2012 GX460 Suspension Kits and Upgrades (1 Viewer)

[newbie460]

Hello all,
I recently picked up a bone-stock 2012 GX460 with around 135xxx miles on it. Since purchasing I have replaced the front calipers and pads, flushed and changed all the fluids, alignment, etc. - everything you can expect to do when buying a cheap-ish 100k+ mile car.
Only other thing I have done to the cars is swap the extremely underwhelming Milestar all-seasons that came on it for a set of Falken Wildpeak AT4W's in the stock size.
I am now looking into a suspension kit/bundle/selection of parts to replace the stock suspension, which to my knowledge hasn't been touched since the car left the factory.
My goals with doing this upgrade are as follows.

1. Level the car(1.5-2 inch lift the front, 0-0.5 inch lift in the rear
2. Gain some suspension travel/articulation(expecting around 1 inch to be feasible)
3. Keep the KDSS system intact
4. Improved small-bump/medium-bump compliance
   1. This car gets used for shuttling bikes around rough backcountry roads, and now trips to OHV areas along the west coast.
5. Be durable
   1. Don't wanna be rebuilding suspension every 10k miles etc.

The two options I have been looking at so far are the
Dirt King MT Trail Runner Kit: https://dirtking.com/collections/gx460/products/mt-trail-runner-kit
Ironman Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 Kit: Foam Cell Pro Suspension Lift Kit Suited for Lexus GX460 with KDSS - Stage 2 - https://ironman4x4america.com/suspension/foam-cell-pro-suspension-lift-kit-suited-for-lexus-gx460-with-kdss-stage-2/

If anyone has run either of those two kits please let me know thoughts/pros/cons.
Also if anyone has any other suggestions for part bundles, or combinations of individual suspension components to cherry-pick, any help would be appreciated.

 

[BigSwede]

Ironman Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 Kit: Foam Cell Pro Suspension Lift Kit Suited for Lexus GX460 with KDSS - Stage 2 - https://ironman4x4america.com/suspension/foam-cell-pro-suspension-lift-kit-suited-for-lexus-gx460-with-kdss-stage-2/

If anyone has run either of those two kits please let me know thoughts/pros/cons.
Also if anyone has any other suggestions for part bundles, or combinations of individual suspension components to cherry-pick, any help would be appreciated.

I have been running the Ironman FCP for several years and I have been very happy with it. Nice controlled ride.

You probably will want to buy the Ironman adjustment wrench if you get this kit. I have been able to adjust the ride height without removing anything (just get it on a lift or jack stands, use some WD40 and a big pipe wrench for leverage).

BTW I don't think you need to replace the upper control arms for that small lift you are proposing. Save the money.

 

[newbie460]

I have been running the Ironman FCP for several years and I have been very happy with it. Nice controlled ride.

You probably will want to buy the Ironman adjustment wrench if you get this kit. I have been able to adjust the ride height without removing anything (just get it on a lift or jack stands, use some WD40 and a big pipe wrench for leverage).

BTW I don't think you need to replace the upper control arms for that small lift you are proposing. Save the money.

Thanks for the input.
Main reason I was thinking to replace UCAs was just due to age of vehicle and somewhat frequent offroad use. I figured that these suspension components have some sort of shelf-life after which point they become brittle and more prone to failure, is that incorrect?

 

[r2m]

Regarding ride quality, you may consider your next set of tires to be just a wee bit larger diameter and on 17" wheels.
Having 17" wheels, tires are usually considerably less $$$ than 18" tires for the same outside diameter. You will also get a little smoother ride from the taller side wall, especially on trails. Something you mentioned you wanted to keep.

Also, with any suspension you go with, there is nothing you ever have to do with KDSS. On rare occasions some folks have had a port or starboard lean which is fixable. But in short, what you want to do, there is nothing to worry about. After almost 7 years with our heavily built GX overlander on 3" suspension lift, never had an issue yet.

If you plan on any trails, you may consider trimming up the front and rear bumper lips a couple of inches to improve approach and departure angles but still keep that factory look, with just enough adventure look to not appear like the soccer Mom/mall cruiser.

 

[newbie460]

Regarding ride quality, you may consider your next set of tires to be just a wee bit larger diameter and on 17" wheels.
Having 17" wheels, tires are usually considerably less $$$ than 18" tires for the same outside diameter. You will also get a little smoother ride from the taller side wall, especially on trails. Something you mentioned you wanted to keep.

