This document provides information about upgrading the suspension on a Toyota Prado, specifically focusing on Old Man Emu (OME) springs. It discusses spring selection based on vehicle load and desired ride characteristics.
Problem
Choosing the correct OME spring rate for a Prado to achieve desired lift and ride quality, considering factors like:
- Front accessories (bull bar, winch, dual batteries).
- Rear accessories (drawers, fridge, camping gear).
- Desired ride quality (comfort vs. load carrying capacity).
- Handling on various road surfaces (corrugations).
Solution
The optimal spring choice depends heavily on the vehicle’s load. Here are some guidelines based on user experiences:
-
Front Springs:
- Medium duty springs are suitable for vehicles with an alloy bull bar, spotlights and antenna, but without a second battery or winch.
- Heavy duty front springs can be used with a steel bull bar and winch.
- The spring rate of front springs are the same, only the length varies.
-
Rear Springs:
- Medium duty rear springs are suitable for moderate loads, but may sag when fully loaded, potentially causing the rear to bottom out.
- Heavy duty rear springs provide excellent load carrying capacity but can result in a harsh ride and poor handling on corrugated roads when the vehicle is unloaded (rear end may become unstable).
- A combination of medium duty springs with airbags offers a versatile solution. Airbags provide additional support when the vehicle is loaded and can be deflated for a softer ride when unloaded.
Airbags: Polyair airbags can be used in conjunction with rear springs to provide additional support when loaded, without significantly affecting suspension travel.
Relevant Parts
- OME Springs:
- 884 (Front, Medium)
- 885 (Front, Heavy)
- 896 (Rear, Medium)
- Polyair Airbags: (To assist rear springs)
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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