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Thread: Expedition shocks for a D1

  1. #1
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    Expedition shocks for a D1

    Recently got home after a 4 week trek that included 5 days crossing the Simpson via French and WAA lines. What a great trip..I had been wanting to do it for about 20 years and it lived up to expectations :-).
    The Disco was fairly loaded up and very well serviced and prepared for the trip. It returned just on 12l/100 km for the 5500 km trip which with roof rack was about what I expected...if a bit over..but still fair bit better than my mate with a 4.5 V8 cruiser ute- he averaged about 14.5. Having said that I was quietly impressed with the figures he got given the load he was carrying and the power/torque he had on tap.

    The single thing the Disco did not do well was cope with the constant scalloping in the French line. In a lot of places they were about 3 or 4 metres apart and this cause the disco to pitch...and the shocks ( oldish Billies) could not manage this and I had to go slower than I wanted to to avoid constantly hopping and topping out on the rebound. I also run polyairbags and had them at about 20psi( best by trial and error).

    So my question is if I were to do it again, what would be good options for the shocks? My billies have done about 100000k so this is probably the issue - they are worn out and this trip pointed that out...but that is a good life!
    I can get billies again quite cheaply from the US..but are there superior or better value options out there for heavy duty/expedition shocks these days?

    Lindsay

  2. #2
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    Remote canister billies or koni raid 90's, they'd be a good choice

  3. #3
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    I run Koni Heavy Track adjustable, and I am very happy. I run them soft for both front and rear in the city, but on trip when I load the back I turn it to medium. Granted, I haven't loaded it up with roof rack and such.

  4. #4
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    You could probably send the billies off for a rebuild and revalve to your needs for less per shock.
    Cheers
    Slunnie


    ~ Discovery II Td5 ~ Discovery 3dr V8 ~ Series IIa 6cyl ute ~ Series II V8 ute ~

  5. #5
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    Thks for the replies all
    The remote cannister shocks sound good....
    I had Konis ( adjustable) in the past. When they fatigued I had them rebuilt at signiificant expense..within 10000km one of them developed a leak so I ditched them. Consequently I am off konis and also off rebuilding generally. But I think I may go with a new set of 'HD' Billies from eshocks in US. They tell me they are about 20% more aggressive than the standard Billies - so that should do the job.

    My current shocks remain ok for general driving and medium loads so I will probably wait until the next expedition is closer before I buy.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Linds View Post
    Thks for the replies all
    The remote cannister shocks sound good....
    I had Konis ( adjustable) in the past. When they fatigued I had them rebuilt at signiificant expense..within 10000km one of them developed a leak so I ditched them. Consequently I am off konis and also off rebuilding generally. But I think I may go with a new set of 'HD' Billies from eshocks in US. They tell me they are about 20% more aggressive than the standard Billies - so that should do the job.

    My current shocks remain ok for general driving and medium loads so I will probably wait until the next expedition is closer before I buy.
    Can you let us know the cost of Frieght and how long for delivery from the USA, Regards Frank.

  7. #7
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    I ordered the Billies mid May.
    I waited a couple of weeks but nothing.
    Poor communication from eshocks.
    I eventually used tracking advice to find out the goods had landed but
    had been returned to sender because they only put half
    my name and address on it.
    I used paypal so have got a refund.
    No apology.....? Poor customer service is not limited to Australia.

    Price for 4 shocks $306 US
    Freight $156

    Still the best price around though - will probably have another try.

  8. #8
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    Wow that is cheap, cant even get OEM shocks for that.
    MY08 TDV6 SE D3- permagrin ooh yeah
    2004 Jayco Freedom tin tent
    1998 Triumph Daytona T595
    1974 VW Kombi bus
    1958 Holden FC special sedan

  9. #9
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    No problems second attempt.
    Landed and in the garage for $526 aud

    The rears probably are not up to full expedition duties. So my plan is to look for something with more damping for the rear when the time comes.

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