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Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:20 pm
by HenriSteyn
About a year ago I lifted my Paj by about 65 mm to deal with these trails the members arrange. This was a lift kit of 45 mm and larger tyres for 65 to 70 profile.

Standard the Paj just did not clear the grade 4 obstacles often found on trails.

The lift made a huge difference. But I now sit with another problem which quite frankly is downright frightening.

When motoring on the highway at 120 mph and there are undulations in the road which are left and right but not at the same point, the Paj starts doing a roly poly movement which creates quite a few white knuckle moments, depending on how bad the road is.

I have not noticed it while towing. But here on the N2 between George and Knysna the road seems bad, or is bad. I noticed a tanker also rolling from side to side on one section.

Only way I counter this is to ride more to the centre of the road, but its not lekker.

Anyone else that has lifted their vehicles noticed this?

I do accept the dynamics of road behaviour on a modified vehicle to change, but never expected it to be this bad.

Cheers

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Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:42 pm
by david bfreesani
Stiffen up or upgrade your sway-bar. Heavier duty shocks may help as well. Any lift of your COG will cause what you are experiencing. I did a 150mm suspension lift and went up 4" bigger wheels and have the same issue. But now I also don't bother doing more than 100km/h clock speed which is around 115 GPS. You will have to adjust your speed and driving style to your vehicles dynamics.

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Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:53 pm
by grips
Before you do anything first check suspension bushes rod ends, shocks and wheel alignment.

45mm is not a huge lift and the vehicle should handle normally.

Once had a similar experience with a Nissan Hardbody and the culprit were a worn idler arm.

Have done 50mm lifts in the past with no ill effects on habdling

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Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:10 pm
by Mike-PS
That’s why I’m not a fan of spacers - I know the coils are more expensive but makes sense to me Henri


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Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:14 pm
by Mike-PS
Plus you need to way it up - overlanding or rock crawling I know it’s a Paj but you have to compromise at some point


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Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:41 pm
by AndreasR
Has this been from the moment you did the lift or has it just come to light now. If only noticed now it would seem you have wear and tear as Grips suggested.

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 6:43 pm
by Mad Manny
Usually this is not a problem as guys fit upgraded suspension.
When I lifted Fearless it was actually MORE stable because despite the40mm lift I had gone from standard shocks & coils to Bilstein shocks & heavier coils (Progressive at rear).

So...
1. what is the answer to Andreas question ?
2. Did you upgrade the shocks & coils with the lift.
3. When last (in years & mileage) did you fit the upgraded suspension.

If the lift was just a spacer lift - you are a chop...

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:12 pm
by HenriSteyn
Thanks for the responses guys.

Paj is 5 years old and 110 000 km on so I doubt wear and tear, but worth investigating.

I noticed this shortly after the mod but only on one particular section of road near where I stay, this being a very short section where the on ramp joins the freeway. I thus did not bother anymore.

This is obviously aggravated here on this section of road, which is much longer, literally 100km intermittent. This makes it much more noticeable.

I specifically did not go for aftermarket suspension because it is always way stiffer to take extra loads experienced with overlander vehicles that are loaded to the max for their trips. I only tow, and the rear drops 50mm hitched up.

Spacing is common height increase practice on Paj's and other vehicles. Shocks may be an issue in my case and I will check these out.

If this is not, I may experiment with removing the spacers and keep the larger tyres, see what happens.

In the meantime speed will have to come down to 110 on this section of road. Damn ANC.

Cheers

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:12 pm
by Ricof4e
120mph. :o

Bliksem.

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:29 pm
by Mad Manny
5 years 110000km - you are due for new suspension.
When you get back go see Daryl at Mikem Suspension Solutions in City and Suburban.
He'll sort you out...

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:31 pm
by KurtG
I think it’s just Henri suffering with vertigo. Go see a doctor and slow down to at least 70mph

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 10:12 pm
by HenriSteyn
120 mph is fun guys!

Or are you all just sissies?

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 12:30 pm
by BushWacker
Henry … I had similar symptoms some years ago
and found the pinion arm to steering-rack
castellated nut was a little loose …
:roll: :roll: :roll:

Roly Poly

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:14 pm
by Flipside
Henri I have a similar age and km Paj with OMEmu susp. Also 45mm but standard wheel size.
I have loaded it heavy both inside this last weekend and even more on top to Barberton. And I had no such behavior. As Grips says, check for wear, and possibly shocks that are tired

Re: Roly Poly

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:36 pm
by HenriSteyn
Thanks Flip.

Driving that piece of N2 again today I was more at ease, and realised that this piece of road is bad.

A FJ was travelling in front of me and also had noticable roll.

But looks like a shock absorber change is on the cards for sure.

Cheers