GX470 Shock Upgrades

[bap5340]

Can you guys describe your experiences with shock upgrades on vehicles that have KDSS. I have a standard 04 without KDSS. I've found an 06 with KDSS with much lower mileage, so I'm considering a swap. I drive a lot to northern AZ on some twisty roads. Today my 04 seemed to have a fair amount of lean to it when traveling up to Payson AZ (loaded with gear and scouts). The frame has 190K (I'm the third owner). If I keep it I'll be looking at the new OME BP-51s when they are released. An alternative would be Icon, or Fox, etc.

Here's the question. I like the Lexus ride and want to maintain the on-road manners. I'm not looking to lift it much at all. Both vehicles (04 and 06) will need some new shocks. I'm wondering if a set of high quality coilovers would provide similar effect as KDSS. If I put new coilovers with KDSS, what should I expect?

Please provide any constructive comments. I am not the rock crawler, but I do want a sure-footed GX for forrest service roads, scout outings, and snow. Most of it's life will be on pavement.

 

[JLee]

KDSS gives you really beefy sway bars. I have it on my truck and it was a must-have when I was shopping.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73299-Land-Cruiser-KDSS-explained

 

[bap5340]

Is your truck a GX470, LC200, GX460? Have you driven a similar truck without? Observations?

 

[JLee]

I have an 07 GX470. I have not driven a non-KDSS equipped model. A while ago, I found an article / review that compared them both, but I can't find it now.

Observations...it corners much flatter than any SUV this size has business doing.

 

[ChiTown]

I have an 03 without kdss and would say my FOX 2.5 and OME springs ride better than my original struts and air bags.

 

[scparrish]

From my experience the KDSS equipped GXs have much less body roll, due to the sway bar upgrade. As far as the ride just driving down the road there isn't much difference.