2007 GX470 shocks and struts
02-03-14, 10:40 AM
#31
I just received an email back from them. Here's what they said:
"I just confirmed with our R & D manager. He stated that the shocks are the 4600 series. The information available for the 5100 series shows that the shocks are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.
Generally speaking Bilstein shocks typically have a firmer ride, and will provide better handling compared to other shocks on the market, the feedback has been great from our customers.
Since the shocks we provide will mount up with your existing air suspension set up, the parts will work fine in .
Thanks,"
So for anyone buying these you are paying a significant up-charge for black paint...all I can say is WOW!
And since we know they are 100% 4600s I wouldn't use them in the rear, I'd return them and get a set of 5100s.
"I just confirmed with our R & D manager. He stated that the shocks are the 4600 series. The information available for the 5100 series shows that the shocks are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.
Generally speaking Bilstein shocks typically have a firmer ride, and will provide better handling compared to other shocks on the market, the feedback has been great from our customers.
Since the shocks we provide will mount up with your existing air suspension set up, the parts will work fine in .
Thanks,"
So for anyone buying these you are paying a significant up-charge for black paint...all I can say is WOW!
And since we know they are 100% 4600s I wouldn't use them in the rear, I'd return them and get a set of 5100s.I'm going to contact them to get my money back for the difference and any labor to replace the 4600s with 5100s. What a freakin scam.
02-03-14, 10:57 AM
#32
Lexus Champion
They banked on the fact that the average GX owner does not know that 4Runner shocks fit our GX. After knowing that they are nothing more than black 4600s the statement below is very misleading:
"Arnott has teamed up with Bilstein to design a perfect shock replacement for the Lexus GX 470."
02-03-14, 11:15 AM
#33
I just received an email back from them. Here's what they said:
"I just confirmed with our R & D manager. He stated that the shocks are the 4600 series. The information available for the 5100 series shows that the shocks are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.
Generally speaking Bilstein shocks typically have a firmer ride, and will provide better handling compared to other shocks on the market, the feedback has been great from our customers.
Since the shocks we provide will mount up with your existing air suspension set up, the parts will work fine in .
Thanks,"
So for anyone buying these you are paying a significant up-charge for black paint...all I can say is WOW! And since we know they are 100% 4600s I wouldn't use them in the rear, I'd return them and get a set of 5100s.
"I just confirmed with our R & D manager. He stated that the shocks are the 4600 series. The information available for the 5100 series shows that the shocks are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.
Generally speaking Bilstein shocks typically have a firmer ride, and will provide better handling compared to other shocks on the market, the feedback has been great from our customers.
Since the shocks we provide will mount up with your existing air suspension set up, the parts will work fine in .
Thanks,"
So for anyone buying these you are paying a significant up-charge for black paint...all I can say is WOW!
And since we know they are 100% 4600s I wouldn't use them in the rear, I'd return them and get a set of 5100s."Have you worked with Bilstein to do custom valving on the 4600s you are selling, or do these shocks have the standard 4600 damping?"
They could be both Bilstein 4600s and have custom damping. Just trying to give them the benefit of the doubt... I'll give up soon
02-03-14, 12:15 PM
#34
Lexus Champion
RC, since you have a thread open with them, can you ask them to answer this question:
"Have you worked with Bilstein to do custom valving on the 4600s you are selling, or do these shocks have the standard 4600 damping?"
They could be both Bilstein 4600s and have custom damping. Just trying to give them the benefit of the doubt... I'll give up soon
"Have you worked with Bilstein to do custom valving on the 4600s you are selling, or do these shocks have the standard 4600 damping?"
They could be both Bilstein 4600s and have custom damping. Just trying to give them the benefit of the doubt... I'll give up soon
For the sake of members that have paid $$ on these shocks I'm hoping the sales guy didn't understand what their R&D dept. said and that yes they use 4600s bodies but they are valved differently and have extended shafts in the rear.
I sent them another email specifically asking if these are valved differently compared to 4Runner 4600s and if they have extended shafts in the rears shocks to accommodate our rear when lifted in the high position.
I'll post their response when I receive it.
