Hi All
I'm a complete noob here, so forgive me if I make obvious mistakes.
I've had a SX4, 4x4 from new 2010, and just love it, and because of that, recently also purchased a 2010 V6 GV. The latter will be used soon for a long trek (the first of a many, hopefully), including the Kimberley region. We plan on towing a smallish pop top (1200kg), and going off-road at times to have an explore: tracks and beaches mainly. I'd really like some advice about what (legal - I've still got some warranty left too!) modifications might be useful to make the trip more pleasant.
My first thoughts are tyres and suspension at this stage. I plan to get a set of (mild) AT tyres, with a slightly higher profile that the standard wheels. I'm also thinking a snorkel, and some bash plates, both of which seem no-brainers given where we are going. I'm sure I can arrange these without too much difficulty
My concern though is the suspension. I've read loads of threads here and elsewhere, and haven't quite come up with the answers I'm looking for. I find the car a bit "bouncy"compared to a sedan, as you'd expect. It's not a big problem, but having that reduced slightly would be nicer on long drives. Going off-road it would make sense to have a small to moderate lift, but I don't really want to sacrifice round-town comfort too much, since apart from the trips we take, it will spend most of it's life in town as our main car. I'm obviously not after an off-road weapon, but it would be nice to know that the car is capable of heading off the road when we need too. Towing is also obviously important.
The thing that seems to make most sense to me, is something like the OME kit and have the 20mm lift. I (think) I have read that the wheel articulation is actually improved slightly when off-roading with the OME kit, and some of the other higher kits actually result in slightly less articulation, therefore of no additional benefit? I'm also tossing up whether or not airbags might be a better alternative to caravan load levelers - a salesman told me it would be great, so it MUST be true, right?
So my question is: is it worthwhile doing the OME kit (at vast expense, and +/- airbags), thinking that it will make touring, and mild to moderate off-roading easier and more pleasant; or, is it better just to leave it stock and hope for the best with the slightly bigger tyres, snorkel and bash plates?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers
Nick
