new suspension what do i get?

Hey to all those car people out there,
i've currently got a 2004 BA Ford falcon and i'm wanting to put some really stiff suspension in and raise the back up an inch.I pretty much want no give in the rear suspension so when i put the boat on the back it doesn't bog down on its arse. When i've got the boot/car loaded with fishing gear and a passenger in the back seat the down weight at the trailer would be around 110kg.what sort of suspension will solve this problem and what cost would i be looking at for the parts etc? would be great if or anyone can suggest a better soulution to this feel free to let me know.

cheers Brad

[gtxrally]

Hey Brad,
try Koni ( top performance), you can call them and get them to re-valve the dampers to suit your needs. You will need to ask him what springs to use as well. Ask for Chris and tell him that I suggested you to give him a call.

http://www.toperformance.com.au/index2.html

[Nick Cuccovia]

Hi Brad, is 110kg right for the weight on the tow ball? I would move your axles on the trailer untill the weight on the towball matches the specs stated on the towball, it should have a sticker or a plaque on it somewhere. 110kg sounds a little high. If you did run really stiff suspension you would sacrifise comfort, handling and most importantly safety when you where not towing your boat. I have been there and done that with stiff suspension, great on a smooth road or racetrack but crap in the real world. Putting in springs and shocks that are about 20% stiffer would be as far as I would go. But if you get the weight right on the towball you will get rid of most of your problem.

I hope this helps.

Nick

[cleetus]

Try some air bags Brad. They fit inside your coil(spring) and restrict its compression depending on how much air you put in them.
Quick check came up with $300 here http://www.polyair.com.au/

[Nath_18]

just chop the springs eleh you'll do some hectic drifting!

[Nath_18]

I'll second the koni's! There adjustable so you dont always have to have a stiff ride. There a little more pricey but your going to get quality.

Cheers, Nathan

[Justin Boyle]

You could go buy a statesman!!! My statesman had self leveling suspension in the rear(aka air shocks!!!).

I think air bags or air shocks would be the way to go. Adjustable dampers definately wont help as these don't dictate ride height. Before you do any of this try adjusting your load if possible. Put more weight to the back of your boat if moving the axles isn't possible as mentioned. From what i've seen though a lot of falcons ride low at the back when they have a couple of blokes in the back so you will probably need to do something about it anyway.

[cleetus]

air shocks are a no-go. They actually put the vehicle weight onto mounts that are not designed for the load, whereas air bags/ springs are utilising factory springs/ spring mounts.

thanks for the reply's guys i'll prob start of moving the axel forward a lil bit on the trailer first its going to be a big job cos of the trailer brakes but it will keep me busy over the weekend.

cheers brad

[Juggs]

the towing capacity of the vehicleallows fo rone driver and a tank of fuel

add people luggage etc and you need to take that off the max towing capacity of the vehicle

you also need to distribute weight evenly for safe stopping and a level ride while towing so you keep the dynamics of the vehicle even.

[Brad Y]

Easy just get a car better suited for towing... the economy and power of the hilux, navara, BT50, ranger etc are really quite astounding.

My subaru GT is good but same problem sits bum down when towing. Im upgrading to either a hilux or prado next year.

[Mick]

I have recently put polyair springs on my 4wd and they do work at levelling the vehicle with the boat is attached. I also have a commodore which will see a bit of towing use, so polyairs will be going on that in the not to distant future as well.