AU king spring lows & shocks

AU3XSR · 22-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Hey guys

I know this topic has been discussed many times and I have trawled through the forums for info, but I am after some definitive answers.

I am looking to put King Spring lows on my AUIII SR and after reading on the forums I am pretty sure I could get away with the stock shockies for now. Does anyone know whether or not I will need short throw shocks though? If so, any recommendations, part nos. etc? The general feeling I get is that lowering the car will kill off the factory shocks faster.

Also, does anyone have any comments about the king springs? I have heard that they are a little firm compared to say a set of low tickford ones. BTW, has anyone used the Nolathane bushes kit for an AU? I have seen them advertised for about 600 and am wondering if they are worth the investment?

GK · 22-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Stock length shocks should be fine with Tickford XR height or King Lows. Any lower and you should go the short shocks.

I have XR springs on my S2 SR and they work well with Pedders shocks, but I suspect that the Kings items are actually a little softer. I've been for a few rides in Evan's AU (ClassicAU) which has the same shocks with Kings and his ride is much smoother over bumps etc.

Kings apparently do a low height but progressive rate spring. Might be worth giving them a ring.

All the best with it.

GK

HLC · 22-04-2008, 03:53 PM

i have king lows in my fairmont and my shocks are shagged.

granted they have 160 000 kays on them, and about 20 000, in fact, prolly closer to 30 000, of those have been under king lows. but the ride is less than desirable.

by that i dont mean uncomfortable. the car is noticeably stiffer, but it can get a bit crashy so to speak over bumps and corners at speed. im sure the live axle doesnt help.

when i go to superlow height, i'll get matching shocks so my ride will be somewhat better

Dark Horse · 23-04-2008, 06:39 PM

HLC I wouldn't be waiting any longer - change your shocks ASAP. They really should've been done 80,000 km ago.

The King Lows will feel a little firmer as they are a progressive rate spring as opposed to a constant rate spring for the XR's.

mattp · 23-04-2008, 07:19 PM

With King there is a Comfort option on their springs (except for superlows), so you could get Low Comforts if you're worried about ride quality. As far as shocks go I would highly recommend Boge, they're incredible value for money. I got away with King Superlows and Boge short-throw shocks for ~$900 installed. Ride is excellent. Good luck with it, Matt.

HLC · 23-04-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

HLC I wouldn't be waiting any longer - change your shocks ASAP. They really should've been done 80,000 km ago.

The King Lows will feel a little firmer as they are a progressive rate spring as opposed to a constant rate spring for the XR's.

$$$$$ my friend. if i had the cash to burn they would have been changed when i changed the springs.

hopefully ill have the cash to change springs and shocks by the end of the year.

:

**Mechan1k** · 24-04-2008, 01:23 AM

So what is the lifespan of a shock.
I'd hate to be replacing them every 80,000km a Dark Horse mentioned.
Surely aftermarket items last a little longer than the factory items too.

BOON250 · 24-04-2008, 07:35 AM

I have king lows and KYBs and they are fine both in ride quality and handling....

AU3XSR · 24-04-2008, 08:19 AM

Does anyone know if the heavy duty options for the rears on the lows and superlows are actually firmer than the normal ones? I suspect that these are used by ppl who tow trailers etc.

ClassicAU · 24-04-2008, 08:29 AM

I can tell you that in my cars current configuration, the ride is very firm. I currently have Pedders Comfort Ryder gas shocks and King Springs. The front has 'Low' springs and standard height shocks, with the rear having 'Super Low' springs and Shortened shocks to suit. There was a noticeable firming of the ride when I lowered the back of the car. Then again, I do have 18" wheels and 40 profile tyres, which I am sure doesn't help!
So if you go the Kings, especially in Super Low, you will have a firmer ride. Handles like its on rails though, almost no body roll anymore! You will need to make a choice between ride quality and handling/looks. I don't think you can really have both as far as I know.

Evan

blueoval · 24-04-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattp

With King there is a Comfort option on their springs (except for superlows), so you could get Low Comforts if you're worried about ride quality. As far as shocks go I would highly recommend Boge, they're incredible value for money. I got away with King Superlows and Boge short-throw shocks for ~$900 installed. Ride is excellent. Good luck with it, Matt.

