Heavy Springs And Lift Upgrade

10-4.. that way, if they want to use the lift spacer kit they still can! okay.. done!

 

I'm running Prius Offroad spacers and the custom matrix springs on a Gen2 and I don't see the need for subframe spacers. I would design the spring lift with having extra cargo in the rear, sitting level when fully loaded.

 

based on your knowledge, what height increase on the springs would you want?

 

thoughts? an email is going out today on the springs if you left your email address on the site.

https://black.jmyntrn.com/gen-2-gen-3-and-gen-4-prius-lifting-springs-group-buy/

 

Ok, bringing this dead post back to life because I refuse to buy the heavy duty springs from Prius Overlanding.
Absolutely horrible experience trying to buy a rear hitch mount from them. Terrible businessman, they deserve $0 from me.

I've read the whole thread & I am just wanting to clarify what the OP would recommend/what others with Gen 2's have done.

Context: I have 2008 Gen 2 that is my full time micro-camper atm. I have a roof box + rear hitch & box. Currently have the Prius Offroad strut spacers on & they've been great, but with the added weight, especially when I have a friend with me, the car is sitting too low for my abuse.

Percieved solution: Add the Matrix/vibe springs to the car to improve weight capacity, not just ride height.


Shopping list
Matrix rear strut Perch x2
2009 AWD matrix rear springs
2009 AWD matrix front springs

Order of operations

1. Remove stock strut assemblies
2. Remove stock prius springs
3. Add Matrix rear strut perch to both rear prius struts
4. Add Matrix rear spring to rear prius assembly
5. Add Matrix front spring to front
6. Put everything back on the car
7. Celebrate

Anything you would add? Other suspension upgrades you would add?
Anyone had longterm problems with combining strut spacers & the springs?
I heard talk of a tower brace, but I'm unfamilar with the concept.

Pic of the car in it's current state for attn.

 

In a nutshell yes that's the procedure. The only hiccup I had was when I bought the discount EBay 40mm lift kit and now when jacked up the passengers CV shaft touches the a-arm but it's fine when the car is on the ground. Don't know if you would have that issue with the Prius off road spacers.

 

Duly noted! I'll look out for that when I do the install.

Understood! I'm gonna try to do some junkyard hunting so hopefully I'll get lucky that way, but if I do have to buy new parts I'll remember to buy the full strut assembly. Thank you! Grateful for predecessors, haha.

 

I think I've found just the springs available on CariD.

Is the Front Upper Coil Spring Seat the same as the perch? They have that for 12 bucks.

2009 Toyota Matrix Replacement Coil Springs & Components – CARiD.com
[]=AWD+%28All+Wheel+Drive%29']
[]=AWD+%28All+Wheel+Drive%29']
[]=AWD+%28All+Wheel+Drive%29']
[]=AWD+%28All+Wheel+Drive%29']

 

You only have to change the bottom perch on the rear one to match the Matrix. The upper strut mounts should match the struts you get.

 

you do... I'm surprised no one talks of it.. it's like they want to keep it a secret...

https://black.jmyntrn.com/2021/12/11/toyota-prius-axle-rubs-after-lift-kit/

https://black.jmyntrn.com/2022/02/10/the-fix-for-axle-rubbing-when-a-prius-is-lifted-1-5-inches-is-here/

 

Oh, did you come up with the solution for the gen 2 Prius? I'm so out of the loop.

 

