New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

[maskot_au Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close maskot_au]

G'Day All

looking for some advice please - I pick up the new GXL 150 next week and I'm keen to do an upgrade to improve handling. Primarily the rig is just a Toorak tractor with the ocassional towing job (8 x 6 trailer or PWC), I do black top 99% of the time running between outer S/E suburbs and Tullamarine airport most days, also see a bit of snow in the winter. The rig is a lease vehicle which I will likely turn over in about 3-4 years and I don't have pockets lined with gold for mods. I'm coming out of an SR5 Hilux ('07) so I don't expect race-car like handling but are looking for something better than a 2-tonne wet sponge.

So the question is - with value for money in mind, what are the best mods (suspension / tyres etc) to improve on road handling?

Let the opinions flow...

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Re: New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

We took delivery of a 150 GXL D4D late December, and have already done almost 3,000 km driving since, (including some unplanned mud driving at the Woodford Folk Festival, and some shallow unplanned water crossings in the floods) and personally I am not going to rush to swap out the factory suspension straight away...its not that bad, honestly. I guess I think why waste money? I intend to try the factory suspension out towing the boat and camper trailer once the tow bar goes on next week, and see how that goes, but I am going to get some wear out of the original suspension first, and then do some more homework on suspension.....but to get the right suspension, I am told its good to know what tyres, what loads (internal, roof, tow bar), what weight you are towing and what down force is on the tow bar, the weight of the bull bar, and what sort of driving you are most likely to do....etc....these things are going to influence the best choice for suspension, as you might need a lift, air bags etc. etc.

But thats just me....any thoughts/comments?

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

I pick up the new GXL 150 next week and I'm keen to do an upgrade to improve handling. Primarily the rig is just a Toorak tractor with the ocassional towing job (8 x 6 trailer or PWC), I do black top 99% of the time running between outer S/E suburbs and Tullamarine airport most days

You could consider more comfortable seats :shock: ...not sure suspension changes or tyres will have much effect with this type of use.

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Re: New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

From my experience so far, the seats are fine. Once again, I don't think I would rush to change the seats?...honestly, they are ok for me. But then again, I haven't driven a Mercedes or a BMW....my first car was a Hillman Minx, then a Ford Escort, then a Holden gemini..then a Camry....then a Mitsubishi Starwagon.....then a Holden Astra......oh the luxury of the Prado.. :lol: If you want a bit more comfort maybe try some air bag compatible sheep skin covers, but really, they seem fine to me, but I don't have a great background of having experienced comfortable car seats do I..?

[Brenton Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Brenton]

Re: New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

We have just traded a 90 with winchbar, OME springs & shocks. From the first ride home I was dissapointed, the vehicle shuddered at every manhole & rode like a truck, I will replace shocks on the new one after 25k thats all the standards last but will not be looking at winchbars & HD springs. just MHO

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Re: New 150 GXL Arrives Next Week - Which Handling Upgrade?

Hi

My opinion for your usage I would look at airbags for the rear at around $500.00 fitted, they make a good difference for towing loads and actually stiffen the rear end, you will need to experiment with pressures.

Otherwise any further mod should include new shocks and springs and you are then looking at around $1500.00 for a reputable solution such as OME (Old Man Emu), Bilstein etc, don't go for heavy springs though select a mid range setting, this will make a significant difference. Personally as I have a lot of mods and do heavy off road and lots of touring I have OME and Firestone airbags and am very happy with the result.

Unfortunately there isn't an easy and cheap option.

Regards, Richo