Also, with any suspension you go with, there is nothing you ever have to do with KDSS. On rare occasions some folks have had a port or starboard lean which is fixable. But in short, what you want to do, there is nothing to worry about. After almost 7 years with our heavily built GX overlander on 3" suspension lift, never had an issue yet.

If you plan on any trails, you may consider trimming up the front and rear bumper lips a couple of inches to improve approach and departure angles but still keep that factory look, with just enough adventure look to not appear like the soccer Mom/mall cruiser.

Yeah that's pretty inline with what I want to do longer-term with the 460. Rear clearance seems fine honestly, but I will be doing viper cuts on the front bumper eventually and dropping to a 17inch wheel with a 265/70/17 tire. I plan on getting a portable compressor kit for the time being so I can air down on my 18s. Glad to hear the KDSS system hasn't posed any issues with such a significant lift. Unfortunately my parking situation is underground garages so I was keen on getting more travel/articulation and to level the front so that I can still clear my room getting in to park. Thanks for all the info

 

[Hiluxforever]

I highly recommend Bilstein 5100s.

 

[newbie460]

I highly recommend Bilstein 5100s.

Interesting, thank you. I have unfortunately heard of many failures occurring with Bilsteins, specifically the 5100. I am glad that they work well for you though - perhaps it is just a matter of them being an incredibly common replacement for OEM hardware -> more users, more failures. Who knows

 

[PoindAxster]

Interesting, thank you. I have unfortunately heard of many failures occurring with Bilsteins, specifically the 5100. I am glad that they work well for you though - perhaps it is just a matter of them being an incredibly common replacement for OEM hardware -> more users, more failures. Who knows

Yup. They get a bad rap because they have the most volume of installs. You don’t hear from 99% of people because they’re not having issues. I’m on the 5100s and they’re super versatile. Getting ready to move from the stock springs to some heavy load Dobinsons. The plan is to simply adjust the ride height on the Bilsteins after the new springs go on. +No rebuilds.

 

[Rednexus]

I'm 3.5 years in on the Foam Cell Pros. The kit had some teething issues that Ironman rectified for free. My rig still rides as good as Day 1. I'd probably buy the kit again but would also look at a Dobinsons kit.

Just FYI, but I would not bother with a small lift. A 2.5/2" lift drastically improves ground clearance and wheel-ability and will ride and handle better than your worn OEM suspension. And it will still look fine with 265/70R17 tires.

 

[Hiluxforever]

Yeah I have 5100s on 2 different vehicles right now and I am happy with them. I got each set for less than 600. They are a 2"monotube with no maintenance rubber bushings. I think they are the minimum damper for any J150.

They are great in the mountains, too!

Also, Bilstein has been making shocks like this for decades. They have the best history for making monotubes since sway away is not what it was.

 

[newbie460]

I appreciate all the input everyone, thank you for all the advice!!
Looks like my list of options has grown to:
1. Some full Dobinsons Kit(IMS?)
2. Bilstein 5100s + Dobinsons Springs
3. Ironman FCP Stage 1(no UCA needed)
4. Dirt King Kit w/ UCAs(they require new UCA with all their coilovers, I assume to accommodate increased travel)
Currently leaning towards the Dobinsons Kit for Ironman FCP kit, as they seem to have good reviews from online distributors and forum reviews + everything is bundled into one purchase... Any idea what the key differences are between these 2 choices?

 

[ericm979]

The Ironman kit has rear springs that will increase the ride height about 2" which is more than you said you want for the rear. Of course you don't need to use their springs.

The Dobinsons don't increase travel much if any, while the FCP and 5100s do.

 

[newbie460]

The Ironman kit has rear springs that will increase the ride height about 2" which is more than you said you want for the rear. Of course you don't need to use their springs.

The Dobinsons don't increase travel much if any, while the FCP and 5100s do.

I am curious where you see on Ironman's website that the FCPs increase travel.

 

[jdam]

Just keep in mind that the vast majority of people will only ever really run one set of suspension, and that feedback will be subjective.