I love this thread...pushing the edge of what a car can do.......maybe its the Range Rover guy in me but........what about air springs in a Prius? Adjustable EAS Valve Block and on board compressor pulled from a junked P38. Not sure how to mount them without the D shaft and pin combo that the Rear uses. And maybe a third Gen Rover would be easier to retrofit.
pictures for coffee breaks and contemplation.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.roversnorth.com%2Ffiles%2FImages%2Fcategory%2F1718-lr3-air-suspension-compressor-lines-
700.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.roversnorth.com%2Fcategory%2F1718_land_rover_lr3_air_suspension_lines&tbnid=lIyXGkNQdPI1NM&vet=12ahUKEwjUhP-nu4j7AhVJwykDHUinAjcQMygGegUIARCMAw..i&docid=KVUnEqYnk8I6oM&w=700&h=1037&q=p38%20air%20suspension%20diagram&ved=2ahUKEwjUhP-nu4j7AhVJwykDHUinAjcQMygGegUIARCMAw
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiOpY6ou4j7AhUBeIYKHXayBwgYABAHGgJ2dQ&sig=AOD64_3wS_z6cWH2JwBBznBQ5tzu9AYr9Q&adurl&ctype=5&ved=2ahUKEwjUhP-nu4j7AhVJwykDHUinAjcQvhd6BAgBEGQ


Redirect Notice

Here is the truck with the EAS working

 

yes, and the gen 4... just... my motor swap and other "business" things have had me stretched thin, I just want my car drivable and waiting on abs booster to get it all code cleared up... trying to find good trustworthy assistance is a challenge... issa why I offered you what I did earlier, you just didn't know there were other goodies awaiting you...

 

I'm about to head out on my annual US tour but will check it out next year.

 

Has anyone in this thread compared a spring lift to the typical spacers many of us are using? I have the prius offroad kit with KYBs and old stock springs and my ride is awful. Gonna replace some bushings and maybe the balljoints to see if that helps but I think taller softer springs would go a long way.

 

I describe it as driving a lexus, or driving a Camry 4cln then driving the v6, that difference in ride can only be described like that. the new four-corner springs will work with the lift kit and for those without will still be a subtle lift but not more than an inch so far.

I have a good number of articles about toyota prius springs and have had a good 10 sets in and out testing what works best with my rear cargo box on and with it off.

Now with the front springs i have almost 12" of ground clearance on my toyota prius

i got you covered with a discount when you are ready and I have ready to ship.

so.. one of my manufactures says they have an idea for me using baja racing partd from an atv or other. the thought goes, if going that far might as well double wishbone it or other... then the thought goes to wait until I attempt to fit a 3.5l V6 hybrid swap as I feel then would be best to reconstruct around the larger motor. time will tell and we will see how things pan out. Im putting the RR stuff on my notes file for suspension, this might come in handy later, thanks! if I can find the 3.5L out of a vehicle somewhere, I can 3d scan it and then drop it into 3d scan model of the engine bay I already have... even the 2.5l... the hunt continues!

 

Hey @black_jmyntrn I’m looking at the Prius Overlanding roof rack. I haven’t seen any media coverage on it anywhere, I would be willing to fill that void… I might even need you to help me with some custom brackets on it.

I just can’t seem to find a coupon code for it anywhere… can you help me out?

 

@Plaman

Try code "azusa"

 

Update on the Project: It's Installed & Tested!

I installed what I'm dubbing "The Matrix Spring Swap" in conjunction with the Offroad Prius' 1.5" spacer kit. (Basically same as a 40mm kit)
I put everything together in Pennsylvania around Thanksgiving & then put it to the test driving 4000ish Miles down south & then west to Southern California! It has been a HUGE improvement.
Have not bottomed out at all since the upgrade, handles way better, corners like a champ.
Only downside is that there was a dip in fuel efficiency, but I’m not sure how much of it is just the way I drive and my fatiguing hybrid battery lol.
Still well worth the trade-off, many thanks to OP for discovering this originally.

Cost:
- Matrix Parts $310
- Offroad Prius Kit $350
- Optional Parts & tools $188

Here's my parts list:
- Tananbe Sustec Front Tower brace (Optional)
- FCS 1345741R (Rear Right Assembly)
- FCS 1345741L (Rear Left Assembly)
- FCS 3333412R (Front Right Assembly)
- FCS 3333412L (Front Left Assembly)
- Prius Offroad Spacer Kit
Also needed spring compressors:
- MacPherson Spring Compressors

Note: If you haven’t recently replaced your main struts it would be wise to do that at the same time. I had replaced mine earlier this year so I opted not to.
Also I cannot imagine doing this without an impact wrench, def recommend getting one.