Newbie: Information Required

[Ms Dee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ms Dee]

Newbie here, so please be kind

Hi, my other half passed away suddenly Father's Day last year and we were in the midst of a purchase of a 120 series Prado, which I went ahead with. Now, as he was the mechanically minded one and did all the things that needed to be be done on our vehicles, I suddenly find myself in a situation where I know practically nothing about this vehicle. We have, in the past had several other 4wds, including a couple of 90 series Prados (1 petrol, 1 Diesel), Patrol, Surf, Terranos x 2 but this is the first 120 series.

Now, when it comes to motor vehicles I am not entirely blonde! I learned much from my partner over the years and am not afraid to get my hands dirty. Will give anything a go if it is possible for me to accomplish!

I have done a couple of trips to Rainbow Beach via the Freshwater Track, and have come to the conclusion that I am in need of a suspension upgrade. We also had plans on taking the kids (8 and 10) to the cape which I would love to fulfill hopefully next year as obviously the Prado is quite a capable 4WD.

What I am after is as much information as I can possibly glean from this forum and all you other Prado owners as I am sick of local mechanics thinking that because I am female they can try and dupe me!

My vehicle is: 2004 4L V6 Petrol, 5 speed Auto, totally stock apart from the ARB colour coded bull bar. Odometer is now reading 191xxx kms and I 'assume' has had regular servicing. It had a basic service done when I got the vehicle and I have done almost 10,000 in the past 9 months so it is due for service again.

My main questions are as follows:
are 10,000k intervals suitable service intervals? (grease and oil/filter change), if not suggestions are welcome
suggestions for suspension upgrade (and as I am contemplating a cape trip which is the better way to go - standard or heavy duty?) to lift or not to lift? (btw I am not a millionaire )
Unsure as to whether or not I will put in a second battery.
Does this beast have a timing belt or chain? (from what I have read here I am assuming a chain, if so does this require replacing and at what km?)
I also suspect that the auto trans is a sealed unit and cannot be serviced - is this correct? and is this a good thing or bad lol?

All in all, I would love to keep this vehicle in good shape and drive it for many more km's.

I have a bit of a look see through the 120 series section, which has been incredibly helpful but still have some questions.

Looking forward to hearing from you.......

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

Ms Dee
Sorry to hear about the passing of your other half.
In regards to the servicing I believe the 10000km services for the v6 will suffice.
Any decent auto transmission place will be able to service the box.
Re: Suspension I went for the 2 inch Old Man Emu heavy duty(Bought 2nd hand from another member of here).However the best option here would be go for the lift but talk to the supplier in regards to the weights you are going to carry.
2nd battery is beneficial for keeping drinks cold in the fridge and not flattening the start battery.

Hope that is a start for you.
I am sure others will give you advice as well..
Glad to hear you are still willing to get out there to see this great land with your kids..

Wes

ps I really enjoyed the cape last year with my wife and kids plus others from my club..

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Ms Dee.

Gutsy woman and as such you probably don't need to here it. There are a group of ppers heading to the cape later this year I think. It s always good to travel with such fine epode who help each other along the way.

A 2 inch lift is about as good as you can go without having o sell is of the kids. ( it's tempting, we know . )

Use a reputable group like ARB. Sam is there rep on pp so send him a private message and he will look after you or suffer he wrath of an angry pp mob . ( he is. good fella, or so he says)

Dual batteries for longer trips is just smart, ARB do these too. Make sure they install a switch just in case you need to start the rig using the second battery in an emergency. Otherwise you can get some ppers in your area to have a tech day at your place. You provide he rig, lunch and beer and hey get to install the goodies into your car! Items you should look at are recovery points both front and rear, daul battery, replace the windscreen washers with the hilux type (seriously), tyres, and the lift.

Good luck and welcome.

Ps my final bit of advice is do not listen to anything a queenslander, west Aussie or aj120 says. They know nothin.

Mlc - trusted and reliable seller of quality bridges.

[Guest Close Guest]

Welcome to PP. There are lots of info on here so the best way to find your way around is to do a Google search with the terms you've used in your questions. Here is an example ... please don't mind me while I take over your keyboard...
http://bit.ly/19i12ez

In answer to your questions, a lot of it is answered in detail when you trawl the site. Here is a bit of a summary:
Service intervals: 10,000km is the usual interval with the major ones happening at 80,000km intervals.
Suspension: There are so many choices. Wholesale suspension is a retail member here and ARB is a corporate member here. When you trawl through the threads, you'll find a bit of a pattern in terms of popular brands that people go for and are happy with. As mentioned already, the suspension you go with will depend on the weight of the Prado.
Dual batteries: usually added to 4WDs if you are going on an extended camping trip with a fridge.
Timing chain: Chain for the V6, belt for the diesels
Auto trans: It is a sealed unit but oils don't last forever. For mine, I'm intending to drop the oil in the sump and fill up what I take out. Then repeat again couple of weeks later. More info in these threads
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...-trans-service
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...e-fluid-change

