Suspension refresh, factory parts (GX470)

[THEROK]

My GX is an '07 approaching 90K miles. I'd love to get some advice from the experts on what parts I should look to swap out with new. I want factory parts only as it's my daily beater.

-Shocks (obvious)
-Air springs (?)
-What other components should I order?

I realize this isn't cheap, but I'm hoping to make this thing last a long time especially since I'm running bigger/heavier MTs (265/70/17s IIRC).

Thanks, all! Great forum.

Here are some pics of my truck.

 

[GXO]

I would just do shocks and front coils unless your rear airbags are leaking.

 

[THEROK]

Dan,

If you would so indulge me, why would I need to replace the coils? Aren't they supposed to last not forever, but a really long time since it's just a piece of steel?

Also, how long is the lifespan of these air springs/bags on the GX? Any other rubbery bits I should swap out while in there?

Many thx!

 

[GXO]

springs sag over time, coils less so, but they do. I put my lift on at 98k miles and the springs in the front (stock to Iron man 2 inch) put my truck up almost 6 inches. After my bumper it is still 4.5 inches above stock at least. This means the stock springs sagged for sure.

I have no idea on the useful life of the airbags. If you do choose to pull them, I would simply buy new and wait for a failure unless you have OCD and want to be sure.

It all comes down to what you want to do with the truck. If you don't want to wheel but want a more durable performance suspension a stock height Iron Man setup may work for you. With a spacer and the change from droopy stock you could probably run a larger tire/wheel (depending on what you like). A simple chop of a body mount will allow this pretty easily with a just a touch more room underneath.

Oh, even if you do a stock swap to refresh, I would still recommend buying the bands for the CVs and putting them on after the lift. Changing the angles on the stock clips almost always causes a little leakage at the CV boots.

 

[THEROK]

Thanks, Dan, for being so generous with your advice!

 

[NCjeff]

What wheels are those?? Did you have any fitment issues? Backspacing?

 

[THEROK]

They're called the XD Strike sold under the ubiquitous kmcwheels.com brand (you can find specs and a bunch of other info there). I got the 17x9 setup to accommodate the smallest Toyo MTs which still required trimming. Nothing drastic and well worth the effort! Toyo MTs are the quietest riding MTs in the market (on par with BFG TA KOs).

 

[BonnerBB]

They're called the XD Strike sold under the ubiquitous kmcwheels.com brand (you can find specs and a bunch of other info there). I got the 17x9 setup to accommodate the smallest Toyo MTs which still required trimming. Nothing drastic and well worth the effort! Toyo MTs are the quietest riding MTs in the market (on par with BFG TA KOs).

Dig the wheels and tires... Needs a lift though.

 

[THEROK]

I'd love to do a lift if it were simpler! I actually quite like the airbags and the comfort/sport options.

 

[luanta]

springs sag over time, coils less so, but they do. I put my lift on at 98k miles and the springs in the front (stock to Iron man 2 inch) put my truck up almost 6 inches. After my bumper it is still 4.5 inches above stock at least. This means the stock springs sagged for sure.

I have no idea on the useful life of the airbags. If you do choose to pull them, I would simply buy new and wait for a failure unless you have OCD and want to be sure.

It all comes down to what you want to do with the truck. If you don't want to wheel but want a more durable performance suspension a stock height Iron Man setup may work for you. With a spacer and the change from droopy stock you could probably run a larger tire/wheel (depending on what you like). A simple chop of a body mount will allow this pretty easily with a just a touch more room underneath.

Oh, even if you do a stock swap to refresh, I would still recommend buying the bands for the CVs and putting them on after the lift. Changing the angles on the stock clips almost always causes a little leakage at the CV boots.

Hi, newbie here. I just traded my FJC for a GX. Please tell me where I can get the Stock Height Iron Man Spring Setup. I am very interested. Thank you.

 

[GXO]

Depends on where you live. There is a thread on stock height spring swaps in this forum.

 

[adeleman]

wheels

Could you post more pics of your truck..
What offset did you go with?

 

[BonnerBB]

Don't forget Dan that most adjustable coil-overs can give them stock height in addition to a lift if they want it. That would probably be best for him because that way he can lift and lower the front coilovers to his liking in addition to lifting and lowering the rear bags to his liking.

Adjustable is just that - adjustable. My Icon's in particular give a 0-3.5" range. Zero being stock I would assume. Wouldn't know because I have never set it to 0".

B-

 

[GXO]

True, and generally it is an upgrade on performance, etc. with most coil overs.

UCAs and adjustable coil overs are a very viable option, but the stock height lift I mentioned would be quite a bit lower on cost.

 

[BonnerBB]

True on the cost... If I were sticking to stock height in a Lexus though I am pretty sure I would stick to OEM regardless of cost. Why buy a Lexus for it's Lexus ride just to experiment with inexpensive suspension at stock height. I know you agree Dan. If cost REALLY is a factor I am sure there are some junk yard GX's just begging for their bags to be taken.

Lift that mother TheRok!

 

[GXO]

Amen, my truck handles less like a Lexus, but also handles better in the corners, even with all the extra weight...