stoshzack

Hi All -

We are going to look at a 2003 GX470 tomorrow with 80K miles on it. A quick question on the rear airbag suspension. How do I determine if it is operating correctly? I read a couple posts that state the rear end with rise up with the car is started. Also, I read there is a control within the cabin to raise and lower the vehicle (i.e. the rear end) manually. Is this correct? One last question, I have read a lot of posts about replacing the airbags with coils. Is it just a matter of time before the airbags go out?

Thanks for any help,
Stoshzack

chiph9

Start the truck, then press the switch to lower the suspension (it's on the center console in front of the gear lever, under where the ashtray is). Observe that the back end of the truck drops. Press the switch to raise the suspension twice (go from low, to normal, to high) and observe that the back of the truck goes up. Press the switch the lower the suspension once, observe that the back of the truck returns to the original position.

They do go bad, but it's not as common as you might think. Most of the people switching to coil suspension are doing it because the (expensive) shocks have gone bad. They're expensive because they have remote valving control (adjustable via a switch on the console right by the suspension adjustment) so that you can set your ride comfort.

From what I've seen, when leaks in the air suspension occur, it's 50:50 between the bags and the air lines/compressor fittings.

Chip H.

RCsGX

Just an FYI stoshzack, if the rear shocks are bad and you want to go aftermarket you can still use the airbags / ride height system w/ aftermarket shocks.

ALAN553

So, I have posted before on this issue..replace entire rear suspension, air bags, height sensors, solenoid reservoir. Truck still has a slight tilt to the drivers side. Measured distance from ground to center of rod bolt, 111/2 inches drivers side, 12 on passenger. Looks worse when Looking at the bumper from behind. So out of curiosity I raise the height sensor to its limits in the slot..on drivers side....take it for a ride...drivers side now 11 7/8, passenger side 12 3/8. Both sides went up 1/2". You would think the sensors were independent , right?

stoshzack

Thanks all for the info - we did purchase the 2003 GX470 and air suspension was in fact working.