More q's: (1 Viewer)

[tlin]

Before I start taking things off, anyone know what the space behind the plastic in the red rectangle below is like? I'm used to my WagonGear tailgate storage in my 80, wondering if a similar opportunity (of sorts) exists here.

Next, what's the total height of some of the lifted GX's out there? I'm trying to understand if parking in my garage at work will continue to be an option once lift/tires are on. If you can, please share height and if this includes a roof rack or not.

Last, HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR SUSPENSION/LIFT?!?! I've got a spreadsheet going that captures all of the lifts/suspension setups that most folks have shared on Mud - ToyTec/BilSteen/Ironman/Icon/Radflo with long-travel appearing to be the outlier but how does one choose? Aside from a very rare failure with Bilsteens (no dog in this fight), I haven't see anything that really says any of the other options had any negatives.

I don't need to be King Of The Hill (uber rock climber) but do NOT want to ever regret not getting 'setup X', either. Needs:

• overlanding (so DD/freeway travel is still very important)
• get up/down any hill I feel like without intentionally looking for anything greater than a 6 based on this
• prefer not to look like a 'prepper' but that might be unavoidable .

I'll be calling MetalTech this week and also planning on pinging @DanKunz hoping for a quick phone call since he's been in the game the longest (as far as I can tell).

Feedback welcome, thx!!!

 

[kbahus]

What suspension is on your 80? What do you think of it? I might be able to compare and contrast for you as I originally converted from the 80 series platform.

 

[tlin]

What suspension is on your 80? What do you think of it? I might be able to compare and contrast for you as I originally converted from the 80 series platform.

OME Medium, bought it that way. Been just fine but the two rigs being so different, I'm perfectly fine not even thinking about my 80 as a reference point.

thx for the note!

 

[h2oskikrazy]

There is no useable space behind that panel in my opinion. Just google replace backup up bulbs on a lexus gx470 and there is a video. You'll see what I mean. I replaced my bulbs. For the lift and garage door clearance just measure your space now and then see if the lift inches + 1/2 the increase in tire diameter gives you enough space. That will get you real close but not exact because I installed a 2" lift and got more like a 2 1/2. The retailers seem to advertise conservatively so that you are guaranteed the lift they document. As far as the lift is concerned, it more or less boils down to how much you want to spend.

 

[GXO]

I have a 7' garage and my GX is big. I still fit. I wouldn't stress unless it is under 6'8"

 

[teejnut]

Just to compare with a FJ80 since we both have one. I'm running OME Heavy on my FJ80, prior to suspension work on the GX I thought the FJ80 handled dips, bumps, etc better then the stock GX (it would bounce, rock with stock suspension). Now with the Radflo setup it's far better ride then the FJ80. I have no comparison with Radflo vs. other setups besides stock but I am pretty happy with it.

For height I'm using the +2" springs from Radflo on the rear and the front adjusted to be about level. I can clear my 6' 8" parking structure no problem. I measured the height of my GX and I'm about 6'6", so I doubt I would clear a parking structure that has 6'6" as the clearance but haven't tried yet.

 

[NMBruce]

How did I pick my suspension?

I drive this every day (20k miles in 10 months), I drive on the trails around Silverton & Ouray all the time, I took it out into the Gila wilderness and plan to do a lot more of that or stuff like that.
I went with Radflo 2.5, because Radflo says the 2.0 are for vehicle weight up to 5000lbs (Radflo Suspension Technology - Shock Absorber Selection Guide) and I am guessing that with gear, bumpers, equipment and people I would be over 5000lbs or at least very close to it, so I went a little larger. I went with MetalTec HD long travel springs for off road and the little trailer i pull. I also got new trailing arms and panhard bar to keep everything aligned. So far I love the set up and I am very happy with the ride.

I didn't do Icon because of the rebuild requirements from Icon, Radflo is similar but after talking to Radflo, with the larger shocks, I should have a long rebuild service. I have used OME on my Jeep and liked them, but something said to buy something else, not sure why. Don't know anything about the others, except no long travel with them.

 

[kbahus]

Keep in mind coilovers require some extra setup and additional work as in sending them in for a rebuild periodically. I will say the Fox 2.5's on my 03 are amazing especially on dirt roads. My stock GX kind of reminds me of my old 80 with OME suspension, it kind of lumbers around. The GX with the Fox's is more comparable to a rally car and I had a hard time finding a speed limit in the maze of U.P. dirt roads and trails I visit. I think if you are willing to put up with the extra work of a true coilover they are rewarding, especially a larger body with external reservoir, as you get a lot more fluid to keep things cool. If you want to keep it simple (like throwing an OME setup on an 80) then stick with struts and springs. When they blow or break they are disposable, no need to dial in spring rates or valving, and ride height is fixed.

 

[BlackCat]

How did I pick my suspension?

I drive this every day (20k miles in 10 months), I drive on the trails around Silverton & Ouray all the time, I took it out into the Gila wilderness and plan to do a lot more of that or stuff like that.
I went with Radflo 2.5, because Radflo says the 2.0 are for vehicle weight up to 5000lbs (Radflo Suspension Technology - Shock Absorber Selection Guide) and I am guessing that with gear, bumpers, equipment and people I would be over 5000lbs or at least very close to it, so I went a little larger. I went with MetalTec HD long travel springs for off road and the little trailer i pull. I also got new trailing arms and panhard bar to keep everything aligned. So far I love the set up and I am very happy with the ride.

I didn't do Icon because of the rebuild requirements from Icon, Radflo is similar but after talking to Radflo, with the larger shocks, I should have a long rebuild service. I have used OME on my Jeep and liked them, but something said to buy something else, not sure why. Don't know anything about the others, except no long travel with them.

Somebody on Facebook weighed their GX at the local dump and it was over 6,000lbs without much of anything in it.

 

[NMBruce]

I saw that, I wonder how accurate that scale was. I think the GVWR is 6100lbs and I think curb weight is around 4800lbs, so the reason for 2.5 shocks.

 

[tlin]

Thx everyone, much appreciated (again!). Me:

• Rear door, no interior space to take advantage of - got it.
• Total height - so yeah, I went the lazy route and asked instead of measured/applied some basic math - guilty. Lifted rigs sit comfortably below 6'8" is what I needed to hear (I'm assuming this includes roof racks).
• Suspension/lift - had a great call with @DanKunz this afternoon (a healthy talk with someone who knows what they're talking about is worth its weight in gold in my book). I need to talk to MetalTech ASAP and get myself sorted but I'm zeroing in.

 

[teejnut]

Yes, my height under 6'8" is with the stock oem rack.

 

[BlackCat]

I saw that, I wonder how accurate that scale was. I think the GVWR is 6100lbs and I think curb weight is around 4800lbs, so the reason for 2.5 shocks.

Ya for sure. 2.5's are definitely the way to go.

 

[GXO]

I am putting 2.5 valved resis on the back of mine. Also adding secondaries up front and jounce bumps. These are definitely heavier than the FJs/4R that the lifts were designed for. I would always advise the higher weight handling (especially if they have progressive springs).

The only exception to this is the Iron Man Pro Cell Performance. They were designed for military trucks (armor) so they have the weight handling on the performance line, and get quite stiff unless you are armored for the heavy springs.