Suggestions for Leveling Out Suspension?

[vt_maverick]

I know this seems like a rather repetitive question that I should know the answer to already, but hear me out... Now that I have the tom4bren hitch that mounts directly to the frame rails I get serious rear sag when I'm fully loaded with weight (roof rack with full size spare, swing-out cargo box with luggage, two kids + dog, etc.). Not enough to touch the tires or anything, but enough to have probably 2 inches more vertical clearance in the front wheel well than in the back. Obviously driving nose up is not exactly the most fuel efficient method of travel, and I'm also a bit worried about what wear I might be doing to the CVs.

So it seems like I have a few choices:

1. Add taller/stiffer springs in the rear but don't crank the torsion bar any more than they already are
2. "De-crank" the torsion bars to lower the front and create more downward rake
3. Install an air ride / leveling system (not realistic due to time or $$$)
4. Install taller/firmer springs for the journey to Moab, swap OEM springs in for the trail runs, then reinstall taller/firmer springs for the ride home.

Options 1 and 2 are both going to result in a serious funny car look when I take the cargo box off in Moab. While that might be funny to watch I'm more concerned about doing a higher-than-normal amount of trail faceplants because of it. Option 3 is unrealistic so option 4 seems like it might be best, assuming somebody at The Stoop would be willing to give me a hand (and by that I mean do it while I hold your beer like the girly man that I am ).

Other thoughts? Suggestions? Maybe somebody makes a spring with the same uncompressed height as the OEM spring but with stiffer compression?

[Ala5ka]

One and two seem to be your only real viable options, the reason trucks come with a nose down rake is so that they look level when they have weight on them. My vx sits nose down from the factory but with people and some bags in the back it levels out, stiffer springs would help but your ride will suffer and it will sit nose down when not loaded up

[deermagnet]

They have a kit for the VX-
http://www.airliftcompany.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeDVcTNPQGs

The Air Lift 1000 kit is $130 and easy to install.

Mark

[JoFotoz]

Option 4 is VERY easy.

Change of springs takes about a cocktails worth to do....

...in stoop time!

More than happy to help ya...
....and avail myself of your beer/cocktail holding skills.

It'll cost ya a cocktail for Dub too...
...for the loan of his super jack!

Jo

[vt_maverick]

Can do Jo. What springs would you guys recommend?

[vt_maverick]

Mark - That's an interesting idea. I wonder whether your garden variety portable air compressor could pump them up or if I'd need an air tank or full-on on-board air system?

[JoFotoz]

I believe the OME 919's are the heavy load version...

...I think Dub runs those and he tows, and brings a chit load of stuff!


I found this...

OME912, 420 mm, 10.8, .....180-300 (medium load )
OME913, 390 mm, 9.3, .......180-300 (medium load)
OME919, 430 mm, 10.8,...... 200-280 (heavy load )


There is also the mega post from Rickshaw that pretty much tells it all.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...hlight=OME+919


jo

[deermagnet]

Mark - That's an interesting idea. I wonder whether your garden variety portable air compressor could pump them up or if I'd need an air tank or full-on on-board air system?

They only need 25-35 psi, so any compressor should handle it. They do make a wireless on-board compressor system, but you know how those things love to leak.

That kit looks like it's made for your exact issue.

Mark

[BigSwede]

Actually you can go heavier yet with OME929s. They are 420mm, 10.8, ... 240/300 (expedition load).

That would be pretty stiff on a VX though. I have them on my Trooper, but a Trooper has a LOT more weight over the rear axle.

[JoFotoz]

I wonder if these air springs take off road abuse?



jo

[vt_maverick]

Wouldn't need 'em once we hit the trail. With the rear cargo box off everything goes pretty much back to normal. I could probably just lower the torsion bars a touch more than normal and be just fine.

The cargo box is both my friend and my nemesis.

[JoFotoz]

So are you suggesting removing them for off road...

...or just "deflating" them?

(assuming I'm reading the info right...that they sit inside your coil springs..)

jo

[VXorado]

That kit looks like it's made for your exact issue.

Mark

I agree, deflate the air bags for the trails and pump them up for the ride home. Definitely your best option since you can leave them in the coils springs and use them whenever necessary. It's not worth getting a OBA system for the airbags, i'm currently building a system and it's a PITA. You're more than welcome to use my air system to fill the bags at the end of the week. Only worry would be the airbags not holding up to trail abuse.

Or I can also throw in a hand at the stoop if you want to change out springs.

[JoFotoz]

X2....

Only worry would be the airbags not holding up to trail abuse.

jo

[blacksambo]

Have you thought about running different size rear wheels and tires, and swapping them out for what's on the roof once you get to the meet?