Suspension Testing

[weedoman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close weedoman]

Hi All

Noob here.

Recently bought a 2002 TX. My 1st 4WD. Has many bells and whistles.

Am looking for any tips/advice on how I can determine the health of my suspension. The car has >340,000 kms on the clock and from the receipts included with the sale, I suspect it has had suspension upgrades twice during its life (OEM to aussie ryder to something else). Previous owner says the current suspension is tough dog, (ad said "Suspension tough dog 2 inch with down travel shocks along with airbags") but I can't tell what's what when I get under it (except for the bags). It feels OK but does wallow a bit in the rear. Previous owner advised me that the rear sway bar is bent and needs replacing. Had a look with mechanic and it's not too bad, though I suspect a heavier duty bar and longer links would help.

Am located on Central Coast of NSW. Am a bit wary of heading into a 4WD suspension supplier and getting the hard sell for a new setup that I may not need. Am not a complete idiot but my mechanical know-how leaves a lot to be desired. Any advice appreciated.

Cheers.

[Bruzaboy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bruzaboy]

Hi Weedoman
Putting a stronger rear sway bar will reduce suspension flex. The rear axle is typically the axle you want to travel further. If you want both on road performance and off road performance you could look at going 2 way's. Stronger sway bar with sway bar disconnect links or stronger sway bar with front and rear lockers so it wont matter if a wheel gets off the ground. Also get to know your recovery points VERY WELL!!!! Always take your own recovery gear. A basic kit would be 2 snatch straps. 4 bow shackles. pair of gloves and a thick short rubber tube/ hose to put between the snatch straps to prevent them from binding. I'd HIGHLY recommend doing a basic 4x4 course cause ya mate's might think they know what they are doing but more often than not they dont and have just been lucky out there.
Hope this helps

[weedoman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close weedoman]

Hi Weedoman
Putting a stronger rear sway bar will reduce suspension flex. The rear axle is typically the axle you want to travel further. If you want both on road performance and off road performance you could look at going 2 way's. Stronger sway bar with sway bar disconnect links or stronger sway bar with front and rear lockers so it wont matter if a wheel gets off the ground. Also get to know your recovery points VERY WELL!!!! Always take your own recovery gear. A basic kit would be 2 snatch straps. 4 bow shackles. pair of gloves and a thick short rubber tube/ hose to put between the snatch straps to prevent them from binding. I'd HIGHLY recommend doing a basic 4x4 course cause ya mate's might think they know what they are doing but more often than not they dont and have just been lucky out there.
Hope this helps

Cheers mate.

Thanks for the tips re. the sway bar and links. Will look into that further. Any brands in particular?

My TX has front eLockers and obviously a centre diff lock. I'd think that will be enough for the type of driving I might do (ie. nothing too crazy).

As for recovery points, I'm planning on installing these soon:

https://www.aironboard.com.au/store/...-prado-90.html

Have a got a reasonable recovery kit onboard.

Any tips on suspension testing?