Suspension lift for Hilux

Forum > Tech talk, questions
Tom
Tom (roll_tide)
07 Feb 2015

G'day there,

just wondering if anyone out there could give me some advice regarding a lift for my Hilux.

its a 2013 dual cab SR. 

probably looking at a 2 inch or possibly 3 if I can afford it.

what are some of the better quality ones on the market and what would I be looking at for an install cost?

i use the ute as a work car and carry materials daily, will this affect what I can install?

 

if anyone can help me out with some info that would be awesome.

 

cheers

Sam
Sam (BLACK_TJ)
07 Feb 2015

Stick with a 2 inch lift mate keeps it simple and reliable, to do a 3 inch lift properly you need things like upper control arms and diff drop kits, gets expensive and can cause all sorts of issues. There is a lot of kits on the market to suit different budgets but you are better off spending the extra and getting decent quality gear first and only doing it once

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I run the ironman foam cell shocks and HD springs on my patrol. I carry heavy loads including a boat and camper trailer. I also carry a huge load in and on the truck. 3 years later and still going strong. But that's just my experience.

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Tony
Tony (le Dakar)
07 Feb 2015

Hi Tom.  You have a very similar hilux set up to mine with the canopy on the back tray.

I am currently running Iron Man (came with the vehicle), but am not too happy with them.  I have already snapped the lower bar of the front right shocker.  I must say though that their new shockers that came out a month or so ago look a lot beifier. As Sam said, stick with a 2 inch. It will get you through most tracks just fine and wont cause dramas with your insurance so long as you let them know.  I am about to upgrade the whole package to Tough Tog 45mm adjustables.  Cant give you any feedback, as it will be another month before they are installed. Do do the full Tough Dog kit included extended brake lines and drop kit to re-correct the diff you are looking at around $2500 + fitting.

One other thing to consider,   I do remember seeing a post that said something about some of the modern hiluxes not being able to be lifted. Not sure what it was about and I had not heard of this before so it may pay to start ringing around places lkie Opposite lock or ARB.

Cheers Tony.

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Good luck with that.  The rear springs on my old ride had sagged.   Initial quote for Tough Dog, heaps cheaper than Old Man Emu.    Then I was told, Oops sorry quoted on wrong model, now going to cost more.   Local agent put tough dog rear springs on, ended up around 15mm lower than the old ones.   Their solution, add more leaves in the springs, which was going to make the ride a lot harsher or, put shackle extenders on, which they did. For more dollars of course and a fair wait, had to come from the states.    I later found may not have been legal/roadworthy in Vic.   So sort out with your dealer exactly what your expectations are before you start.   Good luck, but I wish I'd gone with OME and will on my current truck.  Had OMEs on my old Hilux back in the 80s - 90s and they were great. 

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Sam
Sam (BLACK_TJ)
08 Feb 2015

Can i ask why no one has considered a kit from Dobinsons? Great quality stuff at a better price than OME and tough dog and Australian made too. If your local to the dandenong area in melbourne come see me at the shop or give us a call and i can help you out with a kit, otherwise if you are going to the show in wandin come see us at stand 29 and i can do you a real good deal on a kit fitted

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Tom
Tom (roll_tide)
08 Feb 2015

Cheers for the help guys.

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Can i ask why no one has considered a kit from Dobinsons? Great quality stuff at a better price than OME and tough dog and Australian made too. If your local to the dandenong area in melbourne come see me at the shop or give us a call and i can help......

Do you do kits for PX Ranger?

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Sam
Sam (BLACK_TJ)
08 Feb 2015

Do you do kits for PX Ranger?

Yeah mate sure do

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Frank (Troopie09)
09 Feb 2015

Have a look at Cal Off-road on the web, they specialise in Hi-Lus suspensions

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Tony
Tony (le Dakar)
20 Jun 2015

I have just put full Tough Dog kit in my 06 Hilux 6 weeks ago. Extremely dissapointed. Very harsh ride and problems with rear springs already. I spoke to Tough Dog at recent Explore Australia show in Melbourne and I am dissapointed to say the Rep showed zero interest in my problems. Unfortunately I feel I have completely wasted my money. I am considering changing springs already. I now think tough dog are rubbish.  Will likely go EFS next time. Also strongly advise going to a suspension specialist rather than a general retail outlet. What state are you in ?

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G'day, just fitted 50mm lift from oztec suspension. Actually got 61mm and a bad vibration as well. I have changed back to original suspension and still have vibration. Maybe I've damaged the front drive shafts. My best advice is no more than 40 mm lift.

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