New suspension in the GU! GU Patrol suspension install how-to

[@jamieturnbull3814]

Nice work. Keeping it simple for the back yarder. Thank you.

[@TheSkskitey]

Good backyard job Alex . The most memorable part was "YOU COULD END UP WITH A FACE LIKE A DROPPED PIE" . LOL :-)

[@OutbackTrekkingGeorgeLeov]

Great video mate. You have bosted my confidence to do my own suspension upgrade and that's comming from a guy who's old man is a mechanic!

[@TheJanope13]

hey alex, i've pulled out my springs and shocks in my own GU a fair few times trying to dial in my springs. The method i've found works best for me after a few times was that you jack it up form the diff, wheels off and jack stands on the chassis. Remove the bolt holding in the brake bias bracket(for the rear), brake lines distributer, diff breather, sway bars and undo the shock. Then you just let the diff down and the springs fall right out! First time i had a go i did the method you showed here and i had about 4 different pieces of timber to get it high enough to pull the spring out, and still had to use spring compressors and was sketched the hell out because of how unstable it is. never again am i gonna bother with those spring compressors ahha. With my method i could pull the front and rear springs out in under an hour. It works with my arcan alloy trolley jacks (costco) which aren't exactly the heighest lifting jack. Also found it way more accurate to measure lift by going by bump stop distance. In stock form front should be 50mm (or80mm if the bulbous rubber part has broken off) and rear is 90mm. also helps to find out how much your old gear has sagged Anyway too late now, and you got it in without a problem anyway but thought i'de share my method incase you need to change your springs up and want to give it a crack. ATM i've got some dobos c45-104 and c45 115vt (also a gq spring with a top and bottom).

[@Alex.G]

That's an awesome method I like that! Looks like I'll have to drop the front springs out to replace the broken bump stop which was pointed out in the comments 😄 so I'll give that method a crack!

[@markwightman4447]

Thanks for the video Alex. Followed this method for new shocks and springs and worked a dream. Only pain was positioning the spring compressors for the front. Took a few goes to get right on the first one. Like you I'll get the castor correction done by a workshop but wanted to do the shocks and springs myself for my own satisfaction.

[@jimbo4838]

Keen to hear what the ride is like

[@fifis101]

I'm an every day diyer but don't do much car stuff. Looking forward to give this a crack myself. Thank you for this great vid!

[@Billyblack1234]

"I'm gonna completely flip my shit....." 😂 Thanks for the video Alex very informative and funny. Thumbs up before even watching the whole thing, your content is always tops, been waiting for this one a while. After watching this I might just spend a few extra hundred and let the shop fit my lift. Cheers mate.

[@rotwang77]

Btw If you remove the rear left radius arm bolt the axle will flex enough for the spring to be removed without compressors

[@fabiantewhau2378]

Love the work mate I used rackchet straps to stop my springs from stretching 👍

[@Alex.G]

I've seen Jake do that once with a set of springs. The comment section would have slaughtered me if I'd used that technique. I'm still waiting to get slaughtered here over the trolley jack and block of wood 😬 haha all good though

[@andrewlambourne1688]

Great vid - thanks for this! Inspired me to get the bits and do it all myself. New springs and shocks all round and airbags in the back. Will do the caravan tow brilliantly without any weight distribution bars now. Managed to do it all without flipping a spring compressor into my face., which I'm pleased about as well. Did find it easier to remove and replace the bump stops on the front springs. Very happy with how it's worked out

[@andrewlambourne1688]

oh - and the coil tower braces in the back got installed. And the front shocks were a pain with their spinning - I had a use a stillson pipe wrench on them in the end to stop them spinning.

[@angrypirateadventures4633]

Cheers for doing this mate. Gave me the motivation to do mine. Just on a side note when doing the rear shockies. Put the new one in and tighten the top bolt while the spring is out. Heaps easier to tighten with the spring out the way.

[@nivuz]

I found it quite easy to get the rear shocks in. first take of any stands and the jack. then after fixing the upper side, tilt the inner metal piece inside the rubber bushing on the lower end using a rod that fits inside (I took the extension of my ratchet) and pull the shock on to the bolt using a ratchet strap. 🤙🏼

[@RicksWorld91]

Fantastic video. To make it a tad easier if doing this again, jack up the car by the diff a little. put your compressors on, drop it and then jack up the car - you don't need to go as high then.