This is the setup I plan to do in future.

Tell me Matt, do your passengers complain of the harsh rise in the back seat of your car?

Dark Horse · 24-04-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

So what is the lifespan of a shock.
I'd hate to be replacing them every 80,000km a Dark Horse mentioned.
Surely aftermarket items last a little longer than the factory items too.

Aftermarket ones and the shocks in the XR's certainly will, I'm more than sure HLC is running the stock shocks though and usually by 80-100,000 km, they're cactus.

HLC · 24-04-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

Aftermarket ones and the shocks in the XR's certainly will, I'm more than sure HLC is running the stock shocks though and usually by 80-100,000 km, they're cactus.

spot on.

mattp · 24-04-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

This is the setup I plan to do in future.

Tell me Matt, do your passengers complain of the harsh ride in the back seat of your car?

I haven't had a complaint yet. It's a firmer ride than the old Fairmont suspension, over dodgy roads etc, but driving normally it's beautiful. Like Evan said, they handle a LOT better when lowered, especially with decent shocks, there's very minimal body roll.

fipcee · 24-04-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattp

With King there is a Comfort option on their springs (except for superlows), so you could get Low Comforts if you're worried about ride quality. As far as shocks go I would highly recommend Boge, they're incredible value for money. I got away with King Superlows and Boge short-throw shocks for ~$900 installed. Ride is excellent. Good luck with it, Matt.

Just booked my car in at Fulcrum to have this set up done, 6 May, costing me $807 with AFF discount of 10% including rotation and balance so fingers crossed it will give me a more comfortable ride then my current low springs (don't know the exact terminology but 50mm lower than standard XR ride height) with XR shocks. Can't wait, will let you know the outcome

scrivens · 24-04-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UQIceman

BTW, has anyone used the Nolathane bushes kit for an AU? I have seen them advertised for about 600 and am wondering if they are worth the investment?

Had my NC V8 Fairlane done with them all round and intend getting the AU2 done in another 25,000km when it hits the 100,000km mark and I replace all the shocks and springs. Nice and firm and they last very well. The NC's Nolathanes were still in excellent nick with around 110,000km on them when I sold it. I was quoted about $450 for the AU2, but that is from a place that has been working on my cars for many years. (Same place that did the NC, around $350 at the time.)

blueoval · 24-04-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fipcee

Just booked my car in at Fulcrum to have this set up done, 6 May, costing me $807 with AFF discount of 10% including rotation and balance so fingers crossed it will give me a more comfortable ride then my current low springs (don't know the exact terminology but 50mm lower than standard XR ride height) with XR shocks. Can't wait, will let you know the outcome

so you did get the discount mate? well done. 10% is better than a slap in the face. got to be happy with that. ;)

fipcee · 27-04-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

so you did get the discount mate? well done. 10% is better than a slap in the face. got to be happy with that. ;)

Yea mate, REAL happy, thanks

blueoval · 28-04-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fipcee

Yea mate, REAL happy, thanks

Awesome, so its fitted is it? How does it ride, give us details?

fipcee · 28-04-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Awesome, so its fitted is it? How does it ride, give us details?

Car gets done 6th May blueoval so once I've taken it for a cruise over the roads I normally drive that are rough as I'll post my impressions up then. I may be wrong but I guess there may be a slight settling in period BUT the way my car rides at the moment (particularly in the rear) I would "expect" to notice an improvement immediatley. Stayed tuned, 7 and a bit days to go..damn I hate this mod bug, the car was stocko 2 yrs ago

:

blueoval · 28-04-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fipcee

Car gets done 6th May blueoval so once I've taken it for a cruise over the roads I normally drive that are rough as I'll post my impressions up then. I may be wrong but I guess there may be a slight settling in period BUT the way my car rides at the moment (particularly in the rear) I would "expect" to notice an improvement immediatley. Stayed tuned, 7 and a bit days to go..damn I hate this mod bug, the car was stocko 2 yrs ago

:

haha yeah I promised the mrs I would keep my car stock. I dont like my chances for too much longer. :P

I'll ask again a few days after the 6th of may then mate. ;)