LeishaShannon
Adventurer
Other than OEM does anyone have any suggestions for replacing the leaf springs on my NPS300? I vaguely recall someone using Hino parabolics as a direct fit alternative?
02 NPS300 spring options?
- Thread starter LeishaShannon
- Start date
yabanja
Explorer
I have been around the block on this on my FUSO. I assume the same applies to your truck. The best option in my opinion is to go to a local big rig spring shop-every major town has one. Have them build you new springs that are 1" longer and have them re arch them accordingly. Have them install a "military wrap"which helps keep them together if one breaks. Tell them you want them to bend in a few degrees of extra castor. Also be sure to install timbren bump stops while you are at it. You will need to space them up on install as they don't come with the proper spacers. 1" clearance at on the bumpstops at ride height is about right. Don't let anyone talk you out of these clearance specs. They are very soft and highly progressive so they will squish to less than half their height. Not like traditional bump stops. Lastly, your ride height will increase by 2-3 inches which is necessary to get any suspension travel out of the front of the truck. You may need to get longer shock absorbers to realize full droop. This option will be very cheap compared with the "overlanding" options out there. I have met people who spent in excess of $12K US getting their suspension set up! You should be somewhere closer to $3-$4K fully installed. Half that if you install them yourself like I did but be careful if you do!!!
Good luck and see you around the campfire!
Allan
Good luck and see you around the campfire!
Allan
dan85
Observer
Looks like you are based in Brisbane so you have a few options. All Terrain Warriors, Australian Adventure Vehicles and SSA should all be able to help.
Check out SSA:
Isuzu NPS300 4x4 Truck Improved Suspension - Suspension Supplies Australia
Want to improve the suspension in your Isuzu NPS300 4x4 truck? SSA can do that in a one day turnaround, drive in, drive out; you'll notice a big difference.
ssa.com.au
Ultimark
Active member
If you are in Brisbane, then you could consider an ATW conversion to their parabolic spring and shock absorber kit. I have been in a bog standard NPS 300 with original wheels (rear duals) and while the truck can and does go places, jeez hang onto your seat or the steering wheel. Factory demo unit.
I have also been in an NPS 300 (2016 year I think) with super singles and OEM suspension. When aired down considerably the ride isn't too bad, but the 19.5" rims and Toyo tyre combination is not what I would call fantastic.
Both of these units were crew cab models, therefore all seating is effectively bench seating; which certainly doesn't help.
For our NPS 300 (2020 model) we have the full ATW suspension upgrade, parabolic springs and their shock absorbers. We combined them with 17" wheels and AT tyres with the trade off being a lowered GVM to 7000kg compared to the truck chassis build of 7500 GVM. Being a single cab chassis model the drivers seat comes with the OEM mechanical suspension seat; we replaced both with a pair of Stratos seats, which are better as far as holding you into the seat goes.
The ride as it is now presented along with correct air pressure for the load and speed, is wonderful. Not excruciatingly brilliant, but you can travel all day and not be buggered when stepping out of the cabin.
If you look at this at the 11:30 mark you will be able to see the hill the truck goes up, followed by a shot of the suspension working on the same hill. If you so desire, near the start of the video there is a description of the suspension as well as some detail of what was done with regard to brake lines and so forth. On the day of this test, I weighed the truck very early in the morning, it came in with a front axle of 2780 kg while the rear was 2940 kg. This was with the driver only, if the passenger is added the front axle usually moves up to around 2850 kg with the rear axle sometimes dropping slightly. It is very well balanced front to rear and drives accordingly.
I have also been in an NPS 300 (2016 year I think) with super singles and OEM suspension. When aired down considerably the ride isn't too bad, but the 19.5" rims and Toyo tyre combination is not what I would call fantastic.
Both of these units were crew cab models, therefore all seating is effectively bench seating; which certainly doesn't help.
For our NPS 300 (2020 model) we have the full ATW suspension upgrade, parabolic springs and their shock absorbers. We combined them with 17" wheels and AT tyres with the trade off being a lowered GVM to 7000kg compared to the truck chassis build of 7500 GVM. Being a single cab chassis model the drivers seat comes with the OEM mechanical suspension seat; we replaced both with a pair of Stratos seats, which are better as far as holding you into the seat goes.
The ride as it is now presented along with correct air pressure for the load and speed, is wonderful. Not excruciatingly brilliant, but you can travel all day and not be buggered when stepping out of the cabin.
If you look at this at the 11:30 mark you will be able to see the hill the truck goes up, followed by a shot of the suspension working on the same hill. If you so desire, near the start of the video there is a description of the suspension as well as some detail of what was done with regard to brake lines and so forth. On the day of this test, I weighed the truck very early in the morning, it came in with a front axle of 2780 kg while the rear was 2940 kg. This was with the driver only, if the passenger is added the front axle usually moves up to around 2850 kg with the rear axle sometimes dropping slightly. It is very well balanced front to rear and drives accordingly.