Features of tuning car suspension units
From the factory, vehicles come with a soft suspension, which is very good when the car moves smoothly. At high speeds it is very difficult to keep the car on the road, its handling deteriorates. Refinement of the suspension will allow the car driver to feel more confident when cornering at high speeds, reduce the level of sway, and also add comfort to the driver and passengers when driving on uneven roads.
It is important to understand that tuning the chassis of a vehicle involves replacing units with more expensive spare parts. If you have the financial opportunity, then you can start tuning the suspension
If funds are limited, then perhaps it will be enough to replace the car’s rims with modern ones and install low-profile tires on it - this will give it an effective appearance and slightly increase its stability on the road.
If you decide to modify the suspension, it is important to carry out a comprehensive replacement of the units. It is not recommended by experts to separately tune the front and rear suspension
Shock absorbers and springs
It is necessary to begin to modernize the chassis of the car by replacing conventional shock absorbers with modern products. An excellent option is to purchase gas shock absorbers, which instantly respond to road vibrations and smooth out the vibration of the car, increasing the comfort of those in the cabin.
In parallel with tuning the shock absorbers, it is important to improve the springs. In order to improve handling, it is important to purchase stiffer springs, which will make the shock absorbers work more efficiently.
There are several types of suspension springs. These are springs with increased stiffness and springs with variable coils. New modern models of parts consist of two sections. Their upper part is highly rigid, the lower part is soft. Due to the lower soft spring, the contact of the wheel with the road increases, the hard one is responsible for reducing the vibration of the car on uneven roads.
Tuning stabilizers and front suspension arm
Complete suspension tuning also requires replacing the anti-roll bars. The stabilizer helps distribute the load on the shock absorbers when one of the wheels moves over a bump or hole. Thus, a reinforced or dual type of stabilizer will improve handling and increase traction with the road surface, and will also reduce vehicle roll when cornering at high speeds.
Pay special attention to the connecting joints. In ordinary cars they have a rubber-metal design.
In modernized sports suspensions, it is important to use updated metal spherical joints. And also after carrying out all the above-described manipulations, it is necessary to replace the front suspension arm with a more rigid version, since conventional products will be subject to deformation during more aggressive use
And also after carrying out all the above-described manipulations, it is necessary to replace the front suspension arm with a more rigid version, since conventional products will be subject to deformation during more aggressive use.
Replacing wheels as a result of modernizing the chassis
The final point in improving the car's chassis is replacing the car's wheels. Here you have to choose between its comfort and controllability. A vehicle with low-profile tires will be more controllable on the road. However, when driving over bumps and uneven roads, shaking will be felt significantly inside the vehicle. There is an option to increase the width of the rim, which will improve comfort inside the car. However, such an increase will negatively affect handling in wet weather, and the increase in width will also increase the load on the bearings and hubs.
Improvement of Gazelle Next - new solutions to old problems
The modernization of Gazelle Next, like the tuning of other minibuses, is aimed at increasing comfort in the cabin.
Since the car is mainly used for everyday work, the most demands are placed on the cabin. At the same time, we should not forget about improving dynamic characteristics.
After all, proper engine tuning is a guarantee of long-term use of the machine in all weather conditions.
Chip tuning of cars and SUVs has become familiar to the vast majority of motorists. What about flashing the minibus ECU? After all, many drivers still do not take on this work, believing that replacing the software of the Next unit is very different from chip tuning of smaller cars.
In fact, not everything is as complicated as it seems at first glance. Yes, difficulties may arise when choosing new firmware. Perhaps questions will arise when setting up the engine and other elements of the car. However, having overcome all these pitfalls, your Gazelle will live a completely different life.
But, as they say, first things first.
So, before performing independent chip tuning, you need to be properly prepared. The first thing the work cannot do without is new firmware. It should be given special attention, because the coordinated operation of Next elements depends on the new software. You can perform chip tuning of a minibus with most firmware developed for the Mikas 10.3 ECU.
But there is a problem, which is finding an editor. This component also plays a very important role, since it is responsible for reading the firmware by the standard Gazelle ECU. It is difficult to find editors due to the fact that they are developed by single companies.
