School me on the GX 460

[marCOCOpuffs]

So I sold my 5th gen 4Runner Trail to get more seating and a bigger engine.

I've decided to go with a GX460.1 (2010-2013).

Could someone school me on the different suspension options (base vs premium)? Is there adjustable height control for all 4 corners as in the LX? Or is it just the rear as in the gx 470?

If it's just in the rear, can this be deleted?

I have a set of icon coilovers, upper control arms, sliders, and skids I'm wanting to throw on to the new rig, but I want to make sure I dont rip anything out that shouldn't be removed.

I might forego installing the suspension swap if the AHC sensors can be tricked as in the LX570.

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[maca1]

the base and the premium models do not have an adjustable suspension, only the luxury model does, and it only raises/lowers the rear - not all 4 corners. i like the way the springs feel - not bouncy at all, unlike a q7 w/o air suspension.

i just bought a base 460 for my wife, and we are very happy with it so far (it only has 600 miles on it so still very early).

 

[stilespendleton]

@marCOCOpuffs All 2010-2013 GX460s come with KDSS standard. Base models have coils in the rear, while premium and luxury models have rear air bags only. MetalTech and SSO both sell coil conversion kits if you end up going with a premium/luxury model.

If you plan on wheeling it and adding armor, I'd probably just go with a base model.

 

[sonnyc]

I believe base, premium and luxury models are applied to Canada only. For year 2010-2013 GX460 in US, there are only base and premium. They all have KDSS but premium has air suspension in the back only that can be adjusted for height as well as for comfort, normal or sport stiffness. They can be distinguished by looking at the headlights where the premium has a little bump on the fender for the headlights washers. Body modings only come with premium as well as the chrome trim that goes around the back windows.
The base suspension would be easier to mod.

 

[r2m]

@marCOCOpuffs All 2010-2013 GX460s come with KDSS standard. Base models have coils in the rear, while premium and luxury models have rear air bags only. MetalTech and SSO both sell coil conversion kits if you end up going with a premium/luxury model.

If you plan on wheeling it and adding armor, I'd probably just go with a base model.

I too am looking at purchasing a 2010-2013 GX 460 premium. I currently have a 1998 LC that I've locked front and rear diff's, re-geared, lifted 4.25" and run 35" tires, basically set up for expedition plus. I want to do similar to the GX 460, except I think I can only go with 33" tires, max.
So my question is why go with a base model? I don't mind jettisoning the KDSS and will probably go with a long travel front end. Are there other issues to be aware of?

 

[Nickk6]

I went with base since wheeling was going to happen. It still has KDSS and the suspension kits work with it as long as you don't go over 3". If you are thinking long travel, a 4runner without KDSS would probably be an easier platform to modify. 33" are the largest you can fit without going heavy on modifying the bumper and body mounts.

If you want real leather and other creature comforts, you can always delete the rear air suspension (front doesn't lift/lower) if it comes on a vehicle you are interested in. But the icon suspension over the factory is night and day with the amount of hammering it can take. If you have the suspension, might as well use it.

 

[r2m]

Thanks! Great info! Apologies for being a little redundant with the thread I started.

 

[scrappyslexus]

So looking for a2014-2017 model year.
Does the premium and luxury come with airbags? Does the suspension adjust in the rear?

 

[ChiTown]

You can remove the KDSS and replace with standard sway bars. I've done a few as the KDSS likes to start leaking.

The rear air bags can be removed also and swapped for springs (see: metaltech kit), pull all fuses and relays associated and the lights will go off on the dash.

33's are easy to fit with a minor lift and knowing how to set the lower arm to avoid rubbing, SPC upper arms make this set up work as they put the caster back to normal.

35's are possible with a bit more work like body mount and wheel seam trimming, etc.

Keep in mind the vehicle's computer controls are all set up for stock tire size. This means the trans shift points can get a little wonky, and the stability control may not react as expected.

Other than that they are just a 5th gen 4Runner with more buttons.

 

[ChiTown]

I've personally pulled the fuses and relays when we did a friend's truck and it has no lights on the dash.

13' luxury

 

[ChiTown]

I did not

 

[scrappyslexus]

Ok aside from the mahogany trim what are the differences between a premium and base?

 

[heynickhere]

Ok aside from the mahogany trim what are the differences between a premium and base?

HID's/ Air Suspension/ Auto High Beams, Headlight Washers are some differences.

 

[scrappyslexus]

Many thanks. Have narrowed it to a 2017 GX. Final question, I found one at a dealership group that has a Toyota dealership in its system they picked it up at auction, so not certified. Only 22k miles. Came from a Lexus dealership. Should I be concerned that the lexus dealership did not keep it and try to certify and sell? Car fax clean. History on lexus site does not note any body damage.

 

[cruzinZ]

Take the VIN number and check it out on Lexus drivers website. You will be able to see all services that were performed at the dealership. It will give you some insight as to what the previous owner complained about with the vehicle. My GX460 had an issue with the rear drivers side molding that kept coming loose. They took it into the dealer several times for that issue. It started happening to me so I fixed what the dealer couldn’t with a tube of 3M door and trunk gasket sealer. Won’t have that issue ever again.