Thread: Soft suspension - how to fix it?

For the squeaks, I spray WD40 at various pivoting points to see if it stops it squeaking, and then either replace the pivoting point or the thing doing the pivoting.

Originally Posted by candeniz

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Anyway do you think it is just the shocks need replacing or also the springs? What should i replace them with to get a stiffer ride? Any thoughts or suggestions would be great. Thanks.


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With respect to the ride, the softer the better .. but up to a point obviously.
You'll probably regret going too hard on suspension and then hitting rough trails.

A previous owner of my D1 obviously had the same idea, and fitted suspension too hard for my liking, and I think too hard for uneven trails.
Even tho there's nothing really wrong with it, I'm looking to change to a more compliant ride.
The previous owner of my brother's D2 went the opposite way, and fitted soft suspension to it, and removed the sway bars and it rides much better than my D1 does on the road, and even more so on rough trails.

Your rear springs look like airbags(if those images are of your D2!!), so you wouldn't be wanting to change the 'springs' on the rears to firm up the ride.
As for shock absorbers, can't hurt to change them really. They're fairly easy to change too, just 4 bolts to undo and redo .. couple of hours of work.

Hi,
IMHO just install new original shocks, (I just put some EFS Elite shocks in and find them harsh!!! But if you want a stiff ride I can sell you some used once shocks cheap!!
You can always put springs in after if it's not to your liking??
Looks like you have original shocks. Also note you have rear air suspension and will have to look for standard shocks as most aftermarket are sold for coils and are designed for standard and 50mm lift and these shocks will over extend the rear bags at full flex. That's what I've heard anyway!
Originals from the dealer are pretty reasonable at around $140 per shock.
OEM's are around $85 but I had trouble getting these and went for the original.

Cheers Lemo.

As Lemo said factory shocks are probably the only way to go for a soft ride unless you get some custom valved.

Also check out the springs that Les Richmond Automotive have to offer. A bit pricier than aftermarket and will need to pay postage but will be a much nicer ride over say kings or dobinsons. (from what my hours reading this forum has told me)

Im installing some kings and terrafirma shocks next weekend so keen to see how they go compared to the old stock units.

I think you will find the issue is shocks. I think the shocks have a much bigger impact on ride quality that springs and they control the movement of the axles and the body. Your springs wont have changed too much, if at all, but the shocks do wear out or break.

Originally Posted by AK83

With respect to the ride, the softer the better .. but up to a point obviously.
You'll probably regret going too hard on suspension and then hitting rough trails.

A previous owner of my D1 obviously had the same idea, and fitted suspension too hard for my liking, and I think too hard for uneven trails.
Even tho there's nothing really wrong with it, I'm looking to change to a more compliant ride.
The previous owner of my brother's D2 went the opposite way, and fitted soft suspension to it, and removed the sway bars and it rides much better than my D1 does on the road, and even more so on rough trails.

Couldn't agree more. When the SLS went on mine I opted to replace the springs al round, and went for some that were recommended. I put in King springs of a firm rating and absolutely ruined the ride. When I get the chance and the funds at the same time the Kings are coming out, and the SLS is going back in. My D1, on the other hand, has softer Donaldsons, and it rides MUCH better, and as a bonus is better off road.

As a couple of others have said, go for the shockers, and get the best you can afford if you don't go original.

Actually, shock absorber is a misnomer. Absorbing the shock is the job of the spring. The correct name is spring damper, or dampener, and, as Slunnie says, they control the movement of the axles.

Agree with above. My D2 came with airbags. A previous owner changed to coils which I'm looking at changing back to air bags when funds allow. I'd also change the shocks. I've found Old Man Emu's to be great.

To help with the rocking fit a front sway bar disconnect. Gives approx another 300mm of down travel (and stops it wanting to lift a front wheel in the air)

Keep the SLS ... Dirt roads and outback travel are a much nicer ride with SLS.

Originally Posted by Fluids

To help with the rocking fit a front sway bar disconnect. Gives approx another 300mm of down travel (and stops it wanting to lift a front wheel in the air)

Keep the SLS ... Dirt roads and outback travel are a much nicer ride with SLS.

Do you know of a decent sway bar disconnect? I have been looking for one