[@raybulmer5707]

Fabulous video. Brilliantly presented. Now for my rear leaf springs .....mate!!

[@slowboat6021]

50mm lift, piece of cake I just turn the dial on the console. gotta love air suspension.

[@roadtrain5910]

on what????

[@MrFanOFRacing]

I run the same setup, with koni 88s and springs just abit more weight either end. the progressives in the rear are great, get a good ride and decent capacity when towing. Some extended swaybar links will help with onroad handling and offroad flex. cheap way to do this is commodore links in the front and patrolapart swaybar extended mounts in the rear, I have patrolaparts adjustable 2-3 ones. Also your rear brake bias bracket should be spaced up 2 inches. Easier to just undo the lower rear shock nuts then pull the springs out to get to the top nuts.

[@willparlour76]

Awesome thanks for the info! I just did the suspension on me old 95 surf. I had better go check my left and right on the springs and that i have'nt done the shockes too tight? Had to order some new bolts for the new torsion bars as the old ones we're so bad. Thanks for all the back yard stuff. I'm learning heaps 👍

[@wombatgaming2647]

Cheers for the video bloke, gave me enough confidence to whack a 3 inch lift in last night 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@PoiZenHD]

What 3” kit did you go with and how is it?

[@thebundybear5557]

Just one for the noobs that oldmate forgot to mention. If your putting your spring compressors on before you jack it up, make sure you have left enough thread on the compressor to get the spring out once its on the ground. Otherwise it'll fly to bits if it's still under compression. So like me, ive got a 4" lift going back to 3". If you put your compressors on at ground height your going to have more travel in the spring than you'll have thread left on the compressor. I'd jack it up to max height, then let it down just enough to get your compressor on, then lift it again. Make sure you have a full thread on at the release point, if that makes sense. I'd also lube up the threads on your compressors with some anti-seize or something, it'll make life a bit easier. Also as a side note, anti-seize EVERYTHING your replacing unless loctite is required, you'll thank yourself a few yrs down the track if you have to go there again. PS: If you dont take a heap of bark off, kick the cat and yell at the missus, something has probably gone wrong!!! :)

[@maingey1]

great video mate, very practical approach and a few good laughs, love your work!

[@jamesbrittan4246]

Doing lift in a solid axle gu u need adjustable panhards to bring the axles back to center otherwise all your rear trailing arm bushes will be bound up and wear out very quick. You need castor correction bushes in the radius arms along with adjustable rear trailing arms to set pinion angle correct which will make getting that shock on easy along with the fact that if you don't, the bump stop plate on the diff will scrape the shock body. makes it drive loads better, you also need extended sway bar links to bring them back to proper position

[@Phil_McAvity]

Fully sick video cuzzie aye 🤙🏾

[@robbiemackay1023]

like your style mate. keep up the good work

[@Ripply774]

Look forward to your review video, having had them in for some time now, I would really like to hear your thoughts on how the combo you selected is going! Cheers from NZ

[@KRAKEN1]

Awesome video mate!

[@DonsShed]

Love the Backyard Mechanic Series :) Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)

[@murphtahoe1]

Looks great and a clean install. How did the new suspension feel? Lucky you didn’t have to have a full lose your shit moment! We have all been there. Thank god for the ever needed cold beer when working on a car!

[@aceleeman6789]

Hey mate great vid

[@cem19771]

I liked it so much I tapped the thumbs up button twice!

[@adromegonagames1016]

So no need to take any arms or penhard rod out? I tried to do my front ones on a 4 post hoist and I think I failed because the hoist jacks didn’t go high enough, couldn’t use spring compressors because the ones I had were too bulky, so I really need spring compressors?

[@Alex.G]

If you're just doing a 2 inch spring you shouldn't need to take anything else off. However if you've got no weight resting on the wheels, unbolting some of those components will help

[@MrBundybear88]

Great tutorial but always put grease or lube on the spring compressor threads

[@victorsimone5445]

Nicely done mate, keep them videos coming👌

[@Nick-sd7um]

For a 2 inch lift that looks more like 4 inch. I'm keen to see how you go with the koni 88's as they are on my bucket list too. The 90s just seem like overkill.

