I own both a GX and a 200 series, and both my wife and I like both the GX and LC rides just fine. Luxury models of the GX have electronically-variable front dampening and rear airbag suspensions that allow for either soft or firm rides, so at the softest level the GX is probably smoother than the LC, but I wouldn't want to keep it in that setting all of the time.
There are several options that can improve your ride, some of which increase your ride height and others that keep you at stock level. There are multiple different types of shocks, from less expensive twin tube/nitrogas, to moderately-priced monotube shocks, to slightly more expensive monotubes with remote reservoirs (allows for less heat build-up during excessive cycling), to remote reservoirs with adjustable dampening that allow you to change the firmness of the dampening with the turn of a knob.
The concept of ride comfort is very subjective, and not everyone likes the same firmness. Also, your ride can be affected by a number of suspension differences, rate/firmness of springs, dampening settings/valving of shocks, spring heights, vehicle weight, etc. There are a lot of great options out there to suit your needs. But your comfort can also be decided by non-suspension items like wheel and tire choice (weight, load rating/ply, tread type/design, % sidewall, pressure, etc.). So, for example, you could soften up your ride with softer springs, and then cancel out the change by switching to an E-rated tire or a heavier wheel. You also need to be careful that you choose the right spring rate for the weight of your vehicle, because if you buy stock-weight springs and then add a couple of plate bumpers and a winch, your springs will be insufficient to handle the load at the intended ride height.
The BP-51s are a good product from what I have heard. They are a little more expensive, since they have remote reservoirs and variable dampening (both for compression and rebound, something not seen in a lot of shocks). But you do get a lot of functional bang-for-your-buck with them. The only real complaints I have heard consistently about the BP-51s are that the shocks tend to become loud and create a clunking noise over time, especially when cold (not a huge issue in El Paso), and the rear shin guards (which protect the shock from rock strikes and pitting) have a history of falling off. Both of these probably fall under the category of annoyance rather than significant problem.
There are lots of options both cheaper and less expensive than the BP-51s. Also, remember that most shock choices can come in different lengths and with different weight springs, depending on your needs. I recommend that if you are going to spend the money ordering a new suspension, make sure you order from a company that works with Land Cruiser suspensions regularly and knows how to customize the order to fit your needs. This is especially true with the KDSS suspension lean issues that can be addressed by spring height with some suppliers.
Although he doesn't sell BP-51, I highly recommend you speak to Kyle Fogle at Treaty Oak Offroad.
Contact. If you PM me I can give you his email address. He sells Dobinsons suspensions, which like the BP-51s are from Australia and have multiple shock options at various price points. The Dobinsons springs have multiple spring rate/height options for Land Cruisers, so you can get exactly what you need, and they have separate R/L spring lengths to compensate for KDSS lean. They are very good quality for the price at all levels. Kyle is extremely knowledgeable and one of the straightest shooters I know and he will tell you the good, bad and ugly about all products in the industry, including his, so you can make an informed decision. Don't be concerned by the lack of any specific suspension product on his website - most of his suspension orders are custom quotes so he does not list full kits for many vehicles. Even if you don't buy from him, he is a great resource of information. (Just for clarity, I don't get any special discounts or compensation from Kyle, I am just a happy repeat paying customer).
