Recommendation for new suspension (keep springs or replace)

My 2008 touring shocks were stamped with KYB and Toyota logos and part numbers...so I'd say its a safe bet OEM = KYB. That being said, touring suspension was different than the base model Prius. What version of Prius do you have?

I wouldn't think your springs need as much of a change as your shocks do. Usually the bouncy feel comes from a shock not being able to handle the spring rate anymore.

Can't speak for lowering springs ride quality as my Ground Control kit has Eibach springs on Ground Control springs. I've lowered mine -2" and get around in Alberta just fine with 17" steelies with decent snow tires. Maybe someone with only springs can chime in.

 

Maybe someone who doesn't have a KYB Toyota stamped shock/strut will chime in. Been super happy with my Toyota/KYB stamped struts. Got over 140k out of them and probably could have got more had I not increased the spring rates. But after that many miles I just ordered new KYB fronts and Bilstein sports for the rear.

More order included:
(1) KYB 333388 Front Gas Charged Strut
(1) KYB 333389 Front Gas Charged Strut
(2) KYB SM5215 Upper shock Mount
(2) Bilstein B8 Sport Shock Absorber Item: 24-069250 (same larger shock size as the Prius Touring)

 

I'm interested in this as well. Just bought an '06 Base model and I'm looking into what I can do to improve it without destroying the value.

 

Improve the suspension? Whats do you feel is wrong with it?

 

Nothing, really. I just don't think that anything comes perfect off of the lot so I was seeing if there was a common upgrade to it. After getting the sales pitch on the touring suspension I started wondering if the stock setup was sub-par.

 

The new KYB fronts aren't on yet. Just got delivered this week and will go on probably this weekend. Keep in mind i'm running coil-over sleeves with 8.2kg springs up front and 6.7kg spring rate in rear AND lowered at least -2" and haven't blown the KYB struts yet BUT they are worn out after 4 years. None of the four are leaking but the So, I bought new KYB for front and Bilstein Sport for the rear. I've been running the KYB since I bought the car. Thats what came with the car. Mine are stamped with KYB and Toyota. Been happy but I think if your looking for a bit stiffer suspension as I am, I wish we had more options. I can't wait to see how this new KYB/Bilstein combo responds with the Coil-Over sleeves. With this and my other suspension mods, this car should really handle well!

 

There are TONS of threads on suspension upgrades, as long as your are not using Tapa Talk or viewing on a mobile site, you can see all the upgrades I've done to my suspension in my signature links.

24mm 2006 Matrix Front Sway bar
Polyurethane Bushings
24mm Rear Progress bar
Tanabe Sustec Front Under brace
Front Strut Bar Brace
Lowered on Ground Control Coil-Overs with Custom springs: 8.2kg (450lb/in) springs up front and 6.7kg (375b/in) spring rates in rear (TOURING spring rates Front=212 lbs/in, Rear=252 lbs/in and Normal BASE spring rates Front=212 lbs/in, Rear=265 lbs/in)
KYB Excel fronts struts and Bilstein B8 Sport rear struts.

 

I just replaced my struts at 178000 miles, switched to coilovers and they are way better than the stock suspension. Along with the sway bar upgrades and the underbraces you will be golden.

 

JustDidIt - Modding My 2007....The 2008 Touring died. | Page 7 | PriusChat

That is the link to the upgrade justdidit did with all the pictures and tips. a 2008 corolla or 2008 matrix set will match the gen 2 prius. Just be sure to change the bushings as well.

 

I'm thinking of increasing the spring rates but I've read here that it's not necessary to change the existing springs if upgrading to a newer Bilstein shocks. Is that recommended or better to replace both shocks and springs?

 

I increased my spring rates quite a bit on the OEM Tokico shocks before upgrading to the Bilstein B8 Sport shocks... but I also started with the touring shocks which are valved stiffer than base.

 

What would we replace the bushings with? New OEM ones or ones from the donor car? Does adding a new Matrix bar cause issues with the bushing already on the car?

 

the corolla/matrix bar is larger diameter, so you need to get the front frame mount bushings with the bar because the prius bushings won't fit the corolla bar. the brackets are the same, so you don't need to get those unless your oem brackets are rusted badly or somehow damaged.

 

What about the rear?

 

there are no bushings in the rear, except one rubber block that sort of slides onto the bar, but it won't fit the heavier bar and isn't really needed anyway. everyone that has installed the progress or trd rear bars has just thrown it away, since it doesn't fit.