[Biggish]

Hi Wessel,

Those folk who tell you that you cannot combine aftermarket coil springs with standard shock are either:
- lying
- ignorant
- stupid
- greedy
- any combination of the above

By the way, the open and closed shock lengths of the standard shocks is the same as OME/IronMan/etc (Get the specs and see for yourself). In other words they all have the same stroke and therefore CANNOT increase your articulation.

In fact, in the real world stiffer coil springs can actually reduce your effective wheel travel because the stiffer spring rate will compress less for any given situation thereby reducing the upward (compression) movement of the wheel.

If I was spending my money on suspension again I would do the coil springs (your choice to go with a local spring manufacturer or an import) and combine them with the VERY DECENT standard shocks from the agents. By the way the standard shocks are made by a company called KYB who are a very reputable manufacturer.

My 2c worth...

Cheers
Bruce

[Wessel]

I agree Bruce (saw the specs on length in previous threads). Almost managed to convice Autoquip about this today.

Just another question (I currently have Monroe's and not sure about their condition or when they were fitted). Does the bigger diameter with OME / Ironman shocks make a significnt difference ? Apart from length are there other factors to keep in mind with for instance standard Mitsu shocks - one of the dealers metioned something about matching the coil and shock in terms of bound and rebound (if I remember correctly..)

[HBannink]

I run on OME so I will not comment on the make of system to be fitted but will add that it is better to stick to components of the same brand. Shocks are designed to match the travel and bounce frequency of the same spring, that is why it is referred to as a system. There are a few knowledgeable folks that have the expertise and knowledge to mix and match but in general they do not work in fitment centers.

Upgrading your suspension is an expensive exercise but what price can you put on the safety of your family

[Wessel]

True Henk, haven't really thought about it in that way.. Started off with OME in my mind, tried to think through all options. Looks like I'm going full circle and back to OME (reliability, customer satisfaction, ride quality, probably resale value, snob value and ibackup from reputable fitment centres).

Anyone still have anything else I should keep in mind ?

[JDV]

my 2 cents worth:
with shocks the main difference is between oil and gas where gas act faster and do not get as hot as oil
the difference between the gas shocks is in the valve setup

therefore: if the price is close i will definately go for gas; like OME Ironman EFS etc
I am in the process looking at upgrading the shocks and the EFS that Safari sells has a more advanced valve setup than the standard OME at not to big a price diference; my choice so far

[Wessel]

JDV, just e-mailed Safari centre to get quote /specs / opinion on the EFS system. Also requested similar quote from Gomad 4x4.

Anyone have any experience with EFS ? With Gomad ?

[JDV]

Hi Wessel,
EFS is apparently bigger and longer than OME in Australia

[Wessel]

Still waiting for quotes on EFS. Read up a bit and sounds like another good option. Like the 3yr 100000km warranty on shock and coils.

Just out of interest sake, does anyone know the open and closed lengths (or where to find out such details) for the EFS shocks ? Still hoping to find a shock which will offer a little more wheel travel due to longer length.

[JDV]

Voor Skokbreker

Part nommer 38 – 5624
Oop lengte – 473 mm
Toe lengte – 340 mm

Agter skokbreker

Part nommer 36 – 5582S
Oop lengte – 580 mm
Toe lengte – 358 mm

[JDV]

Hi Wessel,

Do you have the open/close lenghs of the standard shock please?