[mully_george]

Hey guys, sorry for another GV suspension post.

I've recently purchased an 03 GV and looking at a standard ~40mm suspension lift (struts, shocks and springs) + fitting (I would like it done 'properly' with warranty). I'll then upgrade tyres to an AT 235/70 tyre or similar.

I used to have a 98 GV for 3-4 years and it was amazing for most of what I was doing but had some clearance issues in some deeper ruts on sand and did my rear main seal on some rocks at Port Lincoln NP. Which is why I want the suspension lift on my new one. I will be going 4WDing fairly regularly and 95% of it is sand driving. Most trips will be moderate loads but on some bigger trips I'll have a fair bit of gear (eski, rods, tackle, cooker, recovery gear, compressor etc.).

Anyway, I have been looking at tough dog (by TJM or opposite lock) or OME (by ARB) full suspension kits and also considering dobinsons. I'm not interested in anything >2 inches eg. calmini.

One main question I wanted to ask was if anyone here has had the FULL tough dog suspension lift done? and overall what they think of it: ride height, stiffness, sagging, longevity, problems experienced etc. I have only heard reviews from people who have fitted TD springs in GV's but never the full kit. I have heard of this suspension being quite stiff and uncomfortable but this is not directly from the horses mouth who have had this suspension, only people passing on from someone elses thoughts or what they have heard (chinese whispers).

And for those with OME suspension without any extra mods (eg. coil spacers), was the lift high enough? is the suspension too soft? have you had any sag?

On average I hear that OME is probably the best and most reliable option, but sag over time and that the suspension can be sometimes soft. On the other hand I have heard that tough dog is good for heavier loads but can be stiff and uncomfortable.

Anyway it will be great to hear from any of you, particularly those who have had the full suspension of either of the above mentioned brands.

Sorry for the essay. Much appreciated,
-George

PS - I have no bull bar or winch at the front, if that guides your suggestions with suspension

[mully_george]

bump

[ZUZUKI]

We've had our 1999 GV V6 manual from new & had ARB OME suspension under it for all but 6 months of that time.
The original (New) suspension was very soft & we appreciated the extra stiffness of the OME gear - without being too harsh.
Only have a TJM alloy bar on the front.
However, it was still too low to the ground for sand driving - the front diff crossmember used to scoop sand (you could hear it planing the crown of sandy tracks) and throw it around the engine bay.
Also did a rear main crank seal this way, and filled the bell housing with sand.
Ended up fitting 6mm alloy skid plates from up under the radiator to past the transfercase - best mod for the money we have done.
It still has the original 12 year old OME springs in it - I must check the ride height against the fitting sheet to see how much sag has happened in the intervening 215,000km.
Have put 2 sets of front struts & 1 set of rear shocks in it in that time, but have been up the cape & across the GRR in it.
Very happy with the OME gear, but looking to go a bit bigger in the near future, to run 215/85R16 M/Ts rather than the current 225/75R16 BFG A/Ts.
Rgs, Michael

[Sco-tie]

Why 215? would be good for mud but thats a fair bit skinnier than stock and wouldn't be stable on sand. Make a thread in the rigs section will get more people in there.

[malcolm77]

I've been looking around for a kit as well and saw the tough dog kits and wondered what they were like.
Did you get any response ?

[mully_george]

Cheers Michael. Yeah I did my rear main seal too in my 98 GV. Didn't have a lift or a bash plate at the time.

Malcolm, I haven't had any reply with the tough dog kits. It remains a mystery if anyone has ever had the full suspension kit fitted...

[atari4x4]

the tough dog front struts are standard length, IMO that eliminates the whole kit in one hit.

personally i'd be looking at the range of dobinson gear as there are numerous different spring rates on offer + they run an extended length strut. plenty of people on here are running various combo's of the dobinson GV suspension & they all seem happy with it.

[russgt]

I have only recently installed Dob front struts, Rancho rear shocks and Out Door Auto Extreme Springs. I couldnt be happier. The ride is great, fantastic off road etc. It gave me about 2.5" lift.

[mully_george]

Cheers boys. Yeah I've heard good things from people who have dobinsons