Hey Mate, thanks for taking the time to make these videos! I've just purchased a 2014 Prado with 180xxx on the clock, so just doing my homework and looking into what I can do myself. Bloody good work, cheers mate!
I recently sold a 2011 150 prado with all the bells and whistles and to be honest 90% of the time most people don't even use the mods. I now drive a 22 model stock with a Rola roof rack and it's a dream to drive and the only update I'd make is a UHF and AT Tyres and I can guarantee it will go most places I'd never travel anyway. People should only modify their vehicle if the current parts don't operate for the intended purposes. Not only have a saved a ton of money but also saving almost 7L per 100kms of diesel.
Interesting video. I have a 120 Grande and recently (18mths ago) replaced the rear air suspension and all struts/shocks with the standard height OEM equipment (still air suspension). On or off road it does me fine. Standard tyres also, can still get up 400-500mm step ups etc. i figured until I find I'm unable to go places I want to due to suspension height, I'll stick with what the Toyota engineers offer. Happy so far.
I did a GVM upgrade, the rear went up 50mm, front went up 40mm, so we could comply with towing a caravan, suspension does not lift the diffs up, tyre size does.
That's the problem, people are all about looking cool most 4x4 don't even like to drive on a dirt road 😂 but have 4 or 6 inch rise ,thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones
To be honest, I really wanted to keep the factory suspension. However, the sag when the camper goes on forced the issue for me. I don't want to be checking and pumping up aurbags.
Airbags aren’t a drama mate , fitted Airbag man airbags myself, pump them up with a bike pump easy as and they are always at the same pressure I left them at
😂 so accurate, ahh Pat. I remember that episode, how ridiculous was it??!! Unfortunately I've got a new Ranga, 😢 work vehicle. Just clocked over 10k. Its been back half a dozen times to the dealer. They always want it for a whole day. Then they will not give the vehicle back due to it being unroadworthy, but they refuse to give a loan vehicle. You drive into the service work shop, and every vehicle is a Ranga or an Everest with the bonnet up or on a hoist...Drive nice but just rubbish. Totally rubbish service too. But a Toyota folks.👍
Try and buy standard height / load rate front or rear springs . In many cases you cannot buy std versions . The springs are usually rated for bull bar steel and winch . What this does is make the suspension to stiff . Experience tells me the suspension only moves when u hit a city drain at 50km/h for a tradie ute round town
That's mine with the rear issue. Still haven't sorted that out as I don't have time to pull things apart. Was great for a year and slowly got a problem when I hit a bump or hole the back end kicks side ways.
Original Tokico Hilux dampers last less than 100Kkm. That´s it. Many times dampers look fine from outside, sometimes still holding the gas, but the wear band of the piston just wears out and they do not perform very well any more. I´m keen to keep the original ride height but some dampers just have better heating dissipation capacity.
Love my suspension and tyre upgrades - best thing I ever did to the Prado. Then again, I actually take mine off-road. OEM fades after about 50km of corrugations and scrapes on a pine cone 😂
..I must admit I am a big advocate of keeping things stock , but damnit my Prado can't even clear a piece of elephant dung. I've also done some serious damage to my sump guard. Not sure if try bigger tyres for now but not much headroom there
Yes but…. Toyota Fortuner at factory height has the front end ploughing through soft sand and 40mm lift sorts that out. Also once you load up to GVM for long trips, rear sags and you then keep hitting the rear door corner with your skull… but the bullbar and winch really affect the steering / front end… I noticed it immediately but funny how after 2-3 days it feels normal again! I would only modify suspension / bar work as you need it… and I would never try and tune or upset factory engine set up (but I do love my catch can…,)…. 😮
oh mate you are the best ...keep it up ...Iam an oldie in the west of Ausie land, pass dingo piss creek an I did stuff with eh Holdens auto's Models scrub bashing etc (original real Aussies crawl" ) by really Ausie cars better than any 4x4 now and that's in any sandy creeks with boulders bigger that the 13inch wheels that was on them old EH's ...yep I agree its more stuff to bolt on your A-b TRANSPORT go get there for fun ONLY ...BUT back then it was and also a need to do it cause it is A TO B "necessarily so " As you say all this media (advert ) stuff is distortions for them money making moguls to rake you in and take your $$$'s
If you watch his vids especially the inspection vids he gives his opinion on other suspension by different manufacturers. Put it this way, he sees a lot of brands that don’t cut the mustard. 🍺
My 200 series upgrade to tough dog suspension was chalk and cheese compared to factory. The ride is 100 times better. I did 120,000 kms before upgrading. Agree lots people pushing shit on youtube.
