Thanks! More off-road adventures are definitely on the way. This year (2024) I spent most of my time scouting for new tracks and wanted time behind the wheel more than making new videos. But more videos will come. Take care and all the best - Duffy
Hey would just like to tell you that this video is really informative specially for a guy like me looking for firsthand, well communicated reviews of the profender queen series (it's quite hard to find). Just a suggestion, you should put the brand in the title to help other people looking for reviews of the queen series as well. Hope you update us on the suspension in the future! Amping!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve driven to Biga Pit in Cebu, and while it’s a great spot, my Hilux handled it with ease both before and after the modifications. The roads around my home are actually more challenging, but even those feel too easy for my setup. I’m always on the lookout for tougher tracks to truly put my truck to the test and make the adventure more exciting. Since I drive solo, I need to keep the trails manageable to avoid getting stuck. Or better yet, team up with another modified truck. I’m planning to add recovery points, a beefy winch, and some Maxtrax to my setup in the future. Do you have any recommendations for challenging but safe trails in Cebu? I recently drove a track that felt fine to me, but a few days later, another driver ended up on the roof down a ravine on the same track. It’s a reminder that even experienced drivers can encounter unexpected challenges. - Duffy
Yes, the add-a-leaf does make the ride slightly firmer, but I've found that the overall ride and comfort have actually improved. This is likely due to the combination of the new Profender shock absorbers and the larger tires. While the suspension is a bit stiffer, it feels more controlled and stable, which I prefer. The added stiffness has also helped to reduce body roll, making the truck feel more planted on the road. - Duffy
For me if you put add a leaf you should get the fat leaf (500kg) to make smoother ride but the downside is you can load 750kg only, unlike if you don't get the fat leaf you can load 1 ton. It's up to you which you prefer.
Hi nice uograde, but how is steering feel? Is it more harder feel than stock? How about the ride quality compared to stock wheelset and stock suspensions?
Hi Snubby, regarding the steering feel, it's actually as light but more precise now than the stock setup. The combination of the Profender Upper Control Arms and the larger tires (plus front fender trimming, body cut and sidestep cut) has contributed to this improved steering response. I also own a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 2019 model with a similar tire size (285/70 R17 General Grabber M/S). While both trucks have comparable power and torque, the Ford felt much heavier to steer at slow speed, especially in full lock. This was likely due to tire rub and the lack of a suspension lift. As for the ride quality, it's noticeably better than stock. The Profender Queen Series shocks, coupled with the larger tires, have significantly improved both comfort and stability. While the ride might feel slightly firmer, it's a trade-off for better handling and off-road performance. I have not adjusted the stiffness on the new suspension and it rides on setting 8 in the front and 4 in the rear, and for now, this feels like a perfect setting for my setup. I sold my stock suspension and tires after the upgrade as those were never going to be used by me again. Overall, I'm very happy with the upgrade. It's made the Hilux a more capable and enjoyable vehicle, both on and off-road. Best regards, Duffy
Hi Duffy, I’ve been a subscriber to your channel for quite a while already. Your videos are great since I also love exploring Cebu. I’m also glad to know that you have upgraded your suspension since I also have similar plans for my Hilux 4x2, and most probably at the same shop where you had yours serviced. But I’m still thinking if I will opt for the same setup that your ride has, or will just stick with a stock height with the same set of stock tires since I do not have any plan going offroad. By any chance, did you ask them if Profender Queen series is also good for stock height and tires? Thank you in advance.
