Land Cruiser 120 firmer springs?
Discussion
Hi folks,
We have a 2006 120 Land Cruiser that is our dependable, go anywhere no frills workhorse our here in the country.
A couple of weeks ago it broke a front spring so needs a new one.
The car has been great and never really let us down BUT it has always handled like it was sitting on giant foam pads rather than actual suspension. Wallows around corners like a listing ocean liner and all that.
So now that I need to replace a front spring I am wondering if fitting some heavier duty springs might make it handle a little more like a vehicle as opposed to one of these:-
Is this something that is commonly done or should I just save my money and accept that the 120 - with all its other brilliance - will never do anything other than roll round corners.
Suggestions / advice welcome.
Thanks
We have a 2006 120 Land Cruiser that is our dependable, go anywhere no frills workhorse our here in the country.
A couple of weeks ago it broke a front spring so needs a new one.
The car has been great and never really let us down BUT it has always handled like it was sitting on giant foam pads rather than actual suspension. Wallows around corners like a listing ocean liner and all that.
So now that I need to replace a front spring I am wondering if fitting some heavier duty springs might make it handle a little more like a vehicle as opposed to one of these:-
Is this something that is commonly done or should I just save my money and accept that the 120 - with all its other brilliance - will never do anything other than roll round corners.
Suggestions / advice welcome.
Thanks
I replaced my LC5 suspension with a Pedders 45mm kit, it's much firmer and even though I now struggle to get in I don't poop myself on A-road bends or roundabouts.
It was actually too firm and bouncy at first but settled nicely over the last 1500 miles, really smooth and comfortable now. If I had gone for the comfort spec it'd probably feel like a bouncy castle.
It was actually too firm and bouncy at first but settled nicely over the last 1500 miles, really smooth and comfortable now. If I had gone for the comfort spec it'd probably feel like a bouncy castle.
I'm guessing it's still on the original suspension?
A few years back my mechanic suggested I change the springs and shocks on my old 80 series. I was pretty sceptical as there didn't seem anything wrong with them but it transformed the truck. I hadn't noticed the gradual deterioration over the years and just assumed that it was meant to be like that.
Lots of people will rave about aftermarket stuff but that's generally because they're comparing it to tired OEM. Toyota genuine suspension parts are typically quite reasonably priced and are of better quality than a lot of the aftermarket offerings.
A few years back my mechanic suggested I change the springs and shocks on my old 80 series. I was pretty sceptical as there didn't seem anything wrong with them but it transformed the truck. I hadn't noticed the gradual deterioration over the years and just assumed that it was meant to be like that.
Lots of people will rave about aftermarket stuff but that's generally because they're comparing it to tired OEM. Toyota genuine suspension parts are typically quite reasonably priced and are of better quality than a lot of the aftermarket offerings.
Ta for the replies guys.
Decided to just fix the bust spring for now (tight budget at the moment) and then have a good think about options early next year.
I take the point about tired original parts. I may have replaced a shock or two over the years but most of it will be original and after 120k miles will certainly be feeling its age.
I do rather like the idea of doing something interesting with it - but that will be dependent on business picking up a bit frankly!
Decided to just fix the bust spring for now (tight budget at the moment) and then have a good think about options early next year.
I take the point about tired original parts. I may have replaced a shock or two over the years but most of it will be original and after 120k miles will certainly be feeling its age.
I do rather like the idea of doing something interesting with it - but that will be dependent on business picking up a bit frankly!
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