lift options for my 05 GX

[little_joe]

@CarolinaGX nailed it with the comment suspensions are systems. I'm forever finished trying to cobble together suspension from different mfgrs - I am not an engineer, have no advanced knowledge of components, do not have access to mfgrs's proprietary data, and unless you do I'd suggest finding a complete suspension that meets your specs/needs.

@Algx470sport as others have said, your guy might hit your price point, but you'll end up spending more later to correct/improve it. Doing the GX suspension is not at all difficult and just requires common tools, so save the labor and use that coin to get it right the 1st time (I did my suspension by myself in my garage in a day, and I have basic skills and tools).

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Yeah, but is the suspension system just brand matched shocks and springs? Or more like an icon stage 7?

 

[little_joe]

Yeah, but is the suspension system just brand matched shocks and springs? Or more like an icon stage 7?

I don't doubt there are some that are simply relabeled, brand-matched pieces-parts, a la 4WPW house brand.

From reputable mfgrs, I'd wager their springs and shocks are designed to work together at all "stages." For example, Icon uses digressive shock valving whereas others largely use progressive (I've heard Bilstein may be digressive as well?). Both Icon and Radflo, among many others, source their springs from Eibach - it's the specs they're built to and how they're tuned w/ the shocks that matters, and that's where you get into valving, piston(s), pressure, spring characteristics. This leads to the total crapshoot that is mixing and matching.

To me, they all make good suspension systems. As stated repeatedly, it comes down to intended use, suspension characteristics, and budget. O, and a retailer that asks questions and listens.

 

[Algx470sport]

Suddenly this is a complicated science...lol

With my KDSS (which I want to keep), I definitely want to do it right the first time and avoid cost later.

Here are some pics from yesterday, KDSS in action, seems like it does a decent job... just need that extra 2 inches of clearance...

 

[Cooperd0g]

Just out of curiosity what makes you say you need two extra inches of clearance? Suspension upgrades generally allow for two things: better articulation and larger tires. KDSS already gives you the articulation. The larger tires themselves are what give added ground clearance, not the suspension. You can fit 33” tires without a lift (255/80R17).

 

[Jstawgn]

Just out of curiosity what makes you say you need two extra inches of clearance?

Because she said so. Sorry could not resist

The larger tires themselves are what give added ground clearance, not the suspension. You can fit 33” tires without a lift (255/80R17).

I run this size on my truck for a couple months with no rubbing except the front fender liner at max turn. Easily fixed my moving it forward and a bit massaging with heat gun.

I run stock tired suspension and then changed to tough dog adjustable. Vehicle setup, load and tire characteristics can make same suspension behave very differently. Adjustable suspension makes that tuning much easier for most DIY tuning. It takes months to find the best setting for my setup and preferences but its easy dial turn than changing suspension. The difference is very apparent once you get the setting correct.

Dobinsons is coming with adjustable MRR soon. That would be a bit cheaper than Elka and still use rubber bushings instead of rod ends that require a lot of maintenance. With the long travel available on regular MMR i assume this would be possible also. This might be my next go to suspension when i want to try figuring out long travel with KDSS.

 

[Algx470sport]

Just out of curiosity what makes you say you need two extra inches of clearance? Suspension upgrades generally allow for two things: better articulation and larger tires. KDSS already gives you the articulation. The larger tires themselves are what give added ground clearance, not the suspension. You can fit 33” tires without a lift (255/80R17).

A 2 inch suspension lift would raise my vehicle effectively, giving me better entry and departure, due to general height increase. Going to bigger tires would also add to that my half and inch....and yes, I would also get slightly better articulation (w kdss).

 

[Algx470sport]

I think you were thinking at the axles... which is non issue for me because the axles are raised as my tires go over stuff. A suspension lift most definitely lifts the chassis thus achieving my goal of better departure/entry and center height

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I think everyone missed my point on the icon stage 7. It has more than just shocks and springs. ICON 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 0-3.5" Suspension System - Stage 7 w/ Billet UCA's

The reason it includes other parts is because those other parts like the stock UCAs or stock rear upper and rear lower links limit additional articulation gains by longer shocks and springs. Then the brake lines and the bump stops need to be extended. Then extend sway bar end links or remove sway bars. Panhard sometimes needs to be corrected too.

So, if you are only interested in a lift and a good firm or soft ride, then just focus on the shocks and springs. If you want more articulation, then start upgrading the limiting components like those in the Icon stage 7 suspension kit.

If you want better traction in rocky or rutted roads, then you need think beyond the suspension and also look at lockers and eventually a winch.

The springs and shocks are key components of the suspension and impact the ride and height the most, but they are not the only parts of your suspension.

 

[Cooperd0g]

I think you were thinking at the axles... which is non issue for me because the axles are raised as my tires go over stuff. A suspension lift most definitely lifts the chassis thus achieving my goal of better departure/entry and center height

I’ll grant you a bit of approach and departure angle with a lift raising the chassis, but ground clearance on a body on frame vehicle is strictly based on tire size.

 

[GXO]

Ehhh. Suspension lift does add ground clearance (break over, center in ifs). Passed that... Totally agree

 

[vwynn]

I’ll grant you a bit of approach and departure angle with a lift raising the chassis, but ground clearance on a body on frame vehicle is strictly based on tire size.

one word.. Portals.

but we are normal folks so... yea agree.

 

[Algx470sport]

Haha portals would be nice.... but alas, super lotto hasn't come through yet...