while I dont have a Prado
@Daniel Peterson my suggestion would be to fit heavier springs and shocks, as well as the airbags
I would not be relying on just the airbags with std suspension to keep everything "healthy" so to speak
the stock suspension is good for what it has to do - entice you into buying the car, and as long as you never go off road, or Tow with it - it will last the life of the vehicle
however, putting all that extra weight on the rear end will compromise the life and longevity of the std suspension
replacing the rear suspension is a very costly thing - but when spread over the ownership of the vehicle, its cheap insurance to "beef up" your rear suspension
I personally dont like Old Man Emu gear - it used to be good, now its cheap and nasty - (MY opinion)
a good all round kit from someone like Ultimate Suspension (in NSW somewhere)
http://www.ultimatesuspension.com.au/
- they used to use de Carbon Shocks -
(The
de Carbon hydraulic
shock absorber was invented in 1953, by Christian Bourcier de Carbon.
[1] The De Carbon Company was also established in 1953, Today, the shock absorbers are mainly sold as a key aftermarket brand in European countries.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Carbon)
Tough Dog do good kits as well
a lot of people have said to go to Superior Engineering -
http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/
I currently have Dobinson Suspension under my Patrol (with airbags as well)
http://www.dobinsonsprings.com/
do some reading, and have a think about
how much towing will I do
how long will I have the car
will I take it off road
etc...
just some food for thoughts