50psi in the airbags! Wow. Not surprised the ride is horrible. Agree with previous reply - let them down. Also what are you running in the tyres?

Hi Bravehearts. I have a 2014 DMax and although I was quite happy with the towing of my Windsor Genesis (about 2,2 tonnes loaded up) I spoke with quite a few other Isuzu owners as I was contemplating upgrading the suspension. I previously had read a lot of articles regarding 4 x 4 utes and they all referred to poor standard suspension as a compromise for driving around town and towing. Anyway, I checked most of the after manufacture suspension companies and they all seemed to give your ute a 2" lift with varying results.

I was very fortunate because one of the many knowledgeable forum members contacted me with the solution that he had used. All that was needed was an extra leaf fitted to the rear suspension. I was recommended to a South Grafton business that were primarily blacksmiths and had been for almost 100 years. They make their own leaf springs and do the installation. If that was not enough, they even owned Isuzus and had done it to those vehicles.

You cannot believe the difference it made. There was no need to touch the front suspension and the rear was raised about 1" with the tub unloaded. The ride is better, the towing was good before but now is fabulous. When I went to collect my car there was a Mazda B50 there getting all the after market suspension removed and going back to the basics with the same set up as me. His suspension had gone from being 2" lift to completely flat from towing a horse float about.

The cost for all this after market suspension is around $2500 to $3000. It cost me $700 to have this done with the owner telling me that it would last forever with only the shackles and bushes needing replacing every 100,000 kilometres or so.

I had previously looked at every option but so happy I went this way. If you want the address of the people who did mine send me a personal message and I will send it to you.

I had an extra leaf added to my BT50 about 3 years ago by Green Bros in South Grafton and I am very happy with their work. The rear is lifted 30mm unloaded and makes the BT50 much more stable when towing the caravan.

Stay away from after market springs and get the people who know what they are doing to correct your suspension.  Greens had a pile of after market springs in their scrap bin that they had replaced.

As others have said air bags over inflated will damage the chassie. The extra spring cost a lot less than air bags and do a better job.

If you need their contact details PM me.

Bravehearts wrote:

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Thanks Phillipn, I am currently located in Kenilworth Qld, so I need to find a good Spring Company around the Sunshine Coast or North towards Bundaberg area. I appreciate your helpful response.

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        Hi David....Not exactly in your area,but well worth a day trip is Carroll Springs,in Wacol.These guys know their stuff,and upgraded my springs and shocks (EFS XTR?) at a much lower price than that quoted by another well known supplier.They did the whole job, including a GVM upgrade,in a few hours while I sat next door in a local lunch bar/cafe.Highly recommended.....I dont know if Im allowed to give names,but I dealt with a very helpful chap,Doug Butler.Well worth the trip.Cheers

Bravehearts wrote:

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Thanks again for the advice given and I now have a clear plan going forward. Ugrade the springs and shocks and reduce airbag pressure. I really appreciate all who have taken time to contribute, Grey Nomads rule again.

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 Mate - take it one step at a time. First try with heaps less pressure in those air bags.  Might take a bit of trial and error.  Start low, say 10psi, and work up until you find a comfortable ride. That may be all you need.  If that fails then look at the other areas.  No point spending money before you know for sure you need to.  

As a comparison for you Bravehearts I have a 2016 D-Max 4x4 dual cab with canopy. Tow a Jayco dual axle.

Weights are (actual) Van 2100kg, Tow ball 250kg, car 2520kg.

Car suspension is standard. Don't use a WDH.

Van and car sit level, ride is comfortable. Handling is excellent.

yours being a bit heavier the extra leaf will probably do.

Air bags are not recommended for the D-Max. That's from Isuzu and reputable Pedders dealers. 

Aus-Kiwi wrote:

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pffft dealers dont get their 40%+!mark up !!

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 What are you talking about?

Bravehearts wrote:

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Thanks, however I have received different advice re airbags from Pedders, and others including the dealer I bought the ute from and thats why I fitted them. I guess time will tell, however I again thank all who have contributed.

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 That's why I said from a reputable Pedders dealer. They advised me that due to the many issues of cracking in the chassis in D=-Max, they would not recommend installing them.

Anyway you have them, so keep an eye on the chassis for cracking.