Heavy Springs And Lift Upgrade

Yes once the final details are ironed out.

 

Any updates?

Wondering if there are any observed and ideally tested front suspension mods also like the Matrix springs and perch for the Gen 2 front Strut Assembly for the Gen 3. Any ideas or references?

 

Strawbrad, you mentioned that the front struts were slightly different than those on the Prius. What about them is different/non-compatible?

 

Yeah I understand what you did with the springs. That does answer my question about the strut differences. Thank you.

 

I'm planning to do this not just wondering did you put the AWD springs on both the front and back or did you put the 2WD springs in the front and AWD in the back? I have a 2004 Matrix XR here at the local yard but it's 2wd. Gonna check in the Vibe they have is AWD before going to the other yards where they pull it out for you.

 

There are springs made specifically for the Gen 2 now, front and rear!

 

How did your install go, are there any updates worth posting?

 

Can anyone personally confirm what the restriction is with using the Prius Offroad Spacers and the Matrix Spring Suspension lift mentioned here? It looks like using the two approaches in tandem wouldn't be an issue.

 

I guess the thought is why use matrix springs?

 

Ahh well thank you for the clarification, the fronts are available as I know I'll have a set on my car later this week. The price point is a larger pill to swallow, but the reviews from all but one said the ride quality and extra clearance made the purchase more than worth the price of admission.

 

Is that price for a new set or DIY-remove-it-from-a-Matrix-in-a-junkyard? As said before, the only Matrix we have (in the Netherlands) is a Hyundai

(Kids keep growing and the added dog, though only 45lb, doesn't exactly prevent the Prius from bottoming out either).

 

wait, people put used springs on cars? I thought the Matrix process used new springs...

 

Don't forget it's a gen 2? I wouldn't put new on my 06 civic hybrid either. If the manufacturer had better support of the car, I might think twice about new, but currently new parts never even enter the thought process.

 

so interesting, personally I would only put new suspension on a car, tires sure ill go used, door panels and such like that used... guess I think used suspension is like used brakes

 

How would adding a 1.5" slab of metal *on top of* the strut assembly (matrix springs or stock prius springs) have any impact on travel limits of suspension?

*Maybe* in the front if you had issues with rubbing on the axle, control arms, or steering systems but I can't imagine another 1.5" is going to do it based on what I've seen so far. I'm just going to do it and report back. Stay tuned guys!

I did want to clarify a potential safety issue with this line of thinking. The AWD springs can be used for as a direct replacement on the front Prius struts. *However* the rears require harvesting the wider AWD Matrix Perch from the rear struts. New or used rear struts are ok because you're only seeking what is essentially a metal bracket to "expand" the Prius Perch. I've had success using this method on my replacement Rear KYB Prius Struts after harvesting the perch from inexpensive AWD Matrix Struts I purchased new for sake of time and convenience.

 

Maybe I've asked this before and forgot, but what kind of money would you be talking buying all new Matrix springs?

Can you buy front springs separately or would you need full suspension and toss everything bar the spring? Any typenumbers (so I might find other 'European' Toyota-vehicles they were used on)?
Rear you would need the complete assembly to harvest the perch as well (besides the spring). Again, does anyone know a typenumber?

Or what would be a good site to search such items?

EDIT: just found out it is listed on my go-to site here in Europe. It lists two AWD Matrices: 2002-2007 (1.8 liter AWD) and 2008-2014 (2.4 liter AWD), but neither show any struts

 

Testing Gen 2 now.