Thread: Overloading the D2 for the Simpson

Originally Posted by discotek

Hi Redback

Just checked the handbook GVM is 2750 kg (5 seater coil suspension)

The D2 with SLS is 2880 kg, so an uprated spring should support this as well, I would have thought.

My total without extra diesal and water is approx 2820. So I'm on the limit. Looks like beer will have to wait until Mt Dare.

We plan to take QAA to poeppel's and then the French line, with maybe a look along the WAA or Rig for a bit.

Regards

Originally Posted by tempestv8

I had a very heavily loaded DII when I crossed the Simpson a few years ago. Definitely fit extra heavy duty springs in the rear - the shocks will survive better if the springs are stiffer for the amount of weight that you'll be carrying. If you have light springs, the shocks will get over worked all too easily.

I loaded up my vehicle to the hilt and went over a speed bump with variable rear springs 300-340 kg/in and the rear end just felt too under damped. Fitted constant rate 360 kg/in springs in the rear and the suspension seemed far more in control going over same speed bump.

Set of rear springs are fairly cheap from ARB, so well worthwhile to do it.

I drive a V8 so I had to put in 9 x 20 litre jerries inside the vehicle, so I was carrying HEAPS of fuel on top of everything else.

I'd agree with this, especially if your towing

Mine has a similar setup and I also had my shocks re-valved to suit the extra spring rate of 360lb or 380lb (can't remember which mine are) but with the standard valving, the rebound was way to fast, so I had them re-valved to 400/100, it made a huge difference.

When we did the Simpson, I carried 30lt of extra diesel, with the camper we got 17l/100.

2x20lt jerries will be fine, one thing I do recommend, is that you travel with another vehicle if your towing a trailer.

Baz.

just to ad more detail to my earlyer post, I have fitted OME springs and shocks and I took along 2x20litre jerrys, 70 litres of drinking water, 10litres of coolant.
I did find the rear shocks went soft one day when we pushed hard, but they came back when given time to cool. I also had polairs in the rear.
I locked the centre diff at Big red and left it locked till the dunes got tiny. I found that when I started the disco the TC would be off, but by turning to off than back on, it would enable the TC.(most times)
I took two spares and didnt need any. Ive since read a thread about how hard the alloys can be to break the tyre from the rim and would take two again. I had the second inside the car, but would now put it on the roof.
Once again, drop tyres to 20psi. I left it way to long. Second day. Just made it so much easyer.

Thanks for all the tips.

I'm currently stripping down weight wise. The weigh bridge outcome (2480kg - my basic club offroad setup) was a bit of an eye opener.

Have pulled off the steelies and muddies and mounted the alloy AT's - minus 80 kgs over 6 wheels

Flicked the rear draws - minus 50 kgs

Rear seats fully out. May even dump the roof rack.

Regards

Discotek 2001 D2 - lovin it