Beefing up suspension on Hilux Pickup

[garryn]

Hi all!

First I'm hoping that this forum is for the Hilux pickup as well as the Hilux Surf or I'm in trouble! If it helps my position I do hope to add a Surf to my vehicles abroad as well!

I believe the pickup is limited to under a tonne in load carrying and I would like to increase it to say 1.5 tonne for short distances (not in the UK) - driven sensibly on unmade roads. Currently I have the 1995 model and would rather not spend more than necessary! Most suspension posts seem to be about jacking up the vehicle rather than my needs so any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Garry

[RodLeach]

Hello mate,

There are only a few of us on here that will know much about the Hilux pickup.

As you said, most suspension set ups are for lifts rather then extra weight.

Go over to www.elite4x4.co.uk - they are mostly hilux pickup owners.

you'll be able to find out what you need there mate.

[garryn]

Hello mate,

There are only a few of us on here that will know much about the Hilux pickup.

As you said, most suspension set ups are for lifts rather then extra weight.

Go over to www.elite4x4.co.uk - they are mostly hilux pickup owners.

you'll be able to find out what you need there mate.

Thanks for the info!

[NiftyNev]

Trying to increase the load capacity by 50%,is just crazy, in my opinion. There's so many things that need taking into consideration, that it would take forever to list. If you want to carry a ton and a half get a vehicle capable of doing it.

Nev

[g1oves]

Hi mate, its actually quite simple, all you neen is an air bag kit that fits directly on to the leaf spring that can be inflated to increase the lift capacity, and when you dont need the extra strength you just defate them till next time, the kits are used a lot on `5` wheel mobile home trailers or bolt on caravans, you made need to get the kit from the states thats were a friend of mine got his for a nissan navara.

[MattF]

Hi mate, its actually quite simple, all you neen is an air bag kit that fits directly on to the leaf spring that can be inflated to increase the lift capacity, and when you dont need the extra strength you just defate them till next time, the kits are used a lot on `5` wheel mobile home trailers or bolt on caravans, you made need to get the kit from the states thats were a friend of mine got his for a nissan navara.

Increasing its ability to cope with heavier loads than it is designed for is completely different to what you are suggesting. Spring sag would be the least of his concerns.

[garryn]

Increasing its ability to cope with heavier loads than it is designed for is completely different to what you are suggesting. Spring sag would be the least of his concerns.

Well to add to the confusion I have also been advised by an experienced Toyota mechanic that the pickup will actually handle 3 ton loads, not that I am proposing to do so......

To be honest my main concern was the rather thin-looking leaf spring breaking.

Garry

[toyotav84x4]

Modifications are at owners risk is what people are saying.......

Extra load on drivetrain and BRAKES.

I would be less worried about snapping springs and more concerned about stopping the thing. Master cylinder seals, booster, BRAKE FADE.

Drive it right and it will be ok but push it and it will bite back.

Try milner and roughtrax for spring options. Airbags sound best. Springs should only snap if they have an impact!

Lifts Kits and Heavy loads are not ideal though. Depends how much time and money you are willing to spend on one vehicle and how often it carries the loads?

[garryn]

Modifications are at owners risk is what people are saying.......

Extra load on drivetrain and BRAKES.

I would be less worried about snapping springs and more concerned about stopping the thing. Master cylinder seals, booster, BRAKE FADE.

Drive it right and it will be ok but push it and it will bite back.

Try milner and roughtrax for spring options. Airbags sound best. Springs should only snap if they have an impact!

Lifts Kits and Heavy loads are not ideal though. Depends how much time and money you are willing to spend on one vehicle and how often it carries the loads?

Thanks for the advice. It would be driven cautiously over distances of under 10 miles, half of it on tarmac, and only occasionally. The vehicle has no lifts fitted and but has quite large tyres, which are in good condition. It is not driven in the UK, only Eastern Europe.

Garry

[toyotav84x4]

I can see the hilux taking that like the old work horse it is.
If you test the vehicle with the weight you intend to carry you will probably find the bumpstops hit the frame and that will make your speed 5mph. As you will see when you drive it! This will cause off road driving to be interesting.

Your main issue will be on public roads and the safety of others. If you are driving in busy or fast moving traffic. You will be going 5mph.

I would use the lower gear ratios to protect the gearbox and never use 5th gear at all.

Airbags appear to still be the best idea and will prevent the existing springs from sagging long term. Even with these fitted do not travel fast as there are other issues. Good Luck

[oily]

Try the Hilux pickup owners club forum ( www.hpoc.co.uk ) for pickup related advice

[The Lovely Boyo]

I wouldn't think airbags an option - they fit inside coil springs - thats what holds them in place.

Old Hilux pick ups have leaf springs - your best best would be to try and source some heavy duty leafs.

Or get some big lumps of rubber and make some massive bumpstops lol