[@Alex.G]

Thankfully it's settled very nicely now :) I'll have to take the measurements again and report back! That's what I thought with the 90's, seemed like a bit much

[@Nick-sd7um]

@@Alex.G at the end of the day I just think back to old blokes crossing the Simpson decades ago.. And if we're debating 88s v 90s we're missing the point..

[@alexcowling4202]

Thumbs up Watching this i now have a 2 inch lift too easy haha Lucky s4s are the same chassis just used it for a doner for a gq lwb happy days 🤠🤠

[@grantkerr2971]

Thanks for the effort you went to for the install vid, very keen on your ride quality report with the konis, I’m thinking of the same shock. I don’t know of any other brands that are a totally oil filled shock (no gas charging) like the koni raid product. Can’t wait for your feedback. 👍

[@Alex.G]

Cheers Grant :) the quick and dirty version of ride quality report is.....do it :) Might try and get a video out on them before xmas

[@grantkerr2971]

Sounds promising! 18 months ago I it was a toss up, Koni Raid 90 or ARB BP51’s on my GQ. I went with ARB and now regret that. I have a current hilux now (I know..I know don’t say it) and soon I will be making the upgrade from stock to something new and considering a Koni set up again. Totally different vehicle architecture etc but your opinion will give me an insight of this brand. Keep up the good work, look forward to future short/mid term impressions.

[@Jeff_MT09]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you. Regards, Jeff 👍😀

[@Alex.G]

Cheers Jeff 👍

[@cloaizap]

Love these vids! Thanks maaateeee!

[@maurokelvin162]

Couldn't see you putting the bushes on the rear shock...

[@Southern21076]

What lift is this kit anyways ?! Is it 2” ? Or 3”? !!! Plz inform haha

[@Alex.G]

2 inch

[@Southern21076]

@@Alex.G thanks ! Also due to it being edifices how long did this take ? In total. I’ve got a 2” pedders and I’m so excited to put it due to this video !

[@Alex.G]

I'd allow 4-6 hours done on the floor like this with basic tools. I pretty much just allow a day for everything these days 😄

[@Southern21076]

@@Alex.G grand ! Cheers for fast response , it seems pretty basic tbh just take your time !

[@gvansomeren]

Is your driver's side front bumpstop broken?

[@Alex.G]

Well shit so it is! Haha thanks for picking that up!

[@gvansomeren]

@@Alex.G no worries. Both of mine are the same and only just noticed it recently. Hence me picking it up on yours. Got to protect those new shocks!

[@handymandev03]

5:02 seen a few vehicles in my time do that, been in one too, felt sea sick 🤣

[@lhsgrobar]

I know you didn't compress them much...but holding the spring like you're doing at 7:31 is absolute lunacy. I've had those widowmakers crack on the body, I've had the springs strip. If that tool suffered a structural failure(which happens more often than you'd think), that left hand of yours would be little more than decoration. Step on it if you need to, press it down with the palm of your hand if you want to get rowdy, but NEVER wrap your fingers around the coils. I've had two of those tools break on me. It's not pleasant when it happens.

[@Remius106]

Great video. 'Watch out for the knuckles...!!' 'Nooooo....!!!,' I want to see the whole process...!!! Just for any tricks and tips...

[@OzSigns]

The only brands i would ever use, kings springs, koni and bilstein shocks.

[@jarrodk2832]

What about kings or superior engineering air shocks?

[@einfelder8262]

The only brand I would never use (again) King Saggers. They sagged on my Patrol, they sagged on my caravan, they're just gonna sag. EFS coils for the win. Konis not worth 4x the price of other great shocks, but they are very good.

[@angusyoung8275]

Hey mate great vid im looking at doing this to my gu question was it a 2 inch advertised and did you need to extend brake lines or anything else. Cheers

[@barefootexplorers1919]

How come no castor correction? Just bought my suspension kit. Came with castor correction kit. No idea how that goes in. Haha. I was confident after watching this vid until I got the kit.