Hi Nino, thank you so much for subscribing to my channel and for your kind words! It’s great to hear you’re also exploring Cebu and planning to upgrade your Hilux. According to the user Manual of the MGL-Series Suspension (Queen Series) these are unfortunately not designed for your 4x2. M-Tech surely have other options for your pickup that will suite your needs and budget. Personally, if I were in your shoes and didn’t plan to go off-road, I’d reconsider a lift. Lifting a 4x2 is a significant expense, and while it enhances aesthetics, the practical benefits might not justify the cost for on-road use. Instead, you could save up for a 4x4 if you want better capability or use the money for other meaningful investments like family needs, home improvements, or saving for the future. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities, but I believe practicality often outweighs aesthetics. If your suspension is worn out, then I would opt for an aftermarket suspension as a change is needed anyway. Thanks again for your support, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions! Take care and all the best - Duffy
I have not noticed any change in power when I changed to 285/70R17 tires from stock tires or added the Suspension + ARB bash plates. Note! I have not dyno tested it after the modifications. But if you ask if I can notice any difference - the answer is a definitive no. - Duffy
Yes, the new suspension setup with the Profender Queen Series 2 inch lift kit and the add-a-leaf springs do affect the payload capacity of the Hilux or other brands. While it's designed to increase the overall load-carrying capacity, the exact amount of increase is unknown. Unfortunately, Profender does not provide specific information about the amount of increased payload for their add-a-leaf kit. - Duffy
I've been really happy with the default settings on my Profender Queen Series suspension and have not done any changes to make it firmer or softer. Note: I drive slowly and don't drive with heavy load so no need to make the ride firmer or softer for now. - Duffy
The default damping position for the front is at 8 and 4 in the rear. The front have 16 adjustable steps and 8 adjustable steps in the rear. Profender recomend to adjust 1 - 2 clicks at a time. To increase damping (stiffer), turn the adjustment knob clockwise. To decrease damping (softer), turn the adjustment knob counter clockwise. - Duffy
When considering suspension upgrades for your 4x4, it's important to remember that both Profender and Tough Dog offer a variety of products to suit different needs and driving styles. Profender, for instance, provides 10 different shock absorber options for the Hilux, ranging from basic models to high-performance units designed for competition. Similarly, Tough Dog offers a diverse range of suspension components, including shocks, springs, and control arms. The best choice for you will depend on factors such as your intended use, load capacity, and terrain. It's advisable to research specific models and consult with experts to determine the optimal setup. While both brands have proven track records, the ideal choice ultimately lies in aligning the product's characteristics with your specific requirements. Remember, a well-installed and tuned suspension system, regardless of the brand, can significantly enhance your vehicle's performance and handling. I do not have any experience using Tough Dog myself, but I am sure they are good when tuned correctly by a professional installation shop that can both consult you, do repairs if needed and honor the product warranty. I would try to stick with one manufacturer when possible for both front and rear suspension as well as with the upper control arms if you chose to change these. Take care and all the best. - Duffy
thats a badass looking truck sir. would love to see more videos of you going offroad with this badboy hilux
Thanks! More off-road adventures are definitely on the way. This year (2024) I spent most of my time scouting for new tracks and wanted time behind the wheel more than making new videos. But more videos will come. Take care and all the best - Duffy
New sub from Tacloban,Leyte. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! And the best to you and yours. - Duffy
Hey would just like to tell you that this video is really informative specially for a guy like me looking for firsthand, well communicated reviews of the profender queen series (it's quite hard to find). Just a suggestion, you should put the brand in the title to help other people looking for reviews of the queen series as well. Hope you update us on the suspension in the future! Amping!
Glad it was helpful! And I have followed your advice and added it to the title now. Take care and all the best. Duffy
This vid earn a subs♥️
Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please share it with your friends. - Take care and all the best. - Duffy
Have you tried going to Biga Pit in Cebu? That place will surely test all your upgrades if they hold up!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve driven to Biga Pit in Cebu, and while it’s a great spot, my Hilux handled it with ease both before and after the modifications. The roads around my home are actually more challenging, but even those feel too easy for my setup.
I’m always on the lookout for tougher tracks to truly put my truck to the test and make the adventure more exciting. Since I drive solo, I need to keep the trails manageable to avoid getting stuck. Or better yet, team up with another modified truck.
I’m planning to add recovery points, a beefy winch, and some Maxtrax to my setup in the future. Do you have any recommendations for challenging but safe trails in Cebu? I recently drove a track that felt fine to me, but a few days later, another driver ended up on the roof down a ravine on the same track. It’s a reminder that even experienced drivers can encounter unexpected challenges. - Duffy
Nice, does it ride stiffer since you put an add-a-leaf on the rear?
Yes, the add-a-leaf does make the ride slightly firmer, but I've found that the overall ride and comfort have actually improved. This is likely due to the combination of the new Profender shock absorbers and the larger tires. While the suspension is a bit stiffer, it feels more controlled and stable, which I prefer. The added stiffness has also helped to reduce body roll, making the truck feel more planted on the road. - Duffy
For me if you put add a leaf you should get the fat leaf (500kg) to make smoother ride but the downside is you can load 750kg only, unlike if you don't get the fat leaf you can load 1 ton. It's up to you which you prefer.
Hi nice uograde, but how is steering feel? Is it more harder feel than stock? How about the ride quality compared to stock wheelset and stock suspensions?
Hi Snubby, regarding the steering feel, it's actually as light but more precise now than the stock setup. The combination of the Profender Upper Control Arms and the larger tires (plus front fender trimming, body cut and sidestep cut) has contributed to this improved steering response.
I also own a Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 2019 model with a similar tire size (285/70 R17 General Grabber M/S). While both trucks have comparable power and torque, the Ford felt much heavier to steer at slow speed, especially in full lock. This was likely due to tire rub and the lack of a suspension lift.