[Ms Dee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ms Dee]

Thanks MLC - I do believe the ppers have 2014 marked on the calender for the cape trip - was reading posts the other day and would be great to join in if finances permit.

re: the hilux upgrade for the windscreen washers, I had just finished reading posts regarding this! sounds like a must do.
Was looking at the recovery points on eBay earlier today, are these sufficient? (Recovery Point KIT Shackles Bridle Strap Points for Toyota Prado 120 4x4)

Wes, thank you for your comments too! I think the second battery is a must too, gotta keep those drinks cold! (for the kids of course! )

Received my ARB catalogue today and OMG! just need to win lotto and I could have have the best pimped Prado out lol.

Bit excited about a lift. I suggested getting a lift to some friends when I first got the Prado and they laughed at me! I thought it was a great idea. Now I know I was right.
Plenty of people telling me to get a REAL 4WD and not to waste my money on the Prado, but while Patrol was getting bogged in the loose sand at Rainbow Beach one day, Ms Dee just drove on thru and ended up towing Patrol out! Go the Prado! hehe. I don't know what was worse for them - the fact that a Prado towed them out or that the Prado driver was a woman! However it was on this trip that I suspected suspension was getting a bit tired.

Was watching some YouTube videos of gunshot on the OTT - was pretty scarey for me to think I would have to do something like that, but then I thought, no bugger it, I can do that. Would be a great personal accomplishment to do a trip up the cape.

[sandman Member Find all posts View Profile Close sandman]

Ms Dee

Just a few other points.....

Lift is good, the 2" seems to be just right. I went "tough dog" after reading lots of magazine reviews and talking to folks. Was a fair bit cheaper than OME and have NO issues. Cheaper doesnt necessarily mean "worse". If you want to play on the sand, dont be shy to let the tyre pressure down, lots of info on this in the forums, a GOOD ARB compressor is definately well worth it ! Equally there will be times when the sand is that soft, running tyres at 12 pounds will still see you sink....happened to me in the Finke River, out came the maxtrax and away we went till we sunk again :-)

Good luck in your travels, you're in for some real adventures :-)

[Smithy - 120 D4D Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Smithy - 120 D4D]

Hi Ms Dee, I second Sandman in that a compressor is a real asset, and if you can, mount it under the bonnet, as it will always be with you when you need it. A necessity when off road, as you should always let the tyre pressure down to save tyres, improve traction, and provide a softer ride for the occupants.

One of the drawbacks of this site is that you will always have something new that you "need" to do to your prado (or maybe it is a benefit?), so will always be spending. I justify this by using the gear I have put on my car and getting value out of it.

I also agree that the 2nd battery and isolator, with override switch is a necessity as well.

Good luck!

[Crows1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Crows1]

Hi Ms Dee,
I just went through a suspension upgrade. Thought I would do a bit of research on this forum and it seems that there are about twelve different opinions for every ten people - it was starting to do my head in. There are many different set-ups and expectations that people have of their vehicles - mine was maintaining some comfort for the 'daily drive' and setting it up as a touring vehicle with a tow capability for our van. I was also sure that it needed a lift to about 2 inches. I ended up consulting a suspension expert who supports this forum - Jason at Wholesale suspension:

Jason Quinton
24 Lidco Street, Arndell Park NSW 2148
P: (02) 9831 8825
F: (02) 9831 8824
[email protected]
www.wholesalesuspension.com.au

In the end I went with Toughdog non-heavy duty springs all round, Toughdog adjustable shockers and Firestone airbags in the rear springs to level things up whilst towing. Seems to work pretty well and the kit I had gives a 40mm lift as well, which is something I think is necessary. You will just need to get some help to fit it all - hoist makes things a lot easier - or find a suspension place to do the whole job.
Dont forget to get a proper wheel alignement after things settle a bit.
Cheers and all the best to you,
Stotty

[Smithy - 120 D4D Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Smithy - 120 D4D]

The most important thing to consider is load required to be supported. Best advice is to fit the vehicle out (or know what is to be done) first, and leave the suspension until last. A perfect set-up suspension with no fridge, drawers, winch, dual battery, bull bar, etc won't be perfect if all these things are fitted afterwards. Also, consider towing requirements and weight on the towball.

[Crows1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Crows1]

Good point Smithy, I meant to say that....