[@Alex.G]

I thought I had mentioned it at some point in the video but I was to get a shop to do the castor at a later date which I did end up doing. I got correction bushes put in, cheaper but you really need a hoist and a HUGE press to do it :)

[@barefootexplorers1919]

Ah fair enough must of missed that. cheers mate. Will probs do the same.

[@ripper021_py]

Great vid, what tire size do you use?

[@Alex.G]

265/75 r16 is my go to. It's somewhere between a 31 and 32 inch in the old terms

[@ripper021_py]

@@Alex.G Hello brother, appreciate your reply, I didn't know you kinda retired from YT, I'm from Paraguay (very far away) so we have a similar landscape, climate, terrain even some customs like enjoying a cold beer with mates in our hot/humid weather, so I'm very fond of your channel just recently and it's so easy for me to relate. Also, I bought a Y61 (GU for you I learned) like a month ago, in some ways we are very much alike. My english isn't the best, but hope you now have a happier life now and I wish you the best. PS: We are fully metric over here, so those inches/feet/yank measurements.. not very fond of it :)

[@Mateo8402]

its always good to loosen the bushing bolts before starting the job, and them tighten them with the wheigt of the vehicle after the job, so the bushings stay on a "relaxed" position. Just like when you do a suspension rebuild and only thigten everything with the wheels on the ground.... not only that, but also you preserve the bushings from all the extreme positions that the suspension goes to when changing the springs..... panhards, all the rear links bushings, and the front bushings that goes on the chassis. (dont have to loossen the ones fixed on the front axel since it is a radius arm set up....) not very necessery in your case because it wa a small lift, but it helps to protect the bushings when changing the spring, and in a bigger lift its mandatory...

[@ShoeysAdventures]

Awesome Alex, keen to hear how the Koni's go for you. Yes, the adjustment is a pain in the ass, especially if you have IFS like my Prado 150 it's a full disassembly first on the front shocks which makes it a big job.

[@Alex.G]

Big job is an understatement, what a pain! Yeah I can't see myself wanting to tune them up too often

[@ShoeysAdventures]

@@Alex.G The advice I got was later in life when they get tired to give them a tune and then when they get tired again they can be fully rebuilt so it should be almost like new again. (Dad had a set in his old GQ and never needed to rebuild them, mine are 60K in and are still awesome)

[@ernestovargas5529]

Hello friends, I would like to know how long are the original shock absorbers of the patrol Y61? (99) (extended) and I would also like to know how long are those that you put new? Did you add more height than the original?

[@ifbm3694]

Good stuff, thanks man

[@zoezoe610]

Wheel alignment needed ? Great video.

[@einfelder8262]

Caster correction on the front is needed, will drive like a nervous cat with so little caster. May also need adjustable panhards and +10mm rear lower control arms. Will need adjustable drag link as the steering wheel will be off centre. Hopefully dude won't be tempted to remove and rotate steering wheel to compensate, like so many boguns will do.

[@zoezoe610]

@@einfelder8262 Thanks, enjoying the videos , keep them coming.

[@archenoatontour]

Thx for the very good video!

[@TheDailyGQ]

Awesome!!! We have the same shocks!:)

[@jacobh8648]

The back seems likes it’s better now

[@craigice9635]

yes, quite a more spritely compared to the Adelaide Show.

[@whitedogproductions6153]

Nice video man....

[@Humidor-zl3oe]

Had the Konis on one of my GQ Patrols but springs were Dobinson. Koni is an awesome shock if you dont want remote resi shocks.

[@jarrodk2832]

How was that setup?

[@Humidor-zl3oe]

@@jarrodk2832 Extremely reliable and adjustable dependent upon how you want it too ride.After researching on the Patrol forums and seeing how others had good success with this combo I pulled out the wallet and never looked back.

[@dingodazz3724]

Have had Konis (K88's) with flexi-coils on my GU for about 6 years now, no issues at all. I have also had them on road cars over the last 25 odd years too - you can't get much better.

[@stevenkilage4920]

Do you get death wobble and how to fix the bloody problem

[@Alex.G]

Not on this patrol but I did a video on the common causes with my old patrol, it'll be on this channel if you search it 👍

[@abazdarhon]

Nice movie keep rolling tape with that ones please very useful for us. Can you tell me please what kind of rims you have on your GU and will they fit GU 2007?

