I've found the KL rides a lot softer with more lean than my KH does, but i think the only major difference is the rim size.. er apart from the AWD driveline...
I'd describe it as soft suspension with body roll and lean, feels boaty.
Its very comfortable, which i guess was the objective.

What has the biggest impact on the AWD handling? Would it be rim/tyre size or springs/shocks? Are there any significant benefits to be had by changing anything?

I'd say its culmination of both. You need both a suspension and wider performance tyre change improve the overall handling of a car. Along with also stiffening of the chassis with bracing (strut andnswaybars) and stiffer bushes.

There's no point upgrading your suspension if you're tyres loose grip the minute you go a bit harder in a corner.

However if you have decent tyres then undoubtedly a change to the parts responsible for for adjusting your cars weight shift would make the biggest difference. No brainer.

My boaty KW has just had some 225 55s fitted to some 17x7" rims (up from the 16x6 with 215 60s) and the difference in handling at speed is ridiculous. It is definitely firmer riding and potholes have to be now looked for and avoided, as the jarring is unpleasant. For my use very glad I didn't go 18" - very glad! It is still boaty but I await new suspension.

Good thing with the stock wheel and tyres is you can barrel down dirt roads no worries.

IWhat has the biggest impact on the AWD handling? Would it be rim/tyre size or springs/shocks? Are there any significant benefits to be had by changing anything?
Good springs and shocks and good rubber made the world of difference on my FWD - I did them at separate times and they individually made a huge difference. I imagine doing the same on an AWD would make it a bucket of fun to drive...

Just going to 225 17s has made the car heaps of fun to drive - Esp in traffic you can chuck it around and dive in front of oncoming traffic (legally of course) without so much as a squeal from the tyres even when using quite wide throttle. I would almost go as far as saying this is the best car I've ever owned for overall fun and I'm still yet to get my Dobinsons springs and shockies.

I just checked the cars, they've got the same sizes, so 215/60R16, i thought the KH had bigger rims, but no.
So thats not the difference, must be the suspension components, maybe the springs are softer. Anyhow, theres not enough k's on the car to go spending money on replacing those, they've got heaps of life left, so i guess i'll leave it alone.

There is around 150kg difference in weight between the AWD and FWD. Spring rates are the same between the two.

There is around 150kg difference in weight between the AWD and FWD. Spring rates are the same between the two.
Not only that, but the both FWD & AWD L/Ws were around 50kg heavier than the J equivalent due to increased firewall reinforcement (as I understand it). The Js in turn were a few kg heavier than the Hs, so KWAWD's KL is probably nearer to 200kg heavier than his KH.

Tyres/Wheels make the biggest difference as they are the aspect that connect the car to the road to move forward but both have different roles. 18inch wheels & tyres are the best combination of balance between ride quality, bumb absorption, comfort, handling, performance, grip, road & rim/wheel clearance articulation etc. Going with 245/45 on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres is the best I've found so far for lap & drag times besides Drag Radials/Slicks. Volk Racing forged wheels for lighter weight to counter the upgrade to 18s. Also take out the Spare tyre -20kg.

Only problem with Genuine Volk Racing forged wheels is they cost as much new as the value of an AWD magna these days :-S

"18inch wheels & tyres are the best..."
Best for who?
"...for lap & drag times"
Depends on your priorities of course.

"Good thing with the stock wheel and tyres is you can barrel down dirt roads no worries."
Agreed (- though I'd rather have 16x7 than 16x6).

18inch wheels & tyres are the best combination of balance between ride quality, bumb absorption, comfort, handling, performance, grip, road & rim/wheel clearance articulation etc
Take into account the entire sentence but I agree - 16s are good for drags.


"18inch wheels & tyres are the best..."
Best for who?
"...for lap & drag times"
Depends on your priorities of course.

"Good thing with the stock wheel and tyres is you can barrel down dirt roads no worries."
Agreed (- though I'd rather have 16x7 than 16x6).

$3000+ genuinely but still better quality than some of the more expensive forged brands of $6000+


Only problem with Genuine Volk Racing forged wheels is they cost as much new as the value of an AWD magna these days :-S

I found the brand and model of tyre also makes a huge difference. I'm running Pedders springs & shocks all round on my TJ Sports AWD. Last week I changed up from stock 16x6"s to 18x8"s, and upgraded my tyres from cheap & nasty unknown brands to some brand new mid range Falkens. Both my handling AND my ride quality improved.

In My AWD, Dobinsons VRX lows (30mm drop from standard magna ride height & more importantly, 25% stiffer) & KYB shocks, 18 X 8 rims & quality 235/40 18's with stiff sidewalls @ 40 psi front & 36 psi rear & a whiteline strut brace up front, made a substantial improvement in the handling department. There was a loss of ride comfort and a bit more jiggyness (if that's a word :-S) but not to the point where it's harsh (still good compliance in this set up). Overall I'm very happy with this set up and I always get compliments when others drive my ride about how well it handles.

I previously had king springs (Don't bother with Kings or Pedders for the AWD models), they were too soft and dead in feel for the AWD's extra weight.

Probably the only change needed in my set up would probably be the Boge shocks over the KYB as they seem to be the general consensus here for a quality hi-po shock absorber on a budget. Beyond that, there are the Koni shocks (adjustable in the front) or going full coilovers for the ultimate in handling (at the expense of ride)