Barry
Forum Member
How long had the springs been in / how much weight had it been carrying? Wouldn't like to need to replace them too often.
Just bought a Patrol, anyone want my Forester?
- Thread starter 2jz929
- Start date
Every set of king springs i have come across has sagged, thats why i was surprised. Its been carrying tonnes of weight touring AUS for 8 months. Will get some nice coils and will last me forever, as i only carry weight ~4times a year on holidays.
subalex
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- SH XT Forester Premium
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- 4EAT with 4.44 ratios, VTD swap and rear auto locker
Yeah, the springs always sag within a year. But the main thing is that now you can go to the spring supplier with the car fully setup so they can help you choose the correct spring rates to suit all the extra weight you've got already. If the previous owner just got normal weight springs then it's no wonder it's nowhere near a real three inch lift. The rear bar would do that on it's own.
Kevin
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- A/T
subalex
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- Location
- Bathurst NSW
- Car Year
- MY09
- Car Model
- SH XT Forester Premium
- Transmission
- 4EAT with 4.44 ratios, VTD swap and rear auto locker
Just a quick thought on those springs...
I've got 2" lifted Tough Dog gear all around and I'm really happy with them so far, yes, they're on the firm side of things but when loaded up (ie. 4 kids + me + tents, luggage, food etc for a long weekend) it handles perfectly. That said, mine also has 30mm spacers in the rear especially for these sorts of trips. I don't need any more suspension travel upwards by having longer springs (the inside edge of the tyres scrub on the chassis already).
If I wanted more flexy springs, though, I'd probably go with some Lovells springs. I've noticed so many of the really good offroad setups have Lovells springs with some Koni shocks. You can get them with just about any spring rate you want, I think. Tough Dog has a good range. Some others only have a few based on lift but not on load carrying duties like you need.
I've got 2" lifted Tough Dog gear all around and I'm really happy with them so far, yes, they're on the firm side of things but when loaded up (ie. 4 kids + me + tents, luggage, food etc for a long weekend) it handles perfectly. That said, mine also has 30mm spacers in the rear especially for these sorts of trips. I don't need any more suspension travel upwards by having longer springs (the inside edge of the tyres scrub on the chassis already).
If I wanted more flexy springs, though, I'd probably go with some Lovells springs. I've noticed so many of the really good offroad setups have Lovells springs with some Koni shocks. You can get them with just about any spring rate you want, I think. Tough Dog has a good range. Some others only have a few based on lift but not on load carrying duties like you need.
silver
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- Tathra, Far South Coast, NSW
- Car Year
- 2005
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- Forester
- Transmission
- Manual
Could be a good thread to post this. Just got back from looking at cars as i have been doing for a while. As i have said the Subie has to go before i emabark on my 'round Oz trip. Anyway i came across this....
2004 GQ Patrol cab/chassis.
75,000klms
4.2 Turbo diesel
Bullbar
Winch
2x spotties
Snorkuss
Reversing Camera
Brake Controller
HD coils
Sheep skin covers
Side Steps
Under tray tool boxes
Tray mat
Dual Batteries
Electric windows
Full alarm/immobiliser system
2 x 12v Aux plugs
Anderson Plug/rear
12v plug rear
DVD player/radio
Electric areial
Steel drop side tray
Mats
Full service history
Log books
Bucket seats
Bonnet protector
Coils all round.
I have written this 'as supplied' and assume some of this would have been Std anyway.
Drive away.... $39,600.
They are only offering $14,000 for my car and that's not on.
Seems they can be rather thirsty @ around 16ltrs per 100klms. That has to come into consideration i guess.
Anyway...anyone got some thoughts on the above??
2004 GQ Patrol cab/chassis.
75,000klms
4.2 Turbo diesel
Bullbar
Winch
2x spotties
Snorkuss
Reversing Camera
Brake Controller
HD coils
Sheep skin covers
Side Steps
Under tray tool boxes
Tray mat
Dual Batteries
Electric windows
Full alarm/immobiliser system
2 x 12v Aux plugs
Anderson Plug/rear
12v plug rear
DVD player/radio
Electric areial
Steel drop side tray
Mats
Full service history
Log books
Bucket seats
Bonnet protector
Coils all round.