[@dannybatt1988]

Hey boys!! Will you be doing any vids on replacing injector seals, rocker cover gasket and glow plug seals in the near future??

[@Alex.G]

Perhaps a rocker cover gasket, but it won't be on the ZD30. We've got another motor with a bit of a leak there 🙂

[@dannybatt1988]

All good mate! I’ll definitely tune in. Love ya work with Backyard mechanics 🤙

[@johnxander6305]

What other aftermarket suspension parts are you running or looking to run with your lift kit?

[@Alex.G]

Well, she needs a new steering damper sometime. I've had a workshop put 2 degree castor bushes in cos bugger doing that myself. Gonna extend rear Swaybar links a bit too

[@Alex.G]

@@andrewcaldwell2275 pedders are always insanely overpriced! I purchased the castor bushes myself for maybe $150 and my missus is actually a mechanic and was at a 4wd workshop at the time so I had her do it for free 😄 I would expect 2 hours labour so maybe $220 to $250 for installation

[@Dags470]

Great video Alex, but I need to know if your 19mm ring spanner fitted the 17mm nuts. Lol

[@Alex.G]

😄 must have over looked that detail in post! I guess I made it take it haha

[@duke100ist]

Hey Alex, I'm just waiting delivery of the shox for my Patrol to follow your vid. I just bought 17 and 19mm combo flexhead ratchet spanners and that front shock seems more a like a 18mm to me. The 17mm too small, 19mm too big. I need to clean more crap off it but are you sure that's a 17mm nut?

[@Alex.G]

Honestly it differs from one shock absorber to the next so I wouldn't be surprised if it was a little different

[@jasonsampson916]

Drop tyre pressures would have given you better clearance from roof

[@bigfella6629]

Hey Alex, have you done a coolant change on the Patrol?

[@Alex.G]

Not yet. She's due for one though. Just gotta find the time to do it 🙂

[@ricardo3760]

Great video, is this procedure the same on GQ?

[@Alex.G]

It's a little different. Instead of the two pronged tool you'll have a massive nut like 54mm I think it is. That's held from moving by a plate which sits behind it with fold over tabs which you'll have to bend back with a chisel or punch

[@ricardo3760]

@@Alex.G Wait 54 mm nut and lockwasher ? Not quite Following here, do you think of the big 54 mm nut in the hubs?

[@jimbojones2457]

Great video Alex. Thanks for sharing mate. Any plans on fitting castor correction radius arms for the front? Or are you just gonna run with the springs and shocks? Cheers mate.

[@Alex.G]

I did indeed do that. 2 degree correction bushes 🙂 well.....I had a workshop do it, hence not covering it in the video

[@jimbojones2457]

@@Alex.G excellent mate. Good to see you did a proper job! Really enjoying your content mate keep up the great work!

[@petergregg7121]

For the life of me I can’t get the nuts off my front shocks.. I think I’ve said words no one has ever heard, any other tips?

[@justdowntheroad4218]

Thanks mate, awsome video but you are right I probably just let suspension guy do it :P

[@stephenshortt3665]

Hi Alex, thanks for this excellent video - after watching it I feel much more capible of doing my own Patrol. I want to ask - now that you have lived with the new suspension for 3 months, or so, I'm wondering whether you are happy with the choice of the spring rates? I'm looking to replace my original, bog standard, 18 year old suspension and from what I can see in the video, we have virtually identical vehicles from year of manufactute to added accessories. I had been tossing up between the King Spring HD rated & HHD rated. You went with the HD rated - do you still believe that was the better of the choices? Thanks, Stephen

[@Alex.G]

Mate the rear springs are spot on for my always loaded drawers and fridge constantly in the back, plus a little extra cargo. When I fully load it with food, water, chairs and swags i feel like it's a little too soft but I daily drive the thing so if I went heavier to get it perfect for trips it would be too harsh around town. The front springs could go with being a touch lighter duty but it's only just out of where I want it to be. I'm thinking about caving and going steel bullbar so if I do that I think it'll be good.

