Strut replacement (keeping air suspension) input needed
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Strut replacement (keeping air suspension) input needed
Hello Everyone,
I'd like to hear some thoughts from those who have replaced their struts and left the factory air suspension in place. Before anyone jumps on me and says "use the search function" I'll tell you that I have read every single thread on this subject. I've gathered some useful information as well but I haven't seen a general concensus about the following:
Arnott struts p/n sk-2812 and sk-2813. These are apparently a newer version of what they had offered a few years ago. I know I'll loose the adaptive suspension control.
-How satisfied have people been with these?
-What is the ride quality like? (Harsh, similar to oem, in between?)
-Do they improve the somewhat loose handling characteristics and "nose dive" when braking?
My truck almost strictly on pavement and with the crappy nebraska roads I'd like to achieve a good ride quality. The oem struts have about 90k miles on them and seem to bob around a lot. They're very soft but can be harsh over some larger road imperfections. Any input from those who have used the arnott struts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I'd like to hear some thoughts from those who have replaced their struts and left the factory air suspension in place. Before anyone jumps on me and says "use the search function" I'll tell you that I have read every single thread on this subject. I've gathered some useful information as well but I haven't seen a general concensus about the following:
Arnott struts p/n sk-2812 and sk-2813. These are apparently a newer version of what they had offered a few years ago. I know I'll loose the adaptive suspension control.
-How satisfied have people been with these?
-What is the ride quality like? (Harsh, similar to oem, in between?)
-Do they improve the somewhat loose handling characteristics and "nose dive" when braking?
My truck almost strictly on pavement and with the crappy nebraska roads I'd like to achieve a good ride quality. The oem struts have about 90k miles on them and seem to bob around a lot. They're very soft but can be harsh over some larger road imperfections. Any input from those who have used the arnott struts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
From: AL
As I'm sure you know, strut/shock selection and rear air springs are unrelated, assuming you're not going to change the springs and lift the GX or something.
I'd go with an OE similar ride while ditching the adjustable shocks if I were you. Saves big money and keeps everything the same (only better because you've got brand new struts). Arnott is probably fine .. I went with KYB brand 4runner struts/shocks from rockauto at 100k miles. KYB is an OE supplier so quality should be there. Make sure you apply a 5% discount code if shopping on rockauto and you get an alignment after changing suspension parts.
I did mine in the garage .. not too bad .. used a loaner spring compressor from AutoZone on the front strut assemblies and it worked fine.
Part numbers KYB341340(2)KYB344410(2)
I'd go with an OE similar ride while ditching the adjustable shocks if I were you. Saves big money and keeps everything the same (only better because you've got brand new struts). Arnott is probably fine .. I went with KYB brand 4runner struts/shocks from rockauto at 100k miles. KYB is an OE supplier so quality should be there. Make sure you apply a 5% discount code if shopping on rockauto and you get an alignment after changing suspension parts.
I did mine in the garage .. not too bad .. used a loaner spring compressor from AutoZone on the front strut assemblies and it worked fine.
Part numbers KYB341340(2)KYB344410(2)
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
As I'm sure you know, strut/shock selection and rear air springs are unrelated, assuming you're not going to change the springs and lift the GX or something.
I'd go with an OE similar ride while ditching the adjustable shocks if I were you. Saves big money and keeps everything the same (only better because you've got brand new struts). Arnott is probably fine .. I went with KYB brand 4runner struts/shocks from rockauto at 100k miles. KYB is an OE supplier so quality should be there. Make sure you apply a 5% discount code if shopping on rockauto and you get an alignment after changing suspension parts.
I did mine in the garage .. not too bad .. used a loaner spring compressor from AutoZone on the front strut assemblies and it worked fine.
Part numbers KYB341340(2)KYB344410(2)
I'd go with an OE similar ride while ditching the adjustable shocks if I were you. Saves big money and keeps everything the same (only better because you've got brand new struts). Arnott is probably fine .. I went with KYB brand 4runner struts/shocks from rockauto at 100k miles. KYB is an OE supplier so quality should be there. Make sure you apply a 5% discount code if shopping on rockauto and you get an alignment after changing suspension parts.
I did mine in the garage .. not too bad .. used a loaner spring compressor from AutoZone on the front strut assemblies and it worked fine.
Part numbers KYB341340(2)KYB344410(2)
Driver
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: NJ
It may also be worth looking into the off-road shock market instead of OEM replacements. Mark over at MetalTech4x4(.com) is quite knowledgeable and may have some other suggestions for you. Alternatively, if you want lower mileage Lexus shocks, you may be able to find someone upgrading who will give (or sell for cheap) you their old shocks.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
I don't see any reason to purchase Arnott rear shocks if you're keeping the air springs in the rear. Aren't they just 4Runner Bilsteins packaged with their spring kit?
You can throw just about any rear shock from the same generation 4Runner for a lot less.
You can throw just about any rear shock from the same generation 4Runner for a lot less.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: MA
How comfortable is the total 5100 package. I threw some 5100's on the back and am about to do my entire front suspension and am debating whether or not to go this route. I've got some rough roads that I drive on sometimes and don't want to be jumping all over the place like I currently am on the stock front struts (150k)
Trending Topics
Driver
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 143
Likes: 5
From: Wake
How comfortable is the total 5100 package. I threw some 5100's on the back and am about to do my entire front suspension and am debating whether or not to go this route. I've got some rough roads that I drive on sometimes and don't want to be jumping all over the place like I currently am on the stock front struts (150k)
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
It may also be worth looking into the off-road shock market instead of OEM replacements. Mark over at MetalTech4x4(.com) is quite knowledgeable and may have some other suggestions for you. Alternatively, if you want lower mileage Lexus shocks, you may be able to find someone upgrading who will give (or sell for cheap) you their old shocks.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: NJ
That's the route I'm leaning. The Icon 56505 for the 4runner seems to be a good bet. I'm still trying to confirm if I need to worry about the air bags coming unseated at full articulation being that this is probably a longer shock at full extension than factory. Talked to metal tech and they weren't quite sure becuase most are converting to coils when adding shocks like these. Any idea what the stock shock lengths are?
The forum is breaking my link..remove the spaces: https://www.facebook .com /groups /LexusGXOR/
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gstromb101
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
1
Aug 13, 2014 09:45 AM
bonnier
ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018)
4
Jan 28, 2008 03:13 AM