Front Suspension Components

[BernieFlyer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close BernieFlyer]

Hi

I am new to the forum and am looking at a suspension upgrade to my 2005 GXL Petrol. I have poly bags in the rear that have transformed towing of our CUB Offroad Camper. With another trip coming up I am looking at a new set of Bilstein shocks all round and a new set of front springs with a small lift to compensate for Factory Bull Bar and Dual Battery kit. I am a little confused about what needs to be fitted to the front. I think that the front struts incorporate the shock absorber. Is this the case? Do I need to fit seperate struts and front shocks? The TJM man has me confused on the matter.

Thanks in advance

Bernie

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Front Suspension Components

The main suspension components on a Prado (90, 120 and 150):

FRONT
2 x struts and 2 x springs (supported by the struts)

REAR
2 x shocks and 2 x springs (mounted seperatly to the shocks)

The strut is the same as a shock absorber but has a retaining mount for the base of the spring. TJM do not sell, to my knowledge, Bilsteins, only the TJM XJS gear so maybe he was trying to talk you round to their brand.

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

Re: Front Suspension Components

When replacing the struts it is usual to reuse the strut "top hat" which includes a rubber bush. We have recently changed out some front struts where these bushe were badly worn. Make sure whoever intalls the new struts checks the bushes a replaces if necessary. The bushes are not availble seperately they are only sold with the top hat. $170 ea. from Toyota or $75 ea for aftermarket ones from Pedders.
Leachy

[BernieFlyer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close BernieFlyer]

Re: Front Suspension Components

Thanks fellas

No the TJM man was trying to sell OME struts with the OME springs . I might have got confused but he seemed to me to be saying I needed the OME struts as well as the Bilstein shocks (read struts). They do sell Bilstein. I have decided though, that I will go with Bilstein front struts and rear shocks and Pedders small rise front springs and just get Pedders to do it all. They want $1,300 which includes providing and fitting the front and back Bilsteins and Pedder front springs and a wheel alignement which seems reasonable to me. I will get the bushes checked as well Leachy!!


Thanks again


Bernie

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

Re: Front Suspension Components

Hi Bernie. I just got Fulcrum suspension to fit King springs front and rear with Bilstein dampers and poly airs on the rear total cost $1900. The ride is great.
Cheers Bribiejohn

[BernieFlyer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close BernieFlyer]

Re: Front Suspension Components

Thanks John

I have it booked in! I am leaving the rear springs as is for now, as the Polyair Bags work to assist and I am pretty happy. If after the upgrade the rear is not right I will fit some new rear ones. I am pleased to hear the Bilsteins are working!!

Bernie