The leader among them is the Chinese developer Inline Technologies, which creates editors of average quality at a very reasonable price.
You can purchase the Inline editor either on the company’s website or on the websites of private sellers. It’s worth saying right away that the first option is more preferable, since on the company’s website you will receive a guarantee for the editor.
Bumper tuning
Tuning the bumper is the simplest option for modifying the Gazelle. At the same time, bumper tuning provides the following additional benefits: Reduced aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
- Possibility of “beautiful” installation of fog lights;
- Improved airflow of the water cooling radiator;
- Changing the car's exterior design.
A new bumper costs very little - about 3 thousand rubles. For this money you can get a model made of high-quality plastic, painted to suit every taste. Tuning the Gazelle Next can also be done with an unpainted original bumper, which already has places for mounting fog lights.
As we can see, tuning the Gazelle is more of a necessity than a simple whim of its owner. Properly carried out modernization can not only increase comfort for passengers and the driver, raise the aesthetics of appearance to a new level, but also significantly improve the driving characteristics of the car. Gazelle is the brainchild of the domestic automobile industry, but with properly selected operating conditions and skillful tuning, this car will be able to “compete” with its more famous foreign competitors. Despite the fact that the operation of the Gazelle is several times cheaper.
External tuning
External tuning of Gazelle Next is recommended to begin with the installation of the fairing. Its price starts from 5 thousand rubles. The fairing reduces resistance to airflow. This has a beneficial effect on fuel consumption, reducing consumption by 10-20%.
Handling also improves, which is especially noticeable on the highway at high speed. You can look at the installed fairing on the Gazelle Next in the photo below.
In addition to the fairing on the Gazelle Next, other elements of the aerodynamic body kit are also popular. If they are selected correctly, it is possible to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and improved controllability. If the body kit is selected and installed incorrectly, then it will perform an exclusively decorative function.
Under unfavorable circumstances, such a body kit can worsen dynamics and increase fuel consumption. The cost of such external modernization starts from 550 rubles.
Another popular way to improve the appearance of Gazelle Next is to use airbrushing. The cost of applying an image varies and depends on the size of the design and its complexity. The price starts from 2 thousand rubles.
Not all external tuning is aimed at improving the appearance of the car. For example, installing a rear view camera improves driving safety and comfort. The cost of installation starts from 2.5 thousand rubles.
House on wheels
Factory-built motorhomes are very expensive, so lovers of nomadic life with little financial resources are forced to look for an alternative. The first thing that comes to mind is to convert a minibus into a motorhome. As a base, domestic Gazelles are the cheapest.
Of course, you can’t make a full-fledged motorhome from a small minibus - there’s too little space. But if you take a truck and place a living container in its back, you will get a very original vehicle that combines sufficient “living space” and a low price. And this is not the limit of modernization.
You can install an imported, economical engine on the Gazelle and increase its cross-country ability by using large-diameter wheels. Transforming the Gazelle into an all-wheel drive version will require serious modifications, but there are enthusiasts ready for this. The result is an all-terrain motorhome on which you can travel to the most remote corners of the country.
When creating a mobile home, you need to pay enough attention to the living unit. It can be made stationary or removable. The onboard Gazelle is perfect for installing a removable living unit. This block looks like a container, only with windows. It can be installed on a platform or removed when not needed, turning the car into a regular truck.
It is advisable to make the residential block on a metal frame. It can be an aluminum or steel structure. Most often, preference is given to steel profiles, which are connected by welding. From the outside, the frame is sheathed with corrugated sheeting or other suitable material, for example, plastic. The interior lining is made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board).
Insulation must be placed between the skins. It is better to use mineral wool slabs, as they not only retain heat well, but are also an excellent sound insulator, and in addition, they do not burn. Polystyrene foam is inferior in all respects to mineral wool, and therefore in this case cannot be considered the best solution.
Using mineral wool as insulation, it is necessary to install a vapor barrier from the inside. Without it, the cotton wool will begin to absorb water vapor, which is present in abundance in the residential unit. Wet cotton wool ceases to retain heat and becomes very heavy. This may cause mold to appear indoors.
