About a month ago I was in the market for a new suspension system for my 200-series. I wanted to replace my OME setup with more sophisticated coil-overs. When I first installed the OME’s, they were the only suspension available so I did not have a choice. Now, however, many companies are playing the game. After looking into King, Fox, Radflo and ICON among other brands, I decided to work with Glenn at Radflo to bring a new suspension system for the 200-series to market. I felt this provided me great opportunity, as in the end I got exactly what I wanted and was involved in the entire testing process. I was tempted by the remote reservoir setups on the market, however, after numerous discussions with subject matter experts, I decided that this type of setup was not necessary.
Specifically, what I wanted were the following features:
After several designs and testing, I can honestly say that I’ve found the perfect suspension system and was impressed beyond my original expectations. I did not realize how drastic of a change I would experience with this upgrade.
To summarize and not belabor the point, all of my criteria were met. Let’s face it – the majority of our vehicles are used 95% of the time on-road, however, we still demand that our vehicles be capable and built to suit the remaining 5% use offroad. This is a tough feet for any vehicle.
Radflo included two front coilovers, two rear Internal Floating Piston (IFP) shocks and all necessary hardware. For the rear, I continued to use my existing OME medium load springs, which was recommended by Glenn.
In addition, I’d highly recommend the Total Chaos Upper Control Arms which allowed me to increase front downward travel. I also added the ICON Rear Lower Trailing Arms. They look awesome and should provide better protection, however, I'm not sure how they affect performance. Either way, I’d highly recommend them as well, although they're not required.
The expert mechanic at my dealership who does my alignments stated that he was quite impressed with how the vehicle was able to be aligned back into perfect Toyota spec, something I have never need able to achieve. I’ve always had torque steer issues, which have now been completely eliminated!
With the Radflo installed, I leveled the front to provide 0 degrees of rake with the rear. I measured the OME before removal (center of hub to lip of fender) at 21.5” front and 22.5” rear. The Radflo measurements were 23” front and 23” rear. That’s an increased lift of 1.5” front and .5” rear! (Note these figures are on top of what the OME already provided. I do not have specs for a stock vehicle).
For testing, I took the vehicle on the highway to test high-speed handling and smoothness. It handled very well for being a 6000+ lb vehicle and evasive maneuvering resulted in little roll or rocking. I tested city driving on some of our roughest roads and hit many potholes and repaired roads. I was thoroughly impressed with how well it absorbed the bumps compared to the OME. For cornering testing, I drove down Mt. Lemmon at high speed and allowed the tires to break traction in the corners. All the while I never felt like the vehicle was going to roll and it remained level with minimal lean. For “light” offroad testing, my wife and I took a day trip on Rice Peak trail yesterday, which, according to my Guide to Arizona Backraods & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, is rated as “Difficult”. This trail is very rocky and steep, and takes you from 4,524-ft. to 7,577-ft. in 5.8 miles. On the way down it was pouring rain, which added to the “fun”. I was impressed with the rebound control as the vehicle climbed rocks and then slipped off of them, requiring the suspension to rebound quickly but not forcefully rather in a controlled manor. Heavy offraod testing will have to wait until another few weeks when I can get out to Chiva Falls, which will really test this suspension’s articulation and off-camber abilities. So far, though, I doubt I will have issues.
For any of you that are still running factory suspension and are considering a lift or are running OME suspension, I’d highly recommend Radflo.
I do not have part numbers available, however contact Glenn at Radflo (714-965-7828, info@radflo.com) and he’ll be able to provide you further information and costs.
Specifically, what I wanted were the following features:
- Simple design – no fancy gimmicks or parts prone to failure
- Reliable – tried and true tested design
- Custom – correct build, valves and spring weight for my particular application
- Maximum lift – tallest lift possible without binding or degrading CV’s while also adhering to Toyota alignment spec once lifted
- Travel – maximum travel for increased articulation
- On-road performance – stiff enough to minimize brake dive, acceleration squat and roll during cornering, but soft enough that potholes, road imperfections, speed bumps, and daily driving remains pleasant.
- Offroad performance – increased articulation, travel and front height to clear large obstacles.
After several designs and testing, I can honestly say that I’ve found the perfect suspension system and was impressed beyond my original expectations. I did not realize how drastic of a change I would experience with this upgrade.
To summarize and not belabor the point, all of my criteria were met. Let’s face it – the majority of our vehicles are used 95% of the time on-road, however, we still demand that our vehicles be capable and built to suit the remaining 5% use offroad. This is a tough feet for any vehicle.
Radflo included two front coilovers, two rear Internal Floating Piston (IFP) shocks and all necessary hardware. For the rear, I continued to use my existing OME medium load springs, which was recommended by Glenn.
In addition, I’d highly recommend the Total Chaos Upper Control Arms which allowed me to increase front downward travel. I also added the ICON Rear Lower Trailing Arms. They look awesome and should provide better protection, however, I'm not sure how they affect performance. Either way, I’d highly recommend them as well, although they're not required.
The expert mechanic at my dealership who does my alignments stated that he was quite impressed with how the vehicle was able to be aligned back into perfect Toyota spec, something I have never need able to achieve. I’ve always had torque steer issues, which have now been completely eliminated!
With the Radflo installed, I leveled the front to provide 0 degrees of rake with the rear. I measured the OME before removal (center of hub to lip of fender) at 21.5” front and 22.5” rear. The Radflo measurements were 23” front and 23” rear. That’s an increased lift of 1.5” front and .5” rear! (Note these figures are on top of what the OME already provided. I do not have specs for a stock vehicle).
For testing, I took the vehicle on the highway to test high-speed handling and smoothness. It handled very well for being a 6000+ lb vehicle and evasive maneuvering resulted in little roll or rocking. I tested city driving on some of our roughest roads and hit many potholes and repaired roads. I was thoroughly impressed with how well it absorbed the bumps compared to the OME. For cornering testing, I drove down Mt. Lemmon at high speed and allowed the tires to break traction in the corners. All the while I never felt like the vehicle was going to roll and it remained level with minimal lean. For “light” offroad testing, my wife and I took a day trip on Rice Peak trail yesterday, which, according to my Guide to Arizona Backraods & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, is rated as “Difficult”. This trail is very rocky and steep, and takes you from 4,524-ft. to 7,577-ft. in 5.8 miles. On the way down it was pouring rain, which added to the “fun”. I was impressed with the rebound control as the vehicle climbed rocks and then slipped off of them, requiring the suspension to rebound quickly but not forcefully rather in a controlled manor. Heavy offraod testing will have to wait until another few weeks when I can get out to Chiva Falls, which will really test this suspension’s articulation and off-camber abilities. So far, though, I doubt I will have issues.
For any of you that are still running factory suspension and are considering a lift or are running OME suspension, I’d highly recommend Radflo.
I do not have part numbers available, however contact Glenn at Radflo (714-965-7828, info@radflo.com) and he’ll be able to provide you further information and costs.
