Another 2004 GX with Shocks\Springs issues...but it's all been replaced
10-14-18, 04:15 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: ID
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another 2004 GX with Shocks\Springs issues...but it's all been replaced
First post here.
Long story short: I've replaced my air springs, height sensors, and shocks (all around). Spent in the neighborhood of $3500 in the last 3 months.
The system is still bottoming out...usually. Sometimes, it's working like its old self. I'm tired of screwing with it. Neither my local tire guy (that also does a surprising amount of full mechanic work), the local Toyota dealer, nor the closest Lexus dealer (the GX has been to see all 3) knows how to work on this system.
I'm ready to just pull everything out and put in standard shocks and springs.
Is there a list (or a replace report...or a thread on here that my searching is missing) somewhere that would list out exact parts I'd need to have this done? I'm not really mechanically inclined (I can get most computers and networks working...but I've managed to mangle almost every mechanical\car job I've tried), and would literally need to know ...every...single...part...and basic instructions for my old mechanic (my old mechanic is 3 hours south of me...but I'm ready to take it to him because I trust him to not fill me with crap on this job).
I'm trying to keep the ride as close to stock as possible. I don't care for lifting it (and I'd prefer to not lift it too much, as most of the mileage is my wife driving the kids to visit cousins 100 miles away).
To this end, I've heard people saying they've used FJ cruiser rear springs, and Bilstein 5100 shocks all around. Is it seriously that simple? Any other adapters I'll need?
After I get this sorted, I'll regale you all with a tale of how my youngest child acted on his decision that krylon gray would look better on the inside of the GX, as opposed to the colors Lexus gave it.
Thanks!
Long story short: I've replaced my air springs, height sensors, and shocks (all around). Spent in the neighborhood of $3500 in the last 3 months.
The system is still bottoming out...usually. Sometimes, it's working like its old self. I'm tired of screwing with it. Neither my local tire guy (that also does a surprising amount of full mechanic work), the local Toyota dealer, nor the closest Lexus dealer (the GX has been to see all 3) knows how to work on this system.
I'm ready to just pull everything out and put in standard shocks and springs.
Is there a list (or a replace report...or a thread on here that my searching is missing) somewhere that would list out exact parts I'd need to have this done? I'm not really mechanically inclined (I can get most computers and networks working...but I've managed to mangle almost every mechanical\car job I've tried), and would literally need to know ...every...single...part...and basic instructions for my old mechanic (my old mechanic is 3 hours south of me...but I'm ready to take it to him because I trust him to not fill me with crap on this job).
I'm trying to keep the ride as close to stock as possible. I don't care for lifting it (and I'd prefer to not lift it too much, as most of the mileage is my wife driving the kids to visit cousins 100 miles away).
To this end, I've heard people saying they've used FJ cruiser rear springs, and Bilstein 5100 shocks all around. Is it seriously that simple? Any other adapters I'll need?
After I get this sorted, I'll regale you all with a tale of how my youngest child acted on his decision that krylon gray would look better on the inside of the GX, as opposed to the colors Lexus gave it.
Thanks!
10-15-18, 08:06 AM
#2
Driver School Candidate
https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com...onversion-kit/
https://www.metaltech4x4.com/metal-t...n-kit-stage-1/
https://www.arnottindustries.com/c-2...-left-or-right
Keep your stock shocks if you have just replaced them. Try only replacing airbags with coil spring. FJ Coils work great i hear.
https://www.metaltech4x4.com/metal-t...n-kit-stage-1/
https://www.arnottindustries.com/c-2...-left-or-right
Keep your stock shocks if you have just replaced them. Try only replacing airbags with coil spring. FJ Coils work great i hear.
Last edited by TWINHAULER; 10-15-18 at 08:16 AM.
10-15-18, 11:45 AM
#3
Have you tried disconnecting the wiring harnesses to your shocks? I also have replaced the items you mentioned and was still having issues with the ride, including bottoming out. Once I disconnected the wiring harnesses and no longer use the AVS, the ride drastically improved. You will no longer be able to use the selector switch (comfort to sport), but the air suspension will still work (assuming you don’t have a problem there). It may be worth a shot, as it literally just takes minutes to disconnect each harness (I used zip ties to keep them supported)
10-15-18, 01:52 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Don't know if you've tried this yet, but it worked very well for me... shimming your rear height sensors by 1/8" using two washers. This will cause the airbags to increase your rear ride height by about 1/2", which is just enough to clear hitting the bump stops during daily driving.
Like many others, I replaced my airbags and still had the bottoming out issue. After confirming that the air compressor and bags were working fine with no leaks, I tried the shimming technique. Worked great. Haven't bottomed out since and I don't think twice before rolling over speed bumps anymore.
Here's the link to the shimming post. You don't need new M8 bolts, just pop two 8mm washers in on each side and use the stock bolts. They're plenty long enough.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...n-5100s-2.html
Like many others, I replaced my airbags and still had the bottoming out issue. After confirming that the air compressor and bags were working fine with no leaks, I tried the shimming technique. Worked great. Haven't bottomed out since and I don't think twice before rolling over speed bumps anymore.
Here's the link to the shimming post. You don't need new M8 bolts, just pop two 8mm washers in on each side and use the stock bolts. They're plenty long enough.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...n-5100s-2.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