The version of the motorhome based on the onboard Gazelle must be equipped with minimal amenities. First of all, these are water, heating, electricity and a bathroom. A dry toilet and a compact shower stall will not take up much space (you can invest in 1.5 m²), but they will eliminate the need to build outdoor amenities at each parking lot.
The residential unit in the back can replace a hotel room. Traveling from city to city in such a car, you can stop in the most interesting places and pay absolutely nothing (maximum for parking). The problem of cooking is solved by installing a household gas cylinder, and water is stored in a plastic container, the neck of which is taken outside to easily replenish supplies.
A small car refrigerator, as well as all other electrical equipment, can be powered from the on-board network or from a gasoline generator. By installing a solar panel on the roof, it is easy to keep the battery charged. It is better to place it on a special platform, which makes it possible to change the angle of inclination up to 45° so that the rays fall on the panel at a right angle.
Chip tuning
Do-it-yourself Gazelle chip tuning is the first thing you need to do when upgrading your car. After all, the factory engine may be imperfect, have increased fuel consumption or reduced power. The main problems of the Gazelle gasoline engine are:
- Floating speed;
- Low traction at medium and low speeds;
- Failures in operation during gas transfer;
Engine tuning is simply necessary when using the Gazelle in heavy city traffic. And on the highway when overtaking there will be no excess engine power at all.
The main thing to remember is that chip tuning should only be carried out in trusted workshops with good specialists. Trying to save money here can lead to very sad consequences.
Tuning the M-402 engine
The basic engine of the Gazelle M-402 has a number of design flaws, which, however, craftsmen have learned to correct:
- Engine torque can be significantly increased by installing a weighted flywheel. At the same time, however, fuel consumption and wear of the internal combustion engine will slightly increase;
- An increase in power of up to 10 percent can be obtained by abandoning the standard air filter and replacing it with a filter with zero resistance;
- Additional sealing of the motor - M-402, like any other domestic engine, does not differ in build quality and constant oil leaks are not uncommon here. Especially when it comes to an old car. Therefore, coating the gaskets with a layer of sealant will not be a superfluous procedure. Also, the gaskets can be cut from cork yourself, which will be much more reliable and durable.
The car's engine cooling system can also be modified. To do this, it is necessary to replace the standard fan from the motor with its electrical modification. The electric fan does a good job of cooling the internal combustion engine when driving in urban areas and is an excellent addition to the standard water cooling system.
The hydraulic vacuum clutch assist system will also be a good assistant for drivers.
Many drivers, when working on passenger routes, often complain about a tight clutch and pain in the leg from frequent pressing of the pedal. To modify this unit, many use amplifiers from the VAZ “classics”, which fit perfectly into the Gazelle’s engine compartment. True, the cooling tank will also need to be replaced. Instead, you can install a similar part from Priora.
Tuning
Like the modernization of any car, tuning the Gazelle Farmer affects the body part, the interior with the engine and other components of the vehicle. Let's look at the most popular ways to improve this small-sized truck.
Spoiler
Installing a fairing on the roof of a car is one of the most popular elements of tuning the Gazelle Farmer.
In addition to the fact that the spoiler serves as an external decoration, it serves to improve the technical parameters of the car, more precisely, it saves up to 10 percent of fuel and reduces wind resistance.
This is especially true for high modifications and vans. It is easy to choose a suitable configuration both in shape and color.
Exterior
Owners often start upgrading by installing an alternative body kit. For this purpose, an updated front bumper is used. It is usually made of special plastic. The element is equipped with slots for anti-fog elements.
In special retail outlets you can find an analogue adapted for old type fasteners, which makes it easier to install it yourself. The color is selected depending on the overall color scheme of the car.
In addition, lovers of innovations install plastic linings on the body, as well as decorative sills.
Tuning the Gazelle Farmer interior
To make steering easier, many owners replace the standard steering wheel with a sports version, which is more comfortable and smaller. In addition, the appearance of this steering wheel is pleasing. Another addition is the installation of beautiful, practical covers that prevent the skin from deformation and contamination. The seats are not completely changed often. As an option, you can install a driver's seat from a foreign car.
