Shocks

[Doctor V]

It seems the OME's on my SFA might be "moertoe". Well, maybe. I bought the vehicle with them installed but have an idea they are older than 3 years. So my question is:
1) Can OME's be serviced?
2) If the are moertoe, what Gabriel Safari's can I replace them with. I've heard people installing the longer Land Cruiser Safari's for the front?
3) Who in the Durbanville/Bellville/Brackenfell area has the proper know-how for this if replacement is my only option?

[SYRON CONVERSIONS]

Depending on what use this vehicle was used, what terrain and if it was driven much off-road these factors will determine if in fact your shocks are worn out.

What makes you think your shocks are worn out?
How did you test them?

Depending on the type of shock that you have fitted, yes they may be OME I dought they can be serviced, and if shocks are serviced, what garantee will you be given?

Yes I have also fitted the longer Landcruiser shocks to the front and rear of my Hilux as well, they are also OME. They perform very well for my application and have not given me any problems.

To do with the agent in your area, I am not sure, maybe have a look in The SA 4X4 Mag, they might have an advert in there. :)

[pietpetoors]

Hi Docter V
I have also heard that they fit the Cruiser shocks to front and rear. Fitting the shocks is extremely easy. You loosen two nuts, pull the shock from the stud, put in the new one, put back the nuts.
If I were you I would rather phone the spare shops and compare prices. Buy them at a spare shop and if you do not want to fit them yourself take it to almost any workshop to have it fitted. There really is just about nothing they can do wrong.

When I bought my Safaris the price between Vredenburg and Saldanha Midas differed by R80 per shock.

[Zantus]

The OME shocks on my disco are 9 years old and they still seem fine.....or maybe they are shot, and I just don't know it :?
Anyway, normal OME shocks cannot be serviced or rebuilt, there are very few shocks that can be rebuilt....and you usually pay quite a premium for that ability. The OME LTR shocks can be rebuilt as far as I know, but they cost about R3000 each

[Doctor V]

Well, let's say I rock the bakkie all by my lonesome self. So if I load the missus and the dogs in back I get seasick before I start driving

[d4d]

I Promised to post the Shock codes on the forum as I have the longer Gabriel Safari's I fitted
3 weeks ago.
kyk die spasie....

[george]

Hi Doc.
it sounds more like your leaf springs are shot.

[Family_Dog]

I was also wondering about the springs... Doc, do you know if you have the standard Hilux springs (unlikely, methinks) or some other after-market springs?

-F_D

[SYRON CONVERSIONS]

How many spring blades are the on each spring pack, take some pic's of the spring packs and post them here for us to see.

[Harold]

When are your shocks shot? A deterioration in road holding is an indication of tired shocks. Unfortunately this develops slowly and grows on one so it has to become pretty bad before you notice. The vehicle should sit solidly on the road and not dance around, especially on a road with an uneven surface. Take a ride in someone else’s vehicle and compare the difference. On a dirt road the vehicle should sit well around a corrugated turn and not feel difficult to control.

My policy is to replace my shocks when I replace my tyres, about 80000 plus km.

I have one vehicle fitted with ‘Ironman’ and the other with Gabriel ‘Kubu’ and I prefer the Kubu shocks

[BenHur]

I have one vehicle fitted with ‘Ironman’ and the other with Gabriel ‘Kubu’ and I prefer the Kubu shocks

Harold

Why do you say that. I have been contemplating replacing the front shocks on my Pajero and have been pondering about which shock to use. Well my decision is not between IRONMAN and Kubu but rather between Kubu and Safari. If I compare Safaris @ < R 300 to Kubu @ > R800 I am not sure if it is worth my while paying > R500 per shock extra. But since this is my Platkar comfort and luxury driving is of more concern. For the Hilux which is my trail vehicle the choice is obviously going to be Safari.

The IRONMAN shocks you have, are they the Nitro Gas or the Foam Cell type?

[Harold]

The ironman are gass filled - I think the Kubu are as well.
Believe me - putting these shocks in is not a walk in the park. They are under pressure and compressing them is not easy, especially the Kubu shocks. You have to compress them and secure with strong string. I did it in such a way that I could gradually release them and be quick to slide in the securing nut.

[BenHur]

Why do you prefer the Kubus over the Ironman. Is both fitted to SFA Hiluxes?

[Niel]

Hi

Fitted Kubu's for R2050 a month ago (for 4) and to date no problems and a comfortable ride.

[BenHur]

Where did you buy them?

[chizz]

Hi
I fitted Gabriel safari Cruiser x4 on my 1989 model afterI had the leaf springs reset and works like a dream. Got some hight back aswell
chris

[Niel]

Where did you buy them?

Hi Bennie

See:
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=299

Pls remember it is in CT. But that is a small obstacle.
Can't Riceburner(Darryl) help?

If you can provide me with more detail on the Pajero I will call them for you tomorrow.
Let me know.

[BenHur]

Hi

Its a 2003 Pajero 3.5GLS Auto LWB. I asked some of the Nissan guys and they recommend Monroes again :? :?

[Doctor V]

To be honest I reckon it might be the blades and shocks. I'll just go and count them front and back and let you know. The is definitely different than other vehicles, but this is my first SFA. Previously had a Lada and Discovery 1. Also regularly drove a Mazda Drifter.

[Doctor V]

OK pack in front has 5 blades and at the rear 6.

[Family_Dog]

Sometimes I should read the whole post thread as well as signatures, and then I wouldn't ask such dumb questions as previously. I never noticed the "OME" part, or forgot about it.

Do you have a winch mounted? When I had the OME's mounted, I had 6 leaves, front & rear. The bakkie rode as if it had no suspension at all, very harsh. As I do not (yet!) have a winch up front, I removed one of the blades (number 3) and although I lost about 15mm in height, ride comfort was definitely improved.

What have the OME guys at Megaworld have to say about this? Seems to me the suspension should last a bit longer, maybe you just need that one extra blade, it does make a huge difference.

-F_D

[Doctor V]

No winch in the front, but one big mother of a bullbar in front..! The bakkie sits level rear and front, and has quite bit of lift. Ons thing I can say is that the ride is incredibly soft - no kidney killers. Maybe I need that extra blade...???? Only professionals I know around here for that is Saaymans Spring Works

[Niel]

Hi Bennie

Ek het met 2 fitment centres gesels oor die kubu's en beide het gese hulle het geen listing vir jou pajero nie jammer. Hulle se glo net die handelaars sal glo he.

[pietpetoors]

Only professionals I know around here for that is Saaymans Spring Works

Ask George about MIKEM suspension. Perhaps they can add only one balde, I know George was very happy with their service.
See viewtopic.php?t=88