[tsock0]

hi all

a bloke at work is selling me a set of 2inch springs for $100 that he use to have in his vitara for about 3 months.

just wondering if i need new shocks as well and whats this about that u can use commodore wagon shock?

comodore shocks or other shocks please help, not doing serious 4bying i mainly want a bit more clearance on the beach

cheers

[Rusho]

You won't necessarily need new shocks. You will only need longer shocks if you want to take advantage of the full length (flex) of the springs.

[tsock0]

what will the ride be like with the standard shocks? and will it be more comfy if i do go for a new set of shocks and what shocks should i get?

[DarkHorse]

With standard shocks you will lose pretty much any downtravel as they will already be extended by 2" at ride height. It's the springs that determine the ride height, so if they're 2" lift it'll be 2" higher than stock. What that means compared to what are probably sagged original gear is a different question... Do you know what make the springs are? What model Vit they came out of?

By your vehicle specs you're LWB - commy shocks will give you all the travel you need, I haven't ever run them so can't comment on ride quality.

Front struts are a case of going aftermarket - PM dank on here for Dobinsons replacements (he'll happily do you a deal on a shock/strut package )

[tsock0]

ok cheers, the springs came from same model and was LWB not sure what make though.
right so can i use sedan or do they have to be wagon from commodore and what model? the bloke was telling me that he just left the original shocks in the front, is this a good idea or should i just grab some new ones
+ anyone whose used commodore shocks it would be awesome to hear from u about the comfort as i will have my little ones riding in the back

[DarkHorse]

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=13142

Happy reading.

[tsock0]

geez long read, so im guessing now the vt wagon shocks in rear for the 2 inch lift springs just a little unsure for the front?

[DarkHorse]

Like I said, aftermarkets.

Dobinson, Lovells, Ironman, OME if you're feeling rich.

[tsock0]

if im only wanting the springs for clearance will the standard shocks still b ok in the front or will it be too hard of suspension?

sorry if these are dumb ass questions but im only new to the suspension area

[want33s]

tsock0 wrote:

if im only wanting the springs for clearance will the standard shocks still b ok in the front or will it be too hard of suspension?

DarkHorse wrote:

With standard shocks you will lose pretty much any downtravel as they will already be extended by 2" at ride height.

No down travel will make for a choppy, uncomfortable ride.
Springs and shocks should always be matched for travel.

[atari4x4]

to do something with the front look at longer front struts/strut spacers/strut top flips.

[bailey08]

for the front just do a strut mount flip. easy to do, take mounts off flip it over bolt back in from the top or if you want more travel, press out old bolts (hammer and a socket) get new bolts and bolt in from underneath.

for the rear, use VT wagon shocks, use a gas shocks like Monroe GT as they will give a nice ride, the cheap Gabrielle oil shocks will be to hard.

[tsock0]

ok , strut mount flip. by this do u mean the 3 bolts inside the engine bay flip that over and bolt back in?
cool gas shocks sound good! could i use vr-vs shocks its just my old boy has 2 vs to wreck?

[DarkHorse]

Yep, strut top flip is the 3 bolts that you get to from the engine bay. If they've never been out before you'll have all sorts of fun getting the struts out of them (top nut in the middle will be siezed, and then the shaft will be fused to the mount) but get medievil on it and it will come apart.

That done you need to undo the 3 small nuts, pull the mount out, press out the studs, replace them with bolts and bolt the mount back in from underneath (upside down.) This will put the strut back more or less in it's range of travel for a standard aftermarket 'not-quite-2-inch-lift' pair of springs. Cheaper than longer struts if you are willing to do the work.

[tsock0]

sweet, that sounds easy enough

do u know if the vs wagon shocks will be ok in the rear? anyone?

[bailey08]

Those shocks are ok.

[tsock0]

Ah nice one vs it will be

Just had a look at the front struts looks like someone has already done a strut flip bonus

[atari4x4]

check this thread for pics of the flipped strut top mount viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1140&hilit=strut+top+flip

[tsock0]

cheers

[fire60]

Use an impact gun on the big centre nut on the top of the strut. ( I think they 22mm from memory) If you undo it 1st it may come off a bit easier.

Pete