Aido
Member
Here we go.
A brief backstory. I will post up another thread detailing the full suspension evolution but for now this should suffice.
09(Thai)D22 navara dual cab utility STR with Nissan factory steel bar and a winch loaded with 30m of steel cable.
Standard shocks - now landfill
Lovells Gas Legend shocks - filling in part time.
ARB Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sports shock absorbers - Best thing to add to my vehicle in its current state but......
After only 3 weeks of fitting them and a 3 day trip across the Victorian High plains they were suspected to be at fault - turns out the standard torsion bar had failed. More in the full suspension trauma thread upcoming - but removed them and noticed that they were not all they were cracked up to be as a direct replacement. I warn anybody in the same circumstance considering them to take caution in fitting. DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM ARB IN REGARDS TO THE "MODIFICATIONS" REQUIRED TO FIT THEM.
Upon inspection both shock absorbers have a deep gouge in the outer body and damage to the gaiter / rubber boot that protects the hard chromed shaft from mud and dirt. The reason for this is because the upper control arm comes in contact with the shock absorber at full compression. Disheartened with this I went into a Melbourne Western suburbs purveyor of ARB Holy trinkets and explained the situation and was somewhat taken aback by the reply. ARB have notes on how to fit these shock absorbers on they're computer system that are not included in the fitting instructions contained within the packaging of the shock absorbers. The notes are to the effect ( I could not get a printed copy ) "the control arm will require modification and grinding to make clearance" and the manager of said trinket store said that this is common practice.
Not on my vehicle!
1. I have enough problems with my front end as it is without making modifications that will give Nissan another out clause.
2. It is illegal to perform such act without undertaking NDT (Non destructive testing) thereafter being inspected and signed of by an engineer.
3. It is supposed to be a standard, direct replacement component for the OEM and it is sold as such.
Now I have an enormous problem with the fact that ARB are recommending that material should be removed from the control arm by either an end user or that it is done in house when you drop your vehicle in for them to do it.
I am currently seeking re-reimbursement for the units I have bought and I claim that they are not fit for purpose. I cant put up too much more as they are to be inspected fitted to the vehicle next week and they will make a judgement then.
I have however collected documentation from Vicroads stating that this is in no way legal and should not be done unless the control arms are subject to non destructive testing and approval of a vehicle engineer. It will be put in front of an ARB representative this week if they even hint at the suggestion that I should modify my control arms.
Having said all that though they are definitely great shock absorbers and are well matched in damping rate to the new torsion bars I have just had fitted - the Bullock dray feels like it should have when it left the factory.
Just a small sticking point
A brief backstory. I will post up another thread detailing the full suspension evolution but for now this should suffice.
09(Thai)D22 navara dual cab utility STR with Nissan factory steel bar and a winch loaded with 30m of steel cable.
Standard shocks - now landfill
Lovells Gas Legend shocks - filling in part time.
ARB Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sports shock absorbers - Best thing to add to my vehicle in its current state but......
After only 3 weeks of fitting them and a 3 day trip across the Victorian High plains they were suspected to be at fault - turns out the standard torsion bar had failed. More in the full suspension trauma thread upcoming - but removed them and noticed that they were not all they were cracked up to be as a direct replacement. I warn anybody in the same circumstance considering them to take caution in fitting. DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM ARB IN REGARDS TO THE "MODIFICATIONS" REQUIRED TO FIT THEM.
Upon inspection both shock absorbers have a deep gouge in the outer body and damage to the gaiter / rubber boot that protects the hard chromed shaft from mud and dirt. The reason for this is because the upper control arm comes in contact with the shock absorber at full compression. Disheartened with this I went into a Melbourne Western suburbs purveyor of ARB Holy trinkets and explained the situation and was somewhat taken aback by the reply. ARB have notes on how to fit these shock absorbers on they're computer system that are not included in the fitting instructions contained within the packaging of the shock absorbers. The notes are to the effect ( I could not get a printed copy ) "the control arm will require modification and grinding to make clearance" and the manager of said trinket store said that this is common practice.
Not on my vehicle!
1. I have enough problems with my front end as it is without making modifications that will give Nissan another out clause.
2. It is illegal to perform such act without undertaking NDT (Non destructive testing) thereafter being inspected and signed of by an engineer.
3. It is supposed to be a standard, direct replacement component for the OEM and it is sold as such.
Now I have an enormous problem with the fact that ARB are recommending that material should be removed from the control arm by either an end user or that it is done in house when you drop your vehicle in for them to do it.
I am currently seeking re-reimbursement for the units I have bought and I claim that they are not fit for purpose. I cant put up too much more as they are to be inspected fitted to the vehicle next week and they will make a judgement then.
I have however collected documentation from Vicroads stating that this is in no way legal and should not be done unless the control arms are subject to non destructive testing and approval of a vehicle engineer. It will be put in front of an ARB representative this week if they even hint at the suggestion that I should modify my control arms.
Having said all that though they are definitely great shock absorbers and are well matched in damping rate to the new torsion bars I have just had fitted - the Bullock dray feels like it should have when it left the factory.
Just a small sticking point