Many of the roads in my area are dirt roads, sometimes rough. I have read Prius delivered to countries like Pakistan are fitted with upgraded suspension pieces like stronger duty suspension parts and a three inch lift. I've hit a wall in the US trying to confirm or identify a part source. Does anyone here know more about this? Or better still, know sources? Thanks
Check the search engine - there were some threads on the 4WD or maybe e-4WD, or AWD Gen 4 PRIUS - Home (JAPAN) Market only. I understand the steering wheel is on the wrong side for you guys.
I've used the internal search feature, and an external google search of priuschat looking for posts about increasing the ground clearance. No luck (the AWD was speculation for Gen 4 options and didn't mention increasing the ground clearance), but thank you
In the US we have two different suspensions for Prius 2nd gen and 3rd gen... A standard and a touring... The touring is a bit softer. I've never heard of more rigid, or raised height standards in countries with less paved roads before. I suspect that's not likely, but maybe...
I found a 4x4 shop in Novosibirsk with a lot of experience in lifting various Toyotas. They identified a spacer kit for use on my 2018 c. I haven't bought it or installed it, but these guys really amazed me with what they were able to find. Hopefully they'll turn up stuff for your car too. Send your VIN to them and they'll tell you if they have anything that fits. http://www.tema4x4.ru (you can email them in english: [email protected])
Similarly, when we had a 2006 Honda Civic, I heard there was a South American spec version, maybe just Brazil, that had different suspension components, raised the car about an inch.
It may be time to look at a Mitsubishi Outlander. New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review: a strong case for hybrids | CAR Magazine
Sure wish they would build a super lightweight electric off-road vehicle... Those big giant hybrid SUVs do nothing significant to increase MPGs, just a sales gimmick
I have heard that the Prius shares some suspension components with the Corolla, which may have more aftermarket options. I can't say whether this is the case, but it's at least slightly logical: Toyota MC platform - Wikipedia Maybe a Toyota parts department employee could assist?
Ok, I'm too new a member to post links, so you can search the follow story on google. I found several different stories dating back to 2014. Indus Motors of Pakistan is importing a version of the Prius that has heavy duty suspension with a lift for greater ground clearance. I emailed Indus Motors and they said the heavy duty suspension pieces and the 3 inch lift are built by Toyota and are installed during the normal manufacturing process at Toyota Japan. These are OEM parts. I've called many Toyota people here in the US, they don't know about this and have no interest in finding out more. Doe anyone here work for Toyota, or "know" someone at Toyota who would identify a way to get these parts in the US? A car reporter who has an "in" at Toyota Japan? Thanks, what a great idea for rural America (and big cities with pot holes).
