Hey Y'all,
So far this forum has been an invaluable source of knowledge for this car.
I've been planning out a suspension upgrade for my 2004 KDSS GX470. I've searched the forum and other sites pretty thoroughly, and have dramatically improved my understanding of suspension systems (still have a loooong way to go). I *think* I have a good solution based on my goals and needs, but would love to hear suggestions and criticisms from the community before I pull the trigger and pay for the parts and install.
90%+ of the miles this car sees will be highway or local streets. It's my only vehicle. I don't do a ton of off-roading, but am hoping to change that over the next few years. Off-roading will be mostly forest service and fire roads, some trails through the south east, and some lengthy trips out west (mostly highway miles, but I anticipate some moderately challenging off road trails at the destinations).
My car doesn't have armor front or rear bumpers (all stock), no fancy drawer + fridge setups in the back, no roof top tent, but I may add some skids / under body armor for the protection. The only aspect of that which could change relatively soon (but after the suspension work) is a rear bumper with a swingout for the tire. Gotta see how annoying keeping a full size spare in the rear gets. When I go on long trips, I'll pack the back with camping gear and two coolers. When I drive locally, the third row seats are in, but I don't keep any gear permanently in the car.
All of this is to say, I want to maximize on-road comfort (big fan of sport mode, far right setting on the knob), but maintain some decent capability off-road when I go on these trips. I'd also like to be able to add the rear bumper without completely overhauling the rear suspension (replacing the springs is fine). I'm looking at 275/70/17 tires on stock wheels.
I'll probably ask ACC Garage to do the install. They've got a stellar reputation, great reviews, and a ton of knowledge on the GX470. When I spoke with them, they recommended Dobinson's, and I really like that suggestion after doing some research of my own.
My proposed suspension:
Am I thinking about this right? Is it fair to assume that with stock wheels and 275/70/17s I won't have to go overboard on body mods to avoid rubbing after the proposed suspension install?
I know there are kits like those from toytec and icon that are adjustable and provide great on-road comfort and off-road capability, but I think those might be overkill until I get more off-roading experience and have terrain-specific needs.
Please, tear into this build / offer suggestions / etc. I'd rather drag my feet and consider more opinions than spend a bunch and regret it.
So far this forum has been an invaluable source of knowledge for this car.
I've been planning out a suspension upgrade for my 2004 KDSS GX470. I've searched the forum and other sites pretty thoroughly, and have dramatically improved my understanding of suspension systems (still have a loooong way to go). I *think* I have a good solution based on my goals and needs, but would love to hear suggestions and criticisms from the community before I pull the trigger and pay for the parts and install.
90%+ of the miles this car sees will be highway or local streets. It's my only vehicle. I don't do a ton of off-roading, but am hoping to change that over the next few years. Off-roading will be mostly forest service and fire roads, some trails through the south east, and some lengthy trips out west (mostly highway miles, but I anticipate some moderately challenging off road trails at the destinations).
My car doesn't have armor front or rear bumpers (all stock), no fancy drawer + fridge setups in the back, no roof top tent, but I may add some skids / under body armor for the protection. The only aspect of that which could change relatively soon (but after the suspension work) is a rear bumper with a swingout for the tire. Gotta see how annoying keeping a full size spare in the rear gets. When I go on long trips, I'll pack the back with camping gear and two coolers. When I drive locally, the third row seats are in, but I don't keep any gear permanently in the car.
All of this is to say, I want to maximize on-road comfort (big fan of sport mode, far right setting on the knob), but maintain some decent capability off-road when I go on these trips. I'd also like to be able to add the rear bumper without completely overhauling the rear suspension (replacing the springs is fine). I'm looking at 275/70/17 tires on stock wheels.
I'll probably ask ACC Garage to do the install. They've got a stellar reputation, great reviews, and a ton of knowledge on the GX470. When I spoke with them, they recommended Dobinson's, and I really like that suggestion after doing some research of my own.
My proposed suspension:
- Front
- C59-314 2.5" stock weight springs
- GS59-221 twin tube, non-adjustable shocks
- New upper control arms (SPC or light racing, planning to go with whatever ACC suggests)
- car has a brand new OEM steering rack and front cv axles (not even 1000 miles on them)
- Rear
- C59-725 - 1.75", stock rear end load
- GS59-701 - Twin Tube, medium to heavy load
- new upper and lower rear links
- metal tech conversion kit
Am I thinking about this right? Is it fair to assume that with stock wheels and 275/70/17s I won't have to go overboard on body mods to avoid rubbing after the proposed suspension install?
I know there are kits like those from toytec and icon that are adjustable and provide great on-road comfort and off-road capability, but I think those might be overkill until I get more off-roading experience and have terrain-specific needs.
Please, tear into this build / offer suggestions / etc. I'd rather drag my feet and consider more opinions than spend a bunch and regret it.