Spring Spacers for prius

Some things to consider because a couple of inches is a lot.

1. Your suspenion geometry will be goofy, even if you do a good wheel alignment aftwerwards. This wilkl have an adverse effect on handling.

2. The CG will be higher, this will also have an adverse effect on handling, but not as much as 1

3. Your wheels will be in a more downward position when the car is at rest so they won't be able to drop as far after you crest a rise etc. You will lose corneing and braking traction on uneven ground more often.

The GEN III Prius does have different a ride height for some countries with lots of rough roads. The rough road option sits about 3/4 inch higher than stock. 2 inches on a suspension like the Prius is extreme.

 

I agree with xs that stability and traction control could be compromised by raising suspension. I'm certain braking would change, too. I understand the low ground clearance issue, but am not willing to modify my suspension height. For me, I slow down when feasible and don't plan any intentional off-road events.

I know other PC'ers have chatted about trying suspension spacers, so let's hope some of them speak up.

 

Im sorry, Im new but I gotta say: Most people with sports cars are interested in lowering their cars- not raising. By raising the car you'd change the stability in corning.

From my test drive experience... it needs the lowering to improve handling.

 

Jumping in a year later... There are several reasons to want to raise the suspension. 2" is likely too much, yes. But in my case, I want to "raise" the rear of the car just to put it back to where it should be when empty. I carry large loads and I tow (and no, I don't need a lecture on that, thanks!). I do what I do, and I'd love to find a spacer that'll give me back 3/4 - 1" that I lose with my load.

 

You could get your car setup with air bags and flip a switch to adjust ride height as road conditions require... But as mentioned before there's so many details that go into a well-tuned suspension. I've been learning alot from a guy who's writing a series of articles on suspensions here: Suspension Truth # 3:What Makes A Car “Fun To Drive”? Factors In Suspension Dynamics | The Truth About Cars Also there's a poster on PriusChat that probably knows even more than the guy writing these articles, but I can't remember his name, maybe someone else does?

 

Air bags won't work on the struts on the back of the Prius (even though many sites imply that they'll work since they are sold as "fitting" the 2006 Prius). I have air bags on my other cars, and they're perfect. But again... another solution is needed for the Prius. I understand the suspension tuning aspects here. I am attempting to re-tune my suspension that gets un-tuned with big loads.

 

Here's loads of examples of bags compatible with the struts on the back: bagged prius - Google Search

 

I see pictures of all kinds of slammed Prius's. But I don't see images of air bags being used in conjunction with the rear struts... or links to product that will work with the rear struts.

 

BTW, in the meantime, I've found a local custom spring place that already makes taller springs for the Prius.

 

Pictures just show it can be done, not how it's done... I'm sure if you look at websites that host those pics you'll find someone to explain how they dealt with the challenge...

 

The pictures just show that the Prius can be slammed. It doesn't show that airbags can be used with the factory struts to lift the vehicle. I've visited more sites than I can list. For several years running. I've not seen a single instance where it was even hinted that adding air bags to the rear factory struts has been or can be done. One look at the struts will quickly make it obvious why this is not feasible. Adding air bags won't lower the Prius - and I'm looking to LIFT the back of the Prius - so I'm still not sure how we've headed down this path.

Yeah, we can remove the suspension and add bags... but that's not what we're after here.

 

Have you seen the ones from airbagit.com?

 

Yeow! That's how to get it done. Built into the strut. I hadn't seen those. Was hoping to not spend quite that much, but thanks for the info! Great to know what options are out there.