Tuning of the Gazelle Farmer interior (photo below) is also carried out in the rear row of seats. This could be the installation of an additional table.
Other innovations in the interior include: installation of a modern music system with high-quality speakers, wood-look panel trim, LED lighting, and variations in replacing the steering wheel braid.
To enhance sound insulation, the interior is dismantled and new elements are installed to provide better protection from extraneous noise and vibrations.
Hatch installation
When tuning the Gazelle Farmer, pay attention to equipping the car’s roof with a hatch. It can be of a mechanical type or equipped with an electric drive. This detail will not hurt even if the car has air conditioning. The element is mounted on the roof, as well as in the upper part of the all-metal body. Its main drawback is that the hatch can leak.
Engine
The car has a power plant, which was equipped with the old-style model 3302, GAZelle-2705 and Sobol. The motor has good power, endurance and a long service life. Replacing it with a foreign-made analogue is expensive and not always advisable. This procedure can only be performed in specialized workshops that work with imported cars. We carry out a number of simple and inexpensive operations on our own that increase the capabilities of the GAZelle Next Farmer engine. It is enough to install a compact gear lever or automatic transmission.
Chip tuning
This measure is necessary for the machine’s power plant to increase its capabilities and increase its service life. It can be done independently or in a car service. The entire unit is rebuilt, cylinders are bored, pistons are replaced, new gaskets and spark plugs are installed.
By chip tuning the Gazelle Business, its owner receives the following benefits:
- increased traction during vehicle acceleration;
- smooth and fast acceleration, no stops or failures;
- rotational stability in all gears.
Improving the engine will allow the driver to feel more confident on climbs and in urban conditions. With the right approach, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption.
Cooling system
Both the old models of this brand and the new GAZelle NEXT overheat at high ambient temperatures.
You can improve engine cooling in the following ways:
- install an additional temperature sensor on the lower pipe;
- replace the drive fan with an electric analogue;
- place an additional fan behind the hood grille;
- replace the steel heat exchanger with a copper product;
- install an additional small radiator.
If you approach the issue of cooling comprehensively, you can get rid of the problem of engine overheating forever.
When carrying out modification work yourself, you should pay attention to ensure that the honeycombs of the main heat exchanger are not blocked by the coil
How to install air suspension on GAZ Gazelle Next
The air suspension on the GAZ Gazelle Next is an additional equipment; its installation does not require changes to the design of the car. Pneumatic elements (pillows) are fixed between the frame and the bridge using special brackets. The air suspension control system is usually located inside the vehicle.
The air suspension on the GAZ Gazelle Next is easy and quick to install. For installation, you will only need a standard set of tools and basic car repair skills. If it is not possible to install the kit yourself, we recommend using the services of a professional car service.
How to control the air suspension on a GAZ Gazelle Next
There are two ways to control the air suspension: comfortable and economical.
In the comfortable version, the air suspension on the GAZ Gazelle Next is installed in conjunction with an air suspension control system (quite simple). In this case, the air pressure in the pneumatic elements (cushions) is controlled by a key from inside the car, and the pressure in the pneumatic elements (cushions) is controlled using a pressure gauge.
In the economical version, the air suspension on the GAZ Gazelle Next is installed without a control system. Then the adjustment and control of the pressure in the pneumatic elements (pillows) is carried out through the nipple of the pneumatic system, similar to the adjustment and control of the pressure in a car tire.
Advantages of Aride air suspension on GAZ Gazelle Next
In the manufacture of air suspension for GAZ Gazelle Next, we use reliable, proven air elements (pillows) specifically designed for use in the automotive industry.
When used correctly, the service life of our pneumatic elements is at least 4 years.
Pneumatic elements (pillows) have a simple and reliable design, a large margin of safety and are designed for operation in winter conditions.
The air suspension for GAZ Gazelle Next has a simple and reliable design, which requires minimal labor costs for its maintenance. It is enough to maintain the cleanliness of the pneumatic elements and periodically clean the pneumatic system from condensate during winter operation.
- We are the largest Russian manufacturer of air suspension, which allows us to provide warranty and technical support for our products.
