As you probably know I have the current model Holden Colorado twin cab ute with canopy. It was suggested some time ago that when I start towing a bigger van to put an extra leaf in the rear suspension each side. This has now been suggested a few times so I have been doing a little research and have come across the "Sax Suspension Kit". It looks like it's just added to your current leaf springs on the rear side of the wheels. Doesn't look like a big job and to an expert probably about 30 mins per side.
Must make the car go faster too cos they are red.
Does anyone have this kit, know about them, cost and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Would some one like ARB have these.
patrolst said
07:48 PM Nov 16, 2014
Hi Doug
As you are going to be living in you're van full time and doing a lot of travelling, I would suggest you check with some suspension companies like Pedders or Lovells suspension and get a proper suspension upgrade, the item you are describing will put a lot of strain on the rear portion of the leaf spring. This method I used back in the late 60's and was not successful then.
If you go for the full upgrade I'm sure it will be money well spent and you will not regret it, it will also be the safer option.
Regards Jim.
bill12 said
07:59 PM Nov 16, 2014
I have a set of spring helpers called Ironman load plus on my courier 4wd ute and must say they are great. Perhap they have them for late mod colorados.I fitted mine, and as they were only $120 delivered, I think it might be worth a look. Bill
Jonathan said
08:38 PM Nov 16, 2014
Hi Doug ..
Since you last saw my tug, I've had Pedders fit a pair of Firestone airbags to the rear .. certainly made both van and tug travel quite level and much more comfortable ..
a bit dearer than you might want, but most effective .. and the "bags" are only running at 15 psi on my Dmax ..
When I get down to greens as I hope to, you can have a 'bo-peep' ..
Have used Firestone Bags before on the MH and they did just fine.
AirBag-man is a common supplier to many fitters .. I was only charged $100.00 to fit ..
-- Edited by Jonathan on Sunday 16th of November 2014 08:52:45 PM
ST391GQ said
11:04 PM Nov 16, 2014
Patrolst has good advice Doug.
Get your suspension needs assessed by an expert company...and get the whole truck set up properly M8....it is worth it in the long run believe me.
The system you are contemplating can be really bad for your rig...maybe. Havent heard anything about Colorados persay....but I do know (and have seen...) Tritons and Hilux chassis badly bent with the use of airbags and other type quick fit suspension add ons....so get the whole package sorted together.
Quite often you can get uprated springs etc that will do the job you want ...plus usually more compliant settings with more than exceptable better ride as well. Can cost a bit more ....but better for you and your truck in the long run hey. Am speaking from experience from a cuppla vehicles I have owned in the past....as well as my current ones.
HTH.
Cheers Keith
JackoFJR said
06:43 AM Nov 17, 2014
Yep Jim and Keith , have the best advice . I too have seen bent chassis on Hilux's, Navara's , Tritions even Patrols .
Dougwe said
08:26 AM Nov 17, 2014
Just a quick thanks to everyone.
I really do appreciate your input. Keep it coming though and I will have a good look through the answers later. Busy busy at the moment.
Brenda and Alan said
08:39 AM Nov 17, 2014
Doug Holden claim the payload on the Colorado is about 800-900 Kgs dependent on exact model. I would not do anything with the suspension until you see how it looks with the van hitched without a WDH. If it is excessively low surely this would be a problem for Holden to rectify not you.
Alan
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Monday 17th of November 2014 08:40:08 AM
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Monday 17th of November 2014 08:40:40 AM
exa41 said
02:46 PM Nov 17, 2014
I really cant see why you would need helper springs unless you get close to the maximum weight the ute could handle , and if you have 800 + Kgs on the tow ball . Well something is wrong , Only my personal view . A friend of mine was running close to maximum on a falcon ute and fitted airbags , The chassis broke right through just above the back wheels both sides.
Dougwe said
03:09 PM Nov 17, 2014
Ok then, I have now had a look through the replies and as Alan has suggested and I already decided to do until the new Den is hooked up and done a few KM, I will see how things go first. Holden claim my model is designed to do much more work than I will be so time will tell, for now anyway.
I double checked the load ratings Alan, as it seemed low to what I had researched earlier in the year. Alan, Holden say for My Model (2013/14) the payload is 1,040kg. With that in mind I agree that nothing should be needed to be done as I will only have around 260kg on the ball MAX and can't see anywhere near 800+ as mentioned by Dennis. I reckon once I have distributed the goodies between the Tug and the Den things should be fine and no where near the GVM.
At this stage I will hold off doing anything and see how it all goes.
I have also been told that fitting airbags to any of the twin cab utes or similar can and most likely will cause cracking in the chassis. I am still interested in seeing yours though Jon. Doesn't mean I will do it.
exa41 said
03:11 PM Nov 17, 2014
Good thinking Doug.
Jonathan said
04:02 PM Nov 17, 2014
Hi Chief ..
I certainly agree that there's no point in doing anything until at least you have been running your combination to see if/what may need ..
that's precisely what I did .. and 10 months later had some work done ..
I have had WDH since new .. but more than happy with my choice for airbags ..
We all have our own opinions Doug which we base on our own personal experiences .. at the end of the day its your own opinion that will count .. but it's great to see the support by all and thats what it's about.
Friar Park said
04:10 PM Nov 19, 2014
Dougwe I have no experience with Colorados but I do have experience with helper springs set-up and with extra leaves fitted by experts to Falcon station wagons. My advice is stay away from the quick fix helper spring scenario. The cost of the additional leaf is not that great. It is greater but not extravigant.
