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  • Suspension upgrade on Prado Grande

    This thread is a compilation of facts and threads on how you can lift your Grande.

    The 120 Prado Grande comes as standard with TEMS (Toyota Electrically Modulated Suspension) shocks front and rear and coils at the front and self levelling airbags at the rear.

    The TEMS shocks are adjustable and there is a dial in the center console with settings from Comfort to Sport.

    Upgrading the Grande's suspension can be done in stages:
    1. Replace front coils (the rear height can be adjusted accordingly)
    2. Replace front coils and shocks
    3. Replace front coils, shocks and rear airbags


    Any of the suspension components from a normal 120 Prado can be used on the Grande with the exception of the rear airbags. i.e. the front coils and shocks that fit a normal Prado will fit the Grande.

    Replacing the TEMS shocks will mean that the Comfort - Sport settings will be lost.

    The rear airbags are retained at the top to the chassis. The bottom just sits on the rear diff/axle. Some lifted Grandes have been reported to have the bottom of the airbag dislodged from the rear diff/axle during articulation. This can be overcome with various methods that have been developed over time. Refer to the threads below.

    The rubber of the factory rear airbags are known to last about 8-9 years before they start to leak. Inspection of the airbags when fully extended is highly recommended for Grandes approaching this age, especially if you are going on a trip. Airbag replacement is recommended at about this age.
    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post383673

    The self-levelling and height adjustment feature will not be lost as long as the factory airbags or aftermarket airbags are used. The currently available option for aftermarket airbags designed for standard and lifted heights are from Airbag Man.
    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post287512

    Below are useful threads that contain good info on how to lift the suspension on your Grande. Please be mindful of any laws that are applicable to your state before you perform any modifications. This does not only apply to Grandes alone.

    Suspension Database

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...nsion-Database

    Grande 120 Suspension Upgrade

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ension-Upgrade

    Grande Airbag Retaining after a Lift

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...g-after-a-Lift

    DIY Airbag Man OA6011 install in 120 Grande

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...-in-120-Grande

    DIY suspension upgrade for Grande
    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ade-for-Grande

    And some issues that PP members have encountered:

    Grande lift warning

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...e-lift-warning

    Grande self-levelling suspension not working?

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...on-not-working

    Dreaded Grande Compressor Issue

    http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...mpressor-Issue
    amts
    Ninja Poster.
    Last edited by amts; 25-09-2014, 12:39 AM.

  • #2
    Thanks AMTS for this and your many other posts. I have just fitted a winch to my sovereign bar (incl winch cradle and new crush cans) all up I reckon about 55kgs added to the front, therefore before a Simo trip in August I want to consider a suspension upgrade. I want to lift too.

    My thoughts are to ditch the rear airbags completely - seem to have lots off issues, more to go wrong etc
    I cannot find any reference to people having replaced the rear airbags with the normal springs/shocks.

    I have read and read through the posts but the only thing about this I can find is one comment from Darren at Autocraft saying its possible, wouldn't cost that much but he hasn't done it. I have tried contacting him through Autocraft but he seems quite elusive.

    Thanks
    Mark

    Comment


    • #3
      G'day Plums,

      I will be doing mine soonish. I have ordered the conversion parts so...... hopefully in a couple of weeks it should be all done. Will keep you posted.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Plums View Post
        Thanks AMTS for this and your many other posts. I have just fitted a winch to my sovereign bar (incl winch cradle and new crush cans) all up I reckon about 55kgs added to the front, therefore before a Simo trip in August I want to consider a suspension upgrade. I want to lift too.
        Looks like you are on the verge between the normal raised and HD raised coils.

        My thoughts are to ditch the rear airbags completely - seem to have lots off issues, more to go wrong etc
        I cannot find any reference to people having replaced the rear airbags with the normal springs/shocks.
        The factory airbags tend to last about 7-9 years. The Airbagman airbags are much thicker and they should last longer. Airbags needs to be retained at the bottom to stop it popping out of its bottom mount.

        Comment


        • #5
          Just for some clarification, can you change just the springs in the grande for the extra weight added to the front and keep the TEMS Shocks?
          If doing this, does this keep the use of the comfort - sport control? If this is possible, by changing to HD springs but keeping the TEMS shocks, do you think it will make a difference?

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by tokhi View Post
            G'day Plums,
            I will be doing mine soonish. I have ordered the conversion parts so...... hopefully in a couple of weeks it should be all done. Will keep you posted.
            I'll follow your progress with interest Tokhi, take lots of photos of you can. I am kind of swaying towards keeping the grande features as per AMTS and Macarron1 advice. With the front change, I am going to keep the old gear and potentially will get it swapped back in if I sell the vehicle - restoring the front TEMS system (obviously done want to cut it off, just fold it out the way).

