₦airaland Forum

I believe that Ribadu was just a political tool Obasanjo used against his political enemies; and he seemed an enthusiastic tool. i don't believe he fought corruption. So far so good for Yar Adua. Atleast he is not corrupt.

Didisky and others, please do you have phone# or address for CKN hotel and Golfview hotel? Thanks.

Ivvie:
Never alter the height of your vehicle.  People on the other hand would recommend you drop the height of the vehicle (which in this case is what you are avoiding).  The good news for you is that Bilsteins will raise the height of your vehicle by about 1/2 an inch.  Don't worry about terrain surfaces, it's designed for all kinds for it as well.

When you ask for Bilstein, be sure to categorise it.  They are 4 in catgories.  The only version for your Toyota is the Touring Class-twin tube.  You need to get help for the part number (would start from tc*****).  I recommend to purchase it online and have it shipped.  It is free shipping via UPS and keep the receipt.  If anything goes wrong (wears out or becomes flat), you'd have it replaced.  They claim its engineered to outlive your vehicle.

It's the best value for your money.  Believe, ride quality and handling will change dramatically from the stock you have.  It might be best option to also change the spring seat and maybe strut mount if they look weak or bad.  The subframe should be replaced.

Go to the bilstein site.

Thanks very much Ivvie, for the useful information. That price of $200 is very attractive and much cheaper than what it costs to buy just the two front shocks from Toyota Nig. Ltd

Ivvie:
There are two types for that chassis.  SE/V6 and 4 cyl specified . . .   Your best bet is to go with bilsteins.  They will outlast the vehicle and its laced with precised valving.  A set of 4 should cost you about $200.  They are called Bilstein Touring and its a lifetime warranty.  OEM is too expensive and isn't lifetime. 

I don't think it is a good idea for a used set of shocks.  You don't need springs (except your condition is extreme).  Springs are lifetime.

Ivvie, Thanks very much for the information. I wonder if I can get Bilstein shocks here in Nigeria. I doubt. But I will check. My model is the 4 cylinder. Do the shocks come in different heights? I need to raise mine just a little bit to be able to drive on our horrible roads.

sultaan:
You need new shocks
Get stronger aftermarket shocks and it might work for a while, get stiffer springs and it will work for a longer time

Thanks Sultaan,
I went to shop for shocks my 1992 camry but saw that there are two types. One had thicker coil springs. The guy in Ladipo said that for all specs (American or Japanese/European), the front shocks are same; but for the rear, the American specs come with thicker coil springs. Do you know if this is correct. How do i know a stiff spring as opposed to a soft one? Do you recommend new aftermarket shock or a used (tokumbo ie non-nigeria used) one?

Spicy007,
I'm not aware you can get engine # over the net from your chassis #. But if you are not by your car, I guess you just have to ask somebody else to go look it up for you. If you have the car's owner's manual, it tells you exactly where on the engine the number is located. Otherwise it would be hard to find unless it is a widely owned model.

Thanks a million to both Layifioren and Brauneyes for these helpful information you are offering us free at your own time. May God reward you both.
Layifioren, thanks a lot for the info on my vin.

Thanks for all the useful info, guys.

Sienna, special thanks for mentioning the issue of SOFT SUSPENSION on American model of foreign cars. I brought down my Camry from USA. I love the car. But the major problem I have with driving it in Nigeria is the SOFT SUSPENSION. It's a pain trying to drive over the myriad bumps, and the big pot holes all over the country, especially Lagos. The soft suspension keeps it too low to the ground for the rough roads we have here.

Please what solution do you suggest? Should I change the 4 suspensions? Some people do what they call "packing" but i think it affects stability of the car.

Also, what do you think about using our leaded fuel on cars with catalytic converters. I had to remove my catalytic converter because I learnt that the lead in our fuel will block it and eventually lead the engine to backfire.

Hi Brauneyes,
Thank you very much for your generous offer of carfax service. This is an indispensable tool for Nigerians to avoid being ripped off by fellow Nigerians; especially now that most Nigerians are going for American models of japanese cars (Nigerians believe that the American models are better). Does carfax also cover other models?

Please, I would appreciate if you could check this for me:

4T1SK12E4NU022631

Hi Rubbermaid,
Please don't be discouraged by some of the negative responses. I you're still considering coming to Nigeria, I will say go for it. You will survive comfortably for a year with 5million Naira. However, Nigeria is surprisingly an expensive place to live in (you generally do not get your money's worth). And, true, Nigeria is not a tourist destination; but you'll not be a tourist here. This is your country and you need to keep abreast of what's going on here, like various business opportunities that abound which will not be apparent to a foreigner.

If you want to come, consider Abuja. It is the only decent city in Nigeria, especially for someone who has been over in the west for a long time. You'll feel more at home in Abuja. From Abuja you can visit the rest of the country. Stay clear of Lagos (except for visits). Lagos is a complete jungle and a slum (including the so called VI, Ikoyi, and Lekki). The roads in Lagos are not motorable (unless you're bringing an suv).

Consider shipping your car since it is late model (there is a ban on cars older than 8yrs). Clearing is straight forward, through a clearing agent. Duties paid are negotiated with the customs. Govt recently reduced duties on most cars except luxury ones to 20%.

If you need more info, please ask.

Hi guys. I am thinking of using my toyota camry for taxi in Abuja. Anybody know how i can register with the hotels there? I plan to use it for hotel guests instead of regular town service. The taxis they use for regular town service in Abuja are smaller cars that are more fuel efficient. Thanks guys.

Please is anyone aware of any finance company that accepts car or car title as collateral for loans? Will really appreciate any information. Thanks.
Ikenga25