Toyota Fortuner suspension upgrade - Bilstein,OME,Fox

Hi everyone,

Just as a first note, I have gone through just about every thread/video/article regarding suspensions options available on the market however I am still completely confused. There is also not a whole lot of recent threads on this issue.

Looking for some advice on changing the suspension on a 2011 Fortuner 4x4 D4D. The current stock suspension is feeling tired and I am busy adding quiet a bit of weight to the car (roof rack, fridge and storage system, awning, dual battery, front bumper..). The car will mainly be used for long camping trips where traveling will potentially be done over long dirt/gravel roads with fair amount of corrugation. I would say 50/50 on-road vs off road driving would be a good split to work with.

I have, for the most part, reduced the options to the following three:

• Bilstein B8 5100's with Mikem springs
• Old Man Emu nitrocharger sport 200kg constant weight kit (+25% cost over the Bilstein)
• Fox 2.0 snap rings with eibach springs (+25% cost over the OME)

Just wanted some opinions on these choices with regards to; past and current experiences, performance, the cost differences between the options and if it is worth bumping up to the next option, or even any options that I may have completely missed (if you would like to confuse me even more:p). None of these choices are a small cost so I want to make sure I make the right choice the first time.

Any and all input is welcome. Thanks.

I know I can't compare the two but I have fox in my hilux and tough dog in my land cruiser 105. The one vehicle has leaf springs and the other coils. The fox made a huge difference to the bakkies ride but the tough dog transformed the cruiser and it is also being used 50/50.

I would strongly recommend adding tough dog to your list
Chat to norman from econo lift suspension.

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Originally Posted by ryan09

Hi everyone,

Just as a first note, I have gone through just about every thread/video/article regarding suspensions options available on the market however I am still completely confused. There is also not a whole lot of recent threads on this issue.

Looking for some advice on changing the suspension on a 2011 Fortuner 4x4 D4D. The current stock suspension is feeling tired and I am busy adding quiet a bit of weight to the car (roof rack, fridge and storage system, awning, dual battery, front bumper..). The car will mainly be used for long camping trips where traveling will potentially be done over long dirt/gravel roads with fair amount of corrugation. I would say 50/50 on-road vs off road driving would be a good split to work with.

I have, for the most part, reduced the options to the following three:

• Bilstein B8 5100's with Mikem springs
• Old Man Emu nitrocharger sport 200kg constant weight kit (+25% cost over the Bilstein)
• Fox 2.0 snap rings with eibach springs (+25% cost over the OME)

Just wanted some opinions on these choices with regards to; past and current experiences, performance, the cost differences between the options and if it is worth bumping up to the next option, or even any options that I may have completely missed (if you would like to confuse me even more:p). None of these choices are a small cost so I want to make sure I make the right choice the first time.

Any and all input is welcome. Thanks.

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I know they are not on your list, but I have Amada Xtreme coils and shocks and I am really happy with them. They are also cheaper than all 3 options listed - ±R12k IIRC.

Investigate EFS as well.

I have had many 4x4's and all of them with aftermarket suspension of various makes. Excluding Fox which I know is a super system, albeit expensive, I rate OME the best value for money as well as comfortable ride.

From local supply I rate OME 1st and Dobinsons 2nd.

I can't compare comfort but I must say I have had 12 plus 4wd's all with old man emu over the years. Some made a big difference some didn't. What I can say is I never had a shock failure, suspension sag or break. Vehicles have most been on farm roads daily, all towed and many of them did some trails and overloading. Fortuner will get OME fitted next week or so as well. I have just stuck to OME since I hear from a lot of people with other brands complain about a leaking or blown shock here and there. My 2c

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michael11

I know I can't compare the two but I have fox in my hilux and tough dog in my land cruiser 105. The one vehicle has leaf springs and the other coils. The fox made a huge difference to the bakkies ride but the tough dog transformed the cruiser and it is also being used 50/50.

I would strongly recommend adding tough dog to your list
Chat to norman from econo lift suspension.

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After months of research, I did a full Tough Dog upgrade on the Hilux and having an easy 9 stage adjustment on the shocks to accommodate load variances, has completely transformed the ride over stock. Would definitely agree and recommend you add TD to your list.

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Originally Posted by DCTheron

I have had many 4x4's and all of them with aftermarket suspension of various makes. Excluding Fox which I know is a super system, albeit expensive, I rate OME the best value for money as well as comfortable ride.

From local supply I rate OME 1st and Dobinsons 2nd.

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Couldn't agree more.

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Originally Posted by wtrlan

After months of research, I did a full Tough Dog upgrade on the Hilux and having an easy 9 stage adjustment on the shocks to accommodate load variances, has completely transformed the ride over stock. Would definitely agree and recommend you add TD to your list.

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A very comprehensive shock comparison done by the Auzzies, admittedly does not include all major brands, but makes for interesting reading to some. Attachment 592128

You can also try Terrain Tamers (from Australia). They have just opened a new warehouse in Cape Town. You can contact Marinus Potgieter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ferty

I know they are not on your list, but I have Amada Xtreme coils and shocks and I am really happy with them. They are also cheaper than all 3 options listed - ±R12k IIRC.

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I have them to and quite happy. 5 years now. Importer is also a great guy who cares about the product.

BTW, I run a 2006 Fortuner, so similar characteristics. Importer also ran Amadas on his Fortuner and it felt great too

I have owned/driven cars with all of the shocks that you list, and then some.

In my opinion, bilstein b8's are super underrated.

They are inexpensive, rebuildable, last a long time and can have a brilliant ride if tuned right.
Ask Mikem suspensions, they can do a custom valved shock to suit your need. They know vehicle dynamics very well, and it will probably still be the cheapest option.

ToughDog also needs an honourable mention according to the people I have spoken to, Francois from Voetspore rated them very highly compared to the other ones they have run on their cars, but I have not driven a car with ToughDogs yet.

PS. I am in no way affiliated with anyone I mention.