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Heavy Springs And Lift Upgrade

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by strawbrad, Nov 24, 2019.

  1. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    Yes once the final details are ironed out.
     
  2. James Finch

    James Finch Junior Member

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    Any updates?

    Wondering if there are any observed and ideally tested front suspension mods also like the Matrix springs and perch for the Gen 2 front Strut Assembly for the Gen 3. Any ideas or references?
     
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  3. Notsew

    Notsew New Member

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    Strawbrad, you mentioned that the front struts were slightly different than those on the Prius. What about them is different/non-compatible?
     
  4. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    Okay, one more time. I put the heavy Matrix springs on standard Prius struts both front and rear.

    The Matrix, Vibe, and even Corolla struts are similar in appearance to the Prius struts. However, all the critical dimensions are different. The Matrix, Vibe, and Corolla struts will not bolt on to a Prius.
     
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  5. Notsew

    Notsew New Member

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    Yeah I understand what you did with the springs. That does answer my question about the strut differences. Thank you.
     
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  6. Beefy

    Beefy Junior Member

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    I'm planning to do this not just wondering did you put the AWD springs on both the front and back or did you put the 2WD springs in the front and AWD in the back? I have a 2004 Matrix XR here at the local yard but it's 2wd. Gonna check in the Vibe they have is AWD before going to the other yards where they pull it out for you.
     
  7. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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  8. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    How did your install go, are there any updates worth posting?
     
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  9. Plaman

    Plaman Member

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    Can anyone personally confirm what the restriction is with using the Prius Offroad Spacers and the Matrix Spring Suspension lift mentioned here? It looks like using the two approaches in tandem wouldn't be an issue.
     
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  10. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    I guess the thought is why use matrix springs?
     
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  11. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    I would be concerned about exceeding the travel limits of the suspension. I have not tried to use both on the same car.

    OP here.

    I have been using the Prius with the front and rear heavy AWD Matrix springs for over two years now. For my use the purpose of the Matrix springs was to allow the Prius to handle weight better. The AWD Matrix spring conversion is completely successful at handling more weight.
    For me the increased ride height was simply a side effect of increasing the weight carrying ability. The increased ground clearance from the spring lift and oversize snow tires are great for winter driving.

    The AWD Matrix springs sell for under $50 a pair both front and rear. Custom heavy duty springs sell for $339 to $449 a pair for the rears only. Front heavy custom springs are not available.

    The huge price difference between stock and custom springs is why I used the AWD Matrix springs.
     
  12. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    Ahh well thank you for the clarification, the fronts are available as I know I'll have a set on my car later this week. The price point is a larger pill to swallow, but the reviews from all but one said the ride quality and extra clearance made the purchase more than worth the price of admission.
     
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  13. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    Is that price for a new set or DIY-remove-it-from-a-Matrix-in-a-junkyard? As said before, the only Matrix we have (in the Netherlands) is a Hyundai ;)

    (Kids keep growing and the added dog, though only 45lb, doesn't exactly prevent the Prius from bottoming out either).
     
  14. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    wait, people put used springs on cars? I thought the Matrix process used new springs...
     
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  15. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Don't forget it's a gen 2? I wouldn't put new on my 06 civic hybrid either. If the manufacturer had better support of the car, I might think twice about new, but currently new parts never even enter the thought process.
     
  16. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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    so interesting, personally I would only put new suspension on a car, tires sure ill go used, door panels and such like that used... guess I think used suspension is like used brakes
     
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  17. Plaman

    Plaman Member

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    How would adding a 1.5" slab of metal *on top of* the strut assembly (matrix springs or stock prius springs) have any impact on travel limits of suspension?

    *Maybe* in the front if you had issues with rubbing on the axle, control arms, or steering systems but I can't imagine another 1.5" is going to do it based on what I've seen so far. I'm just going to do it and report back. Stay tuned guys!

    I did want to clarify a potential safety issue with this line of thinking. The AWD springs can be used for as a direct replacement on the front Prius struts. *However* the rears require harvesting the wider AWD Matrix Perch from the rear struts. New or used rear struts are ok because you're only seeking what is essentially a metal bracket to "expand" the Prius Perch. I've had success using this method on my replacement Rear KYB Prius Struts after harvesting the perch from inexpensive AWD Matrix Struts I purchased new for sake of time and convenience.
     
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  18. R-P

    R-P Active Member

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    Maybe I've asked this before and forgot, but what kind of money would you be talking buying all new Matrix springs?

    Can you buy front springs separately or would you need full suspension and toss everything bar the spring? Any typenumbers (so I might find other 'European' Toyota-vehicles they were used on)?
    Rear you would need the complete assembly to harvest the perch as well (besides the spring). Again, does anyone know a typenumber?

    Or what would be a good site to search such items?

    EDIT: just found out it is listed on my go-to site here in Europe. It lists two AWD Matrices: 2002-2007 (1.8 liter AWD) and 2008-2014 (2.4 liter AWD), but neither show any struts :(
     
    #98 R-P, Mar 8, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2022
  19. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

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    We won't know the answer until someone tries. I look forward to hearing your results.

    Here's a solution for Gen 3 Prius. https://priusoverlanding.com/product/2010-2015-toyota-prius-sub-frame-spacers-gen-3-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-2015/ These spacers drop the sub frame to help restore CV axle and A arm angles. I don't know of a similar solution for the Gen2.

    New springs can be bought for under $50 a pair.

    2009 TOYOTA MATRIX 2.4L L4 Coil Spring | RockAuto

    I agree! That's why I went to the trouble of installing the AWD Matrix spring perch. Another option for getting the needed parts is a complete AWD Matrix strut assembly. More Information for ULTRA-POWER 172600R

    They sell for $55.79 each. From this assembly you could harvest the spring, perch, and top hat with rubber isolator. The Matrix strut will not bolt on to a Prius. The parts have to be transferred to a Prius strut.
     
  20. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

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