LC200 suspension upgrade

[grantj222]

Hi, I have a LC200VX, 2017 model, which I bought around 2 weeks ago

The suspension is still the stock setup, and the front left coil seems to be sagging, meaning the front left fender is about 2cm lower than the right

Rather than fixing it, this seems like a good opportunity for an upgrade

I use the vehicle about 95% on road, sometimes towing a fairly heavy boat, then the occasional 5% being long trips on dirt roads (eg Breede River, Tankwa, etc)...

So I'm keen for something that isnt rock hard where I lose a kidney everytime I hit a speed bump or pothole, but will improve my on road stability as well as soak up the bumps on dirt roads, especially wash boarding... And then some very occasional light 4x4 offroading

A reasonable lift would be good, more for all round visibility but also for keeping the undercarriage scrape feee

The suspension specialist has recommended either the Ironman Foam Cell Standard or Foam Cell Pro

I'm happy to fork out extra for the Pro, but not if I'll enjoy it less than Standard in the event that it's a less comfortable ride? I also don't want to regret in the future not having gone for the best system when I had the chance

What do you think based on my driving profile? Standard or pro? Or something else altogether?

PS, I'm also fitting a new set of Michelin LTX Trail, 285\16 R80

 

[Ben Stratford]

If he is indeed a specialist rather than someone who just sells stuff then he should be able to match the suspension to the weight of the car plus whatever your typical load is. Afaik Ironman are good but it’s the match up which is key. You may ask him if they would also be installing the kit to approve you coming back to swap for lighter or stiffer springs / shocks if you are not happy. That will sort the men from the boys when it comes to how special they are

 

[Lorin]

The 200 is IFS so I would avoid any suspension lift unless absolutely necessary as will impact your front suspension travel. Standard height Foam Cell Pro would likely be a good option for what you describe. As Ben said above, if you don’t need any additional load carrying capacity I would only fit standard weight springs otherwise your ride will be overly harsh. Foam cell pros are well rated for the 200.

 

[grantj222]

If he is indeed a specialist rather than someone who just sells stuff then he should be able to match the suspension to the weight of the car plus whatever your typical load is. Afaik Ironman are good but it’s the match up which is key. You may ask him if they would also be installing the kit to approve you coming back to swap for lighter or stiffer springs / shocks if you are not happy. That will sort the men from the boys when it comes to how special they are

Thanks Ben... Having done my homework the guys I'm going with are - according to several sources - the best here in Cape Town... It's also comforting that the other guys I got a quote from recommended the same setup (being the 'standard' Ironman as opposed to the 'Pro')

Being in South Africa, the products are shipped in especially. I think it's unlikely I'll be offered the opportunity to swap things around unfortunately

Thanks again

 

[grantj222]

The 200 is IFS so I would avoid any suspension lift unless absolutely necessary as will impact your front suspension travel. Standard height Foam Cell Pro would likely be a good option for what you describe. As Ben said above, if you don’t need any additional load carrying capacity I would only fit standard weight springs otherwise your ride will be overly harsh. Foam cell pros are well rated for the 200.

Thanks so much Lorin. Foamcell 'standard' (as opposed to 'pro') by default gives about a 2" (50mm) lift according to the supplier. They won't go any higher than that since that is the max allowed by Toyota apparently

Do you think this 2" lift will be OK?

Noted regarding the standard springs - thanks

 

[Lorin]

Thanks so much Lorin. Foamcell 'standard' (as opposed to 'pro') by default gives about a 2" (50mm) lift according to the supplier. They won't go any higher than that since that is the max allowed by Toyota apparently

Do you think this 2" lift will be OK?

Noted regarding the standard springs - thanks

As per my previous post I would suggest considering no lift unless you really need it. The Foam Cell Pro shocks are a much better shock than the standard and worth the upgrade. Simply fit with standard height springs instead of 2” lift springs. It is the spring that lifts the vehicle not the shock.

If you cannot get standard height springs then the 2” lift will be fine. You will however lose 2” of droop/ down travel on your front suspension as a result. This can result in an increased tendency to lift a front wheel when articulating and for the front shocks to ‘top out’ when unloaded.