Suspension Database

[Peterpilot]

So after a play with my front struts and adding a couple of spacers it has got me thinking about a front strut measurement that is not in the data base that might be useful. The position of the spring seat in relation to the eye, is this a standard measurement or does it vary?

I measured the OE spring seat to be 213mm from the centre of the lower bush. This is at the lowest part of the top of the spring seat where the end of the spring sits.

[Peterpilot]

I've also just re-measured my old OE front struts and found them to be 545mm extended. They gave me a total downward suspension travel of 845mm when they were fitted. According to Lovells, my current front strut is 570mm extended and when measured gives me a total downward suspension travel of 895mm. As I would expect, a 25mm longer strut results in 50mm more downward suspension travel. This confirms to me that the OE strut is in fact 545mm extended

[Peterpilot]

Actually, many aftermarket front springs are common between the 120 series Prado and the 2005+ Hilux. The main difference is, as you say, the Hilux strut has a spring seat 15-20mm higher than the Prado due to different suspension geometry. So using a "Hilux" front spring will not give you any more lift, because they are often the same spec as the "Prado" spring.

[Anth120playdo]

Also on the 120 standard front struts it says they are 545mm full extension (you use word open)
They are in fact 540mm full extension.

From memory the 2005+ hiluxes are 550mm.

Another note: the Hilux spring seat is in a different position to the Prado ones, so don't just think you get extra travel and chuck on the same spring.

Hope that helps

[MENT4L]

You can put springs on them!

Thanks mate!!! Nice cheap upgrade on its way lol

[Anth120playdo]

Hey guys, read thru this entire topic and was some good informing posts...
My question is, I have Ironman struts and shocks with standard springs. The shocks where put in just before I took delivery so have done approx 5000kms, am I able to put a 2" raised king spring in or do I need new struts and shocks again to match??
Thanks in advanced!!

You can put springs on them!

[MENT4L]

Hey guys, read thru this entire topic and was some good informing posts...
My question is, I have Ironman struts and shocks with standard springs. The shocks where put in just before I took delivery so have done approx 5000kms, am I able to put a 2" raised king spring in or do I need new struts and shocks again to match??
Thanks in advanced!!

[Joshy]

Awesome, thanks for the info and links.

So far so good, although when the oppurtunity came for me to give it a good workout, my rear airbags blew out. See here
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post384265


Pics of the remote reservoir mounting are here http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post358309
I have mounted the reservoir upside down in the photos and have since turned them the right way up. Otherwise, water and dirt collect on the bottom surface and it started to rust.

[Joshy]

Hi Peter,
I've installed these so if you could add it to the database
Bilstein 5100 series front Ride Height adjustable
Part # F4-BE5-C475-H1 and the new # is 24-186711:
Extended Length: 573mm
Collapsed Length: 432.5mm

Bilstein 5160 series:
Part # F4-BR5-H790-H0 and the new # 25-177909
Extended Length: 600mm
Collapsed Length: 377mm

How have you found these shocks amts? Have you given them a good workout? And how did you go mounting the remote reservoirs?

[Peterpilot]

Correct, all 120 series OE shocks are identical with the exception of the Grande which has the adjustable TEMS shock as OE.

[AJ120]

Looking through the damper spreadsheet, can I assume that the standard (original equipment) dampers on a 2005 petrol prado, are the same as a 2008 diesel?

Thanks

Andrew

They would be the same for the same spec model, i.e. GXL. I believe the grande has a different shock.

Cheers Andrew

[ah197331]

Looking through the damper spreadsheet, can I assume that the standard (original equipment) dampers on a 2005 petrol prado, are the same as a 2008 diesel?

Thanks

Andrew

[Peterpilot]

Another one I will add to the database is the LC80 OME 60020 Sport. Closed length 378mm, open length 625mm.

[Peterpilot]

The spring seat position should be standard for all Prado struts. On a Bilstein, the OE position is the lowest circlip position. On a strut that has a welded spring seat, this should be the same position as an OE strut. On a strut with a collar and spring seat, the OE position should be achieved without spacers. I did actually measure this once, but don't have the measurements now.

Are OME struts still equipped with a collar and a spring seat, or do they now have a welded spring seat?