02-03-14, 12:50 PM
#35
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Some 4th Gen 4runners have the air suspension that is on the GX's. Wouldn't the 4600s for those models have the extended shaft, and if they don't, then it would it really matter if they have it or not?
02-03-14, 01:28 PM
#36
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=4WD
I do wish a vendor would actually spend the time to custom tune a set to the GX, given it's a bit heavier and more top-heavy, but my guess is the market just isn't there.
02-03-14, 02:45 PM
#37
Lexus Champion
Either way I'm fine using 5100s since I lifted the rear.
I could have sworn the Bilstein fit sheet called out "doesn't fit rear air suspension 4runners" at one point, but based on what I can find, it no longer does. IMO the 4runner is similar enough to the GX in weight to make this a nearly perfect fit.
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=4WD
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mm.../drivetype=4WD
- Taco V6: 3,950lbs.
- FJ 2wd: 4,050lbs. FJ 4wd auto: 4,295lbs.
- 4Runner V6: 4,320lbs. 4Runner V8: 4,530lbs.
- GX: 4,871lbs.
Me too but I doubt even if there were a market that they would make a shock for our GX. They get a lot of business from 4Runner guys yet they excluded the X-REAS suspension?
02-04-14, 10:18 AM
#38
Lexus Champion
Still waiting to hear back from Arnott.
In the mean time I received some other Bilstein info from a different vendor. I asked how they can use the same shocks for all 3 vehicles and they said Bilstein has 2 different valvings for their shocks, heavy and light valving.
Heavy is for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.
Light is for most midsized vehicles like Tacomas, FJs, 4Runners etc. whether they have a 4cyl., V6 or V8.
In the mean time I received some other Bilstein info from a different vendor. I asked how they can use the same shocks for all 3 vehicles and they said Bilstein has 2 different valvings for their shocks, heavy and light valving.
Heavy is for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.
Light is for most midsized vehicles like Tacomas, FJs, 4Runners etc. whether they have a 4cyl., V6 or V8.
02-04-14, 10:45 AM
#39
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Still waiting to hear back from Arnott.
In the mean time I received some other Bilstein info from a different vendor. I asked how they can use the same shocks for all 3 vehicles and they said Bilstein has 2 different valvings for their shocks, heavy and light valving.
Heavy is for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.
Light is for most midsized vehicles like Tacomas, FJs, 4Runners etc. whether they have a 4cyl., V6 or V8.
In the mean time I received some other Bilstein info from a different vendor. I asked how they can use the same shocks for all 3 vehicles and they said Bilstein has 2 different valvings for their shocks, heavy and light valving.
Heavy is for 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.
Light is for most midsized vehicles like Tacomas, FJs, 4Runners etc. whether they have a 4cyl., V6 or V8.
Will the part number be different if the valving is heavy or light?
02-04-14, 11:55 AM
#40
Lexus Champion
All of the vehicles below use the same part number front 5100 / 4600 shock, yet there's a 580lb. weight difference between the lightest V6 Taco AC and the heaviest V8 4Runner.
- Taco: RC, AC, DC, V6 2WD, 4WD
- FJ: 2WD, 4WD, auto / manual
- 4Runner: 2WD, 4WD, V6, V8
I guess it's not worth it business wise for them to use different valvings so they use a one fit all valving for either light / heavy vehicles. I'm not sure why though since you only need to add / remove shims to get a specific valve rating.
Glad I added the CDC valve to my Icons.
02-04-14, 05:11 PM
#41
Lexus Champion
Well guys I tried but I just can't get a clear answer for either question. I can't be any more specific so I'm done w/ the emails. Either they don't know or they do know and they don't want to admit that they're valved the same as the 4Runner 4600s.
Me:
Are these valved differently for the added weight of my GX or do they have the same valving as the 4Runner 4600s?
As you know the GX has an adjustable rear ride height which is able to raise over an 1" for clearing obstacles. If I were to raise the rear do your shocks have extended shafts to accommodate the rear when lifting?
Me:
I'm not lifting the rear, it's still at the stock height. But at times if I off-road and need to raise the rear VIA: the factory ride height button, it will raise the rear 1" - 1.5" so will your shocks work w/ our OEM right height system?