Yeah look, who cares really. You promote Dobinsons, Wally promotes his crap. I changed mine because of sagging and poor handling as the vehicle aged. Each to their own as long as it is safe.
@@Fourby4Diesel so does that mean you will pull every episode where Dobinson have been recommended? No, because that would be a bit silly. I would give Dobinsons a try after watching your channel because you have some good insight. Now it appears that you are contradicting yourself. But Hey, it's your train set.
I don’t need to remove videos. They are designed to help people they offer value for money, genuine advice, that I use myself, including further discounts that I go out of my way to set up for people that want to use them. Obviously, you haven’t seen many of my videos because you don’t know me very well All the best
There is no contradiction. I tell people about Dobinsons. I don’t care if they get it from me or not doesn’t make any difference to me. It’s what I use if they get it from me, they will get better service and advice, correct spring selection because this is what I specialize in. But in most cases, they don’t need it and I don’t want to sell anybody anything they don’t need it’s pretty simple stuff most people get it.
@@Fourby4Diesel 👍 If I didn't like your channel I wouldn't have subscribed to it and You have helped me fix a few things like the clock spring episode which i have shared with others who have had the same issue. Keep up the good work.
Interesting content. What you pointed out is correct depending on where the car is driven and how often and the cars loading plays a major part. Most factory shocks with fair amount of ks fade and wallow on badly corrugated roads, even travelling a moderate speeds need a stop regularly to let shocks cool and it is also good time other components a check over. The larger oil capacity and more rugged construction and reliability is the main plus for after market suspension. About Pat ,Jason, and co, it is a business, and they derive income ...much the same as UA-camrs do. Really, what rational person without sponsorship would a thrash an LC 300 drive it through rivers with water over the bonnet ?, no way Toyota warranty wouldn't cover the damage. Closing my daughters, Demax had 2 rear Dobinson shocks replaced because of oil leaks, maybe bad luck.
I had the GVM upgrade done I actually didn’t want it lifted Had no choice I was informed to keep it legal I needed needed GVM upgrade To comply with the law in other states GVM upgrade after registration will not be legal towing in other states Standard suspension the handling was no good either
It’s my understanding they do that here in Australia, Australian engineers 🤣🤷♂️🤔🤣 anyway they probably put different bump stops or something else as well i guess it might be done properly usually they do OK
Disappointing that you can only get stiffer coils in lifted sizes . A friend has airbags in the back of his Prado which reduces the ride quality when towing his van, ARB has the lowest lift at 30mm for upgraded coils
I prefer to drive 100 km/h on corrugations and rough roads. So I go for high performance shocks. But my dad is happy to drive 40 ... personal preference 🤷♂️
Where is your shop loacted? The kakadu owners ive spoken to are more worried about not being able to replace their front shocks given they are AVS etc.
Toyota: Spends $32 million dollars in Australia testing a Landcruiser for Australia. Does the equivalent of 250,000kms of dirt and outback driving to set up suspension. Ensures longevity and durability as well as on road compliance. Buyer: Spends $140k buying that vehicle. Immediately throws the suspension in the rubbish bin and puts in a $7500 set from Tim and Dave who bought a shock tester and got someone in Shenzhen China to make them their own set. In all honesty, people want that lifted look. I used too, still do to some extent. But nowadays they put on 20 inch black alloys with low profile muddies 🤷🏽
I have a Fortuner but when heavily loaded or when towing the backside hangs a bit low and sometimes bottoms out when going over big bumps even when driving slowly. Would you recommend getting replacement suspension in these circumstances?
It's interesting all these shows pretending to be "documentaries" or lifestyle programs when all they are undisclosed advertisements. You just can't rely on these shows to be conflict of interest free. Interestingly, in the UK, even commercial fta channels can't promote a particular product manufacturer without advising their viewers there's other manufacturers of the same product their viewers may wish to consider. But, heh, don't regulate media in Australia you might offend one of your mates!
