Replacing 150 shocks with OEM

[deggy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close deggy]

Hi,

I picked up a 2010 150 just before Christmas. 155k D4D.

It drives like a Cadillac - lots of roll and a decent squat under acceleration or braking with a nice forward-back rock when it comes to a stop. I've had a mechanic take a look and, no surprise, the factory shocks and struts are pretty much done - and probably were some time ago. Thanks for taking my money for that pre-purchase inspection RACQ.

It is what it is, and I've got no particular other issues with the car. However, budget is limited at the moment. I've carrying around a Kaymar dual-wheel carrier, a steel bullbar and a set of Outback drawers, so there is a bit of extra weight on the car but I don't usually travel with tools or equipment, won't be towing and might load it up for camping three or four times a year. I'll be doing some off-road driving, but only bush bashing. Nothing hardcore.

Where I'm going with this - I've managed to acquire a set of brand new OEM shocks and struts for $100 from somebody who lifted a 2016 150 straight from the showroom. I can either pay $350 to have them fitted, or shell out $1300-$1500 for a set of after-market.

Obviously the after-market will be a better suspension, but for the cost at the moment I'm very tempted to fit the new OEM equipment and roll on it for another few years.

I'd just like some opinions. I'm aware that I'm carrying extra weight but presumably Toyota make the OEM suspension to cope with the fact that the car will be loaded up. What about fitting the factory equipment and then putting some airbags in the rear - would that make more sense give the extra weight on the back?

Thanks.

Deggy.

[RBJET Member Find all posts View Profile Close RBJET]

With the amount of weight you're carrying you'll never get rid of the body role with factory suspension.
If you're happy to live with it for a while then the new shocks and springs will help but the car will still sit low and have plenty of role.
Have you got anyone that could help you do an install yourself to save a bit of coin?

[sweetpea Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweetpea]

Does the $350 include a full alignment?

S.

[deggy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close deggy]

Does the $350 include a full alignment?

S.

No. I'm aware that I'll need to do an alignment too.

[Drift Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drift]

Upgrade to after market. The factory suspension will continue to be a wallowing pig with all that weight even if it is new. Upgrade to something that's designed to deal with the load and you won't regret it. It will be a completely different vehicle to drive.

[sweetpea Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweetpea]

No. I'm aware that I'll need to do an alignment too.

An alignment costs about $100 so that would have meant only about $250 for labour which seems cheap.

S.

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Hey Deggy,

A 150 off the showroom floor drives like a boat on brand new OEM suspension, the rebound valving in the rear shocks is next to nothing and is what makes it pitch, heave and squat like a mongrel.

Investing in after market suspension is a wise choice and will let you take the Prado off road without worrying about about when the OEM shocks will give up.

Give John at Zordos Suspension a call, he'll set you up with some great Bilsteins for a fair price, he's not too far away from you on Brissy north side, old school gentleman service and expert advice.

If you want to read about Bilsteins being used in Prados, take a squiz here;

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...hs-and-Valving

Best

Mark

[deggy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close deggy]

Thanks

Thanks for the Replies. Shame, I'd tried to convince myself that OEM replacement would be fine!

Bilsteins are a bit out of budget. I've had a quote for an Ironman kit from the local 4x4 center which seems quite reasonable. I guess they're not the absolute best, but seem to get decent reviews.

Gas or Foam Cell?

[RBJET Member Find all posts View Profile Close RBJET]

When I quoted up suspension Iron Man Foam Cell Pro's and Bilstein's were around the same price.
You might be able to get the base model Iron man's cheaper or the base Dobinsons are under $1K.

[deggy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close deggy]

When I quoted up suspension Iron Man Foam Cell Pro's and Bilstein's were around the same price.
You might be able to get the base model Iron man's cheaper or the base Dobinsons are under $1K.

I'm thinking about Lovell's. I like that they're made in Australia and they seem very well priced.

I know everybody has their favorites and there are literally hundreds of 'which shock' threads, but do any of you have any experience with Lovell's?

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

I'm thinking about Lovell's. I like that they're made in Australia and they seem very well priced.

I know everybody has their favorites and there are literally hundreds of 'which shock' threads, but do any of you have any experience with Lovell's?

Hey,

Shocks from Lovells are not made in Australia anymore.

1st gen Lovells were just Durashocks from Driveline Services (in Brisbane) with a Lovells sticker slapped on them. Lovells and Driveline parted ways after 1st gen, Lovells are up to 3rd gen stuff now. Up until a couple of years ago you could still buy gen1 Durashocks from Driveline.

I've had the gen1 stuff on my Prado and I wouldn't use it again. I killed the rear shocks after a single Fraser trip.

The gen3 stuff Lovells sell now has reduced open lengths and different valving, I wouldn't touch it.

Lovells sell over priced twin tubes which are in my opinion like most other 50mm twin tubes, they are not up to it in the rear of a Prado in 4wd conditions and fade very quickly.

Much better shocks out there to spend your bucks on, Bilsteins are still the best bang for buck shock in terms of lengths and valving.

Best

Mark