Query about replacing springs/shocks/struts
I have a 1999 Pajero iO (LWB, Manual, Australia, ~250,000 Kms) and am fairly sure the front drivers side suspension is sagging as there is less space between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch than on the other 4 wheels. The body also rolls a lot when turning. The rear wheels also slide sideways at times when taking off in the wet without gunning the engine much (particularly around a corner).Tyres are Bridgestone Dueller A/T.
Would my guess that it's the spring/shock cuasing the problem or could there be another issue?
If it was, is this listing on eBay correct for my model? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360730761240
It includes:
King Springs KMFS-900SP
King Springs KFFS-90
KYB 334405 x2
KYB 343408 x2
Also are there any good tutorials/walkthroughs for replacing them myself?
Thanks heaps.
Thank fordem for the quick
Thank fordem for the quick reply. I went and quickly measured from the tops of the tyres to the wheel arch (using a ruler as I'm at work - I can do proper measurements when I get home tonight). They are approximately:
Front Drivers side ~105mm
Front Passenger ~125mm
Both Rear ~140mm
The tyres are approx 2-3 years old done about 20000 kms (99% on-road) and look in fairly good condition.
If I were to get replacements without the lift what parts would I get? I don't take it off-road much, usually just use it as my daily driver to work.
You are correct that I don't have much experience mechanically - I do my own oil/filter changes and have done the fuel filter as well but that's about it. I'm just trying to gauge if it's worth saving the $$$ getting someone else to do it if I can do it myself easily enough.
suspension
Your tyres are not the best for wet road, as Fordem said, put your io in 4H on wet road, that will help a lot. That is what I do.
As to do the work yourself, yes there is a big saving. Try to do the rear first (easier) the shock are one bolt at the top one at the bottom. Remove them both, lift one side at a time to remove the spring, then fit the new spring, again one side at a time. You will find that the driver side can be a bit harder to fit. If you put your jack and a spacer (piece of timber) on the top of the tyre, between the tyre and the inside of the wheel arch, you will be able to fit the new spring. WATCH your brake line . You shouldn't have to put much pressure but it will give you an extra hand to fit the spring. Then fit the new shock.
For the front, if you are not sure, you could get the old strut out and take them to the shop for them to fit the new spring and strut together. That will save you to buy a spring compressor and still save by removing the strut yourself.
This kit will give you a bit of a lift, and a great handling, worth doing IMO.
Happy io
The situation just got a whole lot more complex...
Before we can answer questions on what parts are needed without the lift, we would need to know what the vehicle currently has fitted.
There are two different front struts - you would need to determine which one is currently fitted, after which the task becomes a matter of finding the correct replacements - take alook in the suspension section of the forum, there is a strut data thread that outlines the differences, and how to measure the struts to determine which you have - check both sides because the 20mm difference you measured could come from an incorrect strut being fitted to one side - most folks replace the struts/springs in pairs, but I don't know the history of your vehicle.
Finding new OE springs may be a challenge, I believe King offers a stock height front spring, but only for one version of the struts - I'm going to suggest new front springs & struts, exactly which ones to be determined after we know what the vehicle has on it, and new rear shocks.
In all honesty, were I in your position, I would be tempted to go ahead with the lifted King spring kit, the 30mm lift is not a whole lot of lift, and you are getting most of what you need in one go - I cant comment on pricing because I'm not familiar with australian pricing, but I'm sure one of the other guys will be along shortly.
Regarding your experience - it's not a difficult job, but it does require spring compressors which the average weekend mechanic does not have - and depending on what they cost in your neck of the woods, it may not be worth your while to purchase a set.
Thanks for all your help
Thanks for all your help Fordem and Claude, I've decided to take it to a suspension specialist for a full checkup next week then decide after that what to do when I get the quote.
I'll try and identify the current struts tomorrow if I have a chance and reply.
strut
The io in Australia has 2 types of strut and I don't think that the strut you have on your car is being sold anymore. This is why it is a good idea to replace strut and spring. The kit you mentioned is the ONLY one available as a full kit, it is well priced and still good for 4x4. It is the only kit that supply the correct pair of front set up (KYB strut 334405 with kingspring KMFS 900SP) If later you want more lift you do not have to replace what you have but just have to add on, like spacer.
Nothing wrong to goes to the shop, but be careful as not many know that the io have two types of strut and I have seen some car with the wrong spring fitted (done by a suspension specialist :"Pedders") It shouldn't happen now as a new spring have been made (KMFS90SP) but it is good to be aware of the possible problem.
Some reading if you haven't seen it already
http://pajerio.com/forum/kingspring-and-kyb-mix
Happy io
Thanks Claude, I checked the
Thanks Claude,
I checked the front struts and they are both MR455401. If I do get them replaced then the kit seems like the best way to go (unless the shop will quote cheaper for the parts). I'll make sure they are aware at the shop of the springs/strut mix up when I take in for the checkup/quote.
Syndicate
Where do I start...
First - the front & rear "heights" are different - you have to compare left front to right front & left rear to right rear, not the right front to the remaining three - you don't mention the right rear as having "less clearance" (between the tire & the arch) than the left rear - but I will bet that this the case - if the right front has the least clearance and the remaining three are all equal, you either have a serious issue (something is bent) or the vehicle is not parked on level ground.
Yes - there is a good chance the reduction in clearance is a sagging spring, and yes, the "kit" mentioned should work for your model - please note - it will lift the vehicle close to 30mm above standard ride height, and there MAY be issues with the front struts "topping out" - there are two different King Springs, the one you have listed is designed to match the strut you have listed, but, any lift at the front - other than a spacer above the strut - will reduce the available downtravel or droop, and in my opinion, the droop with no lift is barely sufficient - a 30mm spring lift reduces the droop by 30mm.
If the rear shocks are completely gone, they could contribute to the "waywardness" of the rearend, but my guess is you will still have that problem, to some extent, even after replacing them - the condition of the tires has quite a significant effect, you'll just have to learn to be less exuberant with the right foot in the wet (or drive in 4H).
Regarding tutorials or walkthroughs - it's a very straight forward job, however if you don't have the experience (and the fact that you ask suggests that you don't) then I would suggest you get someone with experience to supervise you. You'll need a jack, axle stands, metric combination (ring & open end) wrenches, and a set of good spring compressors. There is one point to watch for - the strut is not centered within the spring so the upper spring seat has to be positioned correcly - there is a hole in it that lines up with another hole in the lower seat - look for it before disassembling the old struts.
In addition to that kit you'll also need new strut boots and possibly bump stops - the OE boots have the bump stops built in - the KYB replacements do not, and you may also need the strut mounts.
Oh - go through the suspension section of the forum - there is a lot of good stuff in there - in fact, most of the questions you asked are already answered there, as well as a few more that you haven't figured out you need to ask.