I think the main issue with your channel Anthony is your obsession with Toyota. You are extremely knowledgeable and also pretty funny, but I get sick of the Toyota cult and so I generally skip over your stuff as I know it’s going to be more Toyota obsession.
Mate … get over pat and who he is peddling or how much sponsorship he is getting, at the end of the day most people don’t know anything different if they haven’t had anything good before, in reality weigh the car at full weight, go and get a safety-t-stop done and get your axle weight and understand what you need, get the suspension to suit from a reputable suspension company that knows what they are doing and you will get the results you pay for.. if your tipping the heavy weights look at a gvm upgrade or some custom suspension from a decent shop to suit. Maybe do some research and actually inform people about the real fact about how people really need understand these things. Drive a brand new stock standard Prado through some winding hills near sofala or similar it wallows into corner and is absolutely crap that why you change OEM suspension and stop peddling the dobinson suspension because obviously your sponsored by them.🤦🏼♂️
Hey Mate, thanks for taking the time to make these videos! I've just purchased a 2014 Prado with 180xxx on the clock, so just doing my homework and looking into what I can do myself. Bloody good work, cheers mate!
I recently sold a 2011 150 prado with all the bells and whistles and to be honest 90% of the time most people don't even use the mods. I now drive a 22 model stock with a Rola roof rack and it's a dream to drive and the only update I'd make is a UHF and AT Tyres and I can guarantee it will go most places I'd never travel anyway. People should only modify their vehicle if the current parts don't operate for the intended purposes. Not only have a saved a ton of money but also saving almost 7L per 100kms of diesel.
Interesting video. I have a 120 Grande and recently (18mths ago) replaced the rear air suspension and all struts/shocks with the standard height OEM equipment (still air suspension). On or off road it does me fine. Standard tyres also, can still get up 400-500mm step ups etc. i figured until I find I'm unable to go places I want to due to suspension height, I'll stick with what the Toyota engineers offer. Happy so far.
Malcolm Douglas look at all the bush touring he did just in a stocks 1 hz troopy towing lots
So true, seems as everyone have a lift kit, bull bar and lots of "cool" mods. Don´t get me started on the solid axle conversions...
I did a GVM upgrade, the rear went up 50mm, front went up 40mm, so we could comply with towing a caravan, suspension does not lift the diffs up, tyre size does.
With independent suspension the diff height increases with suspension lift
That's the problem, people are all about looking cool most 4x4 don't even like to drive on a dirt road 😂 but have 4 or 6 inch rise ,thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones
This guy is INCREDIBLE !!!
He is a LEGEND !!!
THANK YOU.
To be honest, I really wanted to keep the factory suspension. However, the sag when the camper goes on forced the issue for me. I don't want to be checking and pumping up aurbags.
Exactly the same with mine. Went with Old Man Emu 40mm lift and 200kg constant. Very happy so far
Airbags aren’t a drama mate , fitted Airbag man airbags myself, pump them up with a bike pump easy as and they are always at the same pressure I left them at
The main thing I like about a lift is that my fat guts can get underneath to change oil.
😂 so accurate, ahh Pat. I remember that episode, how ridiculous was it??!!
Unfortunately I've got a new Ranga, 😢 work vehicle. Just clocked over 10k. Its been back half a dozen times to the dealer. They always want it for a whole day. Then they will not give the vehicle back due to it being unroadworthy, but they refuse to give a loan vehicle. You drive into the service work shop, and every vehicle is a Ranga or an Everest with the bonnet up or on a hoist...Drive nice but just rubbish. Totally rubbish service too. But a Toyota folks.👍
Just because Ford make unreliable vehicles doesn’t mean that Toyota is the only alternative.
Try and buy standard height / load rate front or rear springs . In many cases you cannot buy std versions . The springs are usually rated for bull bar steel and winch . What this does is make the suspension to stiff .
Experience tells me the suspension only moves when u hit a city drain at 50km/h for a tradie ute round town
After 100,000 Km and a fair few years, I always find the front is down or almost down the the bump stops. So I lift at 100K these days.
That's mine with the rear issue. Still haven't sorted that out as I don't have time to pull things apart. Was great for a year and slowly got a problem when I hit a bump or hole the back end kicks side ways.
Don’t suppose you have the old shockers still that you could put in to eliminate or confirm the cause
@@Fourby4Diesel I got rid of them after a year. I should be able push the shock down if it's bad yeah?
