Buying a prado for the first time

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Re: Buying a prado for the first time

Hi Roger

I have Mickey Thompson ATZ 4 ribs on the 150, I had BFG's on the 90 series. The tyres fit under the cover and the speedo according to the GPS is spot on, so it must have been out on the Dunlops. The BFG's are a quieter tyre and we did 7000 kms last year on a trip, Simpson Desert both ways, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Strezlecki Track and then back through SW Qld to Brisbane, not a puncture or any other problem. They did chip substantially more so than the ATZ's on one of the other cars.

The reason for the change is that we do more forest and beach driving and the ATZ's clean better than the BFG's and have a rounder profile so are a bit easier on the beach. They are great on the road in the wet as well, the down side is that they are a fair bit noisier on the bitumen. I have driven tracks with other cars with the Bridgestones and they clogged up much more than the other two, but they are quieter again.

We aren't worried about the road noise as our 150 is mainly used for off roading and not commuting, I hope this helps, my thoughts are that a good LT tyre is way better than the Dunlops if you do any touring.

Regards, Richo.

[Richoson Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Richoson]

Re: Buying a prado for the first time

Richo, i went the same way. Standard suspension and polyair air bags in the rear.

i do a lot of towing however, so i want to raise the vehicle with a better suspension package, but, considering how well the airbags perform under load, i'm going to keep this for a bit longer to see how the prado settles with the bar, winch, batteries and blackwidow draw system when i get it in shortly.

i leave my airbags up on 20PSI all the time, and the ride is fine - not harsh at all. sits nicely as well :mrgreen:

dan

Dan,

Can you let us know how the extras go, as I am going to fit similar things to yourself, but not until later in the year when I save up my money. I looked at the black widow system, but it is not cheap. Also looking at the Outback system, which I had in the 80 series cruiser. Probably only a little bit cheaper anyway.

I will be towing from next year (when the new van is built), so will probably upgrade with the Bilstein Shocks and Kings springs with the poly bags.

Dave.

Hi Yowie

Have a look at Best Off Road for their drawers, Jim has just completed his system and at around $1200.00 a good saving. www.bestoffroad.net.au

Regards, Richo.