VE Sportwagon - Country Pack Suspension Option

[Simion]

Hi,

Im trading in my Subaru Outback, and im about to bite the bullet on a Commodore Omega Sportwagon with country pack suspension.

Im wondering if anyone can help on the specs of the country pack. How much is the car raised? And does anyone have any photos of a VE with the higher suspension? My local dealer is good, but dosnt have any photos or brochure on the suspension, and when im spending a bit of money I would like to have some idea of what it will be like.

Cheers!

[NickS]

... does anyone have any photos of a VE with the higher suspension?

HIGHER ??? Wow, I got altitude sickness in mine with the factory SSV suspension !!!

[Simion]

haha, yeah its probably not the most popular option on a new Commodore, but I think it will be necessary on the roads and property I travel, plus the horse trailer I tow. Especially since cars seem to be lower and lower every generation, I remember I could almost walk under my old EL Falcon.

I guess im not going down the 4WD route because I really want to buy Australian this time (especially after the lack of long-term ruggedness in my last Subaru). Plus I prefer the performance, looks and running costs on the Sportwagon - but im spewin you cant option a LSD with the country pack.

Im suprised that I cant find any info on the country pack, even if someone can give me a rough idea of the difference in ride height that would be good.

[gmeup]

if i were you i would get the lsd option with normal suspension, the stock suspension is plenty high anyway. You can always get the country pack springs from holden spare parts later. Than at least you have lsd.

[Highway]

Have to agree get the standard height version which is really high anyway and does float a little bit like the Outback.
The FE2 ( 1.5) height on the calais is certaintly high enough and I think the standard height is a bit higher again.

You can always change spring height later in need.

Mike

[Simion]

Yeah having the standard ride height would be good, but I have to tackle a pretty nasty fire trail with a horse float on the back. And when the horse in the back starts shifting its weight around, you appreciate having a bit of ground clearance.
My Outback did it fine (albeit it was crap at towing) and my EL before that also managed, so maybe a standard Sportwagon might not scrape, but it just makes the slow drive more comfortable and stress-free not having to worry about getting snagged. Bonus: when I hit a roo at least it will hit lower on the car.


Well after some searching, I found this image of a VE with country pack suspension at a SA govt motor auction. Its hard to tell from that angle how much higher it is though.

http://www.auctions.sa.gov.au/display_blob.php?id=286

[Highway]

This is a Standard Calais V with FE 1.5 if this gives you a better idea of the height.


http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm125/Warp05/CalaisVV8Sportswagon004.jpg

After a few Kms so probably sagged a little bit.
The picture you have up is probably a Omega with the smaller wheels.

[WhiteLion]

HIGHER ??? Wow, I got altitude sickness in mine with the factory SSV suspension !!!

He's a lucky man who can lower his car and still get around!
You'd be lucky to survivie a trip along the Bruxner Highway around Lismore at the moment!

My std. height VY has clearance issues with a lot of the places I go, but I can live with that rather than raising the car.

Maybe just go for some extra undercar protection (sump, diff etc guards). Maybe contact a rally specialist.

Steve

[fx160]

i was also wanting the country pack suspention when i bought my sportwagon
and was disapointed that it could not be optioned with the lsd
also i wanted a v8 and no option of country pack with any v8's
you can't even get an lsd with standard suspension it only comes with the fe2
ended up with a calais v so i guess it has fe1.5 and it does scrape on some drive ways already
i have had low cars before and it is a pain having to be carefull all the time
and the misses just doesn't get it and always came home with some sort of damage and just blamed the car

kev

[seldo]

just get some prices for the springs from Holden and also get prices from someone like Kings or Pedders. Go for the LSD and then whack in the taller springs afterwards. I believe they are only 25mm higher ride-height.

[redvxr8clubby]

I believe country pack was 1" (25mm) also. Holden website just says increased.

[V8Wagon]

I've got FE2 suspension in my wagon. When towing the boat I pump the poly air bags to 25 psi for a similar height to original (about 110kg on ball with 100 kg in boot)with roughly 30 percent increase in spring stiffness provided by the bags. I believe they can be inflated safely to about 35psi. Without load on at 25 psi, the car sits around 25 mm higher, and I can certainly feel the extra stiffness when I sink the slipper (far less squat). Talk to a suspension mob:)
I didn't know Bono was selling his car at auction, complete with sunglasses in post6:rofl:

[seldo]

I see Peddders have Heavy Duty Country coils listed here with a photo of the raised height and a dimension for guard to ground of 675 mm
http://www.pedders.com.au/trade/86/189

For the waggon its #7854 Front & # 7541 Rear

[mac06]

Only trouble you may have is that if you want the LSD then the only way you can get it is together with the FE2 suspension. That means you have to pay the extra $330 for FE2 you don't want anyway. Just have to decide how important the LSD is to you and go from there.

