Suspension Upgrade Effectiveness

[Disco4 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Disco4]

Guys

First post.

I am thinking about buying a Prado probably GXL Altitude Edition.

I have just sold my Discovery 3 & test drove a Prado today.

It drove OK but a bit to much body roll & ducking & diving.

Other than that I was impresssed with the car.

I have heard that an ARB or TJM suspension upgrade really improves the ride.
Is this correct & if possible how would you rate the improvement?

I have upgraded suspension before but only on Discovery 1 & 2.

These were upgraded with Bilstein Shockers & custom Browns springs & the ride was transformed with great flex off road & almost eliminating body roll on road.

I have not heard much mention of Bilsteins for a Prado.

I would like 50mm lift & will run bullbar,winch, lockers, 265 x70 x 17 KM2's & snorkel.

Opinions & suggestions would be much appreciated.

Regards

Disco 4

[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...light=bilstein

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

I got Tough Dog 40mm lift with Bilstien shocks and love it. I think you will get lots of comments, but most brands will be better than stock, as long as you pick the correct spring rate.


Steve.

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

Either the before mentioned bilsteins or tough dogs. Because they both offer adjustable dampening.

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

The billies don't offer the same type of adjustable dampening as the TD's on the fronts and no adjustment at all on the rears (unless your talking about a different kind of shock Barry?)

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

My understanding is (and I could be wrong) is that the Tough Dog shocks are adjustable and double skinned (making them less prone to damage) and the Bilstein are single skin (but this allows them to disperse heat better and get less fade) and are fully rebuildable.

Both have advantages but on a long outback road I don't want them to fade.


Steve.

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

My 2c worth, 20 years running OME and only one problem, running a GQ wagon in comps and a seal let go, still drivable home went to ARB prepared to pay for a new shock as running comp, answer was "got a few minutes?", yes shock replaced at 40'000ks under warranty in 20 minutes.

Also the kit is matched to suit the car, all their own gear shocks and springs. Still running OME and the peace of mind of the numerous dealers around Australia is too hard to go past.

See ya on the tracks, Richo.

[ursos Member Find all posts View Profile Close ursos]

I have OMEs on my 150 and am very pleased with them. Spent time discussing options with ARB re best springs based on my setup. They were initially a bit 'stiff' at rear but since roof rack and drawers added have settled to be very comfortable. Much less roll and dip than original and handle corrugations beautifully.

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

I have the Auto-craft Bilstein/Ridepro suspension, i had the same in my 120, cant comment on any others as ive never had them.

I researched and read when getting it for my 120 and was very happy with it so had similar fitted it to my 150.