Happy times with your new set-up
Friar
ken thomas said
05:24 PM Nov 19, 2014
Hello Doug
I put the ironman helper springs on mine as the ranger springs are a bit softer than they say to have a better ride
I do not put a lot in the tug but it still dropper the back and lifted the front
The helper spring lifted it about 2 inches and levelled the van
I still have the WHD as well
Ken
gollymolly said
09:16 AM Nov 20, 2014
Doug,
We have the Sax suspension on our new Izuzu and instead of it feeling like a washing machine when riding in it, and didn't I complain,its really good.
Hook up first.
Enjoy your new van
Sue
mr glassies said
05:10 PM Nov 23, 2014
dougwee names graeme no is 0421865633 txt me and i will ring you back .
Howdy all,
As you probably know I have the current model Holden Colorado twin cab ute with canopy. It was suggested some time ago that when I start towing a bigger van to put an extra leaf in the rear suspension each side. This has now been suggested a few times so I have been doing a little research and have come across the "Sax Suspension Kit". It looks like it's just added to your current leaf springs on the rear side of the wheels. Doesn't look like a big job and to an expert probably about 30 mins per side.
Must make the car go faster too cos they are red.
Does anyone have this kit, know about them, cost and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Would some one like ARB have these.
Hi Doug
As you are going to be living in you're van full time and doing a lot of travelling, I would suggest you check with some suspension companies like Pedders or Lovells suspension and get a proper suspension upgrade, the item you are describing will put a lot of strain on the rear portion of the leaf spring. This method I used back in the late 60's and was not successful then.
If you go for the full upgrade I'm sure it will be money well spent and you will not regret it, it will also be the safer option.
Regards Jim.
Hi Doug ..
Since you last saw my tug, I've had Pedders fit a pair of Firestone airbags to the rear .. certainly made both van and tug travel quite level and much more comfortable ..
a bit dearer than you might want, but most effective .. and the "bags" are only running at 15 psi on my Dmax ..
When I get down to greens as I hope to, you can have a 'bo-peep' ..
Have used Firestone Bags before on the MH and they did just fine.
AirBag-man is a common supplier to many fitters .. I was only charged $100.00 to fit ..
(for your consideration )
http://www.steeringandsuspensionwarehouse.com.au/shop-by-brand/airbag-man.html?dir=asc&order=vehicle_make&p=1
-- Edited by Jonathan on Sunday 16th of November 2014 08:52:45 PM
Patrolst has good advice Doug.
Get your suspension needs assessed by an expert company...and get the whole truck set up properly M8....it is worth it in the long run believe me.
The system you are contemplating can be really bad for your rig...maybe. Havent heard anything about Colorados persay....but I do know (and have seen...) Tritons and Hilux chassis badly bent with the use of airbags and other type quick fit suspension add ons....so get the whole package sorted together.
Quite often you can get uprated springs etc that will do the job you want ...plus usually more compliant settings with more than exceptable better ride as well. Can cost a bit more ....but better for you and your truck in the long run hey. Am speaking from experience from a cuppla vehicles I have owned in the past....as well as my current ones.
HTH.
Cheers Keith
I really do appreciate your input. Keep it coming though and I will have a good look through the answers later. Busy busy at the moment.
Doug Holden claim the payload on the Colorado is about 800-900 Kgs dependent on exact model. I would not do anything with the suspension until you see how it looks with the van hitched without a WDH. If it is excessively low surely this would be a problem for Holden to rectify not you.
Alan
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Monday 17th of November 2014 08:40:08 AM
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Monday 17th of November 2014 08:40:40 AM
I double checked the load ratings Alan, as it seemed low to what I had researched earlier in the year. Alan, Holden say for My Model (2013/14) the payload is 1,040kg. With that in mind I agree that nothing should be needed to be done as I will only have around 260kg on the ball MAX and can't see anywhere near 800+ as mentioned by Dennis. I reckon once I have distributed the goodies between the Tug and the Den things should be fine and no where near the GVM.
At this stage I will hold off doing anything and see how it all goes.
I have also been told that fitting airbags to any of the twin cab utes or similar can and most likely will cause cracking in the chassis. I am still interested in seeing yours though Jon. Doesn't mean I will do it.
Hi Chief ..
I certainly agree that there's no point in doing anything until at least you have been running your combination to see if/what may need ..
that's precisely what I did .. and 10 months later had some work done ..
I have had WDH since new .. but more than happy with my choice for airbags ..
We all have our own opinions Doug which we base on our own personal experiences .. at the end of the day its your own opinion that will count .. but it's great to see the support by all and thats what it's about.
Dougwe I have no experience with Colorados but I do have experience with helper springs set-up and with extra leaves fitted by experts to Falcon station wagons. My advice is stay away from the quick fix helper spring scenario. The cost of the additional leaf is not that great. It is greater but not extravigant.
Happy times with your new set-up
Friar
I put the ironman helper springs on mine as the ranger springs are a bit softer than they say to have a better ride
I do not put a lot in the tug but it still dropper the back and lifted the front
The helper spring lifted it about 2 inches and levelled the van
I still have the WHD as well
Ken
Doug,
We have the Sax suspension on our new Izuzu and instead of it feeling like a washing machine when riding in it, and didn't I complain,its really good.
Hook up first.
Enjoy your new van
Sue
dibs