As for the ride quality, it's noticeably better than stock. The Profender Queen Series shocks, coupled with the larger tires, have significantly improved both comfort and stability. While the ride might feel slightly firmer, it's a trade-off for better handling and off-road performance. I have not adjusted the stiffness on the new suspension and it rides on setting 8 in the front and 4 in the rear, and for now, this feels like a perfect setting for my setup.
I sold my stock suspension and tires after the upgrade as those were never going to be used by me again.
Overall, I'm very happy with the upgrade. It's made the Hilux a more capable and enjoyable vehicle, both on and off-road. Best regards, Duffy
@ thats good, happy for ur cool truck! Enjoy sir! Thanks for sharing ur experience with profender, its in my list too..
Hi Duffy, I’ve been a subscriber to your channel for quite a while already. Your videos are great since I also love exploring Cebu. I’m also glad to know that you have upgraded your suspension since I also have similar plans for my Hilux 4x2, and most probably at the same shop where you had yours serviced. But I’m still thinking if I will opt for the same setup that your ride has, or will just stick with a stock height with the same set of stock tires since I do not have any plan going offroad. By any chance, did you ask them if Profender Queen series is also good for stock height and tires? Thank you in advance.
Hi Nino, thank you so much for subscribing to my channel and for your kind words! It’s great to hear you’re also exploring Cebu and planning to upgrade your Hilux. According to the user Manual of the MGL-Series Suspension (Queen Series) these are unfortunately not designed for your 4x2. M-Tech surely have other options for your pickup that will suite your needs and budget.
Personally, if I were in your shoes and didn’t plan to go off-road, I’d reconsider a lift. Lifting a 4x2 is a significant expense, and while it enhances aesthetics, the practical benefits might not justify the cost for on-road use. Instead, you could save up for a 4x4 if you want better capability or use the money for other meaningful investments like family needs, home improvements, or saving for the future.
Ultimately, it depends on your priorities, but I believe practicality often outweighs aesthetics. If your suspension is worn out, then I would opt for an aftermarket suspension as a change is needed anyway. Thanks again for your support, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!
Take care and all the best - Duffy
Very nice Duffy! Thank you, is your Conquest a 4×4?
Thanks for watching! Yes, my Conquest is a 4x4.
Great for the rough roads and nice tires!
Aren't those tires too much or too heavy for the engine? It's a 2.8 liter engine
I have not noticed any change in power when I changed to 285/70R17 tires from stock tires or added the Suspension + ARB bash plates. Note! I have not dyno tested it after the modifications. But if you ask if I can notice any difference - the answer is a definitive no. - Duffy
Thank you, that's encouraging! 😊
Hello sir, does the new suspension affect the payload capacity of the Hilux?
Yes, the new suspension setup with the Profender Queen Series 2 inch lift kit and the add-a-leaf springs do affect the payload capacity of the Hilux or other brands. While it's designed to increase the overall load-carrying capacity, the exact amount of increase is unknown. Unfortunately, Profender does not provide specific information about the amount of increased payload for their add-a-leaf kit. - Duffy
Hello Sir, what is the best adjustment settings for the front and back of profender?? 4-2??
I've been really happy with the default settings on my Profender Queen Series suspension and have not done any changes to make it firmer or softer. Note: I drive slowly and don't drive with heavy load so no need to make the ride firmer or softer for now. - Duffy
@DuffysOverlandingAdventures Sir what is the default settings?
The default damping position for the front is at 8 and 4 in the rear. The front have 16 adjustable steps and 8 adjustable steps in the rear. Profender recomend to adjust 1 - 2 clicks at a time. To increase damping (stiffer), turn the adjustment knob clockwise. To decrease damping (softer), turn the adjustment knob counter clockwise. - Duffy
Is it better than Tough Dog Suspension po?
When considering suspension upgrades for your 4x4, it's important to remember that both Profender and Tough Dog offer a variety of products to suit different needs and driving styles.
Profender, for instance, provides 10 different shock absorber options for the Hilux, ranging from basic models to high-performance units designed for competition. Similarly, Tough Dog offers a diverse range of suspension components, including shocks, springs, and control arms.
The best choice for you will depend on factors such as your intended use, load capacity, and terrain. It's advisable to research specific models and consult with experts to determine the optimal setup.
While both brands have proven track records, the ideal choice ultimately lies in aligning the product's characteristics with your specific requirements. Remember, a well-installed and tuned suspension system, regardless of the brand, can significantly enhance your vehicle's performance and handling.
I do not have any experience using Tough Dog myself, but I am sure they are good when tuned correctly by a professional installation shop that can both consult you, do repairs if needed and honor the product warranty.
I would try to stick with one manufacturer when possible for both front and rear suspension as well as with the upper control arms if you chose to change these.
Take care and all the best. - Duffy
What is your wheel offset?
The wheel offset on my lifted Toyota Hilux is zero. Duffy