The Koni shock absorbers fitted to our long-term test Daihatsu Feroza II have completely transformed the ride and handling of this little off-roader

The dramatic improvements in the ride and handling of modern 4WDs has been a godsend to the thousands of people who use their off-road vehicle mainly as urban transport.

Manufacturers no longer view large 4WD wagons as just workhorses. Vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Pajero offer ride and handling characteristics more in-line with those expected from a motor car, while providing more than acceptable off-road capabilities.

While ride and handling have been improved, the components, such as shock absorbers and springs, are still built to a price. It is rare that mass-produced vehicles have the highest quality components fitted. Quality costs more and to keep prices down compromises are made. A few extra cents on the cost of the component multiplied by the thousands of vehicles it is fitted to adds up to a lot of money.

Earlier this year we fitted our long-term test Mazda B2600 with an Ultimate suspension kit from 4WD Equipment. This entailed fitting new leaf springs, bushes and de Carbon shocks at the back and thicker torsion bar springs and de Carbon shocks at the front.

There was a marked improvement in the Mazda’s handling and ride quality when laden and unladen. The B2600 remain more stable when cornering and was not kicked off-line by corrugations. Pitch and wallow were also minimized. It was an excellent example of how good suspension components can improve the vehicle’s capabilities and comfort.

Daihatsu Feroza II

While there is plenty to like about the Daihatsu Feroza II, our rugged little long-term tester, we have never been completely happy with the vehicle’s suspension. We could see the potential in the vehicle because it steered and held the road well; if its shocks and springs could be made to perform it would be an excellent handling vehicle on- and off-road. The vehicle’s short wheelbase, soft springing and standard shock meant that it pitched and rolled excessively, diminishing both ride quality and handling.

The rear leaf springs (there is only one leaf on each side) and front torsion bar springs provide a compliant ride, however the standard shocks weren’t up to the tasks asked of them, particularly at the back where the insipid springs forced the shocks to take on extra responsibilities.

Good shock absorbers are essential to a vehicle’s handling, ride and road holding ability. They rapidly damp the oscillations of the vehicle’s body, reduce fluctuations in the dynamic wheel load and prevent wheels from lifting off the road.

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source : http://www.oncarsales.com/2012/06/04/shock-therapy-a-suspension-tips-for-feroza-ii-part-1/