[@stephenshortt3665]

@@Alex.G Thanks Alex - I'll go with the HD rated springs then, as I'm intending to also fit PolyAir airbags to the rear at some point, to up the rate for towing. I appreciate the reply and info. Stephen

[@shayneandrew4405]

Thankyou

[@Brocks-Travels]

Hitting the thumbs down twice.... good tip ( dont tell anyone, but that will just take out the thumb down... :) ) I hit the thumbs up three times..

[@Alex.G]

Yeah it's my new favourite tip! Haven't measured if it actually makes a difference haha, but it's good to poke a little fun anyway

[@mattgollings2388]

wahoo cheers bud!

[@nivuz]

Thanx for the vid! How's your experience with the new suspension? How are comfort, articulation and toughness? Are you still using the softest setting on the shock absorbers?

[@Alex.G]

Yeah still on the softest setting. It's the best suspension setup I"ve had yet for sure. The front springs are perhaps a little bit firm, but it's not by much

[@milamber4636]

`Trade those junk spring compressors in for some good chassis stands and you would have nailed this in no time.

[@stuartkcalvin]

Nice piece mate. One should always hit the thumbs down button twice ;)

[@musicmanthatlikesoldandnew7324]

Holy shit if that happens when I put my lift in if it goes up 100 mil that’s like a 4 inch lift he’ll yeah

[@CHOPSZOOKER]

"I'm gonna completely flip my shit!" 🤣 Gotta love working on cars . Haha And love the give it 2 thumbs down to make sure!😉

[@landzender]

Alex. While you were down there you should have probably put in a set of rear coil tower braces. The Patrol's rear coil towers are a bit of a weak point on loaded vehicles. Mine were showing the first of the problem where the chassis was bulging a little where the towers are mounted. The ones I used were: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHWki2l8mcadY5Y www.boss4.com.au/images/pdfs/Patrol%20Chassis%20Brace.pdf I did this in my backyard garage and would have been a pretty easy add on while the springs were out. Here's another that I looked into at the time: www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-suspension/suspension-parts/superior-coil-tower-brace-nissan-patrol-gqgu-wagon-no-body-lift-10673 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWiaq6WVZ52LoNE

[@4wdadventureoz]

Awesome video, did you get a wheel alignment done after the install?

[@Alex.G]

Yeah and I had castor correction bushes put in by a shop as well, 2 degree. Steers pretty straight for a patrol!

[@4wdadventureoz]

Intents great job. I'm looking at the Kings 500kg springs for my Prado to try and harden up the rear end, concrete isn't working

[@ShoeysAdventures]

@@4wdadventureoz that's some serious springs! how fat is your Prado? have you considered airbags?

[@4wdadventureoz]

Shoey's Adventures currently have Ironman 300kg springs with Polyair Ultimates. I have bounce issues crossing cut up desert dunes, I think the rear bar with dual wheels doesn’t help. I am a travel writer and travel solo mostly so I do load up, so keeping under GVM is a challenge.

[@ShoeysAdventures]

Glenn Marshall I know that feeling about the GVM I had to upgrade mine, are you sure your shocks are sufficient?

[@jony507pty]

wuuhuuuu the first!!

[@maxnortheast7700]

Now time for a td42 swap 🤣

[@Alex.G]

One step at a time 😄

[@eliotreid4667]

"A face like a dropped pie".

[@Chris-hx3om]

Hey Alex, great video. I installed Koni shocks and Lovell springs on my 100 series (Landcruiser). A suspension upgrade makes a hell of a difference, ah... Liked you video so much I hit the thumbs up twice. 😂😂😂 If you want to see something very interesting... members.iinet.net.au/~achris60/Technical/Axle2020.htm

[@bjgtrev1970]

Much easier job with a non IFS suspension.

[@lemonprofit5147]

2 thumbs downs and 1 up!

[@christianward1411]

Wanna flip your shit...do it on a Landcruiser...and yes I own one...lot of swearing involved....in fact the instruction manual takes you step by step on what words to say!

[@Fortnite_edit10]

y8w

[@milamber4636]

You really should remove this video. You are telling people to work under a car that is only supported by a jack.. Having the wheels on doesn't mitigate the risk. There is a much easier and safer way to do this job.