Thread: Coromal suspension conversion

Here's a pic using the original 14" rims.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Here's a pic using the original 14" rims.

Were both hangers added or the fronts still the originals ? , not something i would need to do right away but planning it out for now.

20210424_111032.jpgFunny most people with Coromal experience seem to think that the the Coromal suspension is far superior to solid axle. I cannot really comment as I have always had independent suspension on first my camper trailer then my 2002 Coromal 505 Pioneer XC. No skipping side ways on corrugations particularly on corners, it just follows. One wheel off the bitumen onto a broken shoulder , no problem.

To raise a Coromal all that is necessary is is weld blocks between the suspension pivot points and the centre cross member and also under the spring shackles.

Mine is high enough with nothing hanging down to catch anything. Mine has 2 tonne hubs so no possibility of later LR hubs.

I have to say my Coromal is amazingly stable when towing on bitumin or in dirt.

The only mod I may make is to switch to 7 inch rims from 8 inch as the 265.75R16 tyres are very close to the spring hangers and I may fit 235 85r16s. So close with my Toyo muds with big Side Biters , that I fitted 7MM spacers. Second hand 16x7 rims with 0 offset are like hens teeth.
Regards PhilipA

All new hangers. The original springs were very short and didn't have hangers as such, just captive brackets to stop the springs from dropping down.

The prime reasons for replacing the suspension was because the suspension had grossly inadequate travel and the van was very choppy on all but smooth surfaces, jigging the D4 excessively. Later Coromal springs and arms wouldn't fit because they were all longer.

Originally Posted by PhilipA

20210424_111032.jpgFunny most people with Coromal experience seem to think that the the Coromal suspension is far superior to solid axle. I cannot really comment as I have always had independent suspension on first my camper trailer then my 2002 Coromal 505 Pioneer XC. No skipping side ways on corrugations particularly on corners, it just follows. One wheel off the bitumen onto a broken shoulder , no problem.

To raise a Coromal all that is necessary is is weld blocks between the suspension pivot points and the centre cross member and also under the spring shackles.

Mine is high enough with nothing hanging down to catch anything. Mine has 2 tonne hubs so no possibility of later LR hubs.

I have to say my Coromal is amazingly stable when towing on bitumin or in dirt.

The only mod I may make is to switch to 7 inch rims from 8 inch as the 265.75R16 tyres are very close to the spring hangers and I may fit 235 85r16s. So close with my Toyo muds with big Side Biters , that I fitted 7MM spacers. Second hand 16x7 rims with 0 offset are like hens teeth.
Regards PhilipA

Yes i was looking at the pivot points and agree that it would be easy enough to go that way, looks like we will be buying it so will look at it properly when we get it home.
Using my spare 18" wheels would be ideal but 15 or 16's may be easier to fit but not something i'd do eight away, fitting a 12V system is first priority and then a diesel heater.
If it wasn't for the pesky 2 money pits (kids) your van would be perfect for us.

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f it wasn't for the pesky 2 money pits (kids) your van would be perfect for us.

There is one layout that has a front "diner" type layout , which can easily covert to a bed for smaller kids.

505 Seka Pioneer XCs are like hen's teeth and highly sought after. Mine was the only one for sale in OZ at the time and I went to Yarrawonga for it.

Join the Facebook Coromal Owners group and you will access lots of good info and ideas.
Regards PhilipA

Originally Posted by PhilipA

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There is one layout that has a front "diner" type layout , which can easily covert to a bed for smaller kids.

505 Seka Pioneer XCs are like hen's teeth and highly sought after. Mine was the only one for sale in OZ at the time and I went to Yarrawonga for it.

Join the Facebook Coromal Owners group and you will access lots of good info and ideas.
Regards PhilipA

Mine are 19 and 15 so a bit big for most kid beds, I expected to be looking at 2 berth vans but they had other ideas.
Just one exactly the same as yours for 25k which is 10k more than the one we are looking at.

If you plan any dirt road travel, it is worthwhile to buy the Pioneer XC version as it has a stronger chassis, all the furniture is bolted to the walls and floor, and has the larger hubs and stronger longer springs. They also have 16x8 wheels and 265 75r16 tyres with a 120 load rating. They are also lighter than most other off road caravans. Mine is 1280Kg tare AFAIR with 1860 GVM. In addition the cutaway at the back will enable travel through washaways and creek crossings that will damage straight caravans .
You would have to watch the load rating on your proposed tyres as the bigger vans are heavy and have only 2 tyres ( or I guess 4 if you get a tandem) . I like the singles as you can turn the thing by hand if necessary in a tight spot. I think that the main reason stated for tandems is if you get a blow out. IMHO much overstated if you change tyres every 8 years or so. 20 year old tyres are common on vans and surprise surprise they sometimes blow out.

I can recall going to Lorella springs in NT and a bloke with a Bushtracker ( tres expensive) had his microwave drop out onto the floor. In a Coromal XC it is bolted down.
Regards PhilipA