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- Jun 27, 2014
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I want a turnkey rear conversion kit for my 2004 GX470. Which ones do you all recommend? I was looking at strutmasters but just thought I’d a ask for feedback. I wouldn’t mind a mild lift but nothing huge. Thanks,
Another newbie question: Coil conversion kits
- Thread starter MooreEagle
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Recommend? I went with Southernstyle Off-road coil conversion, dobinsons 2" lift (shocks & springs, both front and rear)... And some other suspension tidbits, and love it. That's what I'd recommend from my own experience.
However, if you're looking for stock height or mild, this is a decent option, especially if you pair it with some Bilstein shocks (5125 maybe)...
www.metaltech4x4.com
However, if you're looking for stock height or mild, this is a decent option, especially if you pair it with some Bilstein shocks (5125 maybe)...
Metal Tech GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Stage 3 (Stock Height)
Eliminate the risk and hassle of leaky air bags with a stage 3 Lexus GX470 rear coil conversion kit from Metal Tech 4x4. This kit uses the stock spring-height.
www.metaltech4x4.com
Just add the coil conversion kit to this suspension and you will be happy...
www.metaltech4x4.com
Radflo 2003-09 Lexus GX470 2.5" Suspension Kit
Check out Metal Tech 4x4—your home for high end off road parts and accessories, specializing in Toyota. Browse our selection of off road products today.
www.metaltech4x4.com
SSO and MetalTech are the two GX vendor kits. SSO has options for shims to adjust for lean.
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- Jun 27, 2014
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- Thread starter
- #5
Ok just for clarity if I get the SSO or metal tech kit I still need to source my own springs right? I’ve read so much I’m confused at what to get. I do want a mild lift so will the kit and 4Runner springs get me there? Which shocks? Sorry there are so many options I guess I’m at paralysis by analysis. Thanks!
Make sure whichever kit you go with uses springs that are compatible with upper isolators of some sort. Some kits come with springs that won't fit the Toyota OEM isolator and you'll get squeaking from the metal to metal spring/body contact.
Let me see if I can give you the breakdown of what you need with some commentary:
1. Rear coil conversion kit (SSO and MT are the two vendors who offer slightly different coil conversion kits like Vlad said):
(a) Some coil conversion kits don't automatically include the needed isolators. The isolators are an added option to the kit. Or you can source your own Toyota OEM isolators which run like an extra $150. You need isolators, so make sure you get them.
(b) Some coil conversion kits like the SSO include shims to possibly fix any Lexus lean you might have and/or to get an extra lift (like 3/4" to 1.25"). I don't think the MT coil conversion kit includes any shims.
(c) Most coil conversion kits do not include the rear springs nor the rear shocks, so you will need to get them separately.
2. Rear springs
It's preferred that you get dual rate or progressive rate rear springs. The reason is that they ride better when empty or when somewhat loaded. If you get single rate rear springs, then most likely they will run stiff when empty and okay when somewhat loaded. I highly recommend progressive or dual rate rear springs. Check out Dobinson, ToyTec, Icon, and others for these rear springs.
3. Rear shocks
You can get rear shocks from many vendors like Bilstein, Radflo, Icon, Fox, Ironman, OME, King, etc. However, I'm running different brands of shocks for my front and rear and it doesn't feel like it's a well designed system. I also have the stock oem rear air bags. So, I suggest to get matching front and rear shocks to possibly improve the ride since matching brands will be valved to match each other. The suspension works as a system and you have to be careful when mismatching the components. You have to know what you are doing to mix and match different brands of front and rear shocks or springs.
4. Front shocks/coils
Strongly suggest getting 2.5" diameter body shocks which have more fluid and have thicker rods (overall made more sturdy than the 2.0" diameter body shocks -- not to be confused with the 2" or 2.5" or 3" lift). I know it's confusing, but stay focused here. Some people opt to get the 2.0" diameter body shocks for both the front and the rear and I call these basic suspensions. They are cheaper and work well for mild offroading or not heavy loaded. If you are going to be heavy loaded or do medium to hard trails, then you gotta go with the 2.5" diameter body shocks and heavier springs up front and rear.
