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Thread: Looking for info on bull bar, springs and shocks.

  1. 22nd January 2014, 06:19 PM #1
    robbotd5's Avatar
    robbotd5
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    Looking for info on bull bar, springs and shocks.

    G'day all
    For our annual caravan holiday this year, the minister for war and finance has indicated that she would like to head west then north to Lightning Ridge. So I tells her " we're not doing that unless we fit a bull bar to the D2a. She said "she'd think about it"....me thinks I have a win!
    Anywho, i'm thinking about ordering a color coded ARB full steel bar (no winch) and fit it myself. My question is, since my car is on its original springs/shocks, do I need to beef up the front springs to compensate for the weight of the bar?
    I do not want to raise the height of the vehicle at all. As I tow a large dual axle van, I'm thinking of upgrading the springs and shocks anyway ( I already have poly airs in the rear springs that I want to retain). I am thinking of Bilstein shocks valved to suit my needs. Springs I have no preference. So any advice on this is greatly appreciated.
    Regards
    Robbo
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  2. 22nd January 2014, 07:34 PM #2
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    Aussie Drifters
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    Having done a trip to Lightning Ridge in the past 12 months, I would advise you to DEFINITELY get a bull bar! We left Emerald, Qld and headed south to Vic via the Ridge (April 2013) There were LOTS of Roos, not to mention the possibility of goats and feral pigs.
    Without a bull bar (and even if you have one) I would be reluctant to drive beyond dusk unless necessary (we had to drive after dark and 60kmph was the fastest safe speed!)
    I have enquired about the ARB bull bar for my D2a just this month and they are running them on production line and supposedly available by the end of this month (JAN)
    They are all winch compatible ($1700 supplied and $1900 fitted and extra for color coding)
    I had a 2000 model Defender 130 which I towed a 3500 kg caravan with, I upgraded my springs to a Heavy duty spring with foam cell shocks and Poly air bags in the rear, which was an awesome combination.
    I hope that is of some help, I am sure you will enjoy your trip to Lightning Ridge, Cheers Phil
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  3. 23rd January 2014, 04:30 PM #3
    brougham
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    I just ordered a ARB bar last fortnight to get in this months run. If you want one, do it now and get them to check with HQ if you missed the boat. Otherwise you could be waiting quite a long time for the next run

    I have a stock D2a HSE with SLS. Original springs and shocks front. I'm waiting to see how the car reacts once the bar is fitted before pulling the pin on new suspension. I don't really want a lift as my setup height perfectly matches my Jayco Swan Outback at the moment. Plus it's already a bitch to get into fridge in the back!
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  4. 23rd January 2014, 05:00 PM #4
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    Slunnie
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    You'll need updated front springs but not necessarily shocks.
    Cheers
    Slunnie


    ~ Discovery II Td5 ~ Discovery 3dr V8 ~ Series IIa 6cyl ute ~ Series II V8 ute ~
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  5. 23rd January 2014, 07:45 PM #5
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    Good work Brougham, I ordered mine today too, I rang ARB head office. They have a production run of only 20! Five are going overseas and you and I have snagged 2 so that's only 13 left.. and they haven't even made them yet.
    As far as the springs go I wouldn't rush out and change them straight off. Best thing to do do is get on flat concrete and measure your height from the slab to a given point as far forward on your chassis.
    Take measurements after the bull bar is fitted and then make a decision based on your results.
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  6. 23rd January 2014, 08:55 PM #6
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    The problem with standard springs is they can't support the weight, especially of a steel bar. You'll be hitting the front bumpstop regularly which makes the ride harsh, and from new this is already a minimal clearance. The front springs will also continue to settle down in height under the increased weight, and even with uprated 180lb/in springs which many early lifts used would not sustain the weight so 220-230lb have become increasingly common over the years, a rate that does sustain the weight.
    Cheers
    Slunnie


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