Carrying extra weight

[800Days]

I'm currently just trying to suss out my options for stiffening up my rear end. I've had a good browse on the forum but not found much info regarding the subject, so apologies if I've missed the thread.

We are planning a pretty hefty trip and will have a full load (2 people, Roof top tent, spares, hilift jack, 2x spare wheels, camping, cooking, 80L water and 200L+ fuel).

The previous owner has had a body and suspension lift done by LAsupertrux, but when fully loaded the back end sags between 2-3 inches...The ride is comfortable.

Would helper airbags do the job at levelling out the backend (when loaded) or should I go for stiffer/longer springs? Or both?

I've had a mooch around http://www.air-lift.co.uk and this system would also allow the ride to be levelled left/right too to allow for uneven extra weight.

Has anyone on here installed and tested this kind of system over a long period of time?

What other options are there and has anyone fully loaded their Surf for expedition trips?

Thanks in advance.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Fit some rear springs from a Landcruiser J80 series, they'll keep your rear end lift, be strong enough to carry more weight than you'll need, but don't sag.

I have those springs on my 2nd gen for the past seven years, they are firm, but not as spine shattering as the blue, heavy duty ones from Milners. I've have up to 20 high density breeze blocks in the back with a few bags of cement and the truck still looked level from the outside.

[KERRSURF]

What he ^ said, I have them on my surf and she lugs loads without sagging, even with the trailer on.

[tintin]

Mine has heavy duty rear springs (soon to be replaced with LCs) and i regularly carry loads of heavy tools and equiptment and have had
150 bricks
6 bags of cement
10 bags of sand
and some coping stones



No sag!

[Maverick]

I've got the LA rear springs, and they do seem to sag easily


(she wasn't overloaded)
But when the weight is off they resume normal height.

I've had over 500kg of flooring in the boot without problem (excluding the sag). I was going to look into the air assistors, but then she stopped being my daily driver, and then she stopped being my holiday vehicle. So now she's used for manouvering the trailer (front push bar is excellent for getting into and out of tight spaces), playing on The Plains, and when I want to drive her. So the mods have stopped!

[TonyN]

consider something like this......

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...con/4135T.html

I have fitted two set in the past, and Jotto had some on his old truck too.

They are the ideal answer because unloaded you let the pressure down and don't have any stiffness, but loaded you can level/stiffen the rear to suit any size load.

You can do a budget version without the compressor and use a footpump (or garage airline) to set them before a trip, or you can get an onboard compressor to alter them from the cockpit on the move. (as well as having it for other uses like tyre pressures and air tools)

[Sir Plug]

We use Polyair's in NZ. Similar to those that Tony has above. Work great with loads.

Click here