Is the original suspension on a 4wd really that bad !!

[Duchess]

Hey Mcgirr..great question and one I've been wondering about myself.

Interesting to read everyone's answers and I reckon that all have answered in a perfect way that shows just how individual we all are!

I've got some great ideas now for what to do with my own car. I think that I'm going to stick with the standard suspension, until its time to change out due to normal wear and tear, then go for it on what set up I'd really like. I guess the test of the standard set up will be our trip to the Cape this year! Nice to know, Mcgirr that you've not only taken up stock cars but others have as well!

Its the one thing that has been bugging me that most people are quick to change out suspension on a brand new car. But as D4D has pointed out, with additions like bars, lights, batteries and the like, a car suddenly gains a lot more weight than it had as stock. I am yet to add all that!

On the airbag side of things...what kind of expense do they come to and are they tough enough to handle lots of dirt roads? (I'm thinking that this is a good way to stop the slight sag with the trailer on and not have to suffer changing the current suspension straight up...would that be correct?)

[gowalkabout]

I was quoted around the $350 mark for a set of airbags for the rear but if you wanted to control them from in the car you can add approx. another $700

[becboo]

Hey Mark,

I drive a 2002 turbo diesel IFS 100 series.  We have owned this car for a couple of months short of 6 years.  When we bought it, it was stock standard with the addition of the bullbar and towbar.   Last year we decided to upgrade the suspension as it felt like we were driving in a boat on the PDR.  Rocking and rolling, not cool when you get car sick and have a bit of a drive in front of you!!     
I did a lot of research in to the different ones and went for the Bilstein Platinum Pack from Darren McRae in Geelong.  We did a lot of k's in it standard but now with the upgrade...... WOW it feels so stable and nice to drive on the PDR, OTL or anywhere really.
We also have a '96 Toyota trayback which is stock standard and have taken it up the OTL as well.  She went up Gunshot.  So it really is horses for courses as they say.

Bec

[McGirr]

Duchess

Airbags are approx $500 installed. I have had them on 2 cruisers both taken to the Cape and no problems. I have the air intake at the rear. Always make sure you have at least 10psi in them. Airbags can range from basic to top of the range but I use the red ones.

Mark 

[dazzler]

Bilstein Platinum Pack from Darren McRae in Geelong. 

He gets quite the wrap on pradopoint.   

[D4D]

He gets quite the wrap on pradopoint.   

McRayfish is a legend...

[Bird]

McRayfish is a legend...

an old photo of him

[D4D]

an old photo of him

He's lost a few kilos in that photo