Just comfortable suspension

[toolsplus]

I've had my OME suspension for about ten years now,it cured the roll in the corners and gave clearance for my BFG 265/70's on the 40/25mm lift.
However you feel everything you drive over which is harsh.
Maybe it's time for OEM suspension again,it's not a value for money question I just want comfort for a change.My mates 500 euro Clio is way more comfortable!
Is OEM suspension the most comfortable on the 120's?
Cheers

 

[Lorin]

I can comment on OEM but OME are well known to have firm damping giving a ‘sporty’ but often harsh ride. Ironman are an example of a comparable ‘budget’ brand that have much softer damping. I swapped my OME nitro charger shocks for Ironman Foam Cell Pro and the ride was transformed - much softer. The trade off was more body roll.

I think if you off-road regularly you might be better off with one of the specialist brands rather than OEM though I may be corrected on this. All the brands such as OME, Ironman etc have fairly decent budget options as well as more upmarket shocks complete with adjustable settings.

 

[toolsplus]

Thanks Lorin,I'm offroad every day mate so you get fed up with dodging potholes all the time.I needed something tough and reliable and OME didn't let me down.Now I don’t care how much roll I get I just want comfort.I wonder if I could keep the springs and try some Ironman shocks?

 

[toolsplus]

I'd like to keep the lift though because the 265/70's never rub and the extra clearance is sometimes handy offroad.I think 120's look better with a small lift as well.

 

[Lorin]

For the money I’d say Ironman Foam Cell Pros are a decent shock and would give you the sort of soft ride you’re looking for.

 

[GeekOKent]

Did the 265/70r17 rub ? What suspension did you have to start with ? I am guessing not the air bags?

 

[toolsplus]

GOK
I bought the OME lift kit and tyres at the same time so rubbing was never an issue,did a bit of trimming on the front bumper as well to make sure.

 

[toolsplus]

Lorin
At slow speeds I've no complaints,good articulation and feel.When I hit g-outs (square edged potholes) at normal speeds there's always a solid bang with hardly any compliance.To me that means harsh damping and maybe softer springs are needed.
Unfortunately I'm about 2000 miles from West Coast Offroad who I'm sure would sort it out very quickly...
Cheers

 

[toolsplus]

I'll see if I can find out whether my OME rear springs are medium or strong.

 

[toolsplus]

Found out that I changed from OME strong to OME medium springs about 5 years ago.I don't think they make a soft spring so I'll just live with it and try to drive round everything.

 

[Lorin]

Found out that I changed from OME strong to OME medium springs about 5 years ago.I don't think they make a soft spring so I'll just live with it and try to drive round everything.

It’s not your springs that will be giving your that jar/bang when you hit a square edge, it’s the shock compression damping. Switching to a shock with softer damping will make a big difference even with the same springs.

 

[toolsplus]

Ironman Foam Cell Pros then.
Who would you buy them off mate?
How do I confirm they would work with my OME springs?
Or do I just bite the bullet and buy an Ironman kit?
Cheers

 

[toolsplus]

West Coast's website was useless but found this kit,what do you think Lorin?

 

[Lorin]

The kit you linked above is just the standard Foam Cell, not the Pro. I have no experience of them.

Shocks and springs do not need to be matched. Your existing springs will be absolutely fine with any brand of shock. All that matters is the shock is the correct length for the amount of lift you have.

 

[Lorin]

This company might do just the shocks Suspension Ironman For TOYOTA PRADO120-RZJ / VZJ LIFT 45mm 2 inches | eBay - [Leaving Land Cruiser Club]

OFM do stock the Foam Cell Pro just not for the 120. May be worth asking if they could get them for you.

West Coast are who I got my shocks through via special order. I’d just ping them an email or give them a call.

 

[toolsplus]

Thanks mate I'll get in touch with Paul at West Coast.

 

[toolsplus]

I'm presuming you just put the car on a lift to measure the shocks?
Or do you have to take the shock off and measure it fully extended and fully compressed ?

 

[Lorin]

I'm presuming you just put the car on a lift to measure the shocks?
Or do you have to take the shock off and measure it fully extended and fully compressed ?

No need to measure. Just tell Paul what lift you’re currently running

 

[toolsplus]

You're right mate,spoke to Paul today and because the Ironman lift is 50mm and the OME is 45mm then no measurement's needed.
I've decided to go for the Foam Cell and not the Pro,Paul says it's soft damping so all sorted.I think you can choose the damping on the rear shocks.
Thanks Lorin

 

[toolsplus]

Does anyone know if there's an identification mark on my OME springs,so I can find out the spring rates?
Cheers