GX470 suspension swap

[BloodMeridian]

Hi. New to the forum. My partner just totaled our 2000 lx470. I loved that thing. I went out and bought a 2004 gx470. I don’t do crazy off-roading and am not looking to run 35s and rock crawl. I like a very smooth ride when I’m doing 80 on the freeway with four people in the car and, with those same people in the car, doing 40 on washboard roads, loose rock, little streams, etc. I’m looking for advice on a suspension swap with a premium on ride comfort. Thank you.

 

[Jstawgn]

Matched spring and shocks to the load are the key. No matter what brand it would ride bad when setup wrong.

I run Dobinsons MRA and been very pleased with it after finding the optimal setting. It is 3 way adjustable to make it easy to adjust and adapt to your particular setup. The bad part is set wrong it can ride worse than set and forget system. You need to be willing to learn how suspension works.

1. Softer setting can cause it to ride hard when it does not have enough damping and cause the suspension to bottom out.
2. Firmer setting does not means it would handle better. When set to firm the vehicle are easily unsettled and lose grip too.

 

[BloodMeridian]

Matched spring and shocks to the load are the key. No matter what brand it would ride bad when setup wrong.

I run Dobinsons MRA and been very please with it after finding the optimal setting. It is 3 way adjustable to make it easy to adjust and adapt to your particular setup. The bad part is set wrong it can ride worse than a set and forget system. You need to be willing to learn how suspension works.

1. Softer setting can cause it to ride hard when it does not have enough damping and cause the suspension to bottom out.
2. Firmer setting does not means it would handle better. When set to firm the vehicle are easily unsettled and lose grip too.

Thank you. So, I guess the question is: aren’t there plenty of out of the box options (kits) for a swap? I run the vehicle+400-800 lbs in passengers and cargo. I imagine they’d pretty typical. Not opposed to a small lift - probably gonna run 32s but wouldn’t mind being able to get 33s on it.

 

[Rednexus]

ICON is the best riding suspension I've experienced in a Toyota 4x4. But, they are on the expensive side and require relatively frequent rebuilds.

ICON 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 0-3.5" Suspension System - Stage 2 (Tubular) UCA's

Increase the wheel travel & enhance the performance for your Lexus GX470 with the ICON Vehicle Dynamics stage 2 suspension system from Metal Tech 4x4.

metaltech4x4.com

I personally run Ironman Foam Cell Pro shocks, They do very, very well at high-speed washboard roads and excellent on the interstate. But, they are definitely optimized for carrying heavier loads, and can be on the harsher side when unloaded on two-lane backroads. When loaded up with people/gear, they ride great.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I agree with Rednexus 100%

 

[drowzyGX]

Gotta toss my hat in the ring for Icon.

put about 30K miles - mostly highway - on mine, and they ride like a dream. That setup + KDSS, and this thing handles far better than a 20 year old body on frame suv should.

I’ve had to replace the springs on my coilovers due to adding a bumper and winch, and do some thorough cleaning + Teflon lubricant on the shock bodies, but that’s it on maintenance so far.

 

[Poop Bubbles]

Hi. New to the forum. My partner just totaled our 2000 lx470. I loved that thing. I went out and bought a 2004 gx470. I don’t do crazy off-roading and am not looking to run 35s and rock crawl. I like a very smooth ride when I’m doing 80 on the freeway with four people in the car and, with those same people in the car, doing 40 on washboard roads, loose rock, little streams, etc. I’m looking for advice on a suspension swap with a premium on ride comfort. Thank you.

For what you're describing, a functioning stock suspension with a good set of 265/70/17 tires is all you need. Load rating of your tires will affect ride quality more than any suspension. Stick with C load or lighter.

If you're hauling down trails at speed for more than an hour at a time, you need something that can handle the heat; remote reservoirs, etc. Dobinsons MRA holds up but $$$. Mine ride like a cadillac off and on pavement, load C tires.