My 80 was rolled. Just got a 2004 GX 470 and need lit advice ASAP

[trouser_trout]

My 80 was rolled. Just got a 2004 GX 470 and need lift advice ASAP

Hi Mud,

First let me say other than the "Happy Birthday" email I am not proud that I have not been on this site for several years (since I was building up my 80).

My 80 was rolled a few weeks ago (I was not driving and there were no injuries) Thank you to my beloved LC for sacrificing herself to protect a good friend. My friend walked away with a bruise and a small scratch on her left arm. I am amazed. See pics below.

I just picked up a 2004 GX 470 and need to get her lifted 2.5-3" ASAP.

I have a ton of questions and little time. I've done some searching but am confused by all these spacers, tricking the airbags, and some other arm adjustment. Also there seems to be more options out there. However, I am partial to OME as that is what I ran on my 80.

So I once again find myself returning to Mud for guidance.

I'm wondering if any members wouldn't mind taking a couple of phone calls.

Thanks for the help!!!

Chad.

 

[IanB]

You can convert the rear to springs using parts from an '03-'07 non-limited 4Runner, then lift using off the shelf 4Runner lifts. That's what I'd recommend for a 2.5" lift, anything less than that and you could get away with tricking the ride height sensors in the rear and using 4Runner parts on the front. The higher you go on the stock airbags, the worse the ride quality gets from what I've read.

 

[trouser_trout]

Thanks Ian.

I should have included the fact that I am not very mechanically inclined so I am looking for guidance to what lift to get and what else do I need to do it right. I will have to have my shop do the install. I don't have lots of money. However, I am willing to spend money getting my ride where I want it.

After seeing my 80 rolled, I want to make sure my GX is as sure footed as possible.

I like OME and want my GX to ride level. I do plan on adding an ARB front bumper, but that is many paychecks away. .

 

[IanB]

Also worth noting, the GX470 is heavier in the rear than the 4Runner, so you won't get as much lift in the rear as you would with a 4Runner (IE buy taller/heavier springs for the rear than you would for a 4Runner).

I just got my GX as well, and have no plans on lifting it as it's my wife DD, so I've just picked up some info here and there in my travels. I'm not able to tell you what you should get to achieve your goal unfortunately. Seems to be more 120 platform specific info at some other sites than here on MUD:

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/index.php

 

[GXO]

Use FJ Cruiser rear cups and fab up spring mounts on the axle...click my build for more info. I used Iron Man and very happy.

 

[SouthernSS]

You'll need 650lb springs or more on the front for sure. I've got the 650lb spring rate radflo coilovers and tricked rear air bags for about 3" of total lift. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it still did ride after we lifted it and tricked the air bags originally. It was a little firmer in the rear, but still gobbled up the bumps very well.

Now that I've got a front and rear bumper on, it rides much better.

Btw, are you dead set on the ARB? I've released a GX470 specific front (and soon rear) bumper that you should consider. You can see it on my build thread in my signature or at facebook.com/southernstylespeed

 

[GXO]

I went Iron Man 4x4 and custom ACC Toyota rear...don't just assume ARB, SouthernSS' gear is pretty awesome too. More choices than ever!

 

[Fireguy]

You'll need 650lb springs or more on the front for sure. I've got the 650lb spring rate radflo coilovers and tricked rear air bags for about 3" of total lift. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it still did ride after we lifted it and tricked the air bags originally. It was a little firmer in the rear, but still gobbled up the bumps very well.

Now that I've got a front and rear bumper on, it rides much better.

Btw, are you dead set on the ARB? I've released a GX470 specific front (and soon rear) bumper that you should consider. You can see it on my build thread in my signature or at facebook.com/southernstylespeed

I noticed Radflo also has a 700 lbs coilover option. Do you think that would work even better? Om my V8 Runner, I had the Icon with the 650 lbs coil and found myself wanting a firmer coil. With a Shrockworks bumper, winch, and 75lbs marine battery, it started bottoming out and the coils were sagging.

 

[SouthernSS]

I noticed Radflo also has a 700 lbs coilover option. Do you think that would work even better? Om my V8 Runner, I had the Icon with the 650 lbs coil and found myself wanting a firmer coil. With a Shrockworks bumper, winch, and 75lbs marine battery, it started bottoming out and the coils were sagging.

yes, I just may consider swapping those out too.

 

[LTD FJ]

I went Iron Man 4x4 and custom ACC Toyota rear...don't just assume ARB, SouthernSS' gear is pretty awesome too. More choices than ever!

Agree with Dan here. I used to run LandCrusher 4x4 and just sold ARB/OME stuff. Had to close the site in 2011 due to slow economy and not being able to compete with the larger chains prices. I went with the Ironman on the front and tricked bags for the rear. Rides nice. I have all the items for the rear from ACC, but haven't attempted it yet. I like the triple S(Southern Style Speed) bumpers from the pics I've seen.

