Suspension Upgrade - Toyota Prado

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 at 14:29
ThreadID: 133607 Views:5447 Replies:8 FollowUps:1
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Hello all. My Prado is 12/02 manufacture and done 270k. Would like to do the CSR next year and considering a suspension upgrade. There seems a lot to choose from and I was hoping, of all the learned members out there, someone might have some suggestions. I intend to do some outback and some beach tracks. Look forward to hearing from you.
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Reply By: mynance - Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 at 16:27

Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 at 16:27
http://www.ultimatesuspension.com.au

Excellent service on my Pajero, tows our off road van without sway, at speed limit without WDH.


Myles
AnswerID: 605141

Reply By: Dean K3 - Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 at 17:54

Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 at 17:54
have ome ehd on back end of 120 08 variant (also have twn wheel carrier fitted) this is far too firm for normal gravel and potholes and find it gets very tail happy on corrogations potholes - and more varied spring rate be nicer in my mind however if i did go with medium duty I would also need assistance airbags esp if towing.

nitrogen better option doesn't get affected by heat unlike oil variants having remote canister might also be a worthwhile option -esp if they rebuildable and variable valve rebound etc might be more than std items but worth it in longer run - also look at dms (speciality is rally/race gear) but also has some 4wd lines as well
AnswerID: 605143

Reply By: gke - Monday, Oct 17, 2016 at 10:51

Monday, Oct 17, 2016 at 10:51
Hi Kevin, I have a Prado 120 2009 and have OME springs front 2884 and rear 2895 with OME shocks front 90000 and rear 60004 together with rear Polyairs. I also have the OME rear stone guard kit OME 661.

With 5 psi in the bags around town I find the ride to our satisfaction.
For heavy loads for desert trips I use 10 to 15 psi depending on how the vehicle sits and handles.

All the best with your choice, Graham.
AnswerID: 605163

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Oct 17, 2016 at 21:40

Monday, Oct 17, 2016 at 21:40
Did your original suspension last 270,000k? If so, I'm not too surprised - they are quality Japanese made Tokico shocks. Replacement factory shocks from Toyota are usually cheaper than aftermarket
AnswerID: 605181

Follow Up By: The Explorer - Saturday, Oct 22, 2016 at 10:16

Saturday, Oct 22, 2016 at 10:16
I got >300,000km out of my originals - though like most people majority was just on bitumen.

Cheers
Greg
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Reply By: Sigmund - Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 07:51

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 07:51
Find a 4WD suspension specialist and lay out your needs.

Lots of corro on the CSR so first class heat dissipation will be one of them. That points you in the direction of a remote reservoir unit.

Then there's your load and whether you want adjustable shocks, whether you need a lift.

In terms of brands, I've heard of Bilsteins not coping well with heat, and I've had standard Dobinson shocks 2 out of 4 of which failed early in the outback. Now using their MRR shocks and they're adequate on outback dirt - they can be rebuilt and I'll see about softer valving as the LT AT tyres are pretty harsh.
AnswerID: 605186

Reply By: dad1340 - Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 11:09

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 11:09
My FJ Cruiser has OME BP-51 with 2" lift - adjustable compression and Re-bound.

It depends on what you use the Prado for.

Cheers

dad
AnswerID: 605188

Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 12:13

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016 at 12:13
As suggested it might be worth speaking to a specialist suspension workshop in your area (WA?) to discuss your requirements and potential alternatives to your current suspension.

You won’t necessarily need a suspension upgrade to do the CSR, but in the least I would replace current shock-absorbers with new ones and ensure all nuts and bolts associated with the suspension have a spanner put over them to ensure correct tension.

Bearing in mind, a lift won't necessarily help in sand country unless coupling it with larger wheels/tyres.

For the most part, suspension problems on these types of tracks usually arise from inappropriate driving, too fast leading to component failure, regardless of brand or type. Keep speeds down and appropriate to the conditions (corrugations) and stop regularly to allow the shocks to cool – this will always be your number one defence against suspension problems on these remote tracks.

Cheers, Baz – The Landy
AnswerID: 605192

Reply By: andoland - Friday, Oct 21, 2016 at 12:12

Friday, Oct 21, 2016 at 12:12
If you have a look in the 90 series section at www.pradopoint.com you will find as much info as you could possibly ever need.

The suspension set up that was generally considered "the best" for the 90 series was a combination of King Springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, but from memory, when I was looking at it for my 90 series, the Bilsteins were pretty expensive.

I have ARB Old Man Emu on my current (2010 model) Prado and have done the CSR, Madigan Line a couple of times, Hay River, French Line, etc., and it has been just fine.

I did mess around with various different spring and shock combos on my 90 series but I've come to the conclusion that any of the mainstream suspension set-ups will be fine. Out of the 8 or so different vehicles that I regularly travel with they've all got off-the-shelf aftermarket suspension from the main players (TJM, ARB, Tough Dog, etc) and I can't recall anyone having any serious problems.
AnswerID: 605260

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