Landcruiser or LX450 stock suspension?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

ranma21

ranma21

Supporting Vendor
10 Year 15 Year 20 Year
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Threads
310
Messages
3,643
Location
Houston, TX
Website
www.teqoutfitter.com
Ok, I know a lot of you guys may think I am crazy, guess at times LOL Well, my 97 is fairly capable for off roading, OME 2 inches lifted with slider, front and ready bumper, winch etc. I have not been to any trail for the past 5 years, do not see that happening in the coming few years with 2 businesses and baby. And truck mostly sits in my drive way, just found out I actually put only 12k miles in the past 8 yrs today when I brought it for inspection. Just drive it for the 1st time in 6 months today starts at first crank.=) So I like to drive it more, it is just a bit too high to load and unload my 10 months old and wife hate to climb up and down the truck.

Thinking about returning to stock height and stock bumpers for now. And if I need to make a trip to say CO in the near future, it takes me half a day to swap everything back, no biggie. So which stock suspension setup is more comfortable but not overly lean at corner? Will not be racing the truck, is the LX stock suspension too soft? I drive aggressive with my Sienna SE though when I am by myself, handle very well and precise steering for a van. Appreciate the feed back.
 
Long ago when I still was on stock coils my buddies all called it "wonder bread" - my ~75K springs were so soft & shocks worn (none blown/leaking)- that it would lean in the wind if you caught a cross breeze.

I went from stock to an OME Heavy, it made for a far more predictable drive.

If I was bent on stock height, a set of the "no lift" OME springs seem like the smart move, plus you **could** take it out to play w/o a spring swap. Even if the "no lift" was taller than worn stockers, it would be where I dropped $$.
 
The OME 861/862 combo makes for a sweet ride. Best part is there's really nothing else needed than the coils unless you shocks are beat, too, if you're on stock length shocks. With a lift, maybe not. Anyone know if slightly longer shocks will be an issue at stock height?

You didn't mention caster correction, but many do it with a 2" lift. If you did, you may have to undo it.
 
OME "stock height" coils are probably your best bet. Any stockers you find in a junk yard are going to have ~200k miles on them and will probably be substantially softer than factory originals.

Rockauto.com also sells replacement springs for $50 (not sure if that's per spring or for a pair). Manufacturer is Kilen and I know absolutely nothing about their quality, but might be worth researching.

Based on your driving style, I'd think Toyota springs would be preferable over LX springs for the slightly higher spring rate, if going with a factory spring.
 
Another vote for OME "stock height" coils (861/862), ride and handling are SO MUCH BETTER than stock springs, I would never consider going back to stock. I had these on my 1st HDJ81 and loved them. Only about 1/2" taller than the stock springs, with much less body roll and squishiness using the same original shocks.
 
Thanks for the response fellow mudders =) I will consider giving (861/862) a shot, as for factory spring an shocks, I will be replacing with new Toyota parts, no aftermarket or used parts.
 
New oem spring and shocks would ride awesome, stock height is great IF u have some weight. I had the stock height with no weight and it was a little too firm for me.

If going OEM rout I would use LC springs and shocks, heard the LX setup is a little too soft.
 
Qball said:
New oem spring and shocks would ride awesome, stock height is great IF u have some weight. I had the stock height with no weight and it was a little too firm for me.

If going OEM rout I would use LC springs and shocks, heard the LX setup is a little too soft.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to stock height as in OME (861/862)?
 
galandcruiser97 said:
I'm glad I saw this post. I am sure looking for factory height springs that help with the "side to side rocking" while towing or having a heavy load in the rig.
Click to expand...

If you have tired coils that have never been replaced, the 861/862 will be a decided improvement.

If you do a lot of towing, you may want to consider a set of air bags for the rear coils. They'll help with the load, but also help maintain ride height. Here's a pic of our rig on the first trip after the 861/862 install with a full trailer. Sits a little low in back, so the air bags will help whenever I get around to it...

2011RoadTrip2.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom