New KZJ90 owner

[samqureshi]

Hello everyone,
I am a new owner of a 96/97 KZJ90 from Karachi, Pakistan. I hope to get acquainted with a lot of related stuff here.

I am not new to offroading, as I have an AMG M151A2, which I shall phase out soon against my heart's desire.

My odometer reads 125700 kms. It was imported from Japan with a reading of 110,000 kms.
I have no clue if the previous owner changed the timing belt & components, or whether it was replaced in Japan as suggested in the manual so I'm getting that done ASAP (though my T-belt light has turned on as yet)

One thing that I have been told by a relative is the suspension, its quite soft (No, I don't have the adjustable suspension in my 90).
I plan to address the shocks and wanted to know;
*) What if I put in Rancho or OME suspension. How does that change the ride quality ?
*) Is it stiffer than normal OEM suspension ?

I may do trail riding, but mostly it would be driven on pot-holes infested roads & clear highways.

What do you guys suggest ?

Here's a few pics.
Cheers,
Sam

 

[samqureshi]

This forum is sloooooow !

 

[ST8ROCKS]

Is that a LC Prado??? I couldn't tell.

As for the suspension stiffness, after installing the OME 2.5 into a 2002 4runner and 91 FJ80 the ride is stiffer. It is not uncomfortable though. The truck will drive much better with the new set up, it feels more stable and controllable. When going over potholes the truck is able to absorb the impact better. My 2 cents.

 

[TEPUI]

I agree with ST8. I had Old Man Emu mediums on my Prado and it was stiff but not uncomfortable. Depending on how much you load it or if you plan to add a steel bumper you may want to get OME heavy duty coils.

I have no experience with Rancho Suspension on my Prado, and have not heard of anyone that has. I haven't used Ranchos in 20 years... it seems like there are many better alternatives out there.

 

[TEPUI]

This forum is sloooooow !

Yes, the 90 series forum is new compared to the rest of the forums here on ih8mud, but we're building it slowly. Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again.

 

[samqureshi]

Thanks for the input fellas. I'll look into Old Man Emu's then.

One other thing, where do I find the VIN number of the chassis frame ?

 

[-MaTTi-]

One other thing, where do I find the VIN number of the chassis frame ?

Behind the right front tire.

 

[samqureshi]

Thanks.
One thing I've noticed and yet to decipher is that there are some Prados with squarish light while some have round set of headlights.
Why the difference and what's the the difference in the model years 96-99 ?

 

[TEPUI]

Thanks.
One thing I've noticed and yet to decipher is that there are some Prados with squarish light while some have round set of headlights.
Why the difference and what's the the difference in the model years 96-99 ?

This varies by country and trim level. What I've learned (and find quite funny) is that those that have the covered lenses tend to like the round sealed beam and viceversa. The grass is always greener on the other side.