Aging parents - softer ride?

[Scotch]

Toyota / Lexus family here, I mostly reside on the cruiser side but have also had LX and sequoia. My Dad is late 70s and my mom recently had surgery and they were both wondering if there was something they could do to soften the ride. Its a 2016 GX and they love it, low mileage but would like to add a little more cushion.

I assume his shocks aren't worn out. Perhaps tires? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[r2m]

Toyota / Lexus family here, I mostly reside on the cruiser side but have also had LX and sequoia. My Dad is late 70s and my mom recently had surgery and they were both wondering if there was something they could do to soften the ride. Its a 2016 GX and they love it, low mileage but would like to add a little more cushion.

I assume his shocks aren't worn out. Perhaps tires? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

With all due respect, the GX is a body on frame with a solid rear axle. If they want a smoother ride, consider a unibody SUV or sedan with independent suspension on all four corners. Would any of the smaller Lexus SUVs with a front wheel/all drive would fit.
Albeit, for a body on frame vehicle the GX and LX is about as cushy as one can get for a luxury vehicle without going into a six figure price tag.
About the only thing you could do to soften up the ride is load it up with sandbags!
Seriously, I've never heard of any shocks that provide a "softer" ride over stock. Only shocks for a firmer ride for handling and/or heavier loads.
This may require some research on your part looking up manufacturers to see what shocks and springs are available and how the manufacturers rate them.
What some reviews may call a terrible very spongy soft ride, could be what you want!

 

[Scotch]

Thanks for the feedback - yes, I understand the odd request and as an avid wheeler I cringed typing... but that's where we are!

 

[Acrad]

I can tell a difference in the Comfort mode of the AVS setting but it sounds like your parents model is the non-AVS trim.

 

[jonshonda]

We have a 2017 Luxury w/ 53k miles on it, and even in comfort mode I agree the ride can be a bit jarring at times. But like others have said body on frame with a solid rear axle is never going to ride like a unibody IFS/IRS rig. Maybe get them to look at an RX?

 

[Banandalorian]

It's certainly possible the shocks or some other suspension components are worn out due to age/mileage even if the mileage is low for a Lexus. The shocks may not leaking or externally damaged but have lost damping performance. The OEM GX suspension is really about as good as it gets for on road comfort for a truck. The high end adjustable and/or custom valved lift kits can be quite comfortable but I doubt your parents want to go down that route for a number of reasons.

I'd start by checking the tire pressure, then check the suspension to see if anything looks or feels worn out. You could replace the front bump stops with something better but I'd be a little surprised if they are regularly slamming into those on the street. I guess you could also get slightly larger tires for more sidewall, though the OEM size is a high profile to begin with.

 

[RG7]

Maybe instead of trying to cushion the ride use actual cushions? Heard good things about these: Simply Seat Cushion - https://purple.com/seat-cushions/car?utm_source=go&utm_medium=sh&utm_campaign=20345070205&utm_term=pt&utm_content=gco&kw=&cpn=20345070205&cq_cmp=20345070205&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpKiayJ2JgAMVLhitBh12uwBIEAQYAiABEgI9BfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Unfortunately there is no magic bullet “buy this from ABC co and it fixes the problem” that I’m aware of.

Tire pressure or damage somewhere is the only other thing I can think of but sounds like you’re all over that side of it.

 

[Rednexus]

A couple options could be:

1. Install a set of progressive bump stops like DuroBumps or Perry Parts bumps. Not sure if your folks are bottoming out the rig but these will certainly help with any jarring sensations.
2. I just put a set of ICON 2.0 shocks on a buddy's Tundra and honestly it rode like a Cadillac. Must smoother over broken pavement/uneven streets etc. You could just put some shocks like that on the rig, set to stock height.
3. Have them sell the GX and buy a different rig - we also have a hybrid Highlander and it rides amazing without the truckiness. It's also bigger than a GX inside, has better infotainment/safety features, and gets 2X the fuel mileage. Unless they are towing/off-roading it's a better DD vehicle and can be just as luxurious as a older GX.

 

[aztoytec]

A simple tire change may help them. See what they are running. Michelins ride nice and smooth.

 

[HVLA]

Some soft Michellins at 20psi should do the trick. Just tell them to stay off the highway and sharp turns at speed.

 

[r2m]

Great point about tire pressure. Bring the tire pressure down to the minimum rated for that tire or maybe 5 psi under.
Also, sidewall stiffness makes a huge impact on ride quality. If they don't already have a thin soft sidewall tire, that may be a good place to start, especially if they are anywhere close to needing new tires anyways!

 

[Rednexus]

Indeed on tire pressure.....in our rigs there is a huge difference between 40+ psi and ~32 psi. My GX is pretty comfy at 32 psi on 17s. Tire shops love to over-inflate.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Indeed on tire pressure.....in our rigs there is a huge difference between 40+ psi and ~32 psi. My GX is pretty comfy at 32 psi on 17s. Tire shops love to over-inflate.

32-34 is my sweet spot on the 17's.

 

[GTV]

Smallest diameter wheels coupled with the tallest tire that fits in standard load range. Plush.

 

[r2m]

Smallest diameter wheels coupled with the tallest tire that fits in standard load range. Plush.

That'll be 17" wheels. Smallest that'll fit over our brakes.

 

[gr5208]

I just upgraded from a '22 4Runner TRD-Off Road (with KDSS) to a '23 GX 460 Lux, with the 19" rims. The 17" sidewalls do absorb a bit (but the 19" give way more predictable cornering), however, the rear suspension on the 4R has much more travel and has a much softer setup. I find myself slowing down for speedbumps with the GX where before I just flew over them.

The only thing remotely close was my Citroen with hydraulic suspension (I'm from Europe). Not calling the GX harsh, I love it (I've done 2500mi so far), but if silky smooth is needed, there is room for improvement.

 

[r2m]

I just upgraded from a '22 4Runner TRD-Off Road (with KDSS) to a '23 GX 460 Lux, with the 19" rims. The 17" sidewalls do absorb a bit (but the 19" give way more predictable cornering), however, the rear suspension on the 4R has much more travel and has a much softer setup. I find myself slowing down for speedbumps with the GX where before I just flew over them.

The only thing remotely close was my Citroen with hydraulic suspension (I'm from Europe). Not calling the GX harsh, I love it (I've done 2500mi so far), but if silky smooth is needed, there is room for improvement.

Those Citrons had a crazy suspension system. If I remember right, you could actually lift one wheel off the ground.

 

[gr5208]

Those Citrons had a crazy suspension system. If I remember right, you could actually lift one wheel off the ground.

Indeed! Drive on three wheels. Never did that but I've seen people do it as a demo. Saved the French president's life one day when there was an assassination attempt...

 

[Hiluxforever]

I agree with the folks that say downsize the wheel. Get a light passenger sidewall all season.

Also digressive shocks.

Or just simple tossing two 70 lb sand bags in the back.

 

[chipsterguy]

Tires / tire pressure (at the low mark - 32 PSI) and stock suspension will be the most productive for smoothest ride on the GX