I'm lost on suspension. I've read a ton, but the choices are kinda overwhelming. Could use some input...

[amongmany]

Recently purchased a used 04 GX. I dropped it off to a widely respected shop (RPM Garage for the SoCal folks) who came back with a longer list than I expected.

Truck needs:

• CV's
• Swaybar Links (Front and Rear)
• Front Lower Control Arm bushings
• Rear Lower Control Arms
• Shocks F/R
• Airbags are shot (going to coils)

I don't need a lift, but if we're doing the suspension work now's the time. So, first question:

If I didn't want to go with a lift, what's the most reasonably priced way to do a coil conversion and get back on the road?
As best I can tell, by the time I do a straight coil conversion with new shocks/struts, springs in the back, etc. — I'm practically at the cost of a lift. (+/- the cost of the UCA's)

If I do go with a lift, is there a good "mild" kit that would net me ~1.5"?
The shop is recommending either Eibach + SPC's or Ironman Stage 2 — both good choices from my research that will net ~2-2.5". However, I don't need that much lift; what kit would keep me in a range that might not require UCA's?

One of my requirements is that the spare fit in the stock location. That limits me to 265/70/17 or 255/75/17's.
Will they look tiny with a 2" lift?

And lastly, given everything that it needs, is there a unified direction to take? One manufacturer for all the parts? Or does it matter?

Thanks for all the help folks!

 

[McDuff123]

Just my opinion and experience, but a 2” lift does not require aftermarket UCA’s. Going higher probably does.
Steering will feel a bit “twitchier” but you will get by.
255-75/17 (32’) do not look too bad with a lift. It’s a good size...narrow so weight and rolling resistance are down, available in a “C” rating so more comfortable, yet capable size-wise of most light and medium-duty off-roading.
My personal preference is BFG KO2, but there are a lot of good tires out there.
Picture is with the above tire (with about 20k on them), and an IronMan stage 2, foam cell pro kit. Roughly 3” lift.

 

[amongmany]

Thanks @McDuff123 — the pic is super helpful

 

[chiz45]

Depending on your boot condition, I'd be more concerned about the CVs, and start there.

 

[amongmany]

Depending on your boot condition, I'd be more concerned about the CVs, and start there.

The CV's are being done at the same time.

 

[Sleepy]

Here is mine with a 2" Dobinsons lift with comfort shocks and progressive rear coils. Cooper ST MAXX in 255/75/17 bought new for $600 on deal from Discount Tires.

 

[Khnguyen714]

Easiest is if you want to be stock, look for someone who has working airbags from doing the coil conversion. I would highly recommend the coil conversion anyways because it makes future mods so much easier if you choose to.

There are enough coil options that you can keep the stock height after coil conversion. If you want a lift, the easiest is 5100's. You can use the existing front coils and achieve 2" lift. This is what I've been using for 2yrs.

I would estimate around $700-800 for 4 5100's, the coil conversion, and rear springs. Overall, this will give you a better ride anyways. Also, no uca needed for this. Plus, there are always used 5100's and rear coils should you want to save more money.

 

[amongmany]

Easiest is if you want to be stock, look for someone who has working airbags from doing the coil conversion. I would highly recommend the coil conversion anyways because it makes future mods so much easier if you choose to.

There are enough coil options that you can keep the stock height after coil conversion. If you want a lift, the easiest is 5100's. You can use the existing front coils and achieve 2" lift. This is what I've been using for 2yrs.

I would estimate around $700-800 for 4 5100's, the coil conversion, and rear springs. Overall, this will give you a better ride anyways. Also, no uca needed for this. Plus, there are always used 5100's and rear coils should you want to save more money.

interesting. Does the lift in the front come from the bilsteins?

 

[Khnguyen714]

interesting. Does the lift in the front come from the bilsteins?

The lift comes from preload of your springs.

 

[amongmany]

The lift comes from preload of your springs.

Ok, I’m new to this. Help me understand... I can use stock coils on the front and get 2” of lift to match the back?

 

[Khnguyen714]

Ok, I’m new to this. Help me understand... I can use stock coils on the front and get 2” of lift to match the back?

Without getting too technical, basically preload is the amount compress of spring while there is no weight on the coilovers. The 5100 will have perches you can set the coil to to achieve lift. Think it ranges from 0-2".

