Stock suspension replace (+airbags)

[klimraamkosie]

I'm on stock suspension and it's just fine but I do have 177k miles and I think it's a little low (bump stops seem to keep the axle nice and clean where they land.)

I also really like the airbags for towing.

Can I just get used suspension components from a later model (I have 2013) and replace? Are the coils different for air vs. non-air?

 

[ericm979]

The air spring height is sensed by a sensor outside the springs. I don't see how the springs would have a failure mode where they sag some but not all the way as they would with a total failure. If they are totally failed and you like the air suspension, you can just replace the air springs.

 

[klimraamkosie]

The air spring height is sensed by a sensor outside the springs. I don't see how the springs would have a failure mode where they sag some but not all the way as they would with a total failure. If they are totally failed and you like the air suspension, you can just replace the air springs.

I think I may have overstated. The air suspension is fine. The coils/struts are just old.

 

[ericm979]

Or maybe I just misunderstood. The rear shocks are separate from the springs (air or steel) and the front springs are the same between the base and premium models. But I think that GXes with the rear air springs often (or always) came with the adjustable damping suspension. which uses special shock absorbers front and rear. If you have that and want to replace it with new parts it you'll need replacement factory shocks, which are probably much more expensive than decent quality aftermarket replacements. Of course used adjustable damping shocks/struts whould go right on. I don't know if switching to non adjustable shocks will cause an error light on the dashboard but I think a lot of people have done that so someone should have an answer.

While the OE shocks will have the softest ride I'd probably look to replace them with decent aftermarket shocks like KYBs vs buying used ones which are aways a question.

 

[klimraamkosie]

Or maybe I just misunderstood. The rear shocks are separate from the springs (air or steel) and the front springs are the same between the base and premium models. But I think that GXes with the rear air springs often (or always) came with the adjustable damping suspension. which uses special shock absorbers front and rear. If you have that and want to replace it with new parts it you'll need replacement factory shocks, which are probably much more expensive than decent quality aftermarket replacements. Of course used adjustable damping shocks/struts whould go right on. I don't know if switching to non adjustable shocks will cause an error light on the dashboard but I think a lot of people have done that so someone should have an answer.

While the OE shocks will have the softest ride I'd probably look to replace them with decent aftermarket shocks like KYBs vs buying used ones which are aways a question.

I know there's a sport/comfort setting. Doesn't really do much but you're right might cause a light.

I think the suspension is just fine for what I actually do with the car and the air bags are really useful for towing.

Thanks I'll look at OEM replacement to see the pricing but rarely see these for sale used. Maybe I can start with the coils if they are getting old in the tooth. I'll look at OEM to see if they're the same or different in air vs non.

 

[Acrad]

AVS (Adjustable shocks (all 4)) and RAHC (Rear Airbags) are on the following US market trims

10-13 Premium and 14-23 Luxury

 

[klimraamkosie]

AVS (Adjustable shocks (all 4)) and RAHC (Rear Airbags) are on the follow US market trims

10-13 Premium and 14-23 Luxury

Perfect. On parts site now for clarity. Not sure why I thought the GX had coils around the airbags, I've never seen them there. Have seen that on aftermarket though.

 

[Acrad]

There are many aftermarket bag solutions that fit within the coil spring for load leveling purposes.

 

[jonshonda]

There are many aftermarket bag solutions that fit within the coil spring for load leveling purposes.

While there are some aftermarket solutions, I've found they don't measure up to the OEM air springs when loaded heavy. Replaced the oem air springs with FJ coils and firestone bags and had upgraded Bilstein 4600's and it wasn't nearly as stable as the oem springs. Arnott make good aftermarket bags. I have a slightly used pair if the OP is interested, but they are from a GX470 so not sure they would fit.