Suspension Database

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Yep, no issues with the 5100 and 5160 with the diff drop spacer in place. I cannot compare my US spec Bilsteins with others as I have not tried others. When I first swapped them over from the Grande TEMS shocks, the 5100 and 5160 feels like the TEMS shock on the sport setting. I think I have also gone one circlip groove too high and this has a small effect on the Prado rolling a bit more when we are fully loaded. With the 6 of us on board, we do use the roof rack's load capacity fully.

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

I was looking at getting the exact suspension you have the 302 dobinsons coils with the 5100's, could you please tell me the measurement of you front from bottom rim or centre hub to guard? I want 45mm of lift so it is either the 302's or the 314's. I have called heaps of 4x4 shops and no one can give me an accurate answer, just speculation. That is why forums like this are sensational. The 314's may be too high but not on the lower clip?
Also do you have any weight in the front? and what clip have you got it set at? I have arb delux steel bar , dual batteries and warn 8000lb winch, so this extra prob 110kg is going to come in to it.

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I have 800mm at the front, bottom of rim to guard. Installed are Sovereign bullbar, winch cradle but no winch and my 3 piece bashplates (radiator, sump & gearbox). The circlip is on the 2nd groove from the bottom.

Other weights that will affect the front suspension height are AJ120 sliders and Rhino Pioneer Platform Rack.

You might be better with the 314 on the lowest circlip groove.

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

800 sounds perfect except my setup is heavier than yours so would drop it down another 10 - 15mm I am guessing.
The 314's are 10mm longer which will give another 20mm lift. Is each setting on the shocks 10mm difference?

By the way Peterpilot if you also are reading this you can make the following changes to the database as I called dobinsons yesterday and they gave me new specs and changes:

Dobinsons GS59-221 540 113 427 is now 548 open
Dobinsons MS59-708 562 150 410 (Monotube strut) is no longer available

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From memory, each circlip groove is 7mm apart.

[Joshy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joshy]

I played with my suspension yesterday and took a few measurements and thought I might post them up here. I was also wondering if anyone else has done the same and if they found theirs to be similar.
I pulled the rear springs (Dobinsons I think C59-327's) and dropped the car onto the bump stops and measured the distance between the shock mounts to be 410mm. I then dropped the diff down and measured up when the springs are close to getting loose and measured 680mm between the shock mounts. So I'm now on the hunt for shocks with around 400mm closed and 670mm open. I need to get longer brake lines too as they're starting to get tight at full extension and I might space the bump stops 10-20mm just to be on the safe side (allow for the bumpstop to compress a few mm). I've also got firestones so I can't imagine they would allow the diff to contact the bumps anyway. Closest I've found so far are the Profender 4inch shocks. Once I get all that sorted I'll have to look at what to do with the swaybar as it with be a major limiting factor.

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

Hi Joshy,

I think the only shocks that open that much are definitely 4" and the only ones on the database are the Superior SRCP1204R 670 260 410 (4” shock)

I just changed my rear springs on the weekend after buying a pair of the same dobs 327's from the 4x4 show. These are the best springs I have found for sure. They are perfectly even in height and pressure with no harsh ride like my last tough dogs.

Can you or anyone else reading please tell me if the bump stops in the rear are supposed to be bolted up? as when I lowered the diff they came out with the spring?

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Can you or anyone else reading please tell me if the bump stops in the rear are supposed to be bolted up? as when I lowered the diff they came out with the spring?

I remember the bump stops coming off with the spring when I was helping out another member with a GXL.

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

The bump stops are more like spring seats and just sit on top of the spring.

[Joshy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joshy]

Yeah they're just a spring seat and they're not fixed. I cut mine down when I put in the firestones. The bump stops are bolted to the chassis and contact the actual diff housing. When I measured the closed length I had the spring, spring seat, shock and swaybar off and out of the way to get it all the way up to contact it.

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

I just bought some dobs front 302 springs and Bilsteins to go on this weekend, does anyone know if I should be changing the strut tops and the rubbers as well? The ones on there are about 6 years old? or can I use the tough dog ones currently on there?

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Inspect the strut tops. I have heard of 1 occurrence on here that the strut punched through the strut top. Have a look, if they are fine, then re-use them.

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

I just called a few 4wd shops and they all said that they have never sold one to be replaced because it has been worn or damaged. They only sell them when someone orders a complete strut to do a DIY job themselves and easily change over the strut.

I will definitely check it when I pull it out though.

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Yes, some members take a complete strut assembly as spares on a big trip just in case.
Just found the post on the failed strut top
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...rut-Top-Mounts

Looks like 5 failed strut tops in that thread alone!

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

I fitted the ozzie Bilstein 712 stuts with the dobinsons 302 coils on the weekend on the front and made a mistake putting it on the middle clip setting. when I dropped it down it was way too high. So luckily I had bought some good coil compressors and did the whole thing again on Sunday and dropped the clip down to the bottom setting. It has come out at 805mm which is sitting really good just over 2". I am guessing it will settle to 800mm which is perfect. The ride of the Bilsteins are unbelievable. Definitely worth the money. Really smooth and rides out the bumps beautifully. The 617lb dobs coils are also perfect with the arb delux bar and winch and dual batteries. I spent a lot of time with the dobs guys at their shop working out the settings to get the ride height right but in the end it came down to trial and error.
I hope this post helps someone who is planning on upgrading.

I do have another question for you blokes and that is the rear is sitting at 60mm above standard. Does that mean the oz 713 Bilsteins will be ok for this? Reason I am asking is that they are recommended for a 40mm lift, extended is 580mm, standard prado is 585mm. Should I be looking for a longer shocker to get more travel out of or is this the best shock to keep things in place and not over extend brake lines etc?