Combining OME susp with spring spacers

[TEPUI]

I'm looking into possibly fitting 285s to my vehicle. Currently running OME suspension but it looks like I'll need more fender clearance on the front. I'm considering some minor front fender trimming and maybe some coil spacers, but in theory the spacers affect the compression of the springs, thus making them more rigid. (specially the front ones)

Has anyone done it to their Prado? How do the front feels after the spacers?

[Tapage]

I woul be more concern about the A-arm and drop down travel in your front suspension with those spacers ..

This is my experience only based in some IFS Toy pic ups that I seen here .. with torcion bars really tight to gain some inches ..

[TEPUI]

Drop down is minimal with IFS anyways. I don't think I'd lose much in that area.

The Prado does not have torsion bars, it has springs.

[troopie]

Tepui,

I recently added top plate spacers from toytec on my dads 90 with Series 2000 springs and Koni heavy track shocks.
The spacers add about three quarters of lift on top of the lift gained from the taller springs.
I would not go any taller to protect the axle shafts from wearing out to quick.

The ride quality has not changed much, just a tad bit stiffer but i loosened up the shocks and it feels just right now.

HTH Mark

[Tapage]

Originally Posted by TEPUI

Drop down is minimal with IFS anyways. I don't think I'd lose much in that area.

The Prado does not have torsion bars, it has springs.

I know that don't have torcion bars .. but my experience are only based in this type of suspension element

[dhula]

I thought about putting a spacer between the top spring plate and the mount (so above the complete 'strut' assembly) but deciuded not to due to downward travel being increased and the concern of extra wear on the CV's etc.

I did however put a 5mm plate between the spring and the top plate (so it becomes part of the 'strut')
This increases ride height, kept the original downward travel (as designed by Mr TOyotasan and copied by most shock makers) and hasn't been a problem to date.

When the A arm reaches the bump stops on full compression there is still room to move ie-the spring hasn't fully compressed yet.

Ride is pretty much the same it just doesn't hit the bump stops as much when going into holes a little to fast anymore.

Unless you ahve progressive rate springs in the front, adding a spacer in either fashion (although I'd recomend the second option - my opinion only) there should be no real difference in 'stiffness' of the front suspension.

Cheers

[KyleT]

http://www.sonoransteel.com/Tundra_Coils.html something like that?

[TEPUI]

KyleT, that is exactly what I meant. From the feedback I've gotten it seems like the combination should work well.

[GZERO]

keep in mind something, if you do this make sure the bump stop is still the bump stop. Meaning, that the coil doesn't bind. If you want to test this, just put a tie rap on the coil and ride the car, hit some pot holes or whatever, if the coil cuts the tie rap then you have a problem. Coil bind will kill the coil.

just my .02