Hey Bro this the IS THE best UA-cam ..KEEP IT UP AND SHOW ALL THE MODEN 4WHEEL DRIVERS HOW MISLED THEY ARE
Awesome video. Thanks for the insight and the humour 😂
Original Tokico Hilux dampers last less than 100Kkm. That´s it. Many times dampers look fine from outside, sometimes still holding the gas, but the wear band of the piston just wears out and they do not perform very well any more. I´m keen to keep the original ride height but some dampers just have better heating dissipation capacity.
Love my suspension and tyre upgrades - best thing I ever did to the Prado. Then again, I actually take mine off-road. OEM fades after about 50km of corrugations and scrapes on a pine cone 😂
..I must admit I am a big advocate of keeping things stock , but damnit my Prado can't even clear a piece of elephant dung. I've also done some serious damage to my sump guard. Not sure if try bigger tyres for now but not much headroom there
Yes but…. Toyota Fortuner at factory height has the front end ploughing through soft sand and 40mm lift sorts that out. Also once you load up to GVM for long trips, rear sags and you then keep hitting the rear door corner with your skull… but the bullbar and winch really affect the steering / front end… I noticed it immediately but funny how after 2-3 days it feels normal again! I would only modify suspension / bar work as you need it… and I would never try and tune or upset factory engine set up (but I do love my catch can…,)…. 😮
What's your thoughts on gvm upgrades.
Just added airbags to my very stock new Paj Sport for towing 1800kg van. That's about it for upgrades.
oh mate you are the best ...keep it up ...Iam an oldie in the west of Ausie land, pass dingo piss creek an I did stuff with eh Holdens auto's Models scrub bashing etc (original real Aussies crawl" ) by really Ausie cars better than any 4x4 now and that's in any sandy creeks with boulders bigger that the 13inch wheels that was on them old EH's ...yep I agree its more stuff to bolt on your A-b TRANSPORT go get there for fun ONLY ...BUT back then it was and also a need to do it cause it is A TO B "necessarily so " As you say all this media (advert ) stuff is distortions for them money making moguls to rake you in and take your $$$'s
Have you had anything to do foam cell shocks. for rxample iron man, tough dog ect.......
If you watch his vids especially the inspection vids he gives his opinion on other suspension by different manufacturers. Put it this way, he sees a lot of brands that don’t cut the mustard. 🍺
My 200 series upgrade to tough dog suspension was chalk and cheese compared to factory. The ride is 100 times better. I did 120,000 kms before upgrading. Agree lots people pushing shit on youtube.
Yes yesss 🤣
Great information and video 🤙🍻
Yeah look, who cares really. You promote Dobinsons, Wally promotes his crap. I changed mine because of sagging and poor handling as the vehicle aged. Each to their own as long as it is safe.
Take a bit more notice ⚠️ I actually un-promoted Suspension upgrades 🤣
@@Fourby4Diesel so does that mean you will pull every episode where Dobinson have been recommended? No, because that would be a bit silly. I would give Dobinsons a try after watching your channel because you have some good insight. Now it appears that you are contradicting yourself. But Hey, it's your train set.
I don’t need to remove videos. They are designed to help people they offer value for money, genuine advice, that I use myself, including further discounts that I go out of my way to set up for people that want to use them.
Obviously, you haven’t seen many of my videos because you don’t know me very well
All the best
There is no contradiction. I tell people about Dobinsons. I don’t care if they get it from me or not doesn’t make any difference to me. It’s what I use if they get it from me, they will get better service and advice, correct spring selection because this is what I specialize in.
But in most cases, they don’t need it and I don’t want to sell anybody anything they don’t need it’s pretty simple stuff most people get it.
@@Fourby4Diesel 👍 If I didn't like your channel I wouldn't have subscribed to it and You have helped me fix a few things like the clock spring episode which i have shared with others who have had the same issue. Keep up the good work.
Interesting content. What you pointed out is correct depending on where the car is driven and how often and the cars loading plays a major part. Most factory shocks with fair amount of ks fade and wallow on badly corrugated roads, even travelling a moderate speeds need a stop regularly to let shocks cool and it is also good time other components a check over. The larger oil capacity and more rugged construction and reliability is the main plus for after market suspension. About Pat ,Jason, and co, it is a business, and they derive income ...much the same as UA-camrs do. Really, what rational person without sponsorship would a thrash an LC 300 drive it through rivers with water over the bonnet ?, no way Toyota warranty wouldn't cover the damage. Closing my daughters, Demax had 2 rear Dobinson shocks replaced because of oil leaks, maybe bad luck.