 

[scottst]

Thanks Ian.

I should have included the fact that I am not very mechanically inclined so I am looking for guidance to what lift to get and what else do I need to do it right. I will have to have my shop do the install. I don't have lots of money. However, I am willing to spend money getting my ride where I want it.

After seeing my 80 rolled, I want to make sure my GX is as sure footed as possible.

I like OME and want my GX to ride level. I do plan on adding an ARB front bumper, but that is many paychecks away. .

First post here, though I've owned my GX since new (in '07) nad have been pretty active over at CL. Please be nice to the newbie

Trouser_trout, you say you want it to be as stable as possible. Can you explain why you want to lift it, when you just rolled your LC? Raising it will obviously (unless I misunderstood some of the fundamentals in physics class) make it more prone to rolling, all else equal.

 

[IanB]

First post here, though I've owned my GX since new (in '07) nad have been pretty active over at CL. Please be nice to the newbie

Trouser_trout, you say you want it to be as stable as possible. Can you explain why you want to lift it, when you just rolled your LC? Raising it will obviously (unless I misunderstood some of the fundamentals in physics class) make it more prone to rolling, all else equal.

Lifting any vehicle will raise the center of gravity, but replacing soft springs with stiffer springs will actually make it more stable feeling/handling with less bodyroll, making it harder to get the vehicle out of shape in an emergency situation where quick inputs are required, if that makes sense.

 

[scottst]

Lifting any vehicle will raise the center of gravity, but replacing soft springs with stiffer springs will actually make it more stable feeling/handling with less bodyroll, making it harder to get the vehicle out of shape in an emergency situation where quick inputs are required, if that makes sense.

Yep, makes sense that (all else being equal) less lean will equate to less likely to roll -- especially less lean "down to the bumpstops" which can result in some abrupt weight transfer.

The other approach is a higher rate anti-sway bar. I wish KDSS was easy/possible to retrofit for folks. Or, that we had another option for thicker sways (if folks were looking for more stability on road). IMHO it make a hugely positive difference.

I for one would be interested in stiffer springs that kept you at roughly factory height, along with slightly stiffer struts/shocks -- sacrificing ride for some additional stability/on-road-handling.

 

[BonnerBB]

Mine corners like a freakin sportscar. Not sure if it is the stiffer coilovers and rear bag or if that is my KDSS keeping it upright. Regardless - I love how it handles.

 

[GXO]

Agree. Mine handles better now with hundreds of extra pounds with the suspension I installed.

 

[dealmaker]

Your GX will already be far ahead of the 80 in that department as it has VSC.
http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/safety_technology/safety_technology/technology_file/active/vsc.html

...After seeing my 80 rolled, I want to make sure my GX is as sure footed as possible...QUOTE]

 

[Riflman]

Hi guys. NOOB to the forum, but not builds, and a NOOB to the GX470. Just bought my 2005 GX with KDSS two days ago. I had QD sways in the front of my last disco and completely removed the rear with stiff rear coils and fox rr shocks, and it was fine even with the crazy weight from all the armor, rack, roof tent and gear. Just starting out now and while my gut says ditch the airbags, my wallet says get by for a while. So I'm thinking maybe air bag spacers, shocks front and rear and tires to start, but I know I will go to a winch bumper and rear bumper with tire rack soon, plus dual batteries, skids, diff guards, lockers, etc. I don't want to have to change the shocks again later, so I want to make sure I get stiff enough gear now, even if on road is a bit jarring until I add the extra weight.

With my disco, even with all the weight, my HD rear coils rode better once I filled up with gas.

Any suggestions on shocks, airbag spacers and wheel solutions to allow me to get 285/75R16 SSR's on the truck? Will I need wheel spacers? I don't mind a bit of rubbing on max steering as long as it doesn't rip parts off the truck when steering or articulating. A bit of metal polishing is okay for now. What about bump stops?

 

[Riflman]

You can convert the rear to springs using parts from an '03-'07 non-limited 4Runner, then lift using off the shelf 4Runner lifts. That's what I'd recommend for a 2.5" lift, anything less than that and you could get away with tricking the ride height sensors in the rear and using 4Runner parts on the front. The higher you go on the stock airbags, the worse the ride quality gets from what I've read.

Hey Ian. Just a shout out. I'm also from Winnipeg, but moved to Vancouver in 2010, and then LA in 2011. You probably saw my black Disco II around. I had it maxed out and three big lightforce lights across the front.

 

[BonnerBB]

NO spacers will be needed with 285's... Just take off the running boards and pull the plastic forward in the front..... Then again not all 285's are made the same size if they are MT's anyway... Are the tires your choosing nobby?

 

[RCsGX]

You'll need 650lb springs or more on the front for sure. I've got the 650lb spring rate radflo coilovers and tricked rear air bags for about 3" of total lift.

Are you using aftermarket UCAs?