In Search Of The Ultimate
Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2024 12:27 pm
On a recent trip returning from Tuli I developed the dreaded death wobble. This set me on a course to set up my Patrol to be in the best condition and the best drive possible.
Consulted far and wide. Took it to a number of specialists for diagnosis. Once this was all done a route forward was planned.
First was new tyres. The previous set was badly worn with serious scallops probably caused by worn suspension components. Went for Maxxis as they are probably as good/bad as any other tyre. Stayed the same size 265/75/17 because I’m not really a trail guy and staying as close to stock does not affect gearing etc.
Next was replacing all rubber bushes in the suspension, front and back. Then new tie rod ends and drag-link. Had bearings checked, all good.
The Patrol was back to normal. No death wobble.
And then I totally lost my mind.
Decided that in my never ending quest for the best possible “ride” I would toy with the idea of fitting new shocks. Did a lot of investigation, had discussions with many people, considered options over and over again, and finally deciding to avoid the “I should have” syndrome chose to install 2.5 DSC Fox shocks.
The Patrol now rides like a luxury vehicle.On the highway it just rides all the bumps and potholes, is as stable as hell, it just feels so much more assured and comfortable. Makes it just so much easier to drive long distance.
I have not had too much of an opportunity to do long term tests on dirt/gravel or sand yet. I have done some testing on gravel roads, fiddling with shock settings, and am very impressed so far how the adjustment of the shocks affect road holding and comfort. I am leaving on an Eastern Cape trip on Sunday where I will be doing a weeks worth of off-road driving around Hogsback and Morgan’s Bay so will be able to play around with the shock settings a bit more and see how it rides on the rough stuff over longer distances. I’m pretty sure I will not be disappointed.
I use the Patrol almost exclusively for overlanding and travel long distances frequently. I made the decision that this is definitely the vehicle for me to do these trips, so have been on this quest to get it into the best shape possible to tackle most of what is thrown in its path. I think that finally I am there. It has been a long road of sometimes trial and error but I do believe I have got there.
One final thing I would like to do is change my roof top tent. At present I have the Bundutop, which is an extremely comfortable and time saving setup but I would like to free up some roof rack space for occasional storage of wood (I hate carrying wood in the car) and a Jerry can or two of fuel when needed. The search has begun but that is for another time though.
Consulted far and wide. Took it to a number of specialists for diagnosis. Once this was all done a route forward was planned.
First was new tyres. The previous set was badly worn with serious scallops probably caused by worn suspension components. Went for Maxxis as they are probably as good/bad as any other tyre. Stayed the same size 265/75/17 because I’m not really a trail guy and staying as close to stock does not affect gearing etc.
Next was replacing all rubber bushes in the suspension, front and back. Then new tie rod ends and drag-link. Had bearings checked, all good.
The Patrol was back to normal. No death wobble.
And then I totally lost my mind.
Decided that in my never ending quest for the best possible “ride” I would toy with the idea of fitting new shocks. Did a lot of investigation, had discussions with many people, considered options over and over again, and finally deciding to avoid the “I should have” syndrome chose to install 2.5 DSC Fox shocks.
The Patrol now rides like a luxury vehicle.On the highway it just rides all the bumps and potholes, is as stable as hell, it just feels so much more assured and comfortable. Makes it just so much easier to drive long distance.
I have not had too much of an opportunity to do long term tests on dirt/gravel or sand yet. I have done some testing on gravel roads, fiddling with shock settings, and am very impressed so far how the adjustment of the shocks affect road holding and comfort. I am leaving on an Eastern Cape trip on Sunday where I will be doing a weeks worth of off-road driving around Hogsback and Morgan’s Bay so will be able to play around with the shock settings a bit more and see how it rides on the rough stuff over longer distances. I’m pretty sure I will not be disappointed.
I use the Patrol almost exclusively for overlanding and travel long distances frequently. I made the decision that this is definitely the vehicle for me to do these trips, so have been on this quest to get it into the best shape possible to tackle most of what is thrown in its path. I think that finally I am there. It has been a long road of sometimes trial and error but I do believe I have got there.
One final thing I would like to do is change my roof top tent. At present I have the Bundutop, which is an extremely comfortable and time saving setup but I would like to free up some roof rack space for occasional storage of wood (I hate carrying wood in the car) and a Jerry can or two of fuel when needed. The search has begun but that is for another time though.
