2007 gx suspension issues. (1 Viewer)

[JoshieWho]

howdy. Just got back from a trip to British Columbia and, about half way back, the GX started bouncing really badly over bumps. Like, cheesewagon backseat style... kids and camping gear flying everywhere, brutal.

I have convinced myself that this is a sign from the heavens that my GX needs a lift. I have about a grand CDN to spend. What have others put together in the 2” lift range that rides decently? If any? Any opinions or help would be appreciated.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Hmmm...did your rear airbags pop? You could try to figure out what's wrong and fix it. If it's the rear airbags gone bad, then you can buy aftermarket airbags for like $250 and replace them yourself by searching YouTube on GX470 Airbag Replacement

Or...you could just do the rear coil conversion, new front coilovers, and new shocks. Here are some entry level suspension ideas...GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000

 

[JoshieWho]

Thanks @HomersCanyonero ill look into that. However after some research, I did cycle the rear bags high, low, then back to neutral. Seems like that did the trick. For now.... I had parked it between two giant trees at the lake and the suspension was quite articulated. Stayed that way for about 2 days. Could that potentially make the truck lose its suspension “home” position?

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Not sure. Maybe the air bag got pinched and wouldn’t inflate fully.

Pay attention in the morning after it sits still overnight. Check to see if you lost air in the bags. Check for a droop or lean.

When you turn the car on for the first time in the morning, get out and listen for the air compressor going on and pumping air to get the bags back to normal. See If you can see the car leveling back up.

If it does fill up the airbags, then your airbags are leaking and need replacing.

 

[Arailt]

Check the ride height sensors. They're attached to the rear upper control arms. One of mine snapped off and it caused similar symptoms - rough ride, bounced like a bus, height adjustment still appeared to work, etc.

 

[LaserNomad]

Check the ride height sensors. They're attached to the rear upper control arms. One of mine snapped off and it caused similar symptoms - rough ride, bounced like a bus, height adjustment still appeared to work, etc.

I am cataloging that tidbit of info for the future.

 

[JoshieWho]

Yep. The drivers side tab that goes to the sensor is snapped off. Checked the other side, and it is intact. However the pass side is loose and sliding freely up and down the slotted piece. She’s pretty rusty under there so hmmm.

 

[Arailt]

That's exactly what happened to mine. From rust as well. I've been slowly using Corroseal to cover the frame/undercarriage rust and it seems to be working. It converts the rust into a black surface.

 

[JoshieWho]

@Arailt gotcha, so you just brush it on over rusty substrate?

 

[Arailt]

Yep, I chip away the really loose paint with a flat head screw driver (usually big flakes around the frame welds) and wire brush what I to get the loose rust is off. Then brush the corroseal right on top of the rust that remains. There needs to be rust to convert for it to work, so don't take it back to bare metal.

 

[JoshieWho]

@Arailt sounds easy enough, Except the laying under your truck chipping rust off on to your face part... haha

 

[JoshieWho]

Both sides height sensors ordered and will arrive sept 11th (hopfully) ill keep this thread up to date. My plan is to trick the rears and get some 5100’s up front for a mild lift. I want to keep the rear bags for now.

 

[JoshieWho]

Ps. Bilstein seems to not have a gx specific front strut, based on my research FJ or 4th gen T4R units will work. Can anyone confirm?

 

[GXer04]

Ps. Bilstein seems to not have a gx specific front strut, based on my research FJ or 4th gen T4R units will work. Can anyone confirm?

Correct. I used FJ 5100 Blisteins

 

[JoshieWho]

@GXer04 awesome, thanks. How if the ride compared to stock?

 

[GXer04]

@GXer04 awesome, thanks. How if the ride compared to stock?

Great, but I also installed Dobinsons 2" lift coils and 10 play tires. Original springs were shot. It rides firm and corners well, but not harsh at all.

 

[JoshieWho]

Yeah @GXer04 im sure ill eventually go down the suspension rabbit hole, what did you do for the rear? Just curious...

 

[GXer04]

Yeah @GXer04 im sure ill eventually go down the suspension rabbit hole, what did you do for the rear? Just curious...

Raised the air springs. IllI eventually get coils.

 

[JoshieWho]

So the job is done! Both rusty/seized height sensors replaced. And I only snapped off 4 bolts..... this thing is riding better than ever, and I got some rear lift out of the deal. Also picking up some real tires/wheels in the next few days. Yee haw.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Rust issues rare here in so cal. Nasty stuff. No wonder car prices are higher here.