And are your Bilsteins valved differently vs a 4Runner 4600 shock or do both have the same valving specs?
I appreciate your help in helping me figure this out!
Me:
Are these valved differently for the added weight of my GX or do they have the same valving as the 4Runner 4600s?
As you know the GX has an adjustable rear ride height which is able to raise over an 1" for clearing obstacles. If I were to raise the rear do your shocks have extended shafts to accommodate the rear when lifting?
Them:
Sorry for the delayed response back. According to my R & D team, the 4600 shock is for a stock ride height set up and the 5100 is designed for raised vehicles so our shocks will not have extended shaft to accommodate the rear lift.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Sorry for the delayed response back. According to my R & D team, the 4600 shock is for a stock ride height set up and the 5100 is designed for raised vehicles so our shocks will not have extended shaft to accommodate the rear lift.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Me:
I'm not lifting the rear, it's still at the stock height. But at times if I off-road and need to raise the rear VIA: the factory ride height button, it will raise the rear 1" - 1.5" so will your shocks work w/ our OEM right height system?
And are your Bilsteins valved differently vs a 4Runner 4600 shock or do both have the same valving specs?
I appreciate your help in helping me figure this out!
Them:
Sorry for the confusion on my end. The parts will be okay with the stock ride leveling system, the shocks will work just fine. We’ve sold plenty of those with no complaints or returns so I can confidently tell you it will be fine.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Sorry for the confusion on my end. The parts will be okay with the stock ride leveling system, the shocks will work just fine. We’ve sold plenty of those with no complaints or returns so I can confidently tell you it will be fine.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
02-05-14, 01:45 PM
#42
Well guys I tried but I just can't get a clear answer for either question. I can't be any more specific so I'm done w/ the emails. Either they don't know or they do know and they don't want to admit that they're valved the same as the 4Runner 4600s.
Me:
Are these valved differently for the added weight of my GX or do they have the same valving as the 4Runner 4600s?
As you know the GX has an adjustable rear ride height which is able to raise over an 1" for clearing obstacles. If I were to raise the rear do your shocks have extended shafts to accommodate the rear when lifting?
Them:
Sorry for the delayed response back. According to my R & D team, the 4600 shock is for a stock ride height set up and the 5100 is designed for raised vehicles so our shocks will not have extended shaft to accommodate the rear lift.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Me:
I'm not lifting the rear, it's still at the stock height. But at times if I off-road and need to raise the rear VIA: the factory ride height button, it will raise the rear 1" - 1.5" so will your shocks work w/ our OEM right height system?
And are your Bilsteins valved differently vs a 4Runner 4600 shock or do both have the same valving specs?
I appreciate your help in helping me figure this out!
Them:
Sorry for the confusion on my end. The parts will be okay with the stock ride leveling system, the shocks will work just fine. We’ve sold plenty of those with no complaints or returns so I can confidently tell you it will be fine.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Me:
Are these valved differently for the added weight of my GX or do they have the same valving as the 4Runner 4600s?
As you know the GX has an adjustable rear ride height which is able to raise over an 1" for clearing obstacles. If I were to raise the rear do your shocks have extended shafts to accommodate the rear when lifting?
Them:
Sorry for the delayed response back. According to my R & D team, the 4600 shock is for a stock ride height set up and the 5100 is designed for raised vehicles so our shocks will not have extended shaft to accommodate the rear lift.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Me:
I'm not lifting the rear, it's still at the stock height. But at times if I off-road and need to raise the rear VIA: the factory ride height button, it will raise the rear 1" - 1.5" so will your shocks work w/ our OEM right height system?
And are your Bilsteins valved differently vs a 4Runner 4600 shock or do both have the same valving specs?
I appreciate your help in helping me figure this out!
Them:
Sorry for the confusion on my end. The parts will be okay with the stock ride leveling system, the shocks will work just fine. We’ve sold plenty of those with no complaints or returns so I can confidently tell you it will be fine.
Please let me know if you need any additional details and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
I've emailed Shock warehouse several times looking for answers to these same questions and have gotten zero response. Terrible customer service if you ask me. My advice is to stay away from both these guys and Arnott. I'm going to get some 5100s for the rear and return the Lexus 4600s I bought for the rear. I don't feel like messing with the fronts again.