[XUV]

haha, yeah its probably not the most popular option on a new Commodore, but I think it will be necessary on the roads and property I travel, plus the horse trailer I tow. Especially since cars seem to be lower and lower every generation, I remember I could almost walk under my old EL Falcon.

I guess im not going down the 4WD route because I really want to buy Australian this time (especially after the lack of long-term ruggedness in my last Subaru). Plus I prefer the performance, looks and running costs on the Sportwagon - but im spewin you cant option a LSD with the country pack.

Im suprised that I cant find any info on the country pack, even if someone can give me a rough idea of the difference in ride height that would be good.


have you thought of an Adventra .
Granted they're not new ,
but the LX6 and LX8 are fully spec'd and have auto levelling rear suspension
click here for specs (http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/details.aspx?R=66115&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=p_Make_String|0||p_ClassificationType_String| 0||p_Family_String|0||p_Year_String|1||p_SequenceN um_Int32|0&silo=1300&__N=2994%202952%204294958234%204294843496&__Nne=15&seot=0&acv=c2Uc_OoFSTM.&trecs=15&gmid=2815261&__sid=120DCD4BE428)

[Simion]

Cheers thanks for all the info. Its been a lot of help over the weekend and today in sorting priorities out.

So forum members say that country pack has a 25mm increase in ride height, this is perfect - more practical than the normal ride height, but not too high to look like odd.

As someone else suggested, the Adventra would be great, I think they look fantastic and I would be all over a VE version, but I cant really consider one as the vehicle has to be new to qualify for the tax investment allowance I can get.
I test drove a Captiva at the dealer, and I was underwhelmed by it, I enjoy driving way too much to consider it, plus its not Australian built so i would be worried about long-term durabilty.

As some forum members suggested, the dealer this afternoon said to get the LSD on the Sportwagon I have to order the sports suspension - then the service dept can order in country pack coils and swap them over, this will cost a bit as i am having to buy both suspensions (with the country pack coils at parts counter prices!) and then pay the installation fees for the changeover. I still think it is ridiculous that something called 'country pack' dosnt even come with the factory option of LSD, but thats life - Im still very keen on the Sportwagon, it drives great.

I also drove a 6 speed auto Ford Territory AWD this morning and was really impressed by it. Drove beautifully, like a whole other class up from the Captiva in nearly every way possible, I could easily see myself driving a Territory for the next 6-7 years and being very happy.

So VE or Territory, i guess it will come down to how much i can be bothered dicking around with the costs of altering the VE suspension.

[fastestls7]

buy it with "the country pack" suspension and pick up a 2.92 lsd from an SS auto diff, theres heaps of them around cheap and very low k's.

[Highway]

Cheers thanks for all the info. Its been a lot of help over the weekend and today in sorting priorities out.

So forum members say that country pack has a 25mm increase in ride height, this is perfect - more practical than the normal ride height, but not too high to look like odd.

As someone else suggested, the Adventra would be great, I think they look fantastic and I would be all over a VE version, but I cant really consider one as the vehicle has to be new to qualify for the tax investment allowance I can get.
I test drove a Captiva at the dealer, and I was underwhelmed by it, I enjoy driving way too much to consider it, plus its not Australian built so i would be worried about long-term durabilty.

As some forum members suggested, the dealer this afternoon said to get the LSD on the Sportwagon I have to order the sports suspension - then the service dept can order in country pack coils and swap them over, this will cost a bit as i am having to buy both suspensions (with the country pack coils at parts counter prices!) and then pay the installation fees for the changeover. I still think it is ridiculous that something called 'country pack' dosnt even come with the factory option of LSD, but thats life - Im still very keen on the Sportwagon, it drives great.

I also drove a 6 speed auto Ford Territory AWD this morning and was really impressed by it. Drove beautifully, like a whole other class up from the Captiva in nearly every way possible, I could easily see myself driving a Territory for the next 6-7 years and being very happy.

So VE or Territory, i guess it will come down to how much i can be bothered dicking around with the costs of altering the VE suspension.

Do you best deal with the sportswagon with the sports suspension and just bargain with the dealer over the cost of supplying and fitting the country pack coil springs.

At the very least you should be able to get the springs at trade price with the labour thrown in.

Best of luck
Mike

[CharlieDontSurf]

mate if you need ground clearance,and want oz made. get the terry. bonus of awd also in slippery conditions. I'm a holden man but sometimes you got to get the right car for the job.

[chillicatqld]

Can someone tell me where to find (or just tell me) the ground clearance on a SSV Sportwagon? Does not mention it in the brochure!

[seldo]

Yeah having the standard ride height would be good, but I have to tackle a pretty nasty fire trail with a horse float on the back. And when the horse in the back starts shifting its weight around, you appreciate having a bit of ground clearance.
My Outback did it fine (albeit it was crap at towing) and my EL before that also managed, so maybe a standard Sportwagon might not scrape, but it just makes the slow drive more comfortable and stress-free not having to worry about getting snagged. Bonus: when I hit a roo at least it will hit lower on the car.


