?TJM or ARB Suspension lift

Here goes - set of OME H/D springs for 130,000kms - good when towing and loaded - bit rough when unladen - approx 75mm lift - Series 2000 shocks at the same time - good and heavy and did not seem to mind the corrugations (living in Broome during most of this time). Replaced the whole lot 6mths ago and now have series 2000 H/D springs - better ride unladen and seems ok when loaded (no longer towing and no more kids so the vehicle is carrying less anyway) - 75mm lift - OME shocks - again don't seem to fade when on the corrugations and are handling everything else well. The ride seems a bit more comfortable (compliant) now. Why the mixing of brands - $$$$$$$ - got a good price on the Series 2000 springs 6mths ago - got a great price on the shocks from ARB (threw in a steering damper). 10yrs ago got a great price on the OME springs freighted up from Perth and a good price on the Series 2000 shocks. What does it all mean - not much I guess only that they appear to work for my vehicle (LWB Maverick) and haven't stuffed up - satisfied with the outlay and return - what more can you want???? rgds

Hello Skip

sorry - cannot offer any experience of these products. Have been doing my own research on this site plus a couple of specific Prado forums. I have a 90 series and have opted for a different brand of coils (to the 2 you mention) plus airbags for the big loads. I have found for the 90 at least a lot of people have said no need to replace the dampers (shocks) as they are OK standard as long as the spring lift does not exceed 50mm. This has been confirmed by a number of spring suppliers other than those specialising in the full kit. I guess I will know in a couple of weeks when mine are all fitted.

If you want to look at the Prado specific sites take a look at

www.lcool.org

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/90series

you might need to sign up - cannot remember - but cost nothing and like this forum heaps of knowledge "on tap".

Cheers

Gazza

Not sure with respect to the Prado, but I went down this path a few months back with my GU patrol I ended up going with neither and I know that I got a better deal.

ARB and TJM can be quite expensive for what you get in my opinion. For the price of a complete set of OME basic kit (springs and shocks - nothing else) I got the top of the range Koni shocks (which can be re-built when they wear out) and lovell springs. I can adjust the shocks to suit conditions (requires a bit of stuffing around). I am thoroughly happy with the ride - both laiden and clean.

My advice is go to a suspension specialist and your dollar will definately go further. ARB and TJM will try and run the arguement that they have stores nationally and support their product better. Well Lovell springs and Koni shocks have dealers throughout the country (Same for King Springs.) and they have been doing springs and suspension for years and years.

On a side issue, I wouldn't be going above 50 mm or you will find your insurance premium will be very expensive, and many insurers will not want to know you.

regards

Deano

Skip,

The springs are not a big issue, ARB and TJM are King Springs in a diffrent box. Lovelles spring are also fine for the Prado.
What I have found is the shocks make all the difference. Either Koni or Bilstens. They are a bit dearer but because of the set up of the vehicle they seem to work the best.

Keep the lift to a max of 50mm. Front end and insurance problems might accure if you go any higher

Wayne

We do 40mm / 60mm / 80mm lifts for prado, using the correct % rate spring for your requirements, and matched to the shock valving.

We use Bilstien shocks, velocity controlled valving, and the front struts have 3 seperate height settings for alloy bar, alloy bar and dual batteries, steel bar and winch with dual batteries.

We use all toyota bushes all around, as they last better than the aftermarket versions.

If you try the 90 list on www.lcool.org or the 120 list, there are 10 or more people on there who have our package, and more than 50% have replaced OME with our package, for the improved ride, handling.

Ivan, who is on here, and lcool.org had our package fitted to his vehicle, removing the OME, after riding in my vehicle [90 series] on my xmas trip.

I had OME heavy duty (incl 2" lift) fitted by ARB to my 90 series last year. After a Simpson Desert trip (and during) I was suffering from bump stop familiarity, and sag when loaded.

I took it back a couple of times - they just pumped the tyres up harder and said it was fine. Sag was 'within spec' - and if I wanted the shocks tested, they would have to come off, and be sent to Melbourne to go on a machine - which I would pay for if they were 'within spec'.

I now have Bilsteins on Lovell's and even when loaded can drive straight through 'the bumps' and she soaks them up beautifully.

I went to this set up after seeing GO_Offroad's setup (and his has done the same Simpson Trip, plus a sh*t load more, and still travels beautifully) - the same track which I could only do 20 kph on, he could do 50 kph on (and smoother) - I know speed isn't the only thing here, but I think it demonstrates the difference.

The OME suspension lasted six months on my car - I think it is marketed well ;-)

Canning stock route 3 yrs ago.
Koni shocks on defender-one eye broken off.
Ironman on defender-two leaking oil through glands,one seized.
ARB on Nissan-no problems and still in use.
Lovells springs and Kings are the same and much cheaper than ARB.
The above Nissan had Lovells fitted for the Canning and performed without fault.
I have also used the enforcer brand of shocks with good results.

Regards