Suspension

[Paarlsig]

I need advice please. I own a 2005 Hilux D4D (4X2) Manual. It has still the 15" rims, but is the new shape. I drive a lot on dirt roads, and for apparently no reason the rear will break away every now and then, specially on a corrogated bend. This happens at speeds of 60 km/h and higher.

I am told to fit either an OME or Camil suspension.

The advice I am seeking is:
1.) Will the OME or Camil suspension improve the stability on dirt raods significantly and
2.) will the ride be "softer"

I would appreciate your advice.

Thank you.

[Aquanaut]

Does it do it with a load on the back, if not, then it indicates that the vehicles is too light in the bin area. I f it still does it with a load on the back, then you need to sort out your suspension.

[Mud Dog]

I think you need to have a look at the suspension all the same ..... no matter what suspension you have, any bakkie will give a better ride at the back if you're carrying a load. You're not going to be carrying a load every time you're on a gravel road and being a stability issue, it's also a safety issue. Hard tyres, hard shocks and hard springs all contribute to your problem. The tyre issue is an easy one to rectify by finding a suitable pressure (lowered) that allows the tyre to absorb some of the shock before it even reaches the suspension, but not too low to result in side-wall damage. Changing the shocks if necessary starts to cost a few bucks and can become quite a pricey exercise when it comes to the performance brands / models, but one can still get away with doing only the rear. It would of course be better to do the front as well. With the springs it becomes more costly and here you should be looking at front and back at the same time .... like an all round upgrade. I can't vouch for Camil, but OME will definitely give you a softer and more stable ride, loaded or not.

[Paarlsig]

Thank you Aquanaut and Mud Dog.

The Hilux does the "unexpected" break away primarily when unloaded, but to a lesser extent it still happens even when loaded. I have lowered the tyre pressure from the recommended 2.5 bar to 2.0 bar and even sometimes 1.8 bar, and it does makes a difference, in ride comfort, but unfurtunately the break away still happens.

Is it correct that OME suspesion is available in a "hard"; "medium" and "soft" ride?

Thank you.

[Mud Dog]

Kind of, yes. What it involves is more or less blades in the leaf pack and different shocks. Just go for the standard setup with the Nitro-Charger shocks (not Nitro-Charger Sport). You can always add an extra blade if the ride is too low with a load, but I doubt that will be necessary.

[Paarlsig]

Thank you for the info and explanation, Mud Dog.

[Ou Poot]

I opted for the Camel conversion some 3 years ago which settled the break away tendency on bad gravel roads totally, even unloaded. I sold my Hi -Lux(2008) in June of last year to a friend at 150000km whom is still very happy with this suspension upgrade.

[Paarlsig]

Ou Poot, Thank you. Did the Camil suspension also improve the ride quality (Softer)?

[Padmaker]

Adriaan, how many km has your current shock done?

[Fred79]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqq_VbUyBc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

nice video oor OME

[Paarlsig]

Padmaker, I have just done 110 000 km with the originak shocks and suspension.
Would suggest a test of the shocks?
Thank you

[Mud Dog]

Padmaker, I have just done 110 000 km with the originak shocks and suspension.
Would suggest a test of the shocks?
Thank you

Not necessary .... they'll be shot! If you're doing gravel roads regularly you should have changed them at about 60 000 km's already!

[Paarlsig]

Och, Thank you Mud Dog it is going for the 110 000 km service on Thursday and will have the shocks tested, but it seems a good idea to replace it now with an OME system.

Can anybody recommend a reliable supplier and fitter of the OME system in and around Potchefstroom?

Thank you all for the advice.

[Family_Dog]

Adriaan, 4x4 Megaworld Klerkies is about your closest choice. Also maybe Hans (Witmamba, member here), in Vanderbijl, not sure how far VDB is from Poitjiestroom, though.


-F_D

[Paarlsig]

Thank you, FD I will contact both. Vanderbijlpark is not more than 60 km's away.

[BenRich]

If you can afford it go for the OME by all means.....

However I fitted the full Camil system on my LUX (2009) and am very happy up till now. Ride is much better and on dirt roads much more stable. And at about 60-65% of the price of of OME. In my opinion well worth it.

Local is lekka..