Loadhog blades to back suspension?
- TJL
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- Real Name: Theuns
Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Hi All,
I know the best option on suspension is the total upgrade, but up until such time I can afford it - what is your opinion on the addition of the loadhog blades?? see pic attached. My hilux definitely need some support at the back (was evident last weekend when I loaded the back and hooked up the caravan). Is it worthwile and safe to do this? saw the ad in the 4x4 magazine and then visited the website. Don't have a clue what it cost yet however, seems it's made by same guys as OME.
I know the best option on suspension is the total upgrade, but up until such time I can afford it - what is your opinion on the addition of the loadhog blades?? see pic attached. My hilux definitely need some support at the back (was evident last weekend when I loaded the back and hooked up the caravan). Is it worthwile and safe to do this? saw the ad in the 4x4 magazine and then visited the website. Don't have a clue what it cost yet however, seems it's made by same guys as OME.
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Theuns,
Personally I do not like those extra helper blades as they tend to load the "stress" factors only on two points and that is where the extra spring bolts to the standard springs. It will cause in my opinion a leafspring to break at some stage. Also those springs limit youe wheel travel & articulation very much, which will in turn make your SFA struggle off road as the suspension cannot articulate.
Your caravan's nose weight should not exceed 75kg. So depending on the load that you loaded in the back I'm wondering if your caravan's nose was not to heavily loaded???
Also the STD suspension is able to handle loads and tow, however the tail have to hang a bit when towing as too firm suspension will cause for an unstable towing rig.
I have towed many things behind my SFA and never felt the need for firmer rear suspension.
Personally I do not like those extra helper blades as they tend to load the "stress" factors only on two points and that is where the extra spring bolts to the standard springs. It will cause in my opinion a leafspring to break at some stage. Also those springs limit youe wheel travel & articulation very much, which will in turn make your SFA struggle off road as the suspension cannot articulate.
Your caravan's nose weight should not exceed 75kg. So depending on the load that you loaded in the back I'm wondering if your caravan's nose was not to heavily loaded???
Also the STD suspension is able to handle loads and tow, however the tail have to hang a bit when towing as too firm suspension will cause for an unstable towing rig.
I have towed many things behind my SFA and never felt the need for firmer rear suspension.
Johan Marais
- TJL
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Thanks Johan, I must add that the vehicle did not handle bad at all! and the load in the back was probably more the culprit than the caravan (which was evenly loaded), I am also sceptical that's why I wanted some opinions.
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Theuns,
What did the load consist of that was in the back of the Hilux????
Maybe you should load up everything and take your rig to a weigh bridge and see how you can shift/ change things to make it more evenly loaded in the back. Also I have found that I personally cart to many things around that I don't need, not saying this is the case.
Upgraded suspension will be better but I would personally recommend OME/IRONMAN/MIKEM or TJM for a SFA Hilux.
It is not worthwhile to have the springs retentioned or rerolled as it doesn't last that long. Mine lasted 4 months before I started to save for OME.
What did the load consist of that was in the back of the Hilux????
Maybe you should load up everything and take your rig to a weigh bridge and see how you can shift/ change things to make it more evenly loaded in the back. Also I have found that I personally cart to many things around that I don't need, not saying this is the case.
Upgraded suspension will be better but I would personally recommend OME/IRONMAN/MIKEM or TJM for a SFA Hilux.
It is not worthwhile to have the springs retentioned or rerolled as it doesn't last that long. Mine lasted 4 months before I started to save for OME.
Johan Marais
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
I also don't like them for much of the reasons that Johan has already mentioned. There are guys that use them specifically for towing on road trips (not off-road) after which they are removed. This I suppose is OK, but is the cost justifiable? I think not.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
The cost is not to bad, last year they were around R1000.00 from a chap here in Jhb.
But......yes I decided against it....the day I went to the blade fitment center I enquired about them and the sales guy told me they break and break the leafs....
...so I thought it was a bit one sided as he wanted to sell me blades...anyway that is why I was there. 10 Mins later a delivery van pulls in SC Nissan....well I would not have believed it myself if someone told me. Broken leafs......so waar....... :!:
Due to Loadhog.....
But......yes I decided against it....the day I went to the blade fitment center I enquired about them and the sales guy told me they break and break the leafs....
...so I thought it was a bit one sided as he wanted to sell me blades...anyway that is why I was there. 10 Mins later a delivery van pulls in SC Nissan....well I would not have believed it myself if someone told me. Broken leafs......so waar....... :!:
Due to Loadhog.....
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
OOOOMS wrote:The cost is not to bad, last year they were around R1000.00 from a chap here in Jhb.
But......yes I decided against it....the day I went to the blade fitment center I enquired about them and the sales guy told me they break and break the leafs....
...so I thought it was a bit one sided as he wanted to sell me blades...anyway that is why I was there. 10 Mins later a delivery van pulls in SC Nissan....well I would not have believed it myself if someone told me. Broken leafs......so waar....... :!:
Due to Loadhog.....
Dis dan n DATSUN
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
bosjakkals wrote:OOOOMS wrote:The cost is not to bad, last year they were around R1000.00 from a chap here in Jhb.
But......yes I decided against it....the day I went to the blade fitment center I enquired about them and the sales guy told me they break and break the leafs....
...so I thought it was a bit one sided as he wanted to sell me blades...anyway that is why I was there. 10 Mins later a delivery van pulls in SC Nissan....well I would not have believed it myself if someone told me. Broken leafs......so waar....... :!:
Due to Loadhog.....
Dis dan n DATSUN
...DUSTBIN....
