GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Replacing struts\shocks (OEM Parts) what should i get?

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Old 08-20-13, 06:48 PM
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kphu
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Default Replacing struts\shocks (OEM Parts) what should i get?

I have an '03 GX470 with about 110k on the odom. Suspension is feeling really soft so I'm looking into replacing all 4 shock absorbers\struts.

Here's the part list that I've identified through Sewell Lexus along with the pricing from them and ebay where I can find it.

Was wondering if anyone can advise if all the stuff I'm buying is necessary or if there is anything else I should add to my list.

Front Shocks (RH) Part # 4851069195 - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $219.20
Front Shocks (LH) Part # 4853069205 - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $219.20

Front Shock Absorber Dust Cover (RH) Part # 4855930020, PNC (48559A) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $26.74
Front Shock Absorber Dust Cover (RH) Part # 4855930020, PNC (48559B) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $26.74

Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly (RH) Part # 4860960040, (PNC: 48603) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $79.31
Front Suspension Support Sub-Assembly (LH) Part # 4860960040, (PNC: 48609) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $79.31

Shock Absorber, Rear Strut (RH) Part # 4853069485, PNC #(48530) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $473.72, ebay $394.13
Shock Absorber, Rear Strut (LH) Part # 4853069485, PNC #(48540) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $473.72, ebay $394.13

Thanks,

Ken
Old 08-21-13, 06:21 AM
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ALAN553
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pretty sure you just need the shocks, they come with the dust covers i would assume. dont think you need the other stuff either. never saw any postings about any thing other than just changing the shocks.
Old 08-21-13, 09:15 AM
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Matsui
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Originally Posted by kphu
Shock Absorber, Rear Strut (RH) Part # 4853069485, PNC #(48530) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $473.72, ebay $394.13
Shock Absorber, Rear Strut (LH) Part # 4853069485, PNC #(48540) - Sewell Lexus using CL discount: $473.72, ebay $394.13
Do these include the air ride components that usually go bad on our cars (sensors, bags, etc)?
Old 08-21-13, 10:06 AM
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NYKnick101
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you just need shocks and they come with bump stops which are under the dust covers but you dont need to replace the dust covers. it just slides right over the new shock. they dont have any expiration. a good cleaning and your good. Support assembly and all that, is all stuff you reuse.

KYB makes a damn good gas strut replacement compared to the OEM oil filled shocks. Huge improvement over stock imo. IDK if they make any for the GX tho but worth a look.
Old 08-21-13, 10:50 AM
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ALAN553
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Originally Posted by Matsui
Do these include the air ride components that usually go bad on our cars (sensors, bags, etc)?
Now thats another/seperate big expense.
Old 08-21-13, 12:54 PM
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htbotdvr
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Default struts

I have a gx470 2006 and was told by the dealer that my rear shocks were leaking ,but they cost $600. plus,were can I find them cheaper
Old 08-21-13, 03:34 PM
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Crispy3M
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Originally Posted by htbotdvr
I have a gx470 2006 and was told by the dealer that my rear shocks were leaking ,but they cost $600. plus,were can I find them cheaper
You might want to consider going with a regular shock instead of the OEM. Many on here have done it and are very happy.

I just replaced mine with the OEM units but think I'll try a regular shock when these ones give out. It's not like I use the Comfort/Sport Switch anyway.

Cheers!
Old 08-21-13, 08:14 PM
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stiles_s
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Originally Posted by Crispy3M
You might want to consider going with a regular shock instead of the OEM. Many on here have done it and are very happy.

I just replaced mine with the OEM units but think I'll try a regular shock when these ones give out. It's not like I use the Comfort/Sport Switch anyway.

Cheers!
+1. I replaced mine with a full set of OEM at about 60k mi, and the rears are starting to leak again at 80k. I think I'm going with a full set of Arnott Bilsteins next round. Search the forum for Arnott Bilstiein. You'll save a lot of money and have a longer lasting shock. In trade, you'll give up adjustability of ride stiffness.
Old 08-22-13, 03:14 PM
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sprocket
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Originally Posted by stiles_s
+1. I replaced mine with a full set of OEM at about 60k mi, and the rears are starting to leak again at 80k. I think I'm going with a full set of Arnott Bilsteins next round. Search the forum for Arnott Bilstiein. You'll save a lot of money and have a longer lasting shock. In trade, you'll give up adjustability of ride stiffness.
Sorry for the hijack.

If you replace the OEM's with the Bilstein's, is the only difference (other than ride) that you lose the comfort/sport settings? Any effect on the rear air suspension?
Old 08-22-13, 06:58 PM
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JeepinLaw
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I don't honestly think I can tell any difference between the comfort and sport mode anyway! Therefore I'm going aftermarket next.
Old 08-22-13, 07:16 PM
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kphu
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All, thanks for the input.

Anyone have part #s for the billsteins? Sounds like its not worth going OEM.
Old 08-23-13, 07:07 AM
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ROSCOGX470
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Easy find using search on this forum or the Arnott website, way to go IMO.
Old 08-23-13, 08:11 AM
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kphu
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I found it last night but was too tired to reply back.

Arnott/Bilstein Front SK-2511
Arnott/Bilstein Rear SK-2512

Pretty tempting to save $400+ to go with the bilsteins.


Thanks,

Ken
Old 08-23-13, 10:07 AM
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Matsui
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Originally Posted by kphu
I found it last night but was too tired to reply back.

Arnott/Bilstein Front SK-2511
Arnott/Bilstein Rear SK-2512

Pretty tempting to save $400+ to go with the bilsteins.


Thanks,

Ken
It is very tempting.

Does this bypass the air components of the suspension (sensor, bags etc)? Since I have very limited knowledge of suspension parts, I just like to know what to do if I see my GX bottomed out or erected one day. There is tons of discussion about replacing the bags and sensors, so I was wondering if Bilsteins are an alternate solution to all this?
Old 08-23-13, 10:53 AM
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stiles_s
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Originally Posted by Matsui
It is very tempting.

Does this bypass the air components of the suspension (sensor, bags etc)? Since I have very limited knowledge of suspension parts, I just like to know what to do if I see my GX bottomed out or erected one day. There is tons of discussion about replacing the bags and sensors, so I was wondering if Bilsteins are an alternate solution to all this?
Whether or not you'll find your GX erected one day, is between you & your car.

The shocks (rear) struts (front) of the GX have *nothing to do with ride height*.They provide adjustable damping via the switch on you center console. If you replace them with aftermarket shocks, you are "stuck" with one damping curve -- one setting for ride comfort and handling. Reports say the Bilsteins from Arnott strike a good balance, tending towards the Sport end of the range.

The rear air suspension is a totally separate system with its own failure modes. The two are related in that worn-out rear shocks can allow the rear of the truck to bottom out on the bumpstops more frequently, leading to a rougher ride.

Good luck.


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