[cardinal28 Member Find all posts View Profile Close cardinal28]

Hi Ms Dee - All valid points on what to do. As far as suspension goes, I went for OME coils and shocks with the rear coils being a variable coil with a load rating of 150 to 400 kg. 2" lift as well. This works fine for me as I have a draw system and carry a 40 ltr engle on a drop slide on top of the draws. I also tow a 15' Supreme getaway off road van and have had no issues at all. The suspension package also stopped a lot of the 'body roll' in cornering. You will find a lot of suspension packages out there, all doing a fine job.
dont forget, especially on a trip to the cape, a UHF would be an excellent investment.
Good luck and have fun.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Ps my final bit of advice is do not listen to anything a queenslander, west Aussie or aj120 says. They know nothin.

Mlc - trusted and reliable seller of quality bridges.

Hi Miss Dee, sorry you got subjected to a post from MLC, we normally try and keep him chained up but sometimes he gets of the chain

The first thing I would suggest you do is adjust you Pradopoint settings to unlock more information.

Go to the setting tab (top right), then General settings on the next page (left side about half way down) then scroll down that page and find the default thread setting, select all threads from the drop down box and save the changes down the bottom of the page. This will allow you to see all previous threads rather than just those active in the last month.

A lift up to 2" is a great move, any number of brands that will confuse you no end, stick with a known brand and avoid the no name Ebay stuff and others have said get the springs rated to match your load. A good suspension shop should be able to help.

The Cape is not a great trip for someone on their own if you are not very experienced, check in the trip planning section to find a thread on a proposed Pradopoint trip to the Cape next year, that would be a good way to make the most of the cape which is an awesome trip.

Cheers Andrew

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

The first thing I would suggest you do is adjust you Pradopoint settings to unlock more information.

Go to the setting tab (top right), then General settings on the next page (left side about half way down) then scroll down that page and find the default thread setting, select all threads from the drop down box and save the changes down the bottom of the page. This will allow you to see all previous threads rather than just those active in the last month.

Doh - Thanks Andrew

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

[QUOTE=Ms Dee;413156]Thanks MLC - I do believe the ppers have 2014 marked on the calender for the cape trip - was reading posts the other day and would be great to join in if finances permit.
This would be beneficial as others have said due to travelling with others in case something goes wrong.

re: the hilux upgrade for the windscreen washers, I had just finished reading posts regarding this! sounds like a must do.
As others have found with this upgrade once done you wont go back
Was looking at the recovery points on eBay earlier today, are these sufficient? (Recovery Point KIT Shackles Bridle Strap Points for Toyota Prado 120 4x4)
I noticed you mentioned you have an ARB Bullbar and I think from memory it already has rated recovery points on it-happy to be clarified by those in the know..

Wes, thank you for your comments too! I think the second battery is a must too, gotta keep those drinks cold! (for the kids of course! )
No worries, just think its awesome to hear you are still willing to use your Prado and show your kids the "Real World"

Received my ARB catalogue today and OMG! just need to win lotto and I could have have the best pimped Prado out lol.
As others have said,this site and the associated sponsors/corporate suppliers/posts by others will have you go poor quicker than a kid in a lolly shop..

Bit excited about a lift. I suggested getting a lift to some friends when I first got the Prado and they laughed at me! I thought it was a great idea. Now I know I was right.
Plenty of people telling me to get a REAL 4WD and not to waste my money on the Prado, but while Patrol was getting bogged in the loose sand at Rainbow Beach one day, Ms Dee just drove on thru and ended up towing Patrol out! Go the Prado! hehe. I don't know what was worse for them - the fact that a Prado towed them out or that the Prado driver was a woman! However it was on this trip that I suspected suspension was getting a bit tired.
Its a pity that some people still consider both the Prado as a fake 4wd.In regards to women driving 4wd's I know of a lady who drives a gu Patrol that is nicely decked out with the 4.2litre diesel-most people who 1st see the vehicle assume its her husbands but she soon informs them of all the mods she has done/organised herself and has shown up a few guys on some of the most challenging tracks..

It would have been good to try and catch up with you whilst going to fraser this coming Saturday, but unfortunately I have had to pull out due to work commitments.

Was watching some YouTube videos of gunshot on the OTT - was pretty scarey for me to think I would have to do something like that, but then I thought, no bugger it, I can do that. Would be a great personal accomplishment to do a trip up the cape.

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

Welcome aboard Ms Dee - we are a friendly bunch once you get to know us.

Something not yet mentioned which you should consider is your tyres. A set of all terrain tyres from a reputable brand are worth their weight in gold if you plan on getting out of town.

Add to that a recovery kit, shovel, first aid kit and you'll be well on your way.