I have written this 'as supplied' and assume some of this would have been Std anyway.
Drive away.... $39,600.
They are only offering $14,000 for my car and that's not on.
Seems they can be rather thirsty @ around 16ltrs per 100klms. That has to come into consideration i guess.
Anyway...anyone got some thoughts on the above??
subalex
Forum Member
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- 166
- Location
- Bathurst NSW
- Car Year
- MY09
- Car Model
- SH XT Forester Premium
- Transmission
- 4EAT with 4.44 ratios, VTD swap and rear auto locker
Yeah... I have some thoughts on that..... WHAT A RIPOFF!!
Ok, for a start it a GU (not GQ... they changed over in late 1997) but regardless of that sure it's a great engine, reliable and highly sought after compared to ANY 3 litre ones however, for nearly $40k that's a massive amount compared to the stat's. Could it be a typo? If not, forget it, move on to another one. Utes tend to go for more than a wagon simply because there are fewer of them and they quite simply are the best 4WD ute. However, without some more mod's included, ie. camper back or lockers or lifted suspension or HD suspension or any major engine improvements you're simply better of spending a huuuge amount less for a GQ ute... it's the same car with a different body on top! If you're going around Oz then a GQ will do it just as well and leave you with a whole lot more dosh to spend on something else. Putting this perspective... a good GQ ute (ALL with the 4.2 diesel engine) with a heap of touring mod's should only cost you about $12-20k tops. That leaves you with $20k at least to spend on replacing, improving... camper-backing the ute as you please with all new gear.
Just my thoughts.
Ok, for a start it a GU (not GQ... they changed over in late 1997) but regardless of that sure it's a great engine, reliable and highly sought after compared to ANY 3 litre ones however, for nearly $40k that's a massive amount compared to the stat's. Could it be a typo? If not, forget it, move on to another one. Utes tend to go for more than a wagon simply because there are fewer of them and they quite simply are the best 4WD ute. However, without some more mod's included, ie. camper back or lockers or lifted suspension or HD suspension or any major engine improvements you're simply better of spending a huuuge amount less for a GQ ute... it's the same car with a different body on top! If you're going around Oz then a GQ will do it just as well and leave you with a whole lot more dosh to spend on something else. Putting this perspective... a good GQ ute (ALL with the 4.2 diesel engine) with a heap of touring mod's should only cost you about $12-20k tops. That leaves you with $20k at least to spend on replacing, improving... camper-backing the ute as you please with all new gear.
Just my thoughts.
Kevin
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- A/T
"leave you with a whole lot less dosh" - Alex got his more or lesses mixed up more or less. ;-) fixed
Yep, what a rip off. Nice low k's, but thats still alot. I know mine is a wagon, but i paid 30k for mine with a hell of a lot more stuff on it.
As subalex said, if you can sacrifice looks/comfort get a GQ wagon or ute, fully loaded and ready to tour for ~15k.
Or better still, there is a lot of ex-testra GU utes being sold at the moment with about 100k on the clock and nice lock up backs on them for 28k.
As subalex said, if you can sacrifice looks/comfort get a GQ wagon or ute, fully loaded and ready to tour for ~15k.
Or better still, there is a lot of ex-testra GU utes being sold at the moment with about 100k on the clock and nice lock up backs on them for 28k.
Finally got it dirty, went down a hill which is normally a little challenge in the dry, but went down in the wet, with both lockers on i could just get to the top of the hill, but not over a couple of tree roots at the top. After a few tries, i decided to winch out, turns out the winch didnt work!!
As a last attempt i tried the more difficult and dangerous line and ended up crossed up across the hill with a wheel in the air and had to call someone to come winch me out. Worst thing, CANT BELIEVE I FORGOT THE CAMERA! Any good muddies would have driven up the hill, but the Coopers suck real bad.
