Good day all,
I've recently purchased a second-hand Panda Cross (2017 model; petrol engine) so that I can conduct more field research (I'm a botanist in South Africa).
I have to say I've been blown away by what this little vehicle can do. Terrible farm roads, steep inclines, etc. etc. I've only had to turn back once going through a dry river bed with really big rocks...
However, I'd really like to raise the ride height, as I think it will make the world of difference as I'd be closer to the farmers' vehicles in height and so wouldn't have to clear the road as often as I do already (of loose rocks etc.).
Below are the options I've seen.
Larger tyres: I've seen that Alan D. suggested increasing the ride height by fitting 155/80 tyres in this thread (ok — as new subscriber, I'm not allowed to post the link.. ).
Spacers: In the same thread, there is a discussion about spacers under the spring (in short, 10 mm suggested, >=20 mm raises concerns), and mosfidelity discusses adding 20 mm to his 4x4 (uncertain if it is a Cross or standard 4x4) in a Fiat Forum thread; but they warn that there is some wheel rub on the plastic.
I have sourced two potential suppliers of spacers:
Prometeo and Spaccer.
So here are my questions :
1) Does the 155/80 tyre option apply to the Panda Cross? Has anyone tried it and have results to report?
2a) Anyone installed the spacers from the companies above: were they worth it?
2b) Anyone installed spacers from other companies?
3) Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any sage words of wisdom,
Cheers,
Alastair
I've recently purchased a second-hand Panda Cross (2017 model; petrol engine) so that I can conduct more field research (I'm a botanist in South Africa).
I have to say I've been blown away by what this little vehicle can do. Terrible farm roads, steep inclines, etc. etc. I've only had to turn back once going through a dry river bed with really big rocks...
However, I'd really like to raise the ride height, as I think it will make the world of difference as I'd be closer to the farmers' vehicles in height and so wouldn't have to clear the road as often as I do already (of loose rocks etc.).
Below are the options I've seen.
Larger tyres: I've seen that Alan D. suggested increasing the ride height by fitting 155/80 tyres in this thread (ok — as new subscriber, I'm not allowed to post the link.. ).
Spacers: In the same thread, there is a discussion about spacers under the spring (in short, 10 mm suggested, >=20 mm raises concerns), and mosfidelity discusses adding 20 mm to his 4x4 (uncertain if it is a Cross or standard 4x4) in a Fiat Forum thread; but they warn that there is some wheel rub on the plastic.
I have sourced two potential suppliers of spacers:
Prometeo and Spaccer.
So here are my questions :
1) Does the 155/80 tyre option apply to the Panda Cross? Has anyone tried it and have results to report?
2a) Anyone installed the spacers from the companies above: were they worth it?
2b) Anyone installed spacers from other companies?
3) Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any sage words of wisdom,
Cheers,
Alastair