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Enginer kit installed- looking for good rear springs

Discussion in 'Prius PHEV Plug-In Modifications' started by caffeinekid, Jan 18, 2011.

  1. caffeinekid

    caffeinekid Duct Tape Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2010
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    Location:
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Due to the extra ~ 170lbs added to the rear deck by my Enginer kit, my back end sags. Does anyone have any suggestions for stronger rear springs or spring/strut options for bringing it back up? Suspensions are not an area that I am adequately familiar with. I know that others have added the kit and must have dealt with the same thing, so I posted to this forum.
     
    #1 caffeinekid, Jan 18, 2011
  2. scottsim

    scottsim New Member

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    Not sure exactly which springs they used, but, 3 prong power put extra heavy springs in mine (note that I have a 300lb pack). What really helped the handling though, was this, much simple upgrade that I added myself: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/85553-chassis-brace-prius-must-have.html

    Scott
     
    #2 scottsim, Jan 18, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  3. sub3marathonman

    sub3marathonman Active Member

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    I don't think there is any need to replace the rear springs.

    I have the Hymotion kit, which added 200 lbs. Before the kit, if I remember correctly, I measured the bumper at 12.5" from the ground with a full tank. With the kit, I think it was at 11.5" from the ground. I also removed the spare tire, which was about 25 lbs. Also, if you keep the tank around half full, you will shave another 40 lbs or so. I think that keeps the bumper around 12" from the ground. Which is still within acceptable to me.

    Now, if you're carrying 4 or 5 adults in the car, you do have to start thinking about reaching the weight limit, but I don't know what effect, if any, adding heavy-duty rear springs would have on that weight limit.
     
    #3 sub3marathonman, Jan 19, 2011
  4. caffeinekid

    caffeinekid Duct Tape Extraordinaire

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
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    N/A
    From the position of the bumper closest to the wheel well, mine measures ~ 8" with an empty tank and there is a definite sag to the rear end that wasn't present before. Also, I also regularly stow things in the hatch area for delivery that can add up to 100 lbs to the weight. With a full tank of fuel, this could definitely be a problem. In fact, the other day I had to drive over a chunk of concrete in the middle of the lane. It passed just fine under the car until it made contact with the underside of the back. I'll try to post a photo later as time permits, but there is definitely an angle from front to rear that is opposite of normal.
     
    #4 caffeinekid, Jan 19, 2011
  5. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    This company:

    Valley Spring Works
    340 Industrial Way # B, Dixon, CA 95620-9206

    (707) 678-3944

    manufactures the beefed-up spring for the Prius.
    The same merchandise sold and installed by Luscious Garage and others.
    I always wanted to upgrade mine (2004), but never got the real incentive ($$) to purchase them.
    Please, share your buying experience.
    Horacio
     
    #5 mrbigh, Jan 19, 2011
    2 people like this.
  6. adric22

    adric22 Ev and Hybrid Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Fort Worth, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 Chevy Volt
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Generally, with the 2kwh or 4kwh kits, there is not any noticeable sag. I put the 4 Kwh in mine and haven't noticed a problem. Of course, I also removed the spare-tire and associated tools. Perhaps your springs or struts are simply aged or otherwise malfunctioning. How old is your Prius? Mine is a 2008 with approx 50,000 miles. If yours is much older with more miles, that could be the problem.
     
    #6 adric22, Jan 20, 2011
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