Just found that I'm going to need new shocks so may as well upgrade the lot while I'm at it. Thinking a 2inch lift is in order. Are there any brands to stay away from? I'm led to believe Bilsteins are generally very good in lowered cars but don't know about 4wds? Looking to buy a kit then install with my mechanic.
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Which suspension?
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Re: Which suspension?
There are a few suspension threads in the 90's section already... have you done any searching first?Cheers, Leon
There's no such thing as a wrong turn... it's just the scenic route!
1998 VX Grande 95... gone, 2008 GXL 120... almost gone... 2017 GXL 150... blank canvas
Optix Photographix
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Re: Which suspension?
I can only comment on the Lovells set up I have... and I'm very happy with them. If I was after suspension to do some seriously heavy work (ie. a few outback trips) I would probably have gone the Billies/lovells combination but these Lovells struts and shocks haven't let me down at all since I've been running them.
They've now been on for over 2.5 years and done over 65,000k's.Cheers, Leon
There's no such thing as a wrong turn... it's just the scenic route!
1998 VX Grande 95... gone, 2008 GXL 120... almost gone... 2017 GXL 150... blank canvas
Optix Photographix
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Re: Which suspension?
i've had OME and Pedders all round and a combo of ridepro/pedders and now ridepro/billie at the front with pedders at the back.
OME
after about 20,000 kms i found that the shocks front and back got hot and went off very quickly doing things that were not that hard. springs was a mixed bunch with front springs being fine but rears sagging quickly. had them on the prado 2003/4 ish so things may be better now i recon.
Pedders
Found these to be fine but front spring not able to put up with it for long and sagging after 12-18 months with what seamed to be a fall in spring rate but not height. had a lot of trouble with front shock lower bush flogging out and only lasting 12-18 months on average. bute thing was that pedders changed the front shock without questions at every failure so i ended up with new front shocks every 12-18 months so one outlay kept me going for a long time. pedders now make lower bushes for their shocks (toyota ones do not fit) rear springs are finding it hard with heavy loads now (120,000 kms and about 6 years old now) but with polyairs set at 20 are fine with even the heaviest load. rear shock = great IMO, lasted 4+ years and about 100,000 km before changing them (late I will admit). no leaks and no probs apart form normal wear and tear when changed. i still have pedders springs/shocks at the back end of our prado as i'm happy with them.
front ridepro springs/pedders shocks
IMO this was the best set up i've had despite the failures of the front lower bush. nice control on road, no diving under heavy brakes, shocks had slightly harsh compression damping (only slightly) on fast dirt roads with small bumps but overall i think a great combo. springs have been on the car for about 70,000 kms and were still at the same height as new (+ 500 kms settling) when i changed the shocks
front ridepro springs (as above)/billie shocks
this is also a great combo. in the bush this combo works a treat but on the road IMO under damped on the rebound side of things for my liking. i prefers the ridepro/pedders combo better and may consider going back to it when it's time to change shocks or may look into rebuilding and re-valving the billies depending on cost.
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Re: Which suspension?
I've just put in the 'Mates Rates' kit from 'suspension stuff', was a 2" lift which didnt lift 2 inchs and rides very firm. Handles ok but not as comfy as my old GQ with 7year old tough dog gear. Seems to ride very harsh over rocks and drop offs. It might get better once the draw box goes in, so there is a bit more weight over the rear. The springs were dobinsons and shocks were ultima.
Hope this helps.
Fritz...
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Re: Which suspension?
Just installed Lovell/bilsteins standard height, and so far so good. I have not had a chance to go off road yet, as I only had it done a few days ago but on the road and over some rough gravel and sped humps feels great, a big improvement on the orignal suspension which was a bit tired after its 195k travels. Good luck. Found 4wd Direct to be the cheapest supplier around $1139 delivered and very helpful over the phone.
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