Power of the prado
Submitted: Monday, Mar 26, 2007 at 22:47
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Member - Stephen M (NSW)
Hi all just got back from just south of
Kiama today and must say I'm impressed with the pulling power of the prado (mind you I am comparing to the 2.8d Lux) LOL. Had camper on back pulling up Mt Ousley 80k zone with camper on back fully loaded and went back to second locked it in manually to stop it hunting between drive and second and had it singing at 5g 85k's up over the top and back into drive then o/d. Was laughing to myself thinking I would still be climbing in first or second in the old girl. Found cruise to be non beneficial in the hilly area's better driving it with out cruise on but great on the flats and freeway on the way
home. Hard to work out fuel consumption cause I didnt fill it write up (dual tanks) and as every one knows they start on the reserve then flick over to main then they must pump a bit of fuel between tanks as
well. Going up
Crowdy head at
easter time with my best mate and wife and friends so will fill both tanks chockers before and after to work out fuel usage but definatly sucked more than the old lux which I new it would but worth the extra grunt and comfort. Wife slept all the way back so must be comfy as she could stretch right out which she couldnt do in the lux. Will post easters fuel usage after our trip. Very happy indeed. Definately needs some stronger springs/bags in the rear to stop it saging.Regards Steve M
Reply By: Anthony - Monday, Mar 26, 2007 at 23:06
Monday, Mar 26, 2007 at 23:06
Hi Steve M,
Like you, after owning a 2.8 lux for 13 years and now driving a prado (2003 gx) for the last 12 months, I'm still laughing everytime I tow our camper up any sort of
hill. Driving on the flat sections, its like the camper isn't on the back.
A lot is written about the 120 series prado being under powered but after the hilux, I love it. cheers Anthony (Vic)
AnswerID:
229935
Reply By: Member - Tour Boy- Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 06:29
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 06:29
Hi Steve,
Glad you love it, Now you know why I don't drive diesels anymore I'd rather the power on tap at any time. Once on gas you are way in front.
Regards
TB
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Jeff H (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 10:08
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 10:08
Bloody traitor!!
I told you to stay with Rodeo!
AnswerID:
229983
Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 10:21
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 10:21
LOL Hi ya Jeff, if I had found a rodeo in good nick and low klms I would be driving round in one but couldnt find one so went the toyota. I'm a fussy bastard when it comes to service history and I think most people who own rodeo's and use them for trade work must think its not an issue with servicing there vehicles unless its people like yourself then they dont want to sell them. Love the pics of your dog specially the one on the main page. Regardas Steve M
FollowupID:
490772
Reply By: deserter - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 11:30
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 11:30
Are we talking the new Diesel engine ?? I have only had
mine a week and the power is great. Coming from a 4L petrol Falcon - I hardly notice a difference. Will tow for the first time next week. Interesting to read your comments about rear
suspension.
AnswerID:
229996
Follow Up By: Wizard1 - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 12:55
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 12:55
Ummm, photo looks like a 95 series petrol.
FollowupID:
490808
Follow Up By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 13:01
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 13:01
Hi there deserter, nope talking the 3.4 V6 90 series prado. If you have the D4D prado it will out pull the falcon no problems, even the 1KZ has great pulling power and also great fuel economy. I have heard the D4D is a bit thirstier up around the 14/15 per 100 but you will find out for yourself the exact fuel consumption. I'm not sure what the rear
suspension will be like in your new prado but
mine is a bit soft in the rear quit easily hits the bump stops with out much weight in the back. Thats my next port of call in the next week or two is lifting it a bit and installing good springs and shockies all round, might still need some rear air bags but will see how it goes first with new
suspension. My mate loads up his new prado V6 4L and has a fair bit of weight in the back 2 kids 2 adults plus all there luggage and bikes hanging off the rear and sits quit
well, so you mightnt have any issues. If your van is loaded properly and especially if you have dual axles then weight on tow ball mightnt be an issue. I find it depends alot on what you have loaded in the rear of the vehicle itself. Regards Steve M
FollowupID:
490810
Reply By: Wizard1 - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 12:59
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 12:59
The best thing for the sagging rear is a set of heavy duty springs and shocks and a pair of polyairs.
There is no need to go for a lift unless you want to as the stiffer springs should do a great job.
AnswerID:
230016
Follow Up By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 13:37
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007 at 13:37
Wizard1,
I had previously asked the question about lifting a 2007 3l Prado, with regard to my driveway.
At the time I was also concerned about the back sagging with a 110l Waeco and with a 17foot Jayco Poptop behind.
Unfortunately I did not mention this on that thread.
What type of springs, and is Polyair a brand , would suit this model Prado.
I will probably try vehicle as is and see how it goes but just to be on the safe side would like this info.
Thanks
Pedro
FollowupID:
490827
Reply By: Wizard1 - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 16:29
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 16:29
Had the TJM brand shocks and springs, XGS I think they are called. Polyair are a brand name, there are others out there, but I went for the one I know. We tow a 16 Ft single axle van with a towball weight upwards of 200kg, yes that's right and it has been weighed.
We usually have the loaded up with a generator, water jerries, Waeco CF50 (full of beer) as
well as a spare 4WD tyre and wheel and other snot on the ARB roof rack. So we are weighed down. The whole rig sits nice and level.
I got it all fixed in the rear when we went camping in
Kakadu towing only the boat (900 kg on the weigh
bridge!) as
well as snot in the back and roof rack. The sag was quite bad on the ORE
suspension. We found after all the towing we do the rear springs had saged 50mm from original ride height, not good.
Still have the ORE front
suspension after 119000km including a lot of dirt, but they will be replaced with the TJM setup soon.
AnswerID:
230264
Follow Up By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 16:56
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 16:56
Thanks for that Wizard1.
I assume the heavy duty springs lift the vehicle slightly.
Is there anything else needed , like caster corrections kits do you know.
Quote I got for XGS
Shocks Back $153.90 each
Front $190 each
Springs $210 pair
Fitting $264 + wheel alignment $70.
Polyair $295 pair + fitting $66
Pedro
FollowupID:
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