Suspension Database

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

I just spoke to Dobinsons who quoted me their measured rate on the standard 150 series spring as 212lb/in with a free length of 380mm. Dobinsons have also revised their rear spring specifications and have a new range of front springs specifically for the 150 series Prado. All data is updated and included on the table in the first post of this thread.

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I did originally have some data for the 150 Prado that suggested a free length of 373mm and a spring rate of only 143lb/in, however I would suggest that spring rate is way too low. It's probably somewhere between 200-220lb/in.

That figure came from my post http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post276569
I obtained the measurements from another PP member and calculated the spring rate based on those measurements and an assumed spring steel material. Looked a bit low to me too but that was all I had to go on.

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Data just added for KYB Scorched 4s as well as Monroe.

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The factory 150 shock may have a larger diameter top pin, but the Toughdog shocks do not. After having contacted another PP member that has fitted Toughdog 80 series Landcruiser rear shocks to a 120 Prado, I can confirm that they will fit the 120 Prado.

I will correct myself there, I have been recently informed that the top pin on a 120 series rear shock is 12mm diamater and the 150 series and Landcruiser rear shock top pin diameter is 14mm. However, a 14mm top pin will still fit in a 120 series Prado.

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However, a 14mm top pin will still fit in a 120 series Prado.

This may or may not be the case. It will depend on the top hat diameter that fits through the hole in the chassis. When I tried, the 150 shock could not fit into the 120 hole in the chassis.
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post280020

Or maybe some of the after market shocks have smaller diameter tophat washers.

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This may or may not be the case. It will depend on the top hat diameter that fits through the hole in the chassis. When I tried, the 150 shock could not fit into the 120 hole in the chassis.
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post280020

Or maybe some of the after market shocks have smaller diameter tophat washers.

I think the "top hat" you refer to is in fact a spigot washer, which is explained in this technical bulletin: http://www.kyb.com.au/download/KYB%20SI127-1.pdf
If the spigot washer is too large, just use a smaller one or remove the old bushing from the original spigot washer and use the original spigot washer instead.

This is what the shock bush setup looks like on the Landcruiser 80:


The fact is that it is possible to use an aftermarket Landcruiser 80 rear shock in a 120 Prado. Suspension distributors and fitters have confirmed this and others on this forum have already done so.

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That's the one. Unfortunately for my case, the 150 pin couldn't fit through the 120 spigot washer. I wasn't comfortable drilling a bigger hole in the 120 spigot washer as it would leave bugger all material in the spigot washer. Note that this is for the Grande. Others who have fitted LC80 shocks may be on the GXL and I don't know what size hole is in the GXL chassis. I can't see a 14mm pin trying to fit into a spigot washer designed for a 12mm pin - so I don't think you can re-use the original spigot washer as the spigot washers are a snug clearance fit.

I'd be interested to know if the spigot washer was utilised or the hole in the chassis was drilled out for those fitting 14mm top pin shocks to their 120.

[Axewell Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Axewell]

amts pointed me in this direction as I am one of the ones who has recently used the LC80 Bilstein rear shock.

Although I did not physically fit mine due to time constraints (2 days between receiving the 120 and departing on a trip) I have just spoken to the installer that did. He confirms that NO modifications were necessary and that he used all of the nuts & bushes etc supplied with the shocks. Mine is an 08 GXL V6 Petrol if that makes any difference.
I may have some of the paperwork that came with them so will have a hunt around.

Hope it helps!

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Thanks Axewell. Always good to know which bits can and can't fit in what. Prevents unexpected surprises for others looking into doing the same. Do you still have the original shock? Would be good to know what the diameter of the spigot washer is.

Edit: I'm still suspicious that the Grande mount is different to the other models.

[Axewell Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Axewell]

No worries. I'll see what I can dig up. The oldies were given away but I may be able to get a measurement from them still.

[150gxl Member Find all posts View Profile Close 150gxl]

That figure came from my post http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post276569
I obtained the measurements from another PP member and calculated the spring rate based on those measurements and an assumed spring steel material. Looked a bit low to me too but that was all I had to go on.

I appreciate the input, thanks.
I just wonder about the 150's front std spring rate at 748 - it appears to be greater than nearly all the upgrade springs??
If it is correct, I'll leave mine std and just do the rears to King's softest, KTRS102, and airbags.
The better-half has trouble getting in now, without raising the beast 2".

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

The spring rate for the 150 Prado was measured from a standard 150 Prado spring by Dobinsons. Prior to this, Toyota had stated that the springs in the 150 were the same as the 120. This obvious mis-information from Toyota comes as no surprise to me since I could find nobody at Toyota that was willing to inform me of the actual standard spring specification for the 120 Prado. As a result, it has taken some time for the aftermarket to get around to designing specific springs for the 150 Prado.

Bear in mind this database is primarily for the 120 series Prado and extra data is for reference only. The aftermarket spring specifications listed are for the 120 series, with the exception of Dobinsons, for which I have included their data for the Prado 150.

[Beevo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Beevo]

Peter,

I have been chasing Billies in US (half the AU $), but struggling with the AU part numbers in your lists, so i assume others may also.
I believe I have the international part numbers now from http://www.bilstein.de/en-uk/product...catalogue.html.
The numbers in the new Bilstein format are: 24-104807 (Front) 24-104814 (Rear) for 120 Series (J12).

I downloaded the full 618 page catalogue (Downloads section) and it is clearly listed. When I get them I'll gladly measure them up.

I hope this helps..
Brett.

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

Brett,

Most people sourcing parts from the US look for parts that fit the 2007-2009 FJ Cruiser, like the 5100 series Bilstein shocks: http://www.toyteclifts.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=72

Front strut: Part # BE5-C475-H0
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...k-p-19264.html

Rear shock: Part # BE5-E703-H0
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...s-p-19263.html

Be advised that these are US spec shocks listed for the FJ Cruiser and may or may not be suitable for your application.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Guys,

I'm about to order new springs for my car. I'm undecided between standard height Kings or standard height Lovells. The Lovells have a lot higher spring rate. I've got a 2nd battery and factory alloy bar up front and won't be adding a winch. I want to return my car back to it's original height and to remove the dive on braking.

Any last minute advise before I make a decision? I've read that Lovels tend to sag over time more than Kings. I'd appreciate any feedback from those with either standard height Kings or Lovells.

Thanks,