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The Suspension on My Prius sux ... I'm looking to upgrade.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by RhettP, Aug 8, 2017.

  1. RhettP

    RhettP Junior Member

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    Well actually its not that bad on new roads, but those don't exist in Los Angeles. We are 45th in the US in road conditions. Is there a good replacement for the springs and shocks that wont break the bank? Air suspension sounds good but I don't see any reviews on how it feels while driving. All I see are people posting videos of the cars going up and down. Who cares. And at $2,000 those aren't going to happen. I'm looking for something to make my Prius ride like a Cadillac that can handle the worst roads possibly ever made.
     
    #1 RhettP, Aug 8, 2017
    amos likes this.
  2. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    You never get a luxury car ride out of a prius not design for that! 15 inch wheel with tires design to deliver better ride inflate tire to minimal psi.
     
    #2 Toppcat, Aug 10, 2017
    scona and Mendel Leisk like this.
  3. RhettP

    RhettP Junior Member

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    You can make any car ride like a luxury car was long as you have the right suspension. My question is ... what is the best suspension?
     
    #3 RhettP, Aug 11, 2017
  4. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    I don't think anyone here has go that route to make a gen3 ride smoother like a luxury car! I am sure if the price is right , car customizing shop can make a gen3 ride like a luxury car!
     
    #4 Toppcat, Aug 11, 2017
  5. CoolPrius

    CoolPrius Active Member

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    Sounds like air suspension conversion might be the best option for comfort. I'm sure it will come with its own compromises though. You also might be able to get better ride quality with a set of coilovers raised higher and set to the softest settings. I had a Prius Persona and it ran fine on smooth roads but was pretty harsh over imperfections with the larger wheels.
    The 4th gen with the 15 inch wheels rides really smooth. Swing by carmax and give it a test to compare. Spending 1k-3k on suspension can be expensive.
     
    #5 CoolPrius, Aug 12, 2017
  6. Daigi_

    Daigi_ Active Member

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    Are you on stock suspension? If you're not the first owner you might be on stock suspension. If that's the case, many people would trade you suspension, myself included. I have a gen 3, and coming from a modified Lexus, my Prius feels like I'm driving a boat.


    iPhone ?
     
    #6 Daigi_, Aug 12, 2017
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Patron saint of newly poured sidewalks

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    Just keep your tire pressures no higher than stock, and live with it?
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Aug 12, 2017
  8. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    I have a set of oem springs w about 5,000 miles and a set of factory TRD springs w 1,500miles from 2015 prius package 5 , and set of 17 rims & lugs w/o tpms for local. 100 for spring 175 for rims
     
    #8 Toppcat, Aug 12, 2017
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Patron saint of newly poured sidewalks

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    17" rims and 215/45R17 tires? For a plusher ride??
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Aug 12, 2017
  10. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Err, get a Cadillac
    Komi offers an oem shock for the gen2, you might check it out, and run your tires at 22lbs, soft, or get a Cadillac
     
    #10 Lucifer, Aug 12, 2017
  11. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    There is a rough road suspension (which is almost certainly done by making it softer, as the vehicle actually rides lower as a result) available for the Gen 3. AFAIK, the Mexican-spec cars got it.

    Front spring: 48131-47150, qty 2
    Front shocks: 48520-80490 for left, 48510-80490 for right
    Rear spring: 48231-47190, qty 2
    Rear shocks: 48530-80534, qty 2

    See if those help.
     
    #11 bhtooefr, Aug 12, 2017
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