Suspension lift for 95 series prado

Well for what it's worth, we have Bilstein/King on our 95 TD. Put 'em on just after purchase in 2001 and they're still there 170,000k's later, no leaks and all seems fine. Mind you that only includes 3 big trips outback in that time, but yes, we're very happy. To be honest I can't remember what grade springs we used (they were the one's sold by NS4WD in Sydney...now gone).
I've been in a Prado with extra HD springs and it was rough as guts with no give at all....don't do that!

Getting the correct spring rate is more important than the brand you choose.
If you're buying from a reputable dealer then they should be able talk you through choosing the right rate.
Dan

There is lots of good suspension packages out there. I would also consider the Dobinsons.
Heavy duty is for vehicles that will be fully loaded most of the time.
To my knowledge ,Lovells by the springs from elsewhere and paint them their own colour.

I had Bilstein shocks and King springs on my 95 series. I had extra heavy duty springs to suit the offroad trips we did and this was of course rough when on the bitumen but can't fault either of these products. I had several other iterations of suspension prior to that and the Kings/Bilsteins were the best.

Having said that, there will be plenty of others out there who have had sucsess with other brands as well.

I have a new 150 series Prado and have gone for OME all round, mainly because it was the easiest thing for me to get the dealer to fit. Impressions so far are good, we are heading off to the Canning next week so will have a better idea in a months time.

I had OME fitted to both of my previous 95's one petrol one diesel, and getting it fitted to the 120 I just bought, dont go heavy duty UNLESS the rear will be loaded fulltime, eg draw system, fridge etc other wise running around town will shake your teeth out and ride like a gocart. I had medium both times and handled been fully loaded with no issues, if towing then maybe some additional airbags may be required. If you have a steel winch bar up front then medium will still be ok, if you have a winch fitted to the bar and running dual batts then heavy duty will be required on front only to keep the nose up and medium to the rear unless at stated above the vehicle will be loaded 24/7.. Never had any issues with the actual suspension itself, workmanship left a lot to be desired on the first petrol prado, the second time was done by a different store and had issues with other stuff fitted but no the suspension, also ring around plenty of stores to get the best price. Big difference in handling, braking, load capacity, and extended wheel travel was all pluses for me. The big bore stuff I would keep away from, they are great for your 80/100/200 series cruisers and patrols but too heavy duty for a prado. Ride in one if you find some one that has the heavy duty then the meduim, you will notice a massive difference in ride comfort. My mate had bilstein shocks with king springs and reckoned it was too hard but I drove it and found it to be pretty much on par with the OME, I thought it was fine. My main reason for OME was warranty if needed when out in the sticks, never needed it but believe there follow up in getting any shocks/struts springs etc to you where ever outback you may be is suppose to be the best ?? That I cant comment on as I never needed to. Regards Steve

David W10

I have had Bilstein and King Springs since my 95 series was 10 days old, and happy with it, my prado has rear drawers fitted and seats removed from about the same time.

Front KTFR58HD and F4-BE5-2450-M1
Rear KTRR59HD and F4-BE5-2451-M1

Spring Numbers First.

Regards,
Jim

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Makes the decision a lot easier when I hear from the horses mouth rather than a salesperson pushing their product!

Similar to above, our Prado has 'medium' duty OME coils and OME shocks which were fine with our home made drawer system, fridge and recovery gear but when the camper was hitched on...some polyair bags worked well and when unloaded it gives us a nice ride and we leave the bags at 5psi.

Mark.