Gen2 suspension upgrade advice

[Maxi]

Hi all.

I am considering ways to improve the suspension on a 96 2.5TDI rigged for snow and glacier driving. The suspension is currently stock with a 50mm rear body lift and massive cut out of the fenders for 38" tires.

What I am trying to achieve is a better grip in the snow wich basically translates to less bouncing.

My feeling is that I should be looking into getting high end shocks and struts, ,possibly adjustable, as I have no clue as to what would be the best choice.

The other components are the springs and torsion bars but it seems to make sense to me to start with the shocks.

I would appreciate any comments, I realize there may not be many snow/glacier drivers here but snow is not so much different than sand in many ways.

Also any pointers to specific brands and models of gear is appreciated.

Maxi

[Maxi]

After some research I have found info on RANCHO Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks that fit the Pajero Gen II. Anyone have experience with them?

Maxi

[rattle&thump]

After some research I have found info on RANCHO Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks that fit the Pajero Gen II. Anyone have experience with them?

Maxi

I used them on one of my genI's and broke both upper front mounts. The genII is a different setup though (uses a bolt through design, where the gen I uses a pin and single stem at the top) so it should be more robust. I have several friends using them on their Nissans, and have had good luck with them.

What does your rig currently have? I have found the factory adjustables work very well. But if they're worn out... Old Man Emu makes a nice kit, and even offers upgraded rear coils and heavier torsion bars.

One more thing - if you've cranked those front torsion bars, make sure you've cut down the two pairs of bumpstops on the upper control arms, or you will be bouncing like a pogo stick...

[Maxi]

Current setup is original shocks and struts non-adjustable.

The torsion bars are un-cranked. I have been told that cranking them will ruin the front suspension, making it too short, does cutting the bumpstops bring it back? then the limiting factor would be the sprung position of the wheels at full turn.

I used them on one of my genI's and broke both upper front mounts. The genII is a different setup though (uses a bolt through design, where the gen I uses a pin and single stem at the top) so it should be more robust. I have several friends using them on their Nissans, and have had good luck with them.

What does your rig currently have? I have found the factory adjustables work very well. But if they're worn out... Old Man Emu makes a nice kit, and even offers upgraded rear coils and heavier torsion bars.

One more thing - if you've cranked those front torsion bars, make sure you've cut down the two pairs of bumpstops on the upper control arms, or you will be bouncing like a pogo stick...

[rattle&thump]

It won't change the suspension too much, as long as you allow that extra room, so you're not sitting on the bumpstops. Also, don't crank too much, or even chopping down the bumpstops won't be enough.

I think you're going to need a very heavy duty shock to control wheel hop on a wheel/tire combo so heavy. Rancho 9k will probably work good on the high setting...