Matsui

So I ordered this and just received it. It says that it is a 2" lift shock. What would I need to do to keep it stock height. I'm sure my indy mechanic would know, but I'd like to know too in advance. Is there anything additional I need to buy to make it stock height? The front adjustable Billstein came with a ring type thing which can be used to adjust the height. Also, I want to confirm that I should set the front at .85" to balance out with the rear? That will be OK with the front stock spring? Also, do I need to set the stock shocks setting (comfort/sport) to anything specific before taking out the shocks? Also, before the mechanic lifts the GX, do I need to turn off anything to avoid the airbags from going bad?

I'm planning to get the front and back shocks installed tomorrow, so getting very nervous from deviating from stock parts especially because our suspension is so complicated. I hope everything goes well Keeping my fingers crossed for a better ride after the switch.

new2012jee

Gah, I am having mine done tomorrow too, the fronts at least, and am unsure whether the .85" actually levels the car out with a stock set up rear. I may just say go for it, set to .85".

Matsui

Did you maintain the stock height in the rear? Was there anything extra you had to do to the rear shocks to do that since it says on the box that it gives a 2" lift?

new2012jee

no, it remains stock. The 5100's are suitable for setups with 0 to 2" inches of lift. They don't lift anything.

new2012jee

Okay, this is done! The ride is 100X better, but we were pretty much able to confirm, these were the original shocks from day 1 on this GX. They were completely compressed upon removal. My comparison is essentially against that...

This truck rides so smooth now. cobble roads that used to shake front end, are now quiet (Used to vibrate the glovebox and items in cupholders to hell). The overall ride is better and quieter. I did use the .85" postion on the 5100, and gained a little over an inch. I raised my sensors on rear to match, so it looks even now.

This is with suspension stock, minus the shocks/struts.

NinerGX

Good info ! Thanks. I have the same issues with leaky shocks and poor handling. I will be changing to the 5100's as can't seem to find any info on lowering the GX slightly. Do you have any thoughts on that or links I can check out. Most of my driving is city and winding mountain roads so I am never off road.

Thanks!

alien99

Do you loose any features after installing Bilstein 33-187174 in the rear? Thought I saw some mentions about loosing comfort/sport feature.

Mine 2005 gx 470 is at 165k and I am noticing rust and cracks in the rear shocks' housings.

Thanks
Alien99

chikailo

Similar question - if I swap out the FRONT shock absorber with non-OEM (such as KYB or Bilstein) while keeping the REAR setup stock, will I lose the Comfort/Sport select feature?

Matsui

Yes, you will loose the comfort/sport feature if you replace just the front or back with Bilstein.