I had the GVM upgrade done I actually didn’t want it lifted
Had no choice
I was informed to keep it legal I needed needed GVM upgrade
To comply with the law in other states
GVM upgrade after registration will not be legal towing in other states
Standard suspension the handling was no good either
2010 Prado GXL 1KD, having stock suspension can we just upgrade the springs only and gain some clearance(lift)?
Interesting you mention not using spacers but that’s exactly what Toyota do on the new Rogue. From factory. What are your thoughts on that?
It’s my understanding they do that here in Australia, Australian engineers 🤣🤷♂️🤔🤣 anyway they probably put different bump stops or something else as well i guess it might be done properly usually they do OK
Disappointing that you can only get stiffer coils in lifted sizes .
A friend has airbags in the back of his Prado which reduces the ride quality when towing his van, ARB has the lowest lift at 30mm for upgraded coils
I put a leveling kit on my hilux because I just like the looks of it.I don't like the factory rake.Just doesn't look proper. And makes me smile
So many vehicles have a lift now that you can't drive on many tracks without bottoming out unless you also have a lift.
I prefer to drive 100 km/h on corrugations and rough roads. So I go for high performance shocks. But my dad is happy to drive 40 ... personal preference 🤷♂️
Where is your shop loacted? The kakadu owners ive spoken to are more worried about not being able to replace their front shocks given they are AVS etc.
Toyota: Spends $32 million dollars in Australia testing a Landcruiser for Australia.
Does the equivalent of 250,000kms of dirt and outback driving to set up suspension.
Ensures longevity and durability as well as on road compliance.
Buyer: Spends $140k buying that vehicle.
Immediately throws the suspension in the rubbish bin and puts in a $7500 set from Tim and Dave who bought a shock tester and got someone in Shenzhen China to make them their own set.
In all honesty, people want that lifted look. I used too, still do to some extent. But nowadays they put on 20 inch black alloys with low profile muddies 🤷🏽
YEP ONE OF THE WILLY WOLLY"S
I always worked on the theory that the Toyota engineers know more than me, so I just left my 79 series alone.
Pat C makes going bush boring and nerdy, rather watch Russel Coight
The cat is out of the bag!!!!! Well done.
I have a Fortuner but when heavily loaded or when towing the backside hangs a bit low and sometimes bottoms out when going over big bumps even when driving slowly. Would you recommend getting replacement suspension in these circumstances?
air bag, inflate when you need it, deflate when you don't. And taller bump stops
$70,000 Wholly shit that's more than than the cost of a new Hilux . Base model at least.
$70,000.00 worth of accessories 🤣😂
Unbelievable. 🥳
It's interesting all these shows pretending to be "documentaries" or lifestyle programs when all they are undisclosed advertisements. You just can't rely on these shows to be conflict of interest free.
Interestingly, in the UK, even commercial fta channels can't promote a particular product manufacturer without advising their viewers there's other manufacturers of the same product their viewers may wish to consider. But, heh, don't regulate media in Australia you might offend one of your mates!
I think the main issue with your channel Anthony is your obsession with Toyota. You are extremely knowledgeable and also pretty funny, but I get sick of the Toyota cult and so I generally skip over your stuff as I know it’s going to be more Toyota obsession.
Well it is a Prado / Hilux channel. Obviously your going to get that content.
Mate … get over pat and who he is peddling or how much sponsorship he is getting, at the end of the day most people don’t know anything different if they haven’t had anything good before, in reality weigh the car at full weight, go and get a safety-t-stop done and get your axle weight and understand what you need, get the suspension to suit from a reputable suspension company that knows what they are doing and you will get the results you pay for.. if your tipping the heavy weights look at a gvm upgrade or some custom suspension from a decent shop to suit. Maybe do some research and actually inform people about the real fact about how people really need understand these things. Drive a brand new stock standard Prado through some winding hills near sofala or similar it wallows into corner and is absolutely crap that why you change OEM suspension and stop peddling the dobinson suspension because obviously your sponsored by them.🤦🏼♂️
I just unsold suspension upgrades you fool
You obviously didn’t listen.