I'll start with a TLDR……Are Pedders really good for suspension work or can I get same/better with less dollars somewhere else?
Background:
1999 GU1 Y61 Patrol, standard off the shelf ST-Limited (bit more chrome and leather seats…that's probably about it over standard ST).
Anyway, got run into whilst parked outside my home (at-fault reckoned they fell asleep); sustained a bit of rear-end damage, my insurance wouldn't cover cost to repair as repairs were almost as much as car was insured for (drive less/pay less policy which in the end values your car less than replacment value).
The upside is (and I can't believe there is an upside when Insurance Companies are involved) I got a cash settlement ($8,300) and keep the car (no repairable write-off as car is completely driveable….to cut a very long story short the assessor tells me that it's my car to keep and get repaired by repairer of my choice, etc.)
Damage was 99% repaired by having an after-market rear bar installed ($1,700 all-up). Rest was damage to the spare wheel cover which I've decided to just leave uncovered for now but may put a soft dust cover over it in the future.
Our Patrol had done its thing….more that I can count camping and fishing holidays when the girls were younger. No big 4WD stuff but still plenty soft/off-road action on trips. The car is great…now kept only as the dog car and trips to Bunnings - too good to get rid of and very handy as a second car; cheap to insure on drive/less pay less, etc.
Anyway:
The old girl was always going to need some work….my plan was to invest a minimal amount to keep it going until it dies but now with the cash-out from the insurance I want to do stuff to extend her life.
So, $8,300 cash-out leaves me $6,600 after the rear bar work.
There was some loud crunching noise after the accident and I was worried that one of the rear springs had been broken or displaced so took it to Pedders for an inspection ($28 well spent as I got a full report on what should be done and recommendations).
I got a quote for all work that needed to be done, $3,113 (installed) and a further $938 (installed) for recommended items. Overall cost is $4,051 but I may be able to get $100-$200 less if I get all items done at the same time.
I am by no means complaining about the quote. I knew what the individual items that are required cost before I engaged Pedders and overall the cost for installation looks more than reasonable (I can't see installation being much less anywhere else).
My question/concern/ask of this community:
Is it worth spending ~$4k on suspension work for a vehicle that I don't use often (maybe 5-6k Km per year) or are there recommendations that you have for less dollars.
After suspension work there is still up to $2,600 remaining after what my daughters refer to as 'free money'.
Any recommendation on what to spend that on?
For suspension stuff that is required is; front and rear shocks, front and rear springs, steering damper, tie rod ends and bump stops.
Car is standard as I say but would consider a 2" lift if it was cheaper overall (might look a little wierd with the standard 16" wheels under the lift but I'm not overly concerned).
Thanks all, and again apologies for the long text.
You should benable to getba spring and shock kit for a patrol for less. Its a common upgrade so options are plentiful.
Pedders suspension relort will be for 'as new' standard so its probably overkill. Maybe get a second opinion.
Did a mates GU patrol suspension with lift in our driveway a few months back. Half a day job that isnt overly difficult. He got a Superior suspension kit FWIW.