If you are looking for a basic suspension (the 2.0" body diameter shocks) because you will not be wheeling hard and just want to improve the old sagging front springs, freshen up the shot oem shocks, and get rid of the rear air bags (I still run air bags, by the way), then get a conversion kit with isolators and a basic suspension like Dobinson, OME, Ironman, Icon. This will run you the cheapest.
If you gonna go medium to difficult trails or go camping way heavy laoded with a trailer, then consider the more spendy suspensions (still need a conversion kit and isolators) like the 2.5" diameter body shocks from Bilstein 6112, Icon, Radflo, Fox, OME BP51, etc. This will run you at least twice as much as the basic suspensions, but are more capable, more tunable, more flexible.
And if you have time, read this thread: GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000
1. Rear coil conversion kit (SSO and MT are the two vendors who offer slightly different coil conversion kits like Vlad said):
(a) Some coil conversion kits don't automatically include the needed isolators. The isolators are an added option to the kit. Or you can source your own Toyota OEM isolators which run like an extra $150. You need isolators, so make sure you get them.
(b) Some coil conversion kits like the SSO include shims to possibly fix any Lexus lean you might have and/or to get an extra lift (like 3/4" to 1.25"). I don't think the MT coil conversion kit includes any shims.
(c) Most coil conversion kits do not include the rear springs nor the rear shocks, so you will need to get them separately.
2. Rear springs
It's preferred that you get dual rate or progressive rate rear springs. The reason is that they ride better when empty or when somewhat loaded. If you get single rate rear springs, then most likely they will run stiff when empty and okay when somewhat loaded. I highly recommend progressive or dual rate rear springs. Check out Dobinson, ToyTec, Icon, and others for these rear springs.
3. Rear shocks
You can get rear shocks from many vendors like Bilstein, Radflo, Icon, Fox, Ironman, OME, King, etc. However, I'm running different brands of shocks for my front and rear and it doesn't feel like it's a well designed system. I also have the stock oem rear air bags. So, I suggest to get matching front and rear shocks to possibly improve the ride since matching brands will be valved to match each other. The suspension works as a system and you have to be careful when mismatching the components. You have to know what you are doing to mix and match different brands of front and rear shocks or springs.
4. Front shocks/coils
Strongly suggest getting 2.5" diameter body shocks which have more fluid and have thicker rods (overall made more sturdy than the 2.0" diameter body shocks -- not to be confused with the 2" or 2.5" or 3" lift). I know it's confusing, but stay focused here. Some people opt to get the 2.0" diameter body shocks for both the front and the rear and I call these basic suspensions. They are cheaper and work well for mild offroading or not heavy loaded. If you are going to be heavy loaded or do medium to hard trails, then you gotta go with the 2.5" diameter body shocks and heavier springs up front and rear.
If you are looking for a basic suspension (the 2.0" body diameter shocks) because you will not be wheeling hard and just want to improve the old sagging front springs, freshen up the shot oem shocks, and get rid of the rear air bags (I still run air bags, by the way), then get a conversion kit with isolators and a basic suspension like Dobinson, OME, Ironman, Icon. This will run you the cheapest.
If you gonna go medium to difficult trails or go camping way heavy laoded with a trailer, then consider the more spendy suspensions (still need a conversion kit and isolators) like the 2.5" diameter body shocks from Bilstein 6112, Icon, Radflo, Fox, OME BP51, etc. This will run you at least twice as much as the basic suspensions, but are more capable, more tunable, more flexible.
And if you have time, read this thread: GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000
Last edited:
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Check out my suspension recommendation thread. It has the answers and it isn’t double the price of old man emu or dobinson nitro.
