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Rear Suspension Question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by offib, Jan 22, 2018.

  1. offib

    offib Member

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    Currently, on what would be my Touring spec '07, the shocks are undeniably worn. Too soft, no rebound, doesn't take much weight to feel like the rear suspension has traveled its full length.

    And at least with family members, the rear springs are going too (I doubted that springs were ever considered replaceable). it has an official load carrying capacity of 385kg, which is bull and easily exceedable, so they also suggested that finding something with a spring rate 10% better than stock would really help for what we use it most for. The only thing I could find is old threads that talked of stiffer spring sets offered by plug-in conversations.

    So, are there any Toyota parts that can have a rear spring that'll fit in with no quarrel, not upset the car too much and offer a higher spring rate without a loss in ride height? So far I only got my eyes on the rear springs of an Avensis. They can handle 600kg.
     
  2. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Maybe the Corolla, matrix or other Toyota is interchangeable. The sway bars seem to be.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  3. offib

    offib Member

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    I looked up the corolla, but I should mention I live in the EU, different specs for almost everything. The corollas we have are actually re-skinned Matrixes (Matrices?) that're smaller hatch backs and they have the same carrying capacity as the Prius - 385kg.

    Well, at least finding stock parts will be no problem at all.
     
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  4. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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  5. offib

    offib Member

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    A good shout, but would you believe that the Camry is a rare thing here? It was too big for us and stopped selling it almost 20 years ago. I could only find 3 second hand cars (2012 hybrid jdm imports), parts would not be ubiquitous.
     
  6. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    corolla and matrix are the same here too. sounds like the matrix must have the same spring rate as prius. apparently, bilstein makes a hd shock for the corolla / matrix which should fit, but I have been too cheap and lazy to try them. other than that you'd need some adjustable coil overs. justdidit had some on his car and I believe he did a fair amount of research on spring rates.
     
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  7. offib

    offib Member

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    Aw sound man! I'll look into it now, although I may then just be as cheap as you, but for penniless student reasons. I was hoping to research and find a perfect fit in a scrap yard or something...
     
  8. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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  9. offib

    offib Member

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    Well, despite the research there are some uprated springs scattered around somewhere. In the US, Germany, UK even, but they're not exactly high-in demand stuff and are completely non-existent where I am. Anyways, springs were replaced, both were seriously corroded. The rear-driver (right) side had snapped 1 inch from the bottom. while the other side was most likely about to, but half way up the spring. :eek:Nice to avoid that huh. I guess in that pending scenario it would be an extreme luxury to ask for uprated springs.
     
  10. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Ouch, obviously moisture is a issue for you! In California it barely rains. Lol
    The struts I replaced on mine came complete,new springs and rubber. Still kinda soft but working struts made a big difference.
    Just ordered a front back sway bar from a Corolla, junkyard. They bolt right up and are much thicker than what's on a Prius. Supposedly really helps the back end.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  11. offib

    offib Member

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    You have no idea... It's ALWAYS wet here, but man, UK cars suffer far worse because they actually use an appropriate amount of salt on the road. And mine was for it's first 4 years. And at least it's definitely not as hot as California, then I wouldn't be able to drive more than 45 minutes and keep the battery's pack cool!! (NEW PROMBLEM, FAN PROBLY DUD, YAAY).
     
  12. offib

    offib Member

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    Huhhh Now here's the thing, replacing the rear sway bar is on my wish list (because it's also corroded AF). I thought of fronts but then doesn't the Touring model come with front sway bars already?
     
  13. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    touring has a front sway bar, but its not as heavy as the corolla/matrix bar.
     
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  14. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Corolla ones used are cheap and thick. From what I've read it helps the car substantial.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  15. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    California has some heat but couple months out of the year not bad. But having sun most of the year is nice. Rather have the little heat than rain and rusted car.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  16. offib

    offib Member

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    Perhaps, but then again, I cannot function as an organism at 25 degrees Celsius or above.
     
  17. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Just installed rear stabilizer bar, sway bar. Corolla one is good three times the weight and solid. Prius thin hollow pipe. Should definitely not flex so much around corners.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  18. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Front bar in, more work than the rear. Quick drive around and the car is definitely firmer all around feel. Not so so soft and flexy.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  19. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    amazing what a cheap sway bar upgrade will do, huh?
     
  20. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    Definitely! The back is so thin your kidding me.
    Just a more positive all around feel from the car. With the way freeways around and high speeds plus clueless drivers I'm not regretting this decision. Like 125 bucks doing it myself and used bars.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.