GX 470 Air Suspension Conversion (Delete) Kit?

[Chemical442]

Just brought home my GX 470 with 52k on the clock and the 3 hour drive home was complete with a slap in the face that the rear shocks were wasted. Bouncing to the point I hit my head on the roof a few times. I've heard of this Air Suspension Conversion Kit, which deletes the failing air shocks... Has anyone used this kit? Heard of this kit? Is it too good to be true? Makes sense to me, at a glance. Searched here and found nothing on this specific topic, and I'd rather not go to the dealer, tail between my legs, and hand them $1,200.

Here's what I'm talking about. Thanks in advance for ANY feedback/experiences.

GX470 Suspension Parts | GX470 Suspension 4 Less

GX-470 4 Wheel Air Suspension Conversion Kit

 

[Chemical442]

On second thought, after crawling underneath in the rain this morning, I see air springs AND air shocks. I assumed these were like Lincolns in that its an air bag/shock or strut combination unit, not two separate entities. I'm assuming the air springs (bags) handle the suspending, and the air shocks handle the dampening. What I'm confused about is which is controlled by the ride height, and which is a part of the comfort/sport tuning loop. I would think the bags handle the ride height portion, and the air shocks handle the stiffening or loosening of the dampening for the tuning?

So if my only concern is dampening, and I don't care about the ability to adjust the comfort/sport settings, could I just get regular shocks instead of these $3-400 each air shocks? I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, I just wonder how much difference there is between the comfort and sport settings, really, and if I decided to not go the air shock route, does that air hose require crimping so as not to confuse the pump? Or is that quick disconnect also a stop valve?

So many things to learn all over again, when you buy another rig. lol.

 

[Chemical442]

Thanks for all the replies so far! LOL After more research, it seems like it may be a classic Height Sensor failure. Taking it into the stealership tomorrow to diagnose, then I'll go from there.

Anyone know what my rights are, if any, on warranty? 53k and I'm second owner.

 

[uzj100]

What year is it?

 

[Chemical442]

2006. Guess I should've mentioned that, huh?

 

[jjbodean1970]

.....

 

[uzj100]

How many miles? Hopefully you are still under the powertrain warranty.

http://www.lexus.com/models/GX/warranty/index.html

The sensor may not be listed however I would make a stink about it and explain it effects the powertrain.

I took our 03 in 2 years ago with 75k miles and the paint was peeling off the wheels. Very strange for a Lexus. I asked is it covered? They said no, so I left. They called a week later with new wheels for my our GX. I had to pay $100 to get the tires switched. Lexus is all about taking care of you.

Good luck.

 

[zimcruza]

Yep sensor failure does exist on the 120 platform - had my 120 Cruiser sensors replaced under warranty. I'm now going to replace the front and rear TEMS shocks with Tough Dog from Australia, as well as new, larger airbags to give about 60mm lift all round, retaining the current lo - std - hi adjustment for the rear.

Cheers

 

[bulldog-yota]

You can replace the sensor and see how it goes or rip out the air bag and put coils in.

Stock Rear Ai\rbag Problem - Page 2 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Lexus GX470 with OME Review - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Rear Air Suspension Problems? Options! - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[4x4v8]

DO NOT REPLACE THE AIRBAGS.

I had this happen to my 4runner in the rear. Bulldog posted my thread from T120 about changing it to coils. I would suggest you do that because if you plan on hitting any trails, you will want the coils. I ripped a bag on a tree branch and the hour ride home was a disaster (read: head hitting the headliner).

 

[Arroz]

If you haven't found it yet this is the best write-up I have seen - My new Lexus GX470 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[4x4v8]

If you haven't found it yet this is the best write-up I have seen - My new Lexus GX470 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Woody seems to be the go-to guy for the GX.

 

[LittleRock80]

"I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, I just wonder how much difference there is between the comfort and sport settings"


I can tell a big difference between the 2 "comfort" and 2 "sport" settings. Sport is often too bouncy and Comfort feels like your driving a bowl full of jello on wheels.

My 2cents.

Jwp