So I have a new-to-me 2012 GX460 with the adjustable height airbag rear suspension.
The vehicle is at 97k miles and the suspension is original.
From what I can tell, the rear airbag shocks are fine for now, but the front shocks are leaking.
My mechanic recommended replacing the front shocks "sooner rather than later".
My initial thought (since this is my first offroad vehicle ever) was to drive the stock suspension until I can figure out its limitations and how far I want to modify it.
The leaking shocks will expedite my decision making, it seems.
The shop recommended a Bilstein 6112 front/5110 rear shock lift (2" front, 1" rear), with an airbag delete.
I've attached their quote.
It seems like a solid lift kit, but I'm wondering if it's worth just getting the 6112 on the front to replace the leaking shocks, and to continue using the rear airbag suspension for a while. I'd be doing this for the point of saving money (upfront at least), and getting to know the car and what I want to do with it better.
Is this likely to cause some asymmetric behavior or premature wear and tear? I also imagine it might affect the rake and I'd have to lift the rear all the time?
Just wanted to get some opinions from the experienced folks here before I pull the trigger.
My vision for the car is family road trips and relatively mild/moderate off-roading to start - fire roads, long washboard roads (Hole in the Rock road in Utah or the road out to Eureka Dunes in Death Valley comes to mind), some moderate trails in the Sierra Nevada.
Not planning on any bumpers for now, probably just some beefier skid plates.
Unlikely to ever tow.
Thanks.
P.S. Purely out of ignorance of not being familiar with lift kits, what do the bump stop replacements and KDSS spacers accomplish in the below quote?
The vehicle is at 97k miles and the suspension is original.
From what I can tell, the rear airbag shocks are fine for now, but the front shocks are leaking.
My mechanic recommended replacing the front shocks "sooner rather than later".
My initial thought (since this is my first offroad vehicle ever) was to drive the stock suspension until I can figure out its limitations and how far I want to modify it.
The leaking shocks will expedite my decision making, it seems.
The shop recommended a Bilstein 6112 front/5110 rear shock lift (2" front, 1" rear), with an airbag delete.
I've attached their quote.
It seems like a solid lift kit, but I'm wondering if it's worth just getting the 6112 on the front to replace the leaking shocks, and to continue using the rear airbag suspension for a while. I'd be doing this for the point of saving money (upfront at least), and getting to know the car and what I want to do with it better.
Is this likely to cause some asymmetric behavior or premature wear and tear? I also imagine it might affect the rake and I'd have to lift the rear all the time?
Just wanted to get some opinions from the experienced folks here before I pull the trigger.
My vision for the car is family road trips and relatively mild/moderate off-roading to start - fire roads, long washboard roads (Hole in the Rock road in Utah or the road out to Eureka Dunes in Death Valley comes to mind), some moderate trails in the Sierra Nevada.
Not planning on any bumpers for now, probably just some beefier skid plates.
Unlikely to ever tow.
Thanks.
P.S. Purely out of ignorance of not being familiar with lift kits, what do the bump stop replacements and KDSS spacers accomplish in the below quote?
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