OEM Suspension (swap?)

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Apr 27, 2016 | 05:40 PM

norths03

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From: Colorado

OEM Suspension (swap?)

I'm considering upgrading the stock suspension on the GX I just bought. The stock system has 138k and everything still works perfectly (airbags, ride height sensors, compressor, magnetically adjustable shocks) and the shocks feel good, not worn out yet. It was a Florida 1 owner without a scratch so I'm betting the only dirt it has seen was me testing it out the other day.

I'm wondering if there is anyone interested in swapping back to stock or if there is a market for a full working stock suspension or if parting it out might make sense. If anyone has any insight or interest please feel free to let me know.

Last edited by norths03; Apr 27, 2016 at 09:06 PM. Reason: Typo

Apr 28, 2016 | 03:10 PM

Rz500

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Joined: Mar 2013

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From: On

Quote:

Originally Posted by norths03

If it's all in good shape, have you considered just modifying the oem suspension? On my truck I'm still running the factory shocks front and rear. For the front I replaced the springs with old man emu 4 runner springs along with a 1/2" spacer on top of the shock. For the rear I machined a spacer for underneath the airbags. I was able to maintain all the function and benefits of the factory suspension and achieve the look and ground clearance I was after. I'm currently running a 285/70/17 tire.

Apr 28, 2016 | 03:43 PM

norths03

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From: Colorado

Thanks for the reply. That setup looks good. What was the total lift front and rear? Any rubbing/trimming? I don't want to have to buy UCA's yet so I'm thinking 2" or so would be about right.

Also, the spacer for the rear, was it to raise the sensors or was it something different?

Apr 28, 2016 | 05:13 PM

Rz500

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Joined: Mar 2013

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From: On

Quote:

Originally Posted by norths03

Total lift was a little over 3". I have minor rubbing in reverse at full lock. The rub is on the plastic inner fender not the control arm. I needed to trim the ends of my running boards and massage the plastic in the front of the wheel wells. Certainly nothing major.

There are members on the site that have had success with "tricking" the airbags. I tried this but found the over inflated bags to be too harsh of a ride. Instead I machined a spacer that sits under the airbag. The spacer was made from steel. I believe it was 2.5" thick it has a dowel in one end and a hole in the other to locate it. It was also tack welded in place for additional piece of mind. It has proven to be a great setup. I've driven it lifted for 2 years now with zero issues.

Apr 28, 2016 | 08:20 PM

mswtoyota

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Joined: Nov 2015

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From: Tx

Rz500, I love your setup. I don't know why everyone wants to ditch the airbags and stock shocks on the GX, I guess no one else uses it. I love lowering the suspension to load/unload and hook up to my trailer. It makes it so easy. I also love the adjustability of the stock shocks especially when I am towing the trailer.

Apr 29, 2016 | 03:05 PM

cam2

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: AZ

Suspension

I did a ICON stage 2 suspension lift front and rear 2 1/2 total lift, keeping stock 265 65 17 size ,.... tires are Michelin AT 2. Handles excellent ,ride is not too firm, only thing is more road noise due to lift height,, My factory set up was getting worn out. I researched extensively before Doing any thing to the GX suspension!!! I determined ICON was best for my GX and my daily driving and 4x4 needs. If your gonna do a suspension, research throughly before doing any modifications and get a set up to meet your needs.....