Replacing front springs on a Grande??

[Grandeman Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Grandeman]

It is a difficult issue on the Grande with the electronic shockies.

I have asked ARB whether I could do a front spring replacement, to allow the fitment of a winch, dual batteries etc.

They said there is no product currently available. I particularly don't want to ditch and replace the electronic shockies.

Lovells claim their TFR-118B spring is rated for standard height/heavy duty and can be used on the Grande. The bloke didn't sound that certain, but thought it should be OK.

Not sure I want to be a guinea pig here... :?

Any Grande owners taken the plunge yet, who can report on their experiences?

[Guest Close Guest]

Easily done, and can keep original shockies or go aftermarket. Speak to Darren at ATS, been said a lot of times before :wink:

[Grandeman Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Grandeman]

Thanks Piggy,

I have heard his name mentioned before - so he's the guru eh? Sounds like my man!!

I'll give him a call tomorrow.

[lc120_man Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lc120_man]

Yep he is the man

---------------------------
Darren McRae
ATS 4X4 90 Fyans St Geelong Sth 3220
Phone 0352 216599
Fax 0352 231826

[Grandeman Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Grandeman]

Spoke to him today - nice bloke.

His diagnosis is to re-do the springs/shocks - whilst retaining the rear suspension airbag. Very knowledgeable and very certain about what was required. Has done it on Prados many times before.

All up, just under $2K.

[Guest Close Guest]

remember to go poly airs if you intend to tow heavy campers/trailers alot..

cheers,

whilst retaining the rear suspension airbag.

:roll:

[Justo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Justo]

I've just installed King Springs in the front end and still using the original TEMS shocks. Cost me $177 for the springs and a few hours of my time.! So far I've only been on road, it gives a slightly more solid feel and the TEMS still works a treat. I've also ended up with a 40-45mm lift over original with the bullbar and winch already mounted.
Can't wait to take it offroad to compare. 8)

[McBAIN Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close McBAIN]

if you replace the fronts and get a lift, does that mean you have to drive all the time with the rear set to high so it doesn't look like you're carrying 4 tone in the back causing the nose to be up in the air?

or not that pronounced?

[Grandeman Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Grandeman]

I think it means you'll be "forced" to get that dual battery installation and winch you've always wanted, to equalise the effect of the springs :wink:

[McBAIN Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close McBAIN]

I think it means you'll be "forced" to get that dual battery installation and winch you've always wanted, to equalise the effect of the springs :wink:

i like that train of thought... just like i'm campaigning for a bull bar... but then i'll "have" to upgrade the springs...

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

Hey Justo

Be good to see your rig without it's nose dragging on the ground. :lol:

How did the instal go - all easy ?

Cheers
Chippy

[Justo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Justo]

Gday all 8) I'll post a pic a bit later. The rear end lowers itself to normal over 50-55km/h so it's not really any benefit. I've noticed in the USA they make a control to be able to lock it off. (But I'm not keen on high speed/cornering with it set on high).
It's not really enough tail down that you would notice.! Considering it was already about 15-20mm or so under normal ride height with the bullbar and winch, its prob only 20-25mm higher than original. 8)
Was a prick of a job Chippy. :roll: I couldn't get the right side strut out in one peice as the strut cap seemed to be seized up in the mount.! So I ended up dropping the shock and spring out and left the cap in the mount. So of course it was an absolute b@#ch to the new one in. I had 2 spring compressors on the one side and had to lever into place.
The left side I ended up getting the whole strut out so was a bit easier but still would've helped if the compressors fitted around the spring better.!
Think next time I would take the struts to a suspension shop and get them to swap them out. 8)

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

You're not wrong Justo

They're a right bitch when they don't play nicely, but I'm happy you got it all sorted alright.

You won't be needing those DOZER number plates any more. :lol:

Cheers
Chippy

[Justo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Justo]

:lol: Good idea Chippy. "DOZER" would look good on a Prado..
I want to go and play in that mud hole again.! Shouldn't be an issue now.. although I did dig a good hole trying to get out last time. 8)

[Justo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Justo]

Here's a couple of pics with the rear still on normal ride height. It is slightly higher in the front end but you would have to look twice to really notice.! What ya think?


And one with the old springs to compare.!! Sorry bout the size diff, I'll change it later..gotta cruise out :twisted: