Anyone done a pre registration GVM upgrade ?

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

Hi All,
1st post so here goes..........
Just about to hit the trigger on a new 2019 GXL and when doing the sums on GVM after fitting bullbar, winch, kaymar rear bar and dual battery etc looks like I'll be sailing close to the 2990kg GVM. Has anyone has any experience with the Lovells pre rego GVM upgrade ?

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

I had the Lovells GVM Upgrade fitted to my 2018 Prado GXL. The Dealer got a couple of quotes and organised it all pre-rego.
The best thing Ive done. My vehicle rides corrugated roads way more smoothly that all the others that I have done desert tracks with - especially Pajeros.

But make sure that they also install the sway bar spacers at the front. Otherwise the gap separating the new front struts and sway bar will be tiny to non existant.

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

Thanks for that RRP
"But make sure that they also install the sway bar spacers at the front. Otherwise the gap separating the new front struts and sway bar will be tiny to non existant." Duly noted .........
The reason for the GVM upgrade is doing the sums indicates she'll go over 3000kg with a bullbar, winch, dual battery rear bar etc, not to mention a few passengers as well !
What sort of lift did you end up with once the suspension had settled ?
The wife hates the ride in my Fortuner which has a Lovell/Koni combo in it, so I don't want to swap a vehicle that rides like a "billycart" for another. This been one of the prime reasons for upgrading to a Prado.

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

Hi Wiggy,
the Prado has its Cabin mounted to the ladder frame via rubber dampers. This is a big help in reducing jarring on corrugated tracks. I've found that my Lovell's GVM Upgrade doesnt detract from that and may actually improve the ride. I havent done a before & after test tho, however I've driven a few Pajeros and a 70 series Ute around the Kimberleys over the years and the Prado's ride is far and away superior. Some people complain that their (non GVM Upgrade) suspension lifts actually harden their ride, but not mine.

Unloaded, my GVM Upgrade lifted the front by approx 2" and the rear nearly 3".
The front has dropped maybe .5" following installation of a bullbar, winch, dual battery, spotties. Compensated for by 265/70 tyres.
The back has only dropped a little following installation of a Kaymar dual wheel carrier, drawer system, cargo barrier, inverter etc, fire extingusher, tools & recovery gear.
I did a test by piling house bricks into the boot and determined that about 250Kg of bricks lowers the rear springs by 1". Again 265/70 tyres compensate for this a little.

Kerb weight with a full load of fuel and a driver is now over 2.8t. I expect to be around 3t on a long range trip comming up, no passengers. But with one or more passengers, and supporting kit, will be well over 3t. I calculate that for a trip up the Canning Stock Route, with all the necessary xtra fuel and water, the vehicle will be hard up against its new 3.5t GVM.