            Where did you order the parts from and what did you order?

            Originally posted by amts View Post
            Looks like you are on the verge between the normal raised and HD raised coils.
            The factory airbags tend to last about 7-9 years. The Airbagman airbags are much thicker and they should last longer. Airbags needs to be retained at the bottom to stop it popping out of its bottom mount.
            Thanks Andrew, yes probably on the verge. I'll see how the Dobinsons go on the front, getting fitted on Friday by #############, with me as the apprentice. I think the posts of experiences are giving more confidence in the ABM's so will probably put those in eventually.
            Plums
            Junior Member
            Last edited by Plums; 16-07-2015, 06:49 AM.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Plums View Post
              Thanks Andrew, yes probably on the verge. I'll see how the Dobinsons go on the front, getting fitted on Friday by #############, with me as the apprentice. I think the posts of experiences are giving more confidence in the ABM's so will probably put those in eventually.
              Whether it's the 'older' or 'newer' version there are a fair slew of us now with the OA6011 ABM bags'. Searches are better conducted thru Google :thread title/interest followed [email protected]. Lots of info. Just bear in mind that there is a bit of jiggery pokery putting in these bags (cutting metal etc) so putting OE's in down the track could be problematic. My grande is just destined for ABM bags now...????? OE bag price is very similar to aftermarket too, unless sourced from overseas eg Amayama etc

              If you could list the part no's of the Dobinson's gear you use, that would be great, just for future reference....!

              All the TEMS leads are still on my car, the end plugs are all tapped up and the lead is zip tied up out of the way.
              macaroon1
              Advanced Member
              Last edited by macaroon1; 15-07-2015, 09:56 PM.
              [SIZE=1]03 TD 120 Grande, L&R weathershields, f&r deflectors, Sov bar Amts rad b.pl, TJM front B.P, Uniden UH7760NB Kaymar LED worklight, ARB 47l, lifestyle rack & Milford C. Barrier, 9500llb Superwinch, IPF 900SR spots, T. Dog 40mm adj shocks/struts, coils, airbagman OA6011 airbags, 2.75" Beaudesert exhaust, 300w inverter, 1L Catch can,outback rec points, R.R awning, dual batteries redarc SBI12 Cooper LT A/T3's 265/65, Safari snorkel, Hilux jets, Brains TG150, Leigh's booster diode [/SIZE]

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by macaroon1 View Post
                Whether it's the 'older' or 'newer' version there are a fair slew of us now with the OA6011 ABM bags'. Searches are better conducted thru Google :thread title/interest followed [email protected]. Lots of info. Just bear in mind that there is a bit of jiggery pokery putting in these bags (cutting metal etc) so putting OE's in down the track could be problematic. My grande is just destined for ABM bags now...????? OE bag price is very similar to aftermarket too, unless sourced from overseas eg Amayama etc

                If you could list the part no's of the Dobinson's gear you use, that would be great, just for future reference....!

                All the TEMS leads are still on my car, the end plugs are all tapped up and the lead is zip tied up out of the way.
                Yeah I had to replace my bags not long after I bought the car, but ended up getting genuines imported from amayama as I wasnt sure if I was going to lift it at the time.
                Toyota quoted me $470 PER BAG(!), had them delivered from Amayama for $450 for both & they showed up before paypal had even taken the money out of my account!!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Terrytowler View Post
                  Just for some clarification, can you change just the springs in the grande for the extra weight added to the front and keep the TEMS Shocks?
                  Yes

                  If doing this, does this keep the use of the comfort - sport control?
                  Yes

                  If this is possible, by changing to HD springs but keeping the TEMS shocks, do you think it will make a difference?
                  It depends what you mean by HD. You don't want the full 2" lift if sticking with the factory shocks. The springs you choose will depend on the weight of the extra accessories you have installed.
                  For example, King springs make a standard height spring (KTFS-101) which gives about a 25-30mm lift on a standard Prado.
                  Then they have the raised spring KTFR-101 which gives a 2" lift on a standard Prado
                  After that is the HD raised spring KTFR-101HD which gives 40mm lift if you have bullbar, winch and dual battery

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks To Anthony (############# - Vic) for the new front Dobinsons suspension.

                    It went from 710mm to 800mm when first dropped but settled back to 780mm after the drive home, so probably got more settling to do - hopefully not too much. Its not as firm as the stock grande suspension on Sports mode (the one I used mostly) but not as floaty as the comfort setting, probably same as the middle setting - but I guess I'll get used to it.