What I'm saying is usually when you buy a lift kit, it comes with brand new shock and springs in the front. However if you dont want to spend money, you can buy the 5100 or whatever shock and use the stock spring.

 

[amongmany]

Without getting too technical, basically preload is the amount compress of spring while there is no weight on the coilovers. The 5100 will have perches you can set the coil to to achieve lift. Think it ranges from 0-2".

What I'm saying is usually when you buy a lift kit, it comes with brand new shock and springs in the front. However if you dont want to spend money, you can buy the 5100 or whatever shock and use the stock spring.

Got it, thanks for the help.

 

[amongmany]

Here is mine with a 2" Dobinsons lift with comfort shocks and progressive rear coils. Cooper ST MAXX in 255/75/17 bought new for $600 on deal from Discount Tires.

WOW. That's a helluva deal. They're coming up at $940 for me at DT.

 

[Sleepy]

Yup not sure that deal available much anymore. It was a limited time offer. Free shipping too.

 

[CreasyBear]

I had a '06 with the same suspension issues. After asking around I ended up talking to Kyle Fogle from Treat Oak Offroad. I bought a 1.5" Dobinson kit from him with everyone required to do the coil conversion in the rear.

My wife who primarily drives it didn't notice a change in ride quality. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of the kit.

 

[QuadRAGIN]

Just my opinion and experience, but a 2” lift does not require aftermarket UCA’s. Going higher probably does.
Steering will feel a bit “twitchier” but you will get by.
255-75/17 (32’) do not look too bad with a lift. It’s a good size...narrow so weight and rolling resistance are down, available in a “C” rating so more comfortable, yet capable size-wise of most light and medium-duty off-roading.
My personal preference is BFG KO2, but there are a lot of good tires out there.
Picture is with the above tire (with about 20k on them), and an IronMan stage 2, foam cell pro kit. Roughly 3” lift.

Exactly the look Im hoping our will have


View attachment 2442860

 

[QuadRAGIN]

Recently purchased a used 04 GX. I dropped it off to a widely respected shop (RPM Garage for the SoCal folks) who came back with a longer list than I expected.

Truck needs:

• CV's
• Swaybar Links (Front and Rear)
• Front Lower Control Arm bushings
• Rear Lower Control Arms
• Shocks F/R
• Airbags are shot (going to coils)

I don't need a lift, but if we're doing the suspension work now's the time. So, first question:

If I didn't want to go with a lift, what's the most reasonably priced way to do a coil conversion and get back on the road?
As best I can tell, by the time I do a straight coil conversion with new shocks/struts, springs in the back, etc. — I'm practically at the cost of a lift. (+/- the cost of the UCA's)

If I do go with a lift, is there a good "mild" kit that would net me ~1.5"?
The shop is recommending either Eibach + SPC's or Ironman Stage 2 — both good choices from my research that will net ~2-2.5". However, I don't need that much lift; what kit would keep me in a range that might not require UCA's?

One of my requirements is that the spare fit in the stock location. That limits me to 265/70/17 or 255/75/17's.
Will they look tiny with a 2" lift?

And lastly, given everything that it needs, is there a unified direction to take? One manufacturer for all the parts? Or does it matter?

Thanks for all the help folks!

Replacement air bags are cheaper

 

[isthatalexus]

I might be a luddite, but I prefer the dead-simple Old Man Emu (OME) coils and shocks combination. Tough as nails and rides beautifully...especially if you got lucky and got the KDSS version of the GX. (i.e., corners like a Golf GTI) Go with the soft or medium setup (do the math on how much weight you're adding on the truck), and you'll have a little less than a 2" increase in height; that setup is, effectively, the lift. If you do have KDSS and you are going to do more complex trail stuff, I suggest UCAs. You will have an easier time at the alignment shop and can take full advantage of all that extra travel. On tires: I run Falken Wildpeak (MT-metric) and they are do the job well on-road and off. (just keep at or north of 35 psi on tarmac; again, depending on how much you've packed into the truck)

 

[Jstawgn]

One manufacturer and one series would be better bets. There is a very slight change mix and match might work OK.

Dobinson and OME sells stock height replacement. Bilstein 4600 Is geared more for stock replacement. You can get coil conversion kit and use 5th gen 4runner rear spring. 5th gen 4runner are about same weight as GX470. I think the common FJ coil would be to soft for GX.

 

[isthatalexus]

Here's one very economical option For Sale - GX470 Suspension