- TJL
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Thanks all for the feedback, saving for OME seems the better option - and loading less for now!
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Way to go!
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
-
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
add some temporary coil springs.
look at your rear axle, the bump stop and bump stop pad on the frame.
you can slide the coil spring over the frame mounted stop pad and secure it there with a strap or cable type clamp.
the other end fits over the bump stop on the axle.
you can put these in when you are hauling heavy loads and take them out when you are not.
but do secure them. at least a cable style bike lock or something so that if they do come out they will not endanger anyone on the roads.
if you do not have a lift, stock front jeep springs are a good place to start.
cut them down if you need to.
look at your rear axle, the bump stop and bump stop pad on the frame.
you can slide the coil spring over the frame mounted stop pad and secure it there with a strap or cable type clamp.
the other end fits over the bump stop on the axle.
you can put these in when you are hauling heavy loads and take them out when you are not.
but do secure them. at least a cable style bike lock or something so that if they do come out they will not endanger anyone on the roads.
if you do not have a lift, stock front jeep springs are a good place to start.
cut them down if you need to.
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
This is a good suggestion, Mark, or you can also go for air-helpers, a bit more expensive but they can be set to suit the load you are carrying.missouriman wrote:add some temporary coil springs.
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
I have them fitted and must say they work when the van is heavily loaded or when towing the trailer. Must say have not done a trail since it’s been fitted.Mud Dog wrote: There are guys that use them specifically for towing on road trips (not off-road) after which they are removed. This I suppose is OK, but is the cost justifiable? I think not.
There is no sagging even with towing the trailer. But this is a personal thing.
The load hogs also a cheat suspension lift and can be easily removed.
- TJL
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Thanks again guys, some good suggestions here, any idea on the cost of "air shocks"?
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
you will break your shock mounts off if you try to use them for load carry.TJL wrote:Thanks again guys, some good suggestions here, any idea on the cost of "air shocks"?
Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Air shocks like Air-Spring-Supply (Firestone) for a SFA fitted are approx. R5k for rear. Excellent imho for carrying loadTJL wrote:Thanks again guys, some good suggestions here, any idea on the cost of "air shocks"?
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
The principle IMO opinion is a very good one .... the added air pressure into the shocks relieves some of the weight off the leaf packs and assists with trim ... air, even when under pressure in a system like this, compresses further quite smoothly, so the additional 'hardness' of the shocks comes without the jarring that is associated with harder hydraulic shocks. The hydraulic component of the air shock is assisted, improving efficiency under load, ..... and they are adjustable from inside the cab, a definite plus.
My only concern however would be as Missouriman mentioned is the ability of the shock mounts to withstand the extra stresses that they were not designed for. I'm quite sure that they can take a lot more hammering than standard shocks can deliver, but how much more. You might find that there is no problem, but what if it let's you down along the road. It might be an idea to get the air shock suppliers' opinion and look at possibilities of strengthening the mounts.
The other possible downside may be the cost ... supply and fitment with the possible beefing up of the mounts initially, along with the maintenance replacement thereafter. It's my understanding that the rubber boots / seals for the air ram component of the shock are susceptible to damage and wear, requiring replacement before the life expectancy of the hydraulic component. There is also maintenance of the compressor unit and air lines to consider. Then there's the cost of total shock replacement when they've seen better days, which would be considerably more than standard units.
All things being considered, I still think that they are a viable option with real benefits.
My only concern however would be as Missouriman mentioned is the ability of the shock mounts to withstand the extra stresses that they were not designed for. I'm quite sure that they can take a lot more hammering than standard shocks can deliver, but how much more. You might find that there is no problem, but what if it let's you down along the road. It might be an idea to get the air shock suppliers' opinion and look at possibilities of strengthening the mounts.
The other possible downside may be the cost ... supply and fitment with the possible beefing up of the mounts initially, along with the maintenance replacement thereafter. It's my understanding that the rubber boots / seals for the air ram component of the shock are susceptible to damage and wear, requiring replacement before the life expectancy of the hydraulic component. There is also maintenance of the compressor unit and air lines to consider. Then there's the cost of total shock replacement when they've seen better days, which would be considerably more than standard units.
All things being considered, I still think that they are a viable option with real benefits.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
I just need to state that the pic referred to in this thread is an LHX TWIN BLADE STABILISERTJL wrote:Hi All,
I know the best option on suspension is the total upgrade, but up until such time I can afford it - what is your opinion on the addition of the loadhog blades?? see pic attached. My hilux definitely need some support at the back (was evident last weekend when I loaded the back and hooked up the caravan). Is it worthwile and safe to do this? saw the ad in the 4x4 magazine and then visited the website. Don't have a clue what it cost yet however, seems it's made by same guys as OME.Attachments
http://www.loadhog.co.za/LHX%20-%20intro.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and this is the Load Hog Helper Springs
http://www.loadhog.co.za/intro.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I have the load hog helper springs fitted not he lhx twin blade stabeliser (as in the pic)
- TJL
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Thanks for the info - and the correction - sorry - my fault!
Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
Happened to be at SQuick outlet yesterday and saw a set of 'SuperSprings' with a pamphlet, does seem to be OK and the pamphlet reverse says 'approved by TSA'
Here are their deails:
http://www.supersprings.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here are their deails:
http://www.supersprings.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Loadhog blades to back suspension?
the coil springs that I mentioned are usually free...
try it and if you don't like them.. easy to pull them back out.
just make sure they are secured to the frame in case they were to get displaced.
try it and if you don't like them.. easy to pull them back out.
just make sure they are secured to the frame in case they were to get displaced.