                    The rear was tweaked up to about 815 with a sensor adjustment, but I might de-tweak that back down a little to about 800mm now that the front is not as high.
                    Rear tweak is quite easy and easily achievable by the home mechanic (me).

                    Glad I didn't do the front suspension myself, its a lot easier with the right equipment and the know how and wall mounted spring compressor.

                    Impressive setup down at Anths!

                    Click image for larger version

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                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by amts View Post
                      Then they have the raised spring KTFR-101 which gives a 2" lift on a standard Prado
                      Just a note, you need to specify petrol or diesel with spring heights, the diesel is a fair bit heavier.
                      I know they usually don't, so it makes it difficult, generally about 15mm+ difference at the wheel.

                      About 30mm on a diesel was my experience.
                      That was years ago before I changed to DOBINSONS.
                      So specs may have changed, but I doubt it.

                      Keep up the good work.
                      Anth120playdo
                      Banned
                      Last edited by Anth120playdo; 18-07-2015, 05:06 PM.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Plums View Post
                        Thanks To Anthony (############# - Vic) for the new front Dobinsons suspension.

                        It went from 710mm to 800mm when first dropped but settled back to 780mm after the drive home, so probably got more settling to do - hopefully not too much. Its not as firm as the stock grande suspension on Sports mode (the one I used mostly) but not as floaty as the comfort setting, probably same as the middle setting - but I guess I'll get used to it.

                        The rear was tweaked up to about 815 with a sensor adjustment, but I might de-tweak that back down a little to about 800mm now that the front is not as high.
                        Rear tweak is quite easy and easily achievable by the home mechanic (me).

                        Glad I didn't do the front suspension myself, its a lot easier with the right equipment and the know how and wall mounted spring compressor.

                        Impressive setup down at Anths!

                        [ATTACH=CONFIG]20608[/ATTACH]
                        I think 780 should be about it.
                        IMO Perfect if you are keeping o.e.m airbags.
                        Yes I'd drop it back so the neutral rear setting is as close as possible to 800mm.
                        That will give you 840mm on high :-)

                        The strut valving is around the middle of the road, comfort & performance balance.

                        Note: make sure vehicle is on perfectly level ground when making adjustments, it only takes a little dodgy concrete to distort the set up.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Anth120playdo View Post
                          I think 780 should be about it.
                          IMO Perfect if you are keeping o.e.m airbags.
                          Yes I'd drop it back so the neutral rear setting is as close as possible to 800mm.
                          That will give you 840mm on high :-)

                          The strut valving is around the middle of the road, comfort & performance balance.
                          Note: make sure vehicle is on perfectly level ground when making adjustments, it only takes a little dodgy concrete to distort the set up.
                          Down to 770mm by the end of today, going for we thrash about tomorrow at Mt Dis, will see what happens, but 770mm is a 30mm settle so hopefully now thats it
                          I moved the rear down a bit today (went to coles underground carpark for nice flat surface) dropped it to about 800mm.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Plums View Post
                            Down to 770mm by the end of today, going for we thrash about tomorrow at Mt Dis, will see what happens, but 770mm is a 30mm settle so hopefully now thats it
                            I moved the rear down a bit today (went to coles underground carpark for nice flat surface) dropped it to about 800mm.
                            WOW, well every vehicle is unique, don't usually see them settling that far. I may have forgot to mention, I give you my personal spring guarantee, if your not completely satisfied that the height is as discussed/planned, I will change the coils, no charge.
                            We were looking for up to 790mm, anything genuinely under 780mm & I think it's fair you ask me for the next coil up.

                            Give me a bell if you want to go up an extra 20mm.
                            That's the next coil 10mm longer, so 20mm at the wheel. But it would usually be 800-810mm with your accessories.
                            Your call!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Anth120playdo View Post
                              WOW, well every vehicle is unique, don't usually see them settling that far. I may have forgot to mention, I give you my personal spring guarantee, if your not completely satisfied that the height is as discussed/planned, I will change the coils, no charge.
                              We were looking for up to 790mm, anything genuinely under 780mm & I think it's fair you ask me for the next coil up.

                              Give me a bell if you want to go up an extra 20mm.
                              That's the next coil 10mm longer, so 20mm at the wheel. But it would usually be 800-810mm with your accessories.
                              Your call!
                              Went to Forrest and back, did some heavy breaking and re measured in the flat . I actually think it's still 780 or a mm or 2 under do it's probably all ok, not sure why it measured 770.

                              It looks great at this height, drive shafts almost horizontal which is good too.

                              I'll measure towards end if the week, but thinks it's good.
                              Cheers
                              Mark

                              Comment

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