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Heavy Springs And Lift Upgrade

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by strawbrad, Nov 24, 2019.

  1. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    How the **** did you ever figure out this would fit :ROFLMAO::D

    Thanks again for all your work and pics!
     
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  2. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    It started with a tip from a junk yard mechanic that noticed the Prius, Corolla, and Matrix had very similar suspensions. That makes sense because the cars share the same platform. Then a few trips to a you pull it junkyard where I was free to compare one model to another solved the puzzle.
     
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  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Great Idea!

    Found the linked part : 2010 TOYOTA MATRIX 1.8L L4 Strut | RockAuto
     
    #23 SFO, Feb 4, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2020
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  4. Prius Rising

    Prius Rising Member

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    Just to be clear you took both the Prius and vibe struts apart then you pounded the vibe perch off and it slid down on top of the existing Prius perch? (n)
     
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  5. Prius Rising

    Prius Rising Member

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    I think I dumbed it down for myself. The rear springs require the "lower" perch from a vibe strut and either a new ac delco spring or vibe spring to work? The front struts are direct bolt on other then changing the springs? Did i crack the code? :confused:;)
     
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  6. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Yes, another way to look at is start with a stock Prius. Remove the original Prius springs and install AWD Matrix springs and the lower rear Matrix spring perchs.

    I got the car out in 7" of fresh heavy snow yesterday before the plows got out. Lot's of fun.(y)
     
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  7. Jason Idleman

    Jason Idleman New Member

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    I know this is an old thread, but does anyone know of this will work on a 2010? I just got it and its it daily driver. So I can't pull off the strut to walk around pull a part to find a match.
    Is the G3 strut different from the G2?
     
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  8. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    For a Gen 3 it would be far easier to add airbags inside the coil springs.
     
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  9. Minima Domum

    Minima Domum Member

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    Has anyone in Australia found a suitable combination to do this? We don't have Vibes or Matrixes here unfortunately, and shipping for a pair of struts and springs from the other side of the world would be more than the part itself!
     
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  10. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    Some years back someone sold his complete airbag suspension from his GEN2 ;)
     
  11. 2Fats

    2Fats Member

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    Ok. so say I need to get this done on mine using new parts. Can you link to what I'd need to purchase in order to keep the mechanic as happy as possible?

    I can't just do it myself, and I can't go parts hunting, but I've got a sagging rear end... The car isn't doing so hot either.

    I'd like to do the entire thing at once, but tires are going to wait as they are new.

    Thanks for all the info man. Really.
     
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  12. Kaptainkid1

    Kaptainkid1 Active Member

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    I do a lot of hauling heavy loads from camping to having 4 people in the car. I also had 35 cases of water weighing up to 1300 lbs including me. So I found these helper springs rubber bushing at autozone for $20 for a set or $10 each. If you only hauling stuff for short periods these things work like a charm. I did a two week camping trip fully loaded with thule box loaded, back seat full and trunk maxed out. See in picture rear end level. Plus before and after shots w/o helper. 20191230_142739.jpg 20191230_143518.jpg 20191230_144745.jpg 20191230_150927.jpg IMG_20200108_225814.jpg 20200102_131741.jpg 20200227_090432.jpg 20200227_090439.jpg

    SM-J737T1 ?
     
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  13. 2Fats

    2Fats Member

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    I need it on a more permanent basis, but that's not a bad deal there. I do similar hauling but on a regular basis. The car is loaded with way too much weight once or twice a month, and driven across country for work stuff. Once I get where I'm going, I unload and drive it like a normal car.

    It handled the extra weight fine for about a year, but for "some reason" the shocks are now shot, and the springs are sagging quite a bit.
     
  14. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    It's likely that one or both of the rear coil springs have broken. It's a somewhat common problem with Gen 2 Prius.
     
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  15. Bunce

    Bunce Active Member

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    So, I take it there is no shock from another vehicle that will fit and that's why it's come to modifying something else?
    I was really hoping to find a bolt in, I don't like the idea of modifying shocks, especially given the spring mounts take the weight of the rear of the car, and with a higher spring rate will be doing more work on the spring mounts, that's without factoring in increased load. Maybe the aluminium spacer lift kit is the best way for me to go especially if the ride is harsh when unloaded.
     
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  16. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    So how do you guys like my low rider? Drove a little under 600 miles like this ;) (Photo is without me sitting in the car (100kg/220pounds)

    IMG_20200817_145412.jpg
    I really need this lift-kit...

    The bike and huge beach umbrella were only on the car for the first 150 miles.

    Priuslowrider.jpg
    So very proud of getting a better than (my) average 46mpg (5,1l/100km) on the 275mile return journey. Maybe I have less drag when close to the road??? Of course I was only doing 60mph and being passed by Germans doing an easy 110-120mph...
     
  17. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    If you are looking for a lift kit that super easy look up Priusoffroad on instagram. I will have an install video coming soon. Super easy install and looks awesome


    iPhone ?
     
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  18. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    I (probably incorrectly) called it a lift kit, but I meant the heavier spring solution :ROFLMAO:

    But sounds interesting all the same.
     
    #38 R-P, Aug 18, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2020
  19. Toddwilks

    Toddwilks Active Member

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    Here’s the lift kit installed. Also showing what’s in the kit.
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Moses Bruh

    Moses Bruh Member

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    Are you still making the video, would love to see it in the proccess.
     
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