Hi, I'm looking at the Metal Tech's rear coil conversion kits for my GX470 and I see that there's a stage 1 and stage 2 kits, the difference is that the stage 2 have a 1 Pair of Prado 120 Secondary Spring Isolators, the price difference is huge do I need the stage 2 or I'm ok with just the stage 1? Thanks!
Metal Tech's rear coil coversion kits
- Thread starter enriquerrs
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I think most would agree that you need some type of isolator up there. I believe Dan Kunz has a custom isolator and someone even used a pair of Harbor Freight casters to keep the springs in place.
You can always source your own (Toyota pn
48302-35040). New are very pricey but they pop up on eBay or junk yards sometimes. They are used on 4runners, FJ's, and 460's.I got lucky and got a fairly new pair from a GX460 for $60.
You can always source your own (Toyota pn
48302-35040). New are very pricey but they pop up on eBay or junk yards sometimes. They are used on 4runners, FJ's, and 460's.I got lucky and got a fairly new pair from a GX460 for $60.
FYI if you buy the Toyota isolator on Amazon note that you are buying one and need two. I made that mistake and had to do a second order so I paid double shipping.
I would suggest getting the upper isolator as well. I ran without for a very short time and realized it was a much needed part.
I got my upper isolators from an 06 4Runner in a junkyard. Perfect condition and scored them both for $65.
enriquerrs,
Can you tell me how the metal tech kit worked out for you? I am looking to convert my Prado 120 after airbag failure and I have been digging the net for weeks now and I am trying gather the best most useful information so that I can make the right purchase. I am not looking for a lift. I want to keep the shocks OEM but need a good pair of coil springs that will allow me to get as close as possible to the original ride quality. My concern is that the ride may be too stiff or too soft. I don't want a SUV that rides like a lowered civic nor do I want a ride that feels like a headache.
Any suggestions would be great! Thank you on advance!
Can you tell me how the metal tech kit worked out for you? I am looking to convert my Prado 120 after airbag failure and I have been digging the net for weeks now and I am trying gather the best most useful information so that I can make the right purchase. I am not looking for a lift. I want to keep the shocks OEM but need a good pair of coil springs that will allow me to get as close as possible to the original ride quality. My concern is that the ride may be too stiff or too soft. I don't want a SUV that rides like a lowered civic nor do I want a ride that feels like a headache.
Any suggestions would be great! Thank you on advance!
- Thread starter
- #7
Haven't installed the kit yet, but I'm going to use FJ Cruiser springs for the conversion.
Thank you! Can you let me know how the ride feels once you've got them installed? Little bit of a desperate situation right now. I want to make sure not to buy the wrong kit that ultimately will feel like a rock! Decisions Decisions !!!
I'm doing the conversion shortly as well, and I'm looking to stay stock height. I went with FJC rear springs as they were the highest spring rate of the OEM springs found on 120 platform vehicles, and the GX I would expect to be on the higher end of curb weights for 120 platform vehicles.
Hi IanB,
Thank you for your input. Greatly appreciate it. I somehow couldn't find those springs on the net. Do you have a part number handy by any chance? Also, let me know how the ride quality feels once you've done the conversion please!! I just got in contact with Arnott, they are telling me that their GX470 conversion kit doesnt pit my Prado 120.. strange, since I believe its the same platform.
I don't know how accurate the data is, but a user on T4r compiled spring rates for front and rear. These springs would be pretty relevant to the conversion we are discussing.
Coil Rates: OEM 4runner, OEM FJ, Moog, & Others - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
Coil Rates: OEM 4runner, OEM FJ, Moog, & Others - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
Thank you for the share but it seems they're primarily talking about the front specs. I am still absolutely undecided. So much info here and there but it seems to be virtually impossible to get info on the actual ride quality after the conversion in stock height. MT is out of stock with no ETA. I am leaning towards Arnott at the moment with no other option. I've heard some folks talk about issues they faced with Strutmasters so I'll leave those alone for now.
I've had metal techs kit and FJC springs in my truck for over 2 years. If I knew it would ride this well I would've eliminated my bags when they were still good.
As far as height, expect it to ride pretty high in the rear for a couple days until everything settles, and the end game is approx an inch over stock height in "normal" setting with bags.
As far as height, expect it to ride pretty high in the rear for a couple days until everything settles, and the end game is approx an inch over stock height in "normal" setting with bags.
Wow! I think you are a life saver!! Thank you for the info. This def. Makes it easier for me to decide. By the way, sweet ride!
BlackCat,
do you have the part number of the kit and the springs that you purchased for your truck? I am not sure if the following kit is the one you are referring to?
Metal Tech GX460 Rear Coil Conversion Stage 3 (Stock Height)
I bought their complete kit minus springs (weren't available with springs AFAIK when I converted mine) and ordered FJ Cruiser springs from Oreilly's. Several people have asked me about the springs and I can no longer find them on their website.
Edit: not sure if you're aware you posted a GX460 conversion kit, not the 470. Don't know if there's a difference.
I just noticed I posted the wrong one too.. sorry about that but the kit seems to be the same according to their website. The only FJ springs I was able to find are from MOOG but I am guessing they should all be the same, right? I am not sure what springs MT uses. The conversion kit at MT seems to be out of stock at the moment with no ETA. I am probably just going to see if I can get some OEM FJ springs and the kit minus the springs from MT and hope for the best.
Ya, you'll be fine ordering the kit minus springs, and then finding the springs from somewhere else. You can probably find a set of low mileage takeoffs on Craigslist.
I found a set of excellent condition FJ Cruiser rear springs for $50US plus shipping, powdercoat on them is still perfect.
Thanks guys! I'll let you know how everything works out!
