Our 2003 GX 470's rear air suspension is acting a little flaky after going to the dealer for some fluid replacements. As in it doesn't work, riding on the stops (DTC codes 5-1 and 6-1). It seems like there are some error codes related to being on the lift, I'm going to let them look at it first ("you broke it...").
Anyhow, I'm thinking sooner or later I'm going to have to deal with it. The consensus seems to be that reliability and utility are best served by switching to a traditional system.
Looking to outsource at least the install. I'd kind of like to find a knowledgeable shop that can also advise and troubleshoot.
Does anyone know of good Toyota shops or off-road shops that at least know Toyota well near Billings?
There is at least one or two in Bozeman (think lots of rich adventurers in Sprinters and custom conversions and that might be the ticket, but I'm sure there are some other lower profile folks closer to me, or even in Northern WY.
Just having gotten a GX470 myself (days ago) I looked to find I too have air suspension.
With that said, switching over to a conventional rear coil is really easy and replacing your front coilovers and rear shocks and coils is pretty standard stuff. No need for 'Toyota-specialists' as that's just a way to fork over more money.
Agreed that a coil conversion is a very easy DIY job that requires minimal tools and know-how. It shouldn't be more than an hour or so per side. Also agree that most any general suspension/tire/lift kit shop should be able to handle it. There is nothing special about these rigs really - they are pretty easy to work on.
Thanks, guys, for the quick replies!
(viewing this thread made me realize I needed to update my profile and sig location... yay freedom and fireworks and rodeo yesterday, BTW)
So I'm guessing that all the warnings about special tools and hydraulic presses are probably more aimed at folks need to press out their control arms?
That would leave only the advice piece, which could be got from forums or a local off-road shop (I found one that also does a lot of fab). I'll comb some threads, but open to any suggestions on good current recs for reliable on-road and light-off road arrangements.
I just noticed I never circled back on this thread a few years ago. I ended up going with an Icon Stage 2 set up and a slight lift (I described our driving needs/context and left it up to the owner of the offroad shop to adjust the height and rates of final setup).
Went with Big Sky Offroad in Billings and was very happy with them.
I just noticed I never circled back on this thread a few years ago. I ended up going with an Icon Stage 2 set up and a slight lift (I described our driving needs/context and left it up to the owner of the offroad shop to adjust the height and rates of final setup).
Went with Big Sky Offroad in Billings and was very happy with them.
I have a 2011 GX460 with the air bags. I want to do a lift and that means removing the bags, which I have no hesitation to do. I live in Sheridan and could easily spend a few days up there while they work on my vehicle.
Did they choose the lift kit for you? I only want to go 2” lift on mine.
Thanks for circling back and putting this thread in front of me.
I have a 2011 GX460 with the air bags. I want to do a lift and that means removing the bags, which I have no hesitation to do. I live in Sheridan and could easily spend a few days up there while they work on my vehicle.
Did they choose the lift kit for you? I only want to go 2” lift on mine.
Thanks for circling back and putting this thread in front of me.
Yes, I went in there I think and talked to the proprietor (Jeff IIRC) for a while. He recommended the Icon as good quality that could be rebuilt internally when they wear and save some money down the road.
I wasn't well read enough to have a strong opinion about the exact lift so I let him recommend it.
The ride is very good on rough terrain (wash board roads etc). A bit floaty on the road but no worse than stock and more confident feeling.
Hope this helps,
David
PS I'm in Western Montana now and haven't stopped by the shop for a couple years but assume they're still open.
and that might be the ticket, but I'm sure there are some other lower profile folks closer to me, or even in Northern WY. 
