which suspension ???

G'day all,
It's just about time for new suspension under my 90 series Prado, i have spoken to a few salesman ,making enquiries about prices and quality of gear.The problem is , they all claim theirs is the best and the next blokes is no good for a dozen reasons.Prices vary pretty well too,Ironman gear seams pretty reasonably priced,but is it as good as the next one.I know opinions are like armpits and everyones got 2 of them, but i would like some semi unbiased opinions, so any help would be appreciated.
Cheers.
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Reply By: Member - Christopher P (NSW) - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 09:01

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 09:01
My ironman stuff in the 4runner was good, someone else who got into it thought other wise., mind you i had big bore shocks in the thing and 2" lift in the rear!
thinking about putting it in the hilux.
AnswerID: 419481

Reply By: Dasher Des - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 09:20

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 09:20
I'm going through the same exercize and I have spoken with a mechanic who works with theVariety Club Bash here each year. he is a very well respected tradesman and I value his opinion. With the Variety Club bash, he comes across a large cross section of different types of suspension systems and the two that he suggested that I avoid is Ironman and Tough Dog.
You will find that any brand may have a few units that don't work as designed to but he did suggest the OME were one of the better ones and that they are covered by an across Australia warranty so that you don't have to return to the point of sale for warranty claims.
AnswerID: 419484

Reply By: Outback Gazz - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 10:52

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 10:52
G'day John

I own and run a small 4wd tour company that specialises in outback Australia and over the years and with millions of kilometres under the belt I have tried numerous brands of suspension. And for what it's worth I would recommend OME ! The money you might save up front on a cheaper brand will more than likely come back and haunt you later ! Should there be the unlikely failure of their product, you know that they have outlets all over Australia that will get you up and running in no time at all under their nationwide guarantee !

I have no connection with them at all - just happy with their product on all my vehicles !!

Happy travelling

Gazz
AnswerID: 419495

Follow Up By: Member - Prickle (SA) - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 21:40

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 21:40
I chose OME (ARB) for my LC based on previous experience where I had the suspension done on a diesel hilux. Found out later that the suspension done was for a petrol motor and not deisel.

Have just done the suspension on the LC and went OME for reason of (hopefully) name, warranty Aus wide and they have a reputation to stand up to.

So support other postings re OME.
Russ


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FollowupID: 689766

Reply By: Charles Jenkinson - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:16

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:16
Hey mate,

I've also been running OME in my 80 series Landcruiser now for the last 12 years. Never had a problem with it! The lift is high enough to afford some extra clearance, but not too high to (in my opinion) adversely influence your steering. They ride well, and will take the punishment that may be inflicted upon them.

I also recently changed to the new ARB Nitro Sports shock absorber, from the old Munro gas shocks I ran previously. I was amazed by the difference that their new product made - my vehicle felt very positive and in control.

Like others before, I have no affiliation to ARB. I'm just a happy customer who has enjoyed the benefits that their equipment have imparted on my old faithful work-horse.

Good luck, mate.

Charles

________________________
Charles Jenkinson
Perth, Western Australia

Gracie "The Grey Ghost"
1991 Toyota Landcruiser GXL
4.2L Turbo Diesel
358,133km and counting!
AnswerID: 419532

Reply By: Charles Jenkinson - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:28

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:28
Hey mate,

I've also been running OME in my 80 series Landcruiser now for the last 12 years. Never had a problem with it! The lift is high enough to afford some extra clearance, but not too high to (in my opinion) adversely influence your steering. They ride well, and will take the punishment that may be inflicted upon them.

I also recently changed to the new ARB Nitro Sports shock absorber, from the old Munro gas shocks I ran previously. I was amazed by the difference that their new product made - my vehicle felt very positive and in control.

Like others before, I have no affiliation to ARB. I'm just a happy customer who has enjoyed the benefits that their equipment have imparted on my old faithful work-horse.

Good luck, mate.

Charles

________________________
Charles Jenkinson
Perth, Western Australia

Gracie "The Grey Ghost"
1991 Toyota Landcruiser GXL
4.2L Turbo Diesel
358,133km and counting!
AnswerID: 419533

Follow Up By: Charles Jenkinson - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:28

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 14:28
So sorry about the double post, Ladies and Gentlemen!
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FollowupID: 689719

Reply By: Wherehegon - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 15:49

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 15:49
Having OME fitted to my current prado. Had it in the previous prado (both 90 series) and had it in the hilux prior and were due for replacement when I sold it with 300k on it, not one problem hence why I went with it again on previous prado. Shop around but, even between ARB shops you will get a price difference as I have found out this time, save $300. I find tough dog are great for bigger vehicles like cruisers and patrols but not suited for prado's, only what I have heard, I have never personally used tough dog. I also went OME as mentioned above for warranty reasons Aussi wide. Regards Steve
AnswerID: 419539

Follow Up By: john&thejayco - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 18:17

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 18:17
g'day wherehegone,
I was quoted $1700 from the closest ARB for the OME set up, this has been the dearest quote for any suspension i have received so far, with TJM's gold series next down the line at $1400 followed closely by opposite lock's Tuff Dog set up,the Terrain Tamer set up and Ironman following up as the cheapest at under $1200. These prices all included fitting and balancing as well. Is that quote for OME reasonable or could i do better.Thanks all for taking the time to help out, i appreciate all replies, as they say the more the better.
Cheers John.
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FollowupID: 689742

Follow Up By: Wherehegon - Saturday, Jun 05, 2010 at 12:24

Saturday, Jun 05, 2010 at 12:24
Hi John, yes I paid $1800 for the old prado, have been quoted $1500 for prado I have now (both 90 series) The qoute for $1500 is not an ARB store but supply & fit their product, I have to check up as to wether the warranty is the same (Aussi Wide) or do I have to have it fitted by ARB to get the warranty coverage ?? Im getting another price this week from ARB but another store (ran out of time) will let you know the price. Regards Steve
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FollowupID: 689825

Reply By: happytravelers - Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 20:39

Friday, Jun 04, 2010 at 20:39
Hi John
I've just been through the same thing, where I live there's an ARB store and a TJM store next door to each other. They were both quoting around the same price, but what swayed it for me in the end was TJM's 3yr/50,000 warranty as opposed to ARB's 2yr/40,000 warranty. Although reading the recent threads on TJM stores closing I'm not so sure I did make the right decision.
Jon
AnswerID: 419581

Reply By: tonysmc - Saturday, Jun 05, 2010 at 21:18

Saturday, Jun 05, 2010 at 21:18
May I suggest going to a place that makes suspension (hot bent not cold) and get them to make one that suits your vehicle. I had used a few name brands over the years and I was never completely happy. I have always wondered how an off the shelf product can suit everyone's different loadings.
Eventually I went to a suspension maker and told him what I wanted. He told me to pack the vehicle for a trip and he will sort it out. Been happy with it ever since.

Cheers Tony/
AnswerID: 419694

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