA, it is a no go due to his supplier not allowing him to ship the kit to WA. Bummer as it's a good price.

Some more looking today resulted in

ODA -
Priced at $880 which includes springs, shocks/struts and camber bolts. Looks like dobinsons gear which from what I understand has a pretty good rep. Don't reckon that's be with freight to me so will be ringing tomorrow to speak with him and get the good oil on freight and warranty conditions.
I'll also being asking about underbody protection as well while I'm there (damit, I said no moding)

Suzi store -
Priced at ~$1100 for the bits but that doesn't include the camber bolts. Looks like Pedders shocks but unsure of spring maker so will call to ask about that and warranty.

Stay tuned for the next episode

[sirbob]

dhula wrote:

ODA -
Priced at $880 which includes springs, shocks/struts and camber bolts. Looks like dobinsons gear which from what I understand has a pretty good rep. Don't reckon that's be with freight to me so will be ringing tomorrow to speak with him and get the good oil on freight and warranty conditions.
I'll also being asking about underbody protection as well while I'm there (damit, I said no moding)

I had this kit in our 2002 SQ25 GV and found it to be a good average. Other options you can also consider are King Springs and Rancho's for the rears, probably go with the Dobinsons for the front struts though.

Don't know much about Ironman, but have heard some reports about the struts leaking and the ride being very stiff.

Personally I like the Old Man Emu struts and shockies, they are a proper gas cartridge as far as I am aware and tend to give a nicer ride than the foam filled cheaper shocks around.

[sirbob]

Forgot to add, if you want bashplates, you are best to buy them direct from these guys;

http://www.giz.com.tw/english/company.php

They will ship it fairly quickly and I have had no issues with them when I brought a full set of underbody plates for our GV.

[vitzookman]

Lots of good info here, should be Added to the tech thread.

Lovels are nice but expensive for struts that are the same length as factory and coils that ride very well but will sag quickly if you carry any weight in it.

Good for on road but not off road.

[MacDaddy]

sirbob wrote:

dhula wrote:

ODA -
Priced at $880 which includes springs, shocks/struts and camber bolts. Looks like dobinsons gear which from what I understand has a pretty good rep. Don't reckon that's be with freight to me so will be ringing tomorrow to speak with him and get the good oil on freight and warranty conditions.
I'll also being asking about underbody protection as well while I'm there (damit, I said no moding)

I had this kit in our 2002 SQ25 GV and found it to be a good average. Other options you can also consider are King Springs and Rancho's for the rears, probably go with the Dobinsons for the front struts though.

Don't know much about Ironman, but have heard some reports about the struts leaking and the ride being very stiff.

Personally I like the Old Man Emu struts and shockies, they are a proper gas cartridge as far as I am aware and tend to give a nicer ride than the foam filled cheaper shocks around.

Yes there have been a few struts leaking, i must have got a good batch, have had no problems, but Ironman replace them no questions asked !
I wouldnt say very stiff, i have had my mother in my GV a few times, and she prefers the firmness of mine to the spongy stock springs in her GV, but, yes they are firm, which i like, limits body roll, and i feel the road and terrain surface alot more, plus they are good for holding a load/weight... but they are not uncomfortable at all !

[dhula]

Continuing from last time.

Called ODA and suzi store today, so to add info to the list

ODA -

Priced at $880 which includes camber adjusting bolts. Freight to me in WA will range from $35 (to depot) to $100 (to front door). The kit is made up of dobinsons shocks/struts and coils plus a set of locally made camber adjusting bolts.
Warranty is 2yr and from speaking on the phone seams to be a pretty good, no BS warranty even tho he's on the other side of the country.

Suzistore -

price from ~$1100 for bits, the coils are EFS and the shocks can be either Pedders or Ultimate depending on your choice
Warranty is what ever the maker provides so 2yr and 40k kms

I think I've made my choice that suits my situation just gota do a bit more research on a few other things (damb it, no modding of GV I said) and then we'll be away.

I'll redo the OP with all the info so it's in the first post for ease and so others can use the info hopefully

Guess there will be a thread soon on what gets done to the old girl.

[MacDaddy]

dhula wrote:

Continuing from last time.

Called ODA and suzi store today, so to add info to the list

ODA -

Priced at $880 which includes camber adjusting bolts. Freight to me in WA will range from $35 (to depot) to $100 (to front door). The kit is made up of dobinsons shocks/struts and coils plus a set of locally made camber adjusting bolts.
Warranty is 2yr and from speaking on the phone seams to be a pretty good, no BS warranty even tho he's on the other side of the country.

Suzistore -

price from ~$1100 for bits, the coils are EFS and the shocks can be either Pedders or Ultimate depending on your choice
Warranty is what ever the maker provides so 2yr and 40k kms

I think I've made my choice that suits my situation just gota do a bit more research on a few other things (damb it, no modding of GV I said) and then we'll be away.

I'll redo the OP with all the info so it's in the first post for ease and so others can use the info hopefully

Guess there will be a thread soon on what gets done to the old girl.

Cool, i look forward to see what you decided on, and the build thread... the amount of modded GV's is growing here, hehe, so once its done, are you coming on a 4wheelin trip with us ?

[dhula]

Have just added a bit more info to the OP for those interested or about to do what I've been thru

[MacDaddy]

dhula wrote:

Have just added a bit more info to the OP for those interested or about to do what I've been thru

Cool !
Sooo, did you choose a kit yet ?

[atari4x4]

looking at those updated list of prices i'd be importing a calmini kit from the states.

$1660 for the ARB & $1800 for the dobbionson kit... is that just 4 coils & 4 shocks or does that include a lifetime supply of blowjobs aswell?

PM Dank.

[dhula]

Kit is on it's way

Depending on how long it takes to travel the nullaboreing, my guess is it should be fitted up before the middle of next month (gota take into account my slackness as well)

Other mods on my list haven't started yet as I've a bit of work to do to the other toys in my shed first

[atari4x4]

what did you end up going with?

[dhula]

dobinsons springs and shocks from ODA but shhhhhh, I'm trying to build some suspence

[atari4x4]

did you bother getting in contact with Dank aka kpd4x4.com?

[Built4thrashing]

atari4x4 wrote:

did you bother getting in contact with Dank aka kpd4x4.com?

X2.

He's been extremely helpfull when i've needed parts.