- You can find out the full cost of air suspension with a control system for the GAZ Gazelle Next by contacting us by phone or writing by email
- As well as an additional air suspension kit for the front axle for Gazelle Next
Salon
The Gazelle's interior is, to put it mildly, archaic. Only the most undemanding drivers are satisfied with it in its original form. Hard plastic, uncomfortable seats, dull gray color - all this urgently needs to be replaced with more modern and aesthetic analogues.
If you are afraid of the cost of completely replacing the interior, you can purchase individual elements gradually, perhaps combining colors and materials. Start with the main things - the steering wheel, seats, power windows, because these are the ones you have to come into contact with every day. Next, you can install a central console from Gazelle-Business and an armrest with various useful drawers, which will turn it into a mini-office. Music lovers will be able to choose door cards with additional podiums for speakers.
There is a wide selection of accessories available for sale for Gazelle salon decor:
- door card inserts;
- air duct covers;
- glove compartment and dashboard, made in wood or chrome, or painted in body color.
For better information content of devices in the dark, you can illuminate them with diodes, and you can also make the interior lighting lamp LED. The installation of alloy wheels, a hood with air intakes in the STI style (Gazelle has the bad property of boiling even in cold weather) and other pleasant little things that create a unique style will help to complement the image of a non-standard car.
Frame? Previous
All NN modifications are equipped with rear disc brakes and a stabilization system. The frame was not changed. Its last iteration went to Next, when, after a series of tests on cars with an airbag, the front part of the power structure was changed and strengthened.
The Timken type rear axle gave way to the Spicer. It is more reliable, more modern and less noisy.
The units for GAZelles with a gross weight of 3.5 and 4.6 tons are largely unified (this saves on production), but not the same.
Increasing load capacity
Gazelles do not stand out for their high quality of workmanship and are intended for transporting goods weighing up to 1.5 tons. But many owners of these vehicles often violate the recommendations and load a much larger volume.
Often this sooner or later leads to failure of the main components of the car, such as the frame, etc. One of the solutions to this problem is to strengthen the springs by adding several sheets.
By using this method you will get:
- A slight increase in lifting capacity by approximately 0.5 t.
- This will also lead to additional vibrations and shaking of the car. This impact can be reduced by adding just one leaf.
Salon
The cabin of the car is designed to accommodate three people. But during long hauls, passengers feel cramped. It is advisable to remove the driver's seat and sofa, installing instead spacious and comfortable pneumatic furniture with armrests and settings. The space between the seats can be filled with a console or subwoofer. If funds do not allow, the chairs are upholstered with white upholstery material.
Tuning the GAZelle interior includes the following improvements:
- installation of electric glass lifts in the cabin doors;
- securing a shelf with sliding doors above the windshield;
- installation of a new steering wheel with an adjustable column;
- finishing of all surfaces with soundproofing materials and leather;
- installation of a monitor and radio with powerful speakers;
- replacing the heater with a more efficient and compact device, installing an air conditioner;
- covering the dashboard with film or fabric;
- arrangement of night and emergency lighting using LED lamps and strips.
Headlights and lighting
The lighting efficiency can be increased, thereby achieving better visibility at night and increasing vehicle safety.
Options for improving the light are as follows:
- Equipping the vehicle with additional devices. They will be placed on the cabin, fairing, hood and bumper. The fastening is done internal or external, depending on the design of these parts.
- Replacing standard products with more powerful ones. To do this, you will have to carry out a number of manipulations on the front of the car. To create a hole of the desired shape, fiberglass and epoxy glue are used.
If the external design of the car suits its owner, then the luminosity of the headlights is restored.
To do this, the following manipulations are performed:
- The products are removed from the fastenings. They are cleaned of dust and dirt and their condition is checked. Minor repairs are carried out if necessary.
- The glass diffusers are polished until smooth. This will return them to their original transparency, remove chips and scratches that refract the lamp beam.
- The reflectors are puttied, sanded and covered with special foil. All irregularities are eliminated and air bubbles are expelled.
- Refurbished headlights are installed in sockets. Compact LED lamps are inserted into them. The assembled products are sealed.
