I'm interested in modifying my suspension, but more for the opposite reason... I'd like to RAISE the car. Ideally I'd like some kind of in-dash or easy-on control to raise the car for short periods, then return it to its stock (or lower) state. Stiffening would come in handy too, of course. I hike a lot in the NW and take my Prius out on a lot of roads where higher clearances are needed to keep from scraping the nose or belly. So far this hasn't been a big problem, but there are many wilderness trails I'm just plain staying away from due to the Prius' low clearance. Also our driveway's street curb was repaved by the city and we need more clearance just to keep from scraping the belly on a 3-4 person load. I've been looking for some kind of adjustable lift kit, airbags or something, and have found nothing for Prius - or smaller cars in general. If I could get something like this that would work with the Sportivo setup, BT plate, and Tom's stiffening kits, well, that would be just groovy! Cheers, Bob
Same issue here. Would love to raise the Prius even just a couple of inches so it stops bottoming out on my driveway and uneven roads. I realize it's not a 4x4, but just a little bit of lift would prevent alot of undercarriage rash.
"Back in the day" I had an air pump mounted under the hood of a 1982 Ford Ranger that fed two air shocks in the rear for when I needed to carry a heavy load. I would imagine the same type of technology would physically work on the Prius, however I would caution you about sensors and idiot lights that could prove to be a problem...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobdavisnpf @ Aug 11 2006, 01:44 PM) [snapback]301664[/snapback]</div> Your best bet is to go to your local store that has a decent magazine rack, and look through the Import and Minitruck magazines. Find the vendors that sell the airbag/strut suspension packages (you'll need an airbag/strut combo to fit in there, there's not a lot of room), write down all their websites/contact #s, and start checking there. http://www.airbagit-store.com/product_list.asp?id=2122 has a fullblown kit, but cheap it ain't. FBS-TOY-61-KIT3 is the full kit for about $2400, FBS-TOY-61-KIT2 is the unassembled kit for about $1900. The airbags are built into/around the front struts, but the rear looks like you'll have to bolt or weld the mounts above the rear axle and bolt/weld the airbags to the axle, they don't offer shock/airbags for the rear. You'd also have to verify if the kit is designed for lowering or raising, as they don't say, and most kits out there are designed to lower the car, not raise it. Don't be surprised if you end up having to be the guinea pig for the first set. But if you do, be sure to report back here.
We go hiking a lot here in the appalachian mountains as well. And yes, there a lots of backwoods roads and bango music playing in the woods ( ) However, for those trips we have a four wheel drive truck...... I wouldn't dare take my new baby on one of those outings!!!
I found a company called Arnott Industries that does a lot of air suspension...don't know if they do custom stuff - give them a call...
http://www.airbagit-store.com/product_list.asp?id=2122 has a fullblown kit, but cheap it ain't. FBS-TOY-61-KIT3 is the full kit for about $2400, FBS-TOY-61-KIT2 is the unassembled kit for about $1900. The airbags are built into/around the front struts, but the rear looks like you'll have to bolt or weld the mounts above the rear axle and bolt/weld the airbags to the axle, they don't offer shock/airbags for the rear. You'd also have to verify if the kit is designed for lowering or raising, as they don't say, and most kits out there are designed to lower the car, not raise it. Don't be surprised if you end up having to be the guinea pig for the first set. But if you do, be sure to report back here. [/quote] Wow $2400 plus installation... thanks Tom: that looks to be pretty much exactly what I was looking for, except for the price. Mike, thanks for the lead. Maybe I'll give those folks a call. Looks like they are mostly doing full-size cars & trucks. Whatever I find or end up with, I'll be sure to post back here. cheers, Bob