Moral of the story, make sure the winch works before you go.
Couple of pics of it afterwards, not real dirty as didnt hit up any bog holes.
Then the next weekend, just went up Double Is camping for a few nights. Sand wasn't very soft which was a bit disappointing, only put it in 4WD twice the whole weekend. Even backed over a dune and dug the rear wheels down to get it bogged and it still drove out.
As a last attempt i tried the more difficult and dangerous line and ended up crossed up across the hill with a wheel in the air and had to call someone to come winch me out. Worst thing, CANT BELIEVE I FORGOT THE CAMERA! Any good muddies would have driven up the hill, but the Coopers suck real bad.
Moral of the story, make sure the winch works before you go.
Couple of pics of it afterwards, not real dirty as didnt hit up any bog holes.
Then the next weekend, just went up Double Is camping for a few nights. Sand wasn't very soft which was a bit disappointing, only put it in 4WD twice the whole weekend. Even backed over a dune and dug the rear wheels down to get it bogged and it still drove out.
Thought i would update this with the stuff i have done since ive had it.
Fitted a exhaust temperature guage
Fitted a front mount intercooler, making all the pipes myself
Had the rear tinted 5% to keep the fridge cool
Roof racks and shovel holder
Got some rocksliders made
And a new set of 6 BFG Muddies on offset steel rims
Fitted a exhaust temperature guage
Fitted a front mount intercooler, making all the pipes myself
Had the rear tinted 5% to keep the fridge cool
Roof racks and shovel holder
Got some rocksliders made
And a new set of 6 BFG Muddies on offset steel rims
JohnA
Forum Member
Hi 2jz
That puppy surely is the duck's nuts. Great shots of the sand climb. Well done.
That puppy surely is the duck's nuts. Great shots of the sand climb. Well done.
carljwnc
Emeritus Forum Staff
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- Fairview, North Carolina USA
- Car Year
- 2016
- Car Model
- Forester Touring
- Transmission
- CVT
Getting quite beastly looking!!!
I like it.:ebiggrin:
I like it.:ebiggrin:Cheers guys.
With the twin lockers and the decent rubber its starting to be quite a capable 4wd. Still miss the forester though, nothing like having plenty of power through the tracks or out of the beach. Its a shame they are so easily damaged or id still have one.
With the twin lockers and the decent rubber its starting to be quite a capable 4wd. Still miss the forester though, nothing like having plenty of power through the tracks or out of the beach. Its a shame they are so easily damaged or id still have one.
Though i might update this. Since been up Cape York, and 4x4ing a fair bit. Done a heap more mods to it too. Plus ill add a couple of 4x4ing vids, one of Camp Rd at Landcruiser Park and one of Little Red at Glasshouse Mountains.
A little bit of cut and paste coming up sorry.
Going up Cape York on the 24th June so been prepping this thing up a bit. So far i have:
-resealed the whole snorkel and airbox
-got two new batteries - a big starter and a 100ah deep cycle
-changed all the fluids
-put new diff breathers on
-fitted a bonnet protector
-a rear recovery hitch (going with two cruisers towing trailers)
-a huge 165L storage box bolted through the false floor instead of second row seats
-new stereo that takes usb so i can have music over corrogations
-and currently fixing my rear air leaker.
Few pics
Bonnet protector
Breathers
Storage box
Stereo
Hitch
And fixing air locker. Started out thinking i would just have to put a seal kit through it as they wear out, but turned out the piston that pushes the locking gear is made out of plastic and had smashed. Only the best Mr ARB.
Currently waiting on them finding me a new piston.
A little bit of cut and paste coming up sorry.
Going up Cape York on the 24th June so been prepping this thing up a bit. So far i have:
-resealed the whole snorkel and airbox
-got two new batteries - a big starter and a 100ah deep cycle
-changed all the fluids
-put new diff breathers on
-fitted a bonnet protector
-a rear recovery hitch (going with two cruisers towing trailers)
-a huge 165L storage box bolted through the false floor instead of second row seats
-new stereo that takes usb so i can have music over corrogations
-and currently fixing my rear air leaker.
