KZN185 99 surf. 2" suspension lift to make a tourer

[floatingkiwi]

Hi Folks

Looking at a 2" suspension lift in my 99 surf to make it a bit more capable on the rougher stuff. At present it shakes the brown stuff out of me on the potted roads and is just downright uncomfortable (original suspension but newish shocks)

Now, I don't want to make it into a tough truck, just a tourer that is good on the roads and will soak up the bumps on the potted gravel stuff, rather than crashing and banging over them like it now does.
There will be a winch bar very shortly, but I don't carry any weight in the back very often - even while touring.

So, some of the best options I can find are EFS, Ironman or OME - EFS are about the only ones that seem to have no negative feedback, but I can't seem to find any info on how all these brands RIDE. (price is a secondary concern)

What would you all suggest? I most of all want a ride that will soak up bumps and potholes like it currently doesn't....

Cheers

Matt

[tallsam66]

Maybe the shocks on it are too stiff.... Hilux is relativily lite...you dont want a real hard shock.

[vvilly]

go for a set of rancho's or tough dogs both have multiple adjustment settings

[floatingkiwi]

Maybe the shocks on it are too stiff.... Hilux is relativily lite...you dont want a real hard shock.

The front shocks are new OE ones, and in fact on their "hard" setting they feel better. I suspect the front springs are rooted and are not absorbing any bumps hence the shock has to do all the work, making things a bit harsh. But yes, it does feel like things are too hard, however I know from pushing on the front of the truck that the front springs are very soft.

[kbjj]

Let some air out of your tyres. Try it

[koma]

What else have you done to it, I drive one and am looking at spending a few bucks on it. What are you doing for a bar? Cheers

[tallsam66]

Let some air out of your tyres. Try it

Tyre pressure & what tyre you have makes a massive difference...i run Kumho KL71 40 on theoad & 20 offroad, & ive still got the factory adjustable shocks.
The type of lifted spring you used will also make a difference..some lifted springs are just longer & others are stiffer to allow carrying heavier loads.

[floatingkiwi]

kbjj:
Yes, I do let them down to about 25 psi or so offroad, and on the bad gravel roads/tracks. Bridgestone Dueller A/T's. Certainly makes a difference.

koma:
The bar is the TJM T-15 (part number 070SB15N86Y) from Fully equipped in hamilton. Apparently TJM NZ are making them again!
I haven't done anything else to it - yet.. Also have a look on www.toyotasurf.asn.au/ for a lot of stuff.

So, no-one can give me any ride details on EFS and/or ironman?

Cheers all

Matt

[burtonator]

Hey there
I am currently running a 60mm lift kit in my 1997 kzn185
Springs are Cobra, and shocks are munroe
All up cost me about $700 and it rides like a dream
Heres a Pic
http://img718.imageshack.us/i/dsc01630p.jpg/

[y60 safari driver]

i can vouch for burtonator. his truck is very smooth and seems to drive very well on and off road.

[MESSI 4x4]

Dose any one know a kzn185 that has had a set of tough dog shocks fitted to it. Any feed back would be good. Cheers

[badnuz]

they run the same chassis as a 90 series prado, so are plenty of options with OME for load carrying, extra bar weight on fron etc etc. an ome kit will prob cost around 1700+ fitting but can be tailered to your exact needs... call ya local ARB shop to discuss

[koma]

burtonator, where did you get that lift kit from? You need to do anything extra to run that kit? Cheers

[UBZ]

You can't go past an ARB lift kit for ride and comfort.
You get what you pay for.cheap individual componts might flex well , but for a tourer a balanced package will always be better. And ARB has local support and service.

My 2c