For basic lighting, it is better to use fluorescent lamps that highlight the entire interior well. LED strip lighting is mounted on doors, steps, shelves and drawers. Power is supplied from the battery. Switching on is done automatically or from a button.
Tuning Gazelle Next with your own hands: upgrading the interior, suspension and body
The air suspension on the GAZ Gazelle Next improves the performance characteristics of the vehicle, reduces repair and maintenance costs, and, consequently, increases the profitability of cargo transportation.
Air suspension for all GAZ Gazelle Next models (truck, minibus, van) eliminates body sagging and rocking when loading, increases the service life of springs and their fastening units, increases comfort and improves handling when driving with a load.
After installing the pneumatic elements (pillows), the weight of the vehicle is redistributed, which leads to unloading of the springs and their fastening elements.
Adjusting the air pressure in the pneumatic elements (cushions) allows you to select the optimal operating mode of the air suspension depending on the vehicle load.
Fuel economy: strict control or employee motivation?
For the transport business it is a cornerstone. It's no secret that about 50% of carriers' expenses come from fuel. There are several ways to reduce these costs, and it is better to implement them comprehensively: install monitoring systems, train drivers to drive economically and encourage them to use the acquired knowledge by introducing a reward system.
Telematics will help control fuel consumption and provide objective information. This data will become the basis for optimizing fuel costs. Monitoring systems will also influence the discipline of drivers, who will know that every liter of diesel fuel counts.
How much can you save by implementing telematics?
But simply equipping a vehicle fleet with telematics is not enough. Fuel consumption is highly dependent on driving style, and many drivers fail to improve their performance without knowing about simple and effective saving methods. Therefore, driver training is an equally important part of optimization, which will improve their professional training and will definitely pay off in the future.
Choosing Tires: Affordable or Energy Efficient?
Tires are another cost item for motor carriers. When every ruble counts, the question of what to “shoe” the fleet is not at all cheap.
Using cheap tires can cut your costs by 50% - simply because they are cheap. In the overall cost structure, spending on tires takes up only 1%. But the mileage until the next replacement will be reduced, and fuel consumption will increase. Thus, having saved 0.5% of the total cost of owning a company (let’s take this value as ₽500 thousand), you can lose up to 5% (i.e. up to ₽5 million) due to increased fuel consumption and the need for more frequent tire replacement.
Let's consider the effectiveness of energy-saving tires using the example of a new range of truck tires. Michelin developed them with an ambitious goal: to ensure that fleets get real fuel savings without sacrificing the usual mileage and handling values. The company's engineers combined the most modern technologies and rubber compounds.
How much can you save with energy-efficient tires?
In this case, replacement will occur gradually as the old sets of tires wear out. This practice will reduce one-time costs, and the savings will increase until they reach truly tangible values.
How much money will energy-efficient tires save your company?
Calculate your benefit using .
Power plant modernization
Tuning the power plant is performed primarily for one of two purposes:
- increasing vehicle efficiency;
- improvement of dynamic and traction characteristics.
The safest and easiest way to achieve one of the above goals is chip tuning. Its main advantage is that if the ECU flashing fails, it is always possible to return to the factory settings. The cost of chip tuning starts from 2 thousand rubles. The disadvantage of this modernization is only a slight change in the characteristics of the motor.
Another option for engine tuning is replacing some components and parts. The most popular option is to install a zero-resistance air filter and a direct-flow exhaust system. The cost of such upgrades starts from 2 thousand rubles.
A more complex tuning is to rebuild the engine using stock spare parts. In this way, engine performance can be significantly influenced. The cost of the bulkhead starts from 30 thousand rubles.
A radical way to tune an engine is to install an engine from another car. The most popular for these purposes are power units from Japanese minibuses and SUVs. The cost of a swap starts from 120 thousand rubles.
Interior tuning
It is recommended to start tuning the interior of a Gazelle Next car with sound insulation. This will improve the comfort of being in the car. The cost of sound insulation starts from 5 thousand rubles.
The Gazelle Next car is more of a commercial vehicle. Therefore, mainly budget finishing materials are used in its interior. Tuning allows you to fix this. Many drivers install leather seats and change the upholstery of interior elements. The cost of such work often exceeds 70 thousand rubles.
