Introduction
This article addresses the issue of inadequate mud flap length on pre-facelift Toyota Prado 150 series vehicles, leading to stone chip damage, particularly to the rear guards and undercarriage. It outlines potential solutions and considerations for owners experiencing this problem.
Problem
Owners of early Toyota Prado 150 series vehicles (specifically pre-facelift models) have reported issues with the factory-fitted mud flaps being too short. This results in stone chips and gravel rash on the rear guards, sills, and damage to undercarriage components like the towbar and fuel tank guard, especially after driving on gravel or unsealed roads. Toyota may initially have addressed the issue under warranty, but that goodwill period has likely expired. Face lift models have been updated and the mud flap length issue may have been resolved.
Solutions
Several solutions have been identified:
- Replacement with Longer, Newer Mud Flaps: The most common solution is to replace the original, shorter mud flaps with longer ones designed for later models. One UK user obtained longer mudflaps by finding part numbers from a newer Land Cruiser.
- HiLux Mud Flap Modification: Some owners have successfully fitted HiLux mud flaps over the existing Prado mud flaps. This involves using the original bolt holes, but may require additional drilling or alternative fixings.
- Custom Stone Guards: For owners requiring more protection, especially for undercarriage components, fabricating custom stone guards can provide a robust solution.
Relevant Parts
- New Longer Toyota Mud Flaps: Part numbers will vary depending on the year and model. Obtain the VIN from a later model Land Cruiser (Prado) at a dealership to get correct parts.
- HiLux Mud Flaps: These can be sourced from Toyota dealerships or aftermarket suppliers. Determine the correct HiLux model for suitable fitment.
Additional Notes
- While Toyota dealerships may have initially offered free replacement of the mud flaps under warranty due to a perceived design flaw, this is no longer a guaranteed outcome.
- Damage to the undercarriage, such as the towbar and fuel tank guard, is common when driving on unsealed roads, even with the factory-fitted mud flaps. Consider additional protection for these areas if travelling frequently on gravel.
This technical summary was auto-generated based on recovered archives. Do not rely on its factual accuracy. Refer to the original thread. Source: View Original Conversation
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