Well after some searching, I found this image of a VE with country pack suspension at a SA govt motor auction. Its hard to tell from that angle how much higher it is though.

http://www.auctions.sa.gov.au/display_blob.php?id=286The other alternative is to get the Country Pack suspension, and fit an LSD. There's plenty of OE versions for sale on here from time to time, or else get Tru Trak from Harrop or a Kaaz. You could also find someone who is changing ratios and get a lower ratio at the same time...
Also, not wanting to complicate things, but the OE "sports" supension may also have shorter shocks which may not work well with higher springs. Worth checking... Someone like Planetdavo could probably tell you.

[Simion]

Can someone tell me where to find (or just tell me) the ground clearance on a SSV Sportwagon? Does not mention it in the brochure!

I was given the figure of 110mm for the external ground clearance of the Commodore range. The funny thing was that figure was the same as for the Omega to the SSV.

Well long time no post. Sorry I havnt kept you guys informed of the decision. I have still been watching this forum as I enjoy keeping up with the latest Holden news.

Well I settled on a series 2 Ford Territory AWD. i got it a while back and have been blown away with how it goes. Best tow car ive ever had and it uses less petrol than the Subaru in normal driving. For me it is easily the best SUV under 70 grand, im actually surprised they sell as many Captivas and Klugers as they do with the Territory around, but I guess we all have different wants!

sad in the end I didnt get the Sportwagon as its a fantastic car - its just too low for me and a lot of normal aussies who like to go camping, towing or even just tackling suburban carparks without scraping and snagging the car. the fact that Holden made it hard to get one with LSD and decent height suspension cemented the fact that Holden has turned its back on a huge part of the rural and suburban market which bought large Holdens by the bucklet load from the sixties to the mid nineties.

I hope all these 25 year-old car designers who make these 1.8 tonne large family cars so close to the ground realise how much they are alienating the older folk who can actually afford to buy these cars. I chuckle whenever Ford or Holden lament that everyone is buying SUVs and small cars instead of large cars.

Large Aussie cars always had this romantic image of being able to tackle this wide brown land, to be able to take a family of five across the continent safely and reliably, to even be able to tow a caravan up to Birdsville.

Nowadays you might as well buy a Mazda 3 if you want to go anywhere off the beaten track as a Commodore and Falcon are now just uber-fast city-slicker performance cars and thus have lost their appeal to a lot of people such as myself. I actually read that the bloody Japanese city car the Corolla has more ground clearance than the base model Aussie made large Falcon, incredible! and shows how much they have lost the plot.

Nowadays there is little reason to buy a large Aussie family car unless you want a very fast car, otherwise the choice is sadly to get a SUV or if you want to save on fuel you get a small 4 cylinder.

Hey im not cranky, I love the territory and think the Sportwagen is a damn fine car, but im one of dying the few who knew why you used to buy an Aussie car.

Well long time no post. Sorry I havnt kept you guys informed of the decision. I have still been watching this forum as I enjoy keeping up with the latest Holden news.

Well I settled on a series 2 Ford Territory AWD. i got it a while back and have been blown away with how it goes. Best tow car ive ever had and it uses less petrol than the Subaru in normal driving. For me it is easily the best SUV under 70 grand, im actually surprised they sell as many Captivas and Klugers as they do with the Territory around, but I guess we all have different wants!

sad in the end I didnt get the Sportwagon as its a fantastic car - its just too low for me and a lot of normal aussies who like to go camping, towing or even just tackling suburban carparks without scraping and snagging the car. the fact that Holden made it hard to get one with LSD and decent height suspension cemented the fact that Holden has turned its back on a huge part of the rural and suburban market which bought large Holdens by the bucklet load from the sixties to the mid nineties.

I hope all these 25 year-old car designers who make these 1.8 tonne large family cars so close to the ground realise how much they are alienating the older folk who can actually afford to buy these cars. I chuckle whenever Ford or Holden lament that everyone is buying SUVs and small cars instead of large cars.

Large Aussie cars always had this romantic image of being able to tackle this wide brown land, to be able to take a family of five across the continent safely and reliably, to even be able to tow a caravan up to Birdsville.

Nowadays you might as well buy a Mazda 3 if you want to go anywhere off the beaten track as a Commodore and Falcon are now just uber-fast city-slicker performance cars and thus have lost their appeal to a lot of people such as myself. I actually read that the bloody Japanese city car the Corolla has more ground clearance than the base model Aussie made large Falcon, incredible! and shows how much they have lost the plot.

Nowadays there is little reason to buy a large Aussie family car unless you want a very fast car, otherwise the choice is sadly to get a SUV or if you want to save on fuel you get a small 4 cylinder.

Hey im not cranky, I love the territory and think the Sportwagen is a damn fine car, but im one of dying the few who knew why you used to buy an Aussie car.