Few pics
Bonnet protector
Breathers
Storage box
Stereo
Hitch
And fixing air locker. Started out thinking i would just have to put a seal kit through it as they wear out, but turned out the piston that pushes the locking gear is made out of plastic and had smashed. Only the best Mr ARB.
Currently waiting on them finding me a new piston.
Finally got my new piston from ARB on Tuesday and put the rear end all back together. Took my sway bar and shock off today so i could drive up a ledge to pull my spring out to sort an airbag problem. The difference in movement from the rear is huge with no sway bar, tucks the wheel with very little pressure. Only problem is the front doesn't move at all so the car didn't feel nearly as stable as normal. Think i'll get some heavier springs for the rear, and then try taking it off again after that.
Looks impressive when there is no shock holding it back
And some pics of it all packed and ready to go up Cape York in 5 days. Should be a heap of fun.
Looks impressive when there is no shock holding it back
And some pics of it all packed and ready to go up Cape York in 5 days. Should be a heap of fun.
The old telegraph track was a whole lot easier than i hoped it would be after it gets talked up so much, but was a whole heap of fun and great camping spots. Heres a few pics just of the OTT, wont bore you with the entire trip. Went up through Atherton tablelands, Mareeba, Lakeland, did the OTT, spent two days over the Jardine (which is heaps if you don't plan on fishing) then back home through Lakefield Nat Park, Cooktown, Bloomfield track, Daintree, Cairns etc.
Entrance
Palm Creek - i was the only one that made it out while we were there. I pulled three people through, and about 5 turned around.
Entrance
Palm Creek - i was the only one that made it out while we were there. I pulled three people through, and about 5 turned around.
Giving me the finger for pulling the Toyota out.
North Alice Creek
The original Gunshot. Would need a lot of work with shovels to be drivable again. There was about a metre of soft mud at the bottom. I couldnt believe how vertical it was.
I drove the awkward line of the chicken track to see if it would be possible to get the trailers around the tree. No chance, so we had to drive them straight in and try and manouvre them around.
Tight turns aren't easy with an extended wheelbase and long drawbar trailer
North Alice Creek
The original Gunshot. Would need a lot of work with shovels to be drivable again. There was about a metre of soft mud at the bottom. I couldnt believe how vertical it was.
I drove the awkward line of the chicken track to see if it would be possible to get the trailers around the tree. No chance, so we had to drive them straight in and try and manouvre them around.
Tight turns aren't easy with an extended wheelbase and long drawbar trailer
Sam Creek, with a kid marking out where the rock shelf is in the middle
What happens when you don't walk it first. 80 series diffed out of the rock shelf, took pleasure in pulling them out after the footwell began filling with water.
I think this is Canal Creek, can't remember
Some other creek
Unnamed swamp before Nolans Brook. Just as deep, but firmer bottom.
Nolans Brook. When we turned up a Hilux? had been swamped and pulled out and a Ranger was on the other side with half its engine pulled down so we joined two snatch straps together and got pulled through. Figured it was the safest way. In hindsight i prob could of driven it if i waited for the sandy base to settle for an hour.
Swamped ute
Motorbike crossing
Ready to cross
Ive got videos of all the creek crossings, but couldn't be bothered putting them all together into a movie yet.
What happens when you don't walk it first. 80 series diffed out of the rock shelf, took pleasure in pulling them out after the footwell began filling with water.
I think this is Canal Creek, can't remember
Some other creek
Unnamed swamp before Nolans Brook. Just as deep, but firmer bottom.
Nolans Brook. When we turned up a Hilux? had been swamped and pulled out and a Ranger was on the other side with half its engine pulled down so we joined two snatch straps together and got pulled through. Figured it was the safest way. In hindsight i prob could of driven it if i waited for the sandy base to settle for an hour.
Swamped ute
Motorbike crossing
Ready to cross
Ive got videos of all the creek crossings, but couldn't be bothered putting them all together into a movie yet.