Adjustable rear air suspension system

[mrbigh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ilusnforc @ Oct 24 2006, 03:52 PM) [snapback]337541[/snapback]</div>

I've seen Thunderbirds that use a bag that goes inside the spring coil to provide extra support for additional weight, it is a very low cost and effective solution. As I recall, I think you just run the air line somewhere along the side of the car or in the wheel well area and you can stop at a gas station if you don't have a compressor and fill the bags to a specified pressure.
http://www.sccoa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78921
I used to have a Honda Insight, the weight capacity was 365 lbs, after that it starts to hit the rubber stopper in the rear suspension and bottom out. I've seen someone that needed it to hold more weight so he fabricated a spacer to raise the suspension. That solution just happened to work because the rubber stopper inside the spring coil that also holds the spring in place is very long, so there was room to space it and the spring would still not fall out. I haven't taken a close look at the Prius suspension yet but it may not work as easily with this solution...
http://yves.fungiart.com/pages/suspension.htm
I think there should be some simple air bags that can go inside the spring coils though, that would be an easy install that anyone can do without removing any suspension components and it is inexpensive yet should be effective.
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These are another example of ready available (10 days manufacturing) suspension components at $700.00 a pair. These replace the existing rear struts and a lot of labor.
In addition we have to top it with brackets, fittings and the air management system. One thousand, easy out of my pocket.

[comtech5]

Does anyone know the name of the manufacturer for the above photo of adj. air susp. system in above post? Does not appear to be "Air Lift" brand.

[mrbigh]

The supplier of these are "easystreet" and have a large selection of car accesories and equipment. Hope the info helps

[comtech5]

Yes, helps...but are they available for Prius? If not, I wonder if they will custom fabricate one pair for Prius? Will give them a call tomorrow...looks like a good company for this type of thing. I am trying to attach a small motorcycle rack to a receiver hitch and haul my Vespa around that way. Coastal hitch does not have sufficient "tongue weight" rating for this (it's spec'd at 200lb). The receiver deflects badly, and both rack and vehicle bottom out with 450lb load test. I figure if I have a custom receiver hitch built with 1000lb tongue weight and combine that with the air lift suspension above, it should all work nicely. Although I admit, I really don't know what I'd be getting myself into as far as safety and potential damage to vehicle. I figure if three people can ride in back seat, why can't I hang a Vespa on the tail? Although I wouldn't try that simultaneously. I may be joining LIPOG soon, so I look forward to meeting you someday mrbigh.

[FB Classic Prius]

I am interested in the possibility of increasing my 2001 Prius's ground clearance a little bit for traveling on dirt roads once in a while. We used to go camping in our old VW van, but would like to be able to negotiate the occasional rough road in our Prius once in a while. I guess it's also partly a matter of load, since we would be loaded up with camping stuff.

So, MRBIGH, let us all know what you find out.

Thanks