02-05-14, 03:28 PM
#43
Lexus Champion
I'm still trying. 
I spoke with Bilstein today and asked them about the Arnotts vs 4600s and also about the valving difference is any between the 5100s vs the 4600s.
They said they will get back with me regarding Arnott. Let's hope Arnott doesn't a confidentiality clause where Bilstein is not allowed to speak about them. It wouldn't surprise me if they did.
With regards to the valving difference between the 5100s and 4600s:
The rears of both have the same valve specs.
The fronts also have the same valve specs as long as the 5100s are in the 0" lift notch position. Once you lift using one of the preset notches the valving of the 5100s change.
From years of messing w/ 5100s a lot of people always said that the 4600s (Heavy Duty) were valved more harsh, hence the H.D. and that's why you should go with 5100s for a smooooother ride.
EDIT:
They said there's no info in their system about the Arnott Bilsteins and that usually means it's a proprietary part. They said their truck specialist is on vacation for the rest of the week so they'll get back with me sometime next week with a definitive answer.
I spoke with Bilstein today and asked them about the Arnotts vs 4600s and also about the valving difference is any between the 5100s vs the 4600s.
They said they will get back with me regarding Arnott. Let's hope Arnott doesn't a confidentiality clause where Bilstein is not allowed to speak about them. It wouldn't surprise me if they did.
With regards to the valving difference between the 5100s and 4600s:
The rears of both have the same valve specs.
The fronts also have the same valve specs as long as the 5100s are in the 0" lift notch position. Once you lift using one of the preset notches the valving of the 5100s change.
From years of messing w/ 5100s a lot of people always said that the 4600s (Heavy Duty) were valved more harsh, hence the H.D. and that's why you should go with 5100s for a smooooother ride.
EDIT:
They said there's no info in their system about the Arnott Bilsteins and that usually means it's a proprietary part. They said their truck specialist is on vacation for the rest of the week so they'll get back with me sometime next week with a definitive answer.
Last edited by RCsGX; 02-05-14 at 04:09 PM.
02-08-14, 10:02 AM
#44
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Solid
For the sake of members that have paid $$ on these shocks I'm hoping the sales guy didn't understand what their R&D dept. said and that yes they use 4600s bodies but they are valved differently and have extended shafts in the rear.
I sent them another email specifically asking if these are valved differently compared to 4Runner 4600s and if they have extended shafts in the rears shocks to accommodate our rear when lifted in the high position.
I'll post their response when I receive it.
I sent them another email specifically asking if these are valved differently compared to 4Runner 4600s and if they have extended shafts in the rears shocks to accommodate our rear when lifted in the high position.
I'll post their response when I receive it.
Also, the email from the Arnott talking heads has led me to believe that they predicted the issue with the ride height adjustments when they told you that, it, "works with the original air suspension."
Any update on that from them or ideas on the worst case scenario.
Grazi to you all for your information and contributions.
02-08-14, 12:54 PM
#45
Thanks for your diligence on this RC. I was having my brother-in-law install my Arn-Bil front and rears this week. He mentioned that the fronts were a MPITA. Now that other well-informed GX owners have been contributing to this thread I have been losing sleep over what happens the first time we turn that ride height suspension switch to "HIGH"...is serious damage possible, if so what's the worst that could happen.
Also, the email from the Arnott talking heads has led me to believe that they predicted the issue with the ride height adjustments when they told you that, it, "works with the original air suspension."
Any update on that from them or ideas on the worst case scenario.
Grazi to you all for your information and contributions.
Also, the email from the Arnott talking heads has led me to believe that they predicted the issue with the ride height adjustments when they told you that, it, "works with the original air suspension."
Any update on that from them or ideas on the worst case scenario.
Grazi to you all for your information and contributions.
1) it's temporary, you can't drive that way @ speed
2) it's not nearly full extension on the rear suspension. Jack up the rear from the frame and you'll see how much droop you really have. My guess is you saw that when you were installing the rears. IIRC the rear travel is shock limited. But, again, you should only run into the travel-limit when jacking up the rear, articulating offroad, or going off a sweet jump