Excessive Brake Dive planning to change struts need help

[Genoks]

i have a 2016 LC 200

im getting bad (to a certain extent) brake dives, meaning when i brake abbruptly the nose of the LC dive down and its annoying as hell, also on full load (6 adults in the car) the LC drives like a boat, wobbly/wavy

i know a full suspension system will fix this for sure but i just bought a $90k toyota so funds are tight for upgrades, and everyday i drive it im just annoyed on how soft the damn struts are.

my plan is to hopefully just replace the shocks, but the problem is i have no idea what to get and where to get them, i think i need the OME struts but im not sure if i can installmjust the shocks and not touch the springs? and another problem is i really would preffer not to lift it.

pls halppp me

 

[Markuson]

i have a 2016 LC 200

im getting bad (to a certain extent) brake dives, meaning when i brake abbruptly the nose of the LC dive down and its annoying as hell, also on full load (6 adults in the car) the LC drives like a boat, wobbly/wavy

i know a full suspension system will fix this for sure but i just bought a $90k toyota so funds are tight for upgrades, and everyday i drive it im just annoyed on how soft the damn struts are.

my plan is to hopefully just replace the shocks, but the problem is i have no idea what to get and where to get them, i think i need the OME struts but im not sure if i can installmjust the shocks and not touch the springs? and another problem is i really would preffer not to lift it.

pls halppp me

$1585 Here:
Slee - Toyota 200 Series Land Cruiser Suspension

Stock load OME kit.

 

[Genoks]

$1585 Here:
Slee - Toyota 200 Series Land Cruiser Suspension

Stock load OME kit.

can i get away with just replacing the shocks only? thats my main question, coz $1k + labor isnt in the budget right now

 

[Genoks]

i can just get these shocks and struts and not buy the springs right? just want to make sure

Slee Off-Road - Shock Detail Page.

 

[NLScooby]

can i get away with just replacing the shocks only? thats my main question, coz $1k + labor isnt in the budget right now

The front is a shock/strut assembly - meaning the springs are essentially part of the strut unit (although they can be disassembled). You could get away with not replacing the rear springs, but I think you would end up with an unmatched suspension set up where the front will feel firmer and the rear will be softer - which may result in a less-than-ideal ride quality. The rear springs are also probably the least expensive part of any lift. I'd recommend buying a matched set with good quality parts and have a good shop install it if you are unsure about doing it yourself. You've invested a lot of money in this vehicle - I wouldn't go cheap here because you'll be mad at yourself every time you hit a bump (or hit the brakes!)

 

[Sandroad]

can i get away with just replacing the shocks only? thats my main question, coz $1k + labor isnt in the budget right now

If $1K + labor is not in your budget for upgraded suspension right now, you'll have to get used to the brake dive you are experiencing. It will cost much more than that. And you'll likely end up with at least a small lift. There are options if your budget improves someday, but all require replacing the full shock/spring front struts and fitting the matching separate shock and springs on the rear.

In the meantime, have you considered the effect of tires and tire pressure on what you're experiencing? Pressure ok?

And, note there are several threads on MUD about replacing brake pads as simple, relatively inexpensive fixes to what some feel are grabby brakes.

And finally, I hope you don't spend a lot of road time with 6 adults in the vehicle! It's a tight fit for an adult in the 3rd row.

 

[Yossarian]

i have a 2016 LC 200

im getting bad (to a certain extent) brake dives, meaning when i brake abbruptly the nose of the LC dive down and its annoying as hell, also on full load (6 adults in the car) the LC drives like a boat, wobbly/wavy

i know a full suspension system will fix this for sure but i just bought a $90k toyota so funds are tight for upgrades, and everyday i drive it im just annoyed on how soft the damn struts are.

my plan is to hopefully just replace the shocks, but the problem is i have no idea what to get and where to get them, i think i need the OME struts but im not sure if i can installmjust the shocks and not touch the springs? and another problem is i really would preffer not to lift it.

pls halppp me

Bilsteins for the 200

If you go this route don't put the adjustable spring perch in the highest position, this might lead to alignment issues. I've installed mine in the middle, while also using the OEM spacers with no alignment issues. While not the same as upgrading springs, the Bilstein gas charged shocks were a noticeable improvement.

HTH.

 

[wardharris]

VENDOR / OWNER COMMENT

Suggest you live with it until your budget recovers. Wait until you can do it right the first time. In the long run it will cost you less if you can get by for a while.

Suspensions IMHO should be designed as an integrated system. Brakes also have a role to play in vehicle handling, so you might want to add a line item or two to the build budget for an upgrade.

Ultimately, you will likely need combination of components, including upgrades like UCAs and diff drop, but it starts with a foundation of shocks/springs. $995 can get you an excellent foundation system with free shipping from our firm as detailed here http://www.terraintamer.com/images/pdf/Suspension/Toyota/SK022.pdf

My story: Our blue 2018 200 Series is on order with Murf and the crew at Camelback Toyota. It was built on 8/31 and should hit Phoenix the end of this month. PHASE ONE will be a dealer installed Terrain Tamer Pro suspension system (equivalent to BP 51) plus UCAs and diff drop.

PHASE TWO We will put a few miles on the truck to seat the brakes and do a series of stops to gather data (stopping distance, fade, linear stability, etc.) as a baseline and then swap out stock brakes for Terrain Tamer HP brakes - slotted/drilled rotors and pads plus composite pads - and after those are broken in, we will do a second round of stops to see what can be documented.

PHASE THREE We will add Terrain Tamer elocker kits (Harrop/Eaton elocker, KOYO bearings, OEM diff kit items) front and rear.

I know it sounds crazy to spend over $80k on an SUV / overlander and then spend another 10% of the purchase price on upgrades, but there is only one current top of line, flagship Toyota Land Cruiser and IMHO these are the elements that bring the truck to where it should have been from the factory.

Oh, yeah, we are de-installing the rear seat entertainment system and restore the back of front seat with matching leather.

Maybe the 300 Series will be the macho model for offroad functionality, but I wouldn't bet on it

 

[TexAZ]

@arich , @bjowett were some of the early pioneers of 200 series shock evaluations. I think Anthony had 5 pairs at one point.
do a search for Koni shocks and their threads will pop up. There are options out there less than $1100 lift kits.

the front shocks/springs are totally interchangeable, so long as the inner diameter of the spring is greater than the shock body. This was an issue discussed in the previously mentioned threads. If you are planning on hauling 6 adults around frequently, look into heavier spring rates.

Swapping front shocks/springs isn't rocket surgery. It is time consuming and you will need to get an alignment afterwards.

good luck, and let us know what route you wind up taking.

 

[Markuson]

can i get away with just replacing the shocks only? thats my main question, coz $1k + labor isnt in the budget right now

Highly recommend you wait until you can do both springs and shocks. Otherwise...results will be iffy at best… And you'll end up paying twice for labor when they have to go in all over again for the springs.