[paw_by_paw]

Hi Guys,
Just wondering?
What is the better option here - a stiffer coil or air suspension.
I read all the comments about the air spring thing but will the effect of stiffer coils be?
I mean now on the ride quality as well as tyre life and suspension parts?
Your views will be appreciated
Regards

[CATS]

Hi Guys,
Just wondering?
What is the better option here - a stiffer coil or air suspension.
I read all the comments about the air spring thing but will the effect of stiffer coils be?
I mean now on the ride quality as well as tyre life and suspension parts?
Your views will be appreciated
Regards

Stiffer coils will give stiffer ride when empty where the air suspension can be adjusted to the weight carried. air helper suspension will however not lift the vehicle where longer coils will.

[Bennie]

I have got a 97 LWB Paj 3.5 and I had total rear-end sagging whith trailer in tow. I spoke to the guys at LA Sport in George and asked him if I must go air helpers or new stiffer coils. He advised me to go the new coils way from TJM, but then I asked him the one million dollar question, WILL THE REAR-END SAGGING BE GONE? His answer.................don't know and if not we add the air helpers. Well I went the air helpers way only and I can really say that my handling on tar/gravel is much better regarding body roll. I have'nt hooked my Venter Botswana with rooftop tent + awning and sidewalls yet after installation, but so for mucchhh better.

Bennie

[Dave]

Morning Cats
I had air springs in my 2005 Pajero, but still suffered from broken shocks on two occassions on severely bad roads - in the Serengeti and on the road to Mana pools. I then went the coil route and put in medium Old Man Emu. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go offroad again, but I'm sure this would have sorted out my shock problem. However, the "unloaded" ride around town became markedly uncomfortable!
Dave

[paw_by_paw]

Hi- now you guys are starting to confuse me even more.
Stiffer coils harder ride and more bumpier but more or better load capacity.
Air suspension- very expensive and will probably also increse ride discomfort.
Will better shocks maybe do the trick. Meaning thicker shocks like OME or Ironman or the likes?
Or am I being stupid here?

[tonton]

Hi- now you guys are starting to confuse me even more.
Stiffer coils harder ride and more bumpier but more or better load capacity.
Air suspension- very expensive and will probably also increse ride discomfort.
Will better shocks maybe do the trick. Meaning thicker shocks like OME or Ironman or the likes?
Or am I being stupid here?

Chris,

The coils carry the weight, while the shocks only absorbs shocks. Stiffer coils can carry more weight, and better quality shocks improve on- and off road performance (and don't easily "pop" in extreme conditions).

Airbags in your coilspring ("air suspension") aids the coil in carrying its load, but the same time limits the movement of the spring (therefore wheel articulation - arguable). The air bags can be pumped up or pressure can be released, giving you a harder or softer ride according to need, and increase or decrease releasing some of the limitation on spring movement. Good coils, such as those supplied in the OME kit, is great off-road, and the accompanying shocks are excellent, but the coils give you a permanent hard(er) ride.

So, good shocks are essential, but the coils / air suspension determines the ride height and wheel travel.

Anton

[paw_by_paw]

Thanks Anton ,
Now another stupid question or more technically.
Is there different type of coils available standard product I mean that will give you the option to choose between soft. medium or hard ? Or does the 3.5 LWB only come with one type.
If these options are available could someone direct me to such a place where I can get these from apart from these aftermarket guys like OME and so on.
Anyone in JHB maybe?
Regards

[paw_by_paw]

After reading all the comments here I think the best option for me the change the whole system to OME or likewise.
I only use the Paj. mainly for Off Road excursions and SWAMBO uses it every now and then when she feels she is lus for some high riding in town
Thanks for all the replies

[cloyd]

Hi there, I suggest that you read KENNEKAM letter and the returns on his letter.

Cloyd.

[paw_by_paw]

My origanal questioning actually started because I find that with my car loaded and with my off-road caravan hooked it seems to bumping through onto the bump stops at rear.
Maybe just air lifters will do for that.
Anyone maybe has experience with KYB shocks and lifetime connected to them.? At the time it was the only shocks I could find which was near to original.