Ride Height Differences

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 20:05
ThreadID: 105279 Views:1554 Replies:4 FollowUps:7
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I have just fitted Lovells HD springs to the front of my 2008 diesel Prado ( as well as gas shocks all round).

I measured the ride height before and after to see how much lift I would get. (springs were HD, standard height but there is always a little gain in height).

The measurements were :-
BEFORE - LHS Front 84.7cm RHS Front 85.3 cm.

AFTER - LHS Front 91.4 cm RHS Front 90.6 cm.
The measure was taken from the centre of the guard to the ground.

I expect there will be a bit of settling after some kms but I was wondering if the differences side to side are cause for alarm?

I think to expect the height to be the same on both sides is a bit too much to expect but I could be wrong....

The vehicle sits level front to back and you cannot pick the difference looking head on. I do have air bags in the rear inside OEM springs. The pressure is the same in both bags as close as I can get it.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks

bill
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Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 20:32

Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 20:32
Hi Bill. Were the springs marked left and right. Sometimes they are,depending on the application. It could be that the higher spring is in the left to compensate for Aussie road camber. The wheel alignment can then be set up to suit both the heights and road camber. I know our wheel alignment guy used to do it with the bubble shaped Tarago's as they were notorious for pulling to the left. Cheers,Bob.
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Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:47

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:47
Yes, we checked that and were installed as per instructions. I know the Prado springs are colour coded.

Than ks

bill
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Reply By: Ross M - Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 21:04

Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 21:04
Bill
It is best to measure any height dimensions from the under side of the wheel arch to either the top or bottom of a known size rim. Then all stays constant.

Doing that you eliminate the variations in tyre tread wear, inflation distance under rim and the weight effect on that distance from uneven loading of the vehicle.

Then you only have the suspension as the variable item/s.

For me, any vehicle other than cars should always be higher at the rear so to allow for the weight of loads in the payload area of the vehicle, otherwise ( if already level) you are always playing catchup with additional lifting methods like airbags etc. to carry and allow for the weight increase.
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Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:49

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:49
The suppliers suggested the measurement from under the lip of the guard to the ground.
I was just interested in the difference between standard OEM setup and the new springs.

Might re measure to check on the settling down the track.

Thanks

Bill
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Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:55

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:55
Re the level ride.
I will keep an eye on that when I hook the van up first time. If it becomes a problem I will take out the 10mm spacer.

I was principally adjusting the front end for the steel bullbar and the extra battery weight.

I also use a front towbar and it sags alarmingly on the OEM setup. Will be good now.

THanks

bill
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Follow Up By: Ross M - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 17:49

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 17:49
Bill B
"the suppliers suggested that???
Shows little comprehension of the variables involved so you can realistically compare or measure what the end result is.

Was that person a salesjerk or a technically oriented human type person?
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Reply By: desray (WA - Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 23:22

Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 23:22
How much fuel have you got in the tanks. 80 litres in the side tank will make it lean little
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Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:50

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:50
Good thought.
The tanks were full so that is a possibility.

I am mainly interested in finding out if it is problem.

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bill
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Reply By: olcoolone - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 07:00

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 07:00
Bill, you're talking less than 8mm per side and is pretty close to your original springs...... you would not even notice it.

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Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:53

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 09:53
You're right. You can't see it when eyeballing.
Do notice the extra height. I had to drop the traffic camera down a bit to get the best picture.

I had the same setup in an older Prado (2003) but didn't think to check anything. It did 80,000 km and there were no problems or deterioration in the ride.

Thanks

bill
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Follow Up By: bluefella - Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 10:04

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 at 10:04
I agree as ride height changes with so many variables, such as passengers maybe someone 60kg or 120kg.
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