I have Dobinsons IMS and can compare them only to the stock suspension. The valving is great for medium speed, and their spring selection is quite deep, so that's a reason to consider them. They're also fully rubber bushed. I'm sure you could find the right combination of spring that would get you the lift you want - though it might not be readily apparent in vendor selection as they mostly cater to people that want 2+ inches of lift. It's a 2 inch lift all around, keeping the factory rake, though I do want to bring it down some. The back is oversprung as well but that was my choice.

I purchased through Apache Offroad (contact Brennan Dowling) and he'll walk you through it if you want. I don't know that manufacturers necessarily list that they're extended travel (looks like FCP does according to posts above) or not but 1" more may be feasible.

 

[newbie460]

Just keep in mind that the vast majority of people will only ever really run one set of suspension, and that feedback will be subjective.

I have Dobinsons IMS and can compare them only to the stock suspension. The valving is great for medium speed, and their spring selection is quite deep, so that's a reason to consider them. They're also fully rubber bushed. I'm sure you could find the right combination of spring that would get you the lift you want - though it might not be readily apparent in vendor selection as they mostly cater to people that want 2+ inches of lift. It's a 2 inch lift all around, keeping the factory rake, though I do want to bring it down some. The back is oversprung as well but that was my choice.

I purchased through Apache Offroad (contact Brennan Dowling) and he'll walk you through it if you want. I don't know that manufacturers necessarily list that they're extended travel (looks like FCP does according to posts above) or not but 1" more may be feasible.

Yeah was looking into Dobinsons and it seems endlessly customizable, a bit overwhelming. I will be dropping by a shop local to me in the next couple weeks to get their opinion on things. I would like something rebuildable if possible, coming from a mountain biking background it's the standard to be able to rebuild suspension and not have sealed units that have to be fully replaced if they go boom. However, it would be nice to just have something that will last hopefully as long as OEM suspension while providing a notable improvement in on and offroad capabilities. Maybe I am asking too much though for a price point of 1.5-2.5k USD. Time will tell...

 

[BigSwede]

I had Bilstein 6112 front 5100 rear on my FJ Cruiser (same suspension as the GX) and they rode great. Ride height adjustment is MUCH more of a pain compared to something like the Ironman FCP. You basically have to remove the shock to move the snap ring that sets ride height.

 

[BigSwede]

Thanks for the input.
Main reason I was thinking to replace UCAs was just due to age of vehicle and somewhat frequent offroad use. I figured that these suspension components have some sort of shelf-life after which point they become brittle and more prone to failure, is that incorrect?

Possibly the bushings could wear out, but that is more common with the lower control arms. And the upper ball joint will wear out eventually. But the primary reason for aftermarket UCAs is caster adjustment for a lift, and your proposed lift is minimal.

 

[Hiluxforever]

If you are just doing .75 or 1.75 you shouldn't need front Springs. I would wait in case you decided to get a bumper or something. Now if you want to do the 2.5, I would recommend getting Springs and putting the shocks on the 0 setting.

1.75 rides great on my GX, when we had 2.5 on the 4Runner it rode like crap. Too much preload.

 

[ericm979]

I am curious where you see on Ironman's website that the FCPs increase travel.

They don't say. Neither does Bilstein. See Tinkerer's Adventure Toyota IFS suspension video series on youtube. I'd prefer to point to documentation rather than videos but his videos are well researched and well produced and cover stuff that suspension companies don't bother to tell us.

 

[Rednexus]

Yeah was looking into Dobinsons and it seems endlessly customizable, a bit overwhelming. I will be dropping by a shop local to me in the next couple weeks to get their opinion on things. I would like something rebuildable if possible, coming from a mountain biking background it's the standard to be able to rebuild suspension and not have sealed units that have to be fully replaced if they go boom. However, it would be nice to just have something that will last hopefully as long as OEM suspension while providing a notable improvement in on and offroad capabilities. Maybe I am asking too much though for a price point of 1.5-2.5k USD. Time will tell...

FCPs will do that - and when they do need a rebuild, it can be done without special tools since the shocks don't rely on pressurized gas. Based on how my FCPs have performed for 40K, I estimate the lifespan of a set between rebuilds will be 60-80K. Most other aftermarket shocks use pressurized gas and need to be sent off for rebuilds. Being able to DIY the rebuild is personally why I picked the FCPs.