Finding the right suspension upgrade for your 4x4 Toyota Prado 150 is important, as it means the difference between optimising your driving experience and potentially damaging your vehicle.
What is the best Suspension Upgrade for Prado 150?
The best suspension upgrade for a Toyota Prado 150 is the Toyota Prado lift kit from Supashock.
They come with 4x4 shock absorbers that are specifically designed for the Toyota Prado 150 by experienced automotive engineers to provide superior comfort and performance. These shock absorbers also come with a proprietary piston and valve design that offers maximum traction across a wide range of terrains and conditions – both on and off-road.
Additionally, these parts are made from the same technology that Supashock has used to innovate in fields including motorsport, mining and defence.
Finally, Supashock Prado 150 lift kits are designed, tested and manufactured in Australia, so you always know that you’re getting top-shelf quality with a Supashock suspension upgrade for Prado 150.
Why do I need a good suspension kit?
If you’re planning on taking your vehicle off-road, you need a good suspension kit. Not only does a suspension kit improve your overall handling, performance and carrying capacity, but it gives your vehicle ground clearance that’s important for avoiding obstacles and navigating harsh terrain.
The Toyota Prado 150 is a mid-sized 4x4 that has been around since 2009. It’s known for its superior comfort and off-road capabilities – both aspects you definitely don’t want to compromise with the wrong suspension kit.
What types of suspension upgrades are there?
There are many different options for upgrading your car’s suspension; each with their own pros and cons, depending on the type of vehicle you’re looking to modify.
These modifications include;
- Replacing your vehicle’s coil springs to affect factors such as ride quality and load carrying capacity.
- Replacing the stock shock absorbers in your vehicle with higher quality ones for better handling, stability, longevity and comfort, particularly for off-road or high-performance driving.
- Using longer shocks and springs to increase your car’s ride height, allowing for larger wheels and tyres and providing major improvements to off-road capabilities.
- Upgrading your vehicle’s control arm with stronger design and materials, as well as potentially fine-tuning the suspension geometry for better alignment and handling characteristics.
- Replacing your stock sway bar with a thicker and stiffer alternative, that assists the shock absorbers and springs in reducing body roll to improve handling and stability during cornering and other manoeuvers.
It’s worth noting that not all suspension kits come with these specific upgrades. The suspension kit you need will depend largely on the intended use of the vehicle, as well as part compatibility.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a suspension upgrade?
There are many factors to consider that will help you determine the right suspension upgrade for you, including;
- Budget, as you need to make sure that your budget can accommodate the various upgrades that you are looking to make to your vehicle.
- Intended use of the vehicle, as that will inform the parts that you need to replace/upgrade, as well as the specific finetuning that those parts need to have to be at their most effective.
- Terrain, as the upgrades made to your vehicle will need to improve its handling and ride quality for the specific terrains you plan to traverse.
- Brand and quality, as there are a lot of manufacturers of suspension kits, however the cheaper alternatives can sometimes be either incompatible at best or of inadequate quality at worst.
What are common problems with Prado 150 suspension?
The Toyota Prado 150 can experience issues with its suspension system. Here are some common problems that can occur with the Prado 150 suspension:
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The Prado 150's suspension can sometimes sag over time, causing the vehicle to sit lower than it should. This can be caused by excessive loading, towing, worn-out or damaged springs and shocks.
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Prado 150 suspension can sometimes produce noise and vibrations when driving over rough or uneven terrain. This can be caused by worn-out or damaged shocks, bushings, or other suspension components.
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Another common issue with the Prado 150 suspension is steering wobble, which can make the steering wheel feel shaky or unsteady. This can be caused by worn-out or damaged steering components, or by imbalanced wheels or tires.
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The Prado 150's shocks can sometimes develop leaks, which can cause the suspension to feel bouncy or unstable. This can be caused by worn-out or damaged seals or other internal components.
- The Prado 150 can sometimes experience excessive body roll when cornering or driving at high speeds. This can be caused by worn-out or inadequate sway bars or other suspension components.
If you're experiencing any of these issues with your Prado 150's suspension, it's important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements.
Custom suspension systems can potentially address some of the issues that are common with the Prado 150's suspension. However, whether or not a custom suspension is the best solution will depend on the specific issues that are affecting your vehicle and your individual driving needs.
For example, if your Prado 150's suspension is sagging, a custom suspension system with heavy-duty springs or airbags may be able to provide a more stable ride. Similarly, if you're experiencing excessive body roll when cornering, a custom suspension system with stiffer sway bars or upgraded shocks may be able to improve handling.
What are the runners up for best suspension upgrade?
There are many different kinds of suspension kits that are available. While the Supashock suspension lift kit is the best for a Toyota Prado 150, some other alternatives include
- Old Man Emu suspension kit, a popular aftermarket suspension kit for improving the off-road performance of 4x4s.
- Bilstein B6 shock absorber kit, which improves damping and handling for vehicles such as off-road trucks.
- Tough Dog suspension kit, for improving the durability and adjustability for off-road vehicles.
- Dobinsons suspension kit, for enhancing off-road capabilities and load-bearing for a range of vehicles.
- King Springs suspension kit, consisting of a set of coil springs that enhance ride-height and performance.
What are the best practices regarding the Supashock Suspension Upgrade for Prado 150?
Typically, it is the best practice to have a qualified professional install your lift kit to avoid damage. As they do this, it is important to keep the following in mind;
- It is possible to adjust the front ride height of the vehicle by winding the spring perch up or down,
- It also possible (however, not recommended) to replace the standard coil springs with raised springs to further raise the ride height of your 4x4,
- If you are carrying extra accessories or frequently towing, it is recommended to use springs rated for carrying extra load.
It is also important to remember the following:
- A Supashock suspension kit will raise your Prado 150 by 2” or approximately 50mm
- There are limitations:
- Raising your vehicle over 2” requires supporting modifications so that your vehicle doesn’t lose traction when offroad due to lack of droop
- Additional problems that could occur if you raise your vehicle above Supashock’s recommended 2” lift height include;
- Poor wheel alignment
- Unevenly worn tyres
- Poor on-road handling
- Greater chance of driveline damage
- Stretching of brake lines and electrical components
- Once you raise your vehicle, there’s a significant chance it will handle differently
Where can I go for the best suspension upgrade for Prado 150?
To get the best suspension upgrade for Prado 150, contact Supashock by phone or by email.
