Coil Springs (specs v build)

[Clark Kent]

I weighed my car today. I didn't weigh each axle, just the whole car.

So my car weighs 7,660lbs when setup as my daily driver.
That is with me in the car and a full tank of gas.

I have full underbody protection (6mm aluminium), roof rack, 270 awning, drawer full of gear etc. I have the gp factor bull bar and hidden winch.

I updated my front springs to the red springs when I installed the winch upon recommendation from my dealer.

As it sits I think the car drives well. If I fill it up with camping great I this it starts to drive poorly with body sway etc.

What size/type springs should I consider? I'm using stock rear springs for a field master with lockers. Or should i consider airbags? Or airbags + new springs?

Id love for some collective wisdom! Thanks all!

Hmmmm, if I keep responding in this thread I'm gonna get accused of presenting myself as an authority on suspension. Which I'm not, but I can read and interpret stuff and I try to contribute where it might be useful.

If my math holds up 7660lb is approaching the 7716lb GVWR for NA delivered vehicles. Throw in a couple of Yeti Ramblers and you're in trouble. You could only fill one of them up. I know who wins...

Your vehicle is heavy. Plus, it sounds like a raised centre of gravity from the roof rack plus strapped on gear and the 270 awning are giving you some extra body roll.

If you want to avoid a lift kit then once again your only choice seems to be the black springs front and rear. It's not optimal though. There must be a non-lift HD option out there in another brand if aftermarket is acceptable. Anyone?

I would be looking at springs plus shocks, then load up and drive it. If sway is still an issue then Eibach have an upgraded sway bar kit. That's easy to add on later or just do it all in one shop visit.

For your camping gear trip weight a set of rear airbags would be a good option. Pump them up when you go camping to restore your unloaded ride height. Run them at 5-10psi as a daily drive and they will also help with body roll.

I'm gonna go quiet now...

 

[parb]

Interesting, this is the same conclusion I got to as well.
I'm happy with it as is. It drives well right now but adding in another 500lbs and I notice it.
I'm getting a quick disconnect for the awning so it goes on and off easier.

I like the idea of adding rear airbags. My buddy in Melbourne can get me the airbagman set and I'm in Melbourne in September and I can pick them up from him and bring them home with me. Exchange rate is very favorable...

would this be a candidate for the pro hd springs from eibach?
I'm not really excited about a lift but i would consider it.

 

[Clark Kent]

Interesting, this is the same conclusion I got to as well.
I'm happy with it as is. It drives well right now but adding in another 500lbs and I notice it.
I'm getting a quick disconnect for the awning so it goes on and off easier.

I like the idea of adding rear airbags. My buddy in Melbourne can get me the airbagman set and I'm in Melbourne in September and I can pick them up from him and bring them home with me. Exchange rate is very favorable...

would this be a candidate for the pro hd springs from eibach?
I'm not really excited about a lift but i would consider it.

Ok, I'm back...

If a lift is acceptable then an Eibach pro HD lift kit would work. I suggest the 1000lb kit.

Outside of Eibach there is good choice with Kings, et al. At some point the suspension guys will catch on and offer a precautionary CV upgrade with their suspension kit - if the Teraflex unit proves to be a good alternative - or some other developed solution TBD.

I'm a fan of airbags for trip loads. You can run comfortable springs on weekdays and carry a load of camping gear and hook up a camper on weekends and get the best of both worlds. My own hybrid camper leans hard on the tow hitch at 220kg (485lb) and it pushes the rear down by 40mm (~1.5"). Airbags are a perfect fix for me. That's happening soon.

CR5177HP - Air Suspension Helper Kit for Coil Springs - High Pressure

Airbag Man Suspension specialises in air suspension systems for various vehicles, improving ride comfort, stability, handling & overall performance. Suitable for cars, trucks, vans, 4WDs, trailers, caravans, camper trailers, boat trailers & used for towing, hauling, off-roading, & load leveling...

airbagman.com.au

 

[parb]

Ok, I'm back...

If a lift is acceptable then an Eibach pro HD lift kit would work. I suggest the 1000lb kit.

Outside of Eibach there is good choice with Kings, et al. At some point the suspension guys will catch on and offer a precautionary CV upgrade with their suspension kit - if the Teraflex unit proves to be a good alternative - or some other developed solution TBD.

I'm a fan of airbags for trip loads. You can run comfortable springs on weekdays and carry a load of camping gear and hook up a camper on weekends and get the best of both worlds. My own hybrid camper leans hard on the tow hitch at 220kg (485lb) and it pushes the rear down by 40mm (~1.5"). Airbags are a perfect fix for me. That's happening soon.

CR5177HP - Air Suspension Helper Kit for Coil Springs - High Pressure

Airbag Man Suspension specialises in air suspension systems for various vehicles, improving ride comfort, stability, handling & overall performance. Suitable for cars, trucks, vans, 4WDs, trailers, caravans, camper trailers, boat trailers & used for towing, hauling, off-roading, & load leveling...

airbagman.com.au

How much would the eibach pro hd 1,000lbs rating lift with my current weight? How much if I added another 600lbs weight to it? I can't figure out how to read those tables.

 

[Quartermaster]

That's a good question @Quartermaster.

I'd guess this was pulled out of a presentation file to show that someone has thought about matching springs to kerb weights based on customer configuration. It's a useful document but it's more education than engineering as a desktop guide for those who want to DIY and upgrade but avoid a lift. Many/most will end up at black springs and probably still need more weight capacity hence the Eibach Pro line.
An actual suspension shop wouldn't bother with this. They would select new springs based on actual or planned kerb weight then add the payload and the customer's intended use and match some suitable shocks to keep the springs under control.

I agree it's likely to be sprung weight given the greatest weight variation occurs above the suspension. There's a lesser difference in unsprung weight according to wheels, tyres, and +/- diff locks.

For axle unsprung weights, do you mean the weight of each axle with wheels fitted or the axle weight rating? For Australian delivered vehicles the front axle weight rating is 1667kg and the rear is 2150kg.

I meant the axle, wheels and partly the suspension (trail arms, Trackbar etc. and driveshaft as they only put about maybe 50% on the springs).
So, a 3 to grenadier only puts maybe 2,6 tons on his springs, rest is unsprung mass.

As i find the original springs too expensive ( EUR 350,- each here in germany) i ordered two eibach 1,2" for the rear only (EUR 90,- each). We will see ....