Bilstein 5100 shocks

[sack]

I just bought a 03 GX470 I was wondering if I were to replace the shocks with Bilstein 5100 could I still keep my airbag system?

 

[eL PeReZ eSe]

keep your airbag system?, yes. and also you lose your dampening control.

 

[PerryParts]

you can keep your bags with 5100s, but while you're in there I'd strongly recommend just going to springs. Big improvement.

 

[ad27326]

I have the same plan, 5100’s up front but do I want the lift to come from new springs or get stock height springs and lift with the Bilsteins?

 

[NCgamecock]

I think this is a good video kinda explaining what you're after.

 

[NCgamecock]

I decided to keep my air bags, because I think they offer some unique & valuable advantages over springs - ride leveling, height adjustment, etc. Although, springs also have advantages - cost & durability.
I'm going with Dobinsons front springs/shocks, plus Dobinsons rear shocks with new air bags (& the lift trick in the video above). I considered Bilsteins, but I was told they're designed to be more generic (can be used on lots of different vehicles), whereas the Dobinsons are tuned a little more specifically for our platform. Although, I probly don't have the driving ability to really feel the difference...

 

[SmithGX]

I decided to keep my air bags, because I think they offer some unique & valuable advantages over springs - ride leveling, height adjustment, etc. Although, springs also have advantages - cost & durability.
I'm going with Dobinsons front springs/shocks, plus Dobinsons rear shocks with new air bags (& the lift trick in the video above). I considered Bilsteins, but I was told they're designed to be more generic (can be used on lots of different vehicles), whereas the Dobinsons are tuned a little more specifically for our platform. Although, I probly don't have the driving ability to really feel the difference...

If it's in the budget, you'll get more functionality and comfort out of taller airbags. These would allow you to retain full airbag functionality without compromising the ride quality.

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