New GX owner just sorting out issues

[Bossman]

Hi guys, I'm new to the GX owner thing but a long time Landcruiser guy. I picked up a pretty beat up 03 GX for a good price and starting to sort out its issues. I guess the two big things that are bothering me, other than a lack of maintenance issue (no timing belt change with almost 200k), are the rear suspension is turned off due to an issue from 6 years ago ( don't know what's going on there) and loose body cladding especially on the lower doors. I hope to dig in to the suspension this weekend but was curious to see if the body cladding problem is common? Any gotcha's I need to look out for when I try to activate the rear suspension again? TIA

 

[Bluetribal]

How is the suspension turned off? Fuse pulled?

 

[Bossman]

You'll have to excuse my ignorance. I say off because there is a switch on the center console marked "off" and the display has Hi/N/Lo and is flashing "off" below that. I haven't tried to change the position of the switch yet.

Edit: just now reading in the owners manual that a flashing off indicates a problem with the system somewhere. I just have to figure out where

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Probably the most popular mod is to swap the airbags for coils once they take a dump. Saves money and provides a more "reliable" rear suspension.

I've got 180k on the original airbags. Of course they'll probably last forever since I am waiting until they're done before I lift. Seems like that's how it usually works out.

 

[Bossman]

No harm in just pulling the fuse for now?

 

[wingysataday]

I imagine you will be riding the bump stops if the bags fail? I have my stock bags you can have if you pay shipping.