Suspension lift for Prado 2003 GX
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 02:06
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Member - Bluemetaldaisy (NSW)
It'a an age-old question, one I know I've previously asked, but I need to know again. I want to give my 2003 GX 120 sries Prado Turbo Diesel a 2 or 3 inch lift and have that "
Suspension Nirvana" whereupon the new shocks/coils will give me the lift I need and not be lost when I attach my Explorer
Camping Trailer (150-180kg ball weight) yet not have the truck skitter over the road when not towing. I spoke to an ARB stockist who reccommended Old Man Emu. From what I can gather, the general consensus is Tough Dog. Seems Tough Dog is top of the heap, Old Man Emu is middle of the range and Iron Man is bottom of the heap. The ARB bloke was happily trying to sell the Old Man Emu and has seen very few warranty claims in his 25 years selling 4WD accessories. He quoted me $1,650 fully installed with a wheel alignment and 2 year warranty. Still, after all the advice, imagine my confusion! What to get? Oh, and another thing. A mate reccommended putting the wider tyres/rims that go on the GXL upwards. I don't know how that would go with the GX skinnier tyres/rims. He reckons his mate's done it. Would it be legal? I don't know how much it'd stick out the side if at all.
Reply By: Member - Roger T (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 09:19
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 09:19
have a look at www.pradopoint.com lots of information.i chose autocraft springs and billstien shocks and i am pleased with the result.you might also need air bags in the back springs.
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404390
Follow Up By: Member - Bluemetaldaisy (NSW) - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 12:07
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 12:07
The same ARB stockist said not to fit air bags as one of the things not told to the consumer is that apparently, the bump stops are removed for the air bags to fit. They also leak, and he's had virtually all air bags returned. He also said that since the bump stops are removed, there's no deflection in the spring since with the air bags inflated
the springs won't absorb the energy, meaning the vehicle will tip heavily to one side since
the springs are unable to keep the vehicle balanced on a rough trail. It does sound compelling, I must admit. Or it's just my ignorance!
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Reply By: tdv - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 09:39
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 09:39
I have a 120 series and upgraded the
suspension about 12 months ago. I too tow regularly, but also have winch, dual batts etc over the front end.
After researching as much as I could both on here and pradopoint I couldn't really justify the cost of ARB/TJM/tough dog set ups. I ended up going with Ironman figuring I was only keeping the car another few years anyway if I wasn't happy.
The guy that fitted the
suspension asked all the relevent details about weights carried etc then came up with a package for the front and rear with foam cell shocks for less than $1200 fitted with alignment.
I'm happy with the ride though it is a bit firm in the rear when very empty ie. no fuel left. It probably isn't helped by the BFG's which are quite stiff as
well. When towing it only sags less than an inch in the rear.
If money was no object I guess I would have been tempted to go with the bigger names. My uotes were all close to or above 2k in FNQ. Ironman has a good reputation for warranty as
well, not that I have needed it.
The extra lift has stopped me dragging the belly on several tracks. I went up between 65-85mm.
Cheers
Tez
AnswerID:
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Reply By: dirttracker - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 11:05
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 11:05
I also have a lifted 120 - '05 diesel GXL and a OME 2" lift with airbags. I went with heavy towing springs on the rear but I would put slightly lighter ones now from experience. It isn't that they stitter around, they don't, but the rear
seat occupants find it a little firm when there is no load in the back. Hence, I would rely more on the airbags when the camper in on. Mind you I am loosing pressure at the moment and can't find the leak! I would recommend you give this guy a call or email.
darren@auto-craft.com.au 0409 513 549 He is listed in the vendor section of Pradopoint and is highly regarded.
I believe he will be able to take care of you or give good advice. I have no afiliation.
As to the
wheels, the wider
wheels and larger tyres do improve on and off road performance according to those on the
forum. However, they will be very close to the outside of the guard without the flairs. Lifted GXs look a little gangly on skinny tyres way up high. Longer mudflaps can counter this look with or without the wider rims.
Regards
Martin
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404399
Follow Up By: Member - Bluemetaldaisy (NSW) - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 12:02
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 12:02
Sounds okay, but are the wider rims/tyres legal?
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Follow Up By: dirttracker - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 13:18
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 at 13:18
As I understand it, if it is on the GXL then the rims are legal. The tyres are supposed to be within 15mm DIA of GXL tyres which are 265x65x17, however, I run 265x70x17 which are 20mm in DIA larger. You can retain the original DIA if you fit 245x70x17. That might work for you with no flairs. Does the '03 have 17" or 16", either way there are options for you.
Martin
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