Corolla/Matrix suspension compatibility

I was at the junkyard last week, i swapped the rear struts between a 2008 prius and a 2008 matrix. they are mostly identical, excpt the matrix strut seemed to have slightly thicker springs and they are a hair shorter than the prius strut. i was able to install the matrix strut on the prius.
im looking for a stronger spring because i haul alot of stuff at times in my prius and it sags alot.

 

It's the front where things are different The matrix uses an iron front hub assembly that's pressed bearing and all of that The Prius uses an aluminum front hub assembly with the bearings bolted into place I would rather have the aluminum hub than the iron hub the iron setup is just like the Corolla I have one of those parked right over here. So in the rear you can get away with the matrix setup and the XR 4 version or whatever it is has the highest lift and the better suspension for the off-road crowd but it won't give you the 30 or 40 mm of lift that the spacers and whatnot will give you but it all bolts up. You got to be careful with heavier springs . Maybe try to find an aftermarket single rate spring instead of a variable rate.

 

The mounting surface is different as in it doesn't line up, or the prius knuckle is not as wide as the oem cast iron knuckle on the matrix/corolla I have spare prius cars and parts everywhere.
Not to beat a dead horse but can it be modified to fit is my question because if it can I might be inclined to do so in my fab/mechanic garage and figure a solution

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

In the end I just messed with the Prius front struts got some new front struts with non-variable rate springs made for the Prius they bolt right up and then I just put 40 mm spacers all the way around and boom that was the fastest cheapest non-engineering thing to do The spacers are urethane with metal bushings and I'm thinking I'm going to trim the fronts back down to about 25 mm each side and put it all back together and put near the stock size tires on the vehicle maybe 195 65 15 and let it rip big tires killed the gas mileage quick

 

so... you all have been looking at the wrong vehicles this entire time... there is one vehicle.. that's exact to the Prius... I know what it is after 3D scanning the Prius OEM suspension parts and sending them with capiler measurements to my coilover manufacturer... who can now tell me after providing 3D scans, what suspension is the closest or a match to whatever I send them...

what you don't realize is... there was no plastic on your suspension from the factory... plastic is not as strong as metal... the plastic lift isn't even engineered properly to provide the lift and needed geometry for the suspension to be as close to oe spec when lifting... also don't think you realize cheaper in most situations is extremely worst than saving to buy quality engineered products. even with the metal bushings... just. anyone reading this, stay away from the poly/plastic lift kits, save your money and buy a metal lift kit that has proper engineering for the Prius!

also. the cheapest non-engineering thing to do is buy spring spacers from the auto parts store!

and... if you are interested... I have subframe drop spacers!

https://black.jmyntrn.com/2024/11/07/2004-2009-toyota-prius-subframe-spacer-installation/

 

also.. here is a good read on why to stay away from the plastic lift kits...


https://black.jmyntrn.com/2024/04/28/do-not-buy-plastic-prius-lift-kit-suspension-products-heres-why/

 

Urethane bushes are still used today by major mfgrs . Nothing happens or melts for gawds sakes man urethane melt at like 550 degrees or so. Urethane is still used in monster trucks etc .even with drop spindles and arms and all of it. Urethane bushes w sleeves in for studs . Will outlast the vehicle . Yes outlast.. you are wer exactly??? ... Another planet sunthin.

 

You don't have to plot anything to find like same suspension components. Strut tubes for Prius have to have wide ears to accept aluminum hub tabs for goodness sakes. Buy anywhere inexpensive.. coilovers can be had in aluminum and steel for like 300 w adjustable comp. And rebound . This is all old tech . No need reinvent the wheel as it mite be . But you enjoy you self that's main thing.no need invent anything for Corolla family of vehicles

 

So, I mean this in the nicest way, you don't know what you are talking about. have a gander on the thread below... a Jeep forum..

"There have been some instances of the poly spacers failing but I believe the company has since switched to metal spacers."
Polyurethane/Metal/Hockey puck - Lift Kits??? | Jeep Commander Forum

That was just the first quick search link I found... but ill repeat what I said earlier and add additional words.. "there was no plastic on your suspension from the factory... plastic is not as strong as metal.." also, not to mention, you don't see or hear of shops or companies in the Jeep or other 4x4 world using plastic lifts... Ill say this, I'm no expert with over a decade of experience, but I've learned from Baja Race truck makers and drivers who have won, over the last few years working through all things Prius lifting. One thing that's certain, none of them use plastic lifts... it's just what you don't do... call or goto a shop that installs lift kits on 4x4 vehicles and ask them their thoughts on plastic lift kits, see if hearing it from a "professional" helps.
On Planet Earth, I thoughts it's best to spend your hard-earned money wisely and not go the cheap route, but that's just my opinion.

If this was so... why did you put stock Prius parts on? Why not Corolla parts?

Ill say this.. I've tested and had many different springs manufactured trying to find the perfect balance and I have it now. Notice on this video, the car has an easy 800lbs+ of cargo weight and when I go off the pavement, look at the spacing above the rear wheels... the car rides like a Lexus as well

you see, when you reinvent, you make better
Toyota Prius handles pavement to sand transition like a champ!

 

My springs are made fright down the street from old TRD building . Any spring can be made beefier . What of it . Eibach do. Or have to reinvent the coil spring system to make their spring kits etc . You can spend all the time ya like seated in front of a screen . Not going to change much at all. Late to the partay Jimmy.

 

we shall see about that... only time will tell!