I promise that I searched first! We have a 2012 GX with 116,000 miles that rides like a brick cart. It has the Air Bags and Adaptive Suspension systems. It happened slowly and I didn't notice until we upgraded the 2004 GX with a 2019 Q5, and now it's clear something needs to change! Our roads are horrendous in SLC so the harsh ride is also slowly damaging the rest of the car I feel.

I figure to keep the AVS I can either pay the dealer $3-4k to get all 4 shocks replaced with OEM parts, or buy the Chinese ones off eBay for ~$500-600 and do it myself / take to a shop. But the local shop quoted me $2k for KYB installed so I'm not keen on that option and leaning towards DIY.

And of course I can ditch the AVS and go with an aftermarket setup, but 99% of what I see on these forums is for lifting which I am not looking for. I'd pay for nice shocks that are beefy but don't lift it, but seems there is no market for that.

I'm interested in another option but can't find anyone that has done it... can I just put on non AVS GX shocks? Or even 4Runner shocks. It seems like the suspension layout is the same with out without air bags, so other than the weight difference what am I missing? I mention 4Runner since the 460 had a harsher ride than our old 470 and I don't like it, so if a 4Runner setup would move that direction I would do it (maybe the limited? if its sprung differently that is).

Also wondering if anyone has tried to trick the air ride into a lower PSI, either with a computer over ride or mechanically offsetting the level sensors to think its riding higher than it is. Not a great option but could buy me some time.

Thanks!

 

Yes, you can follow one of the instruction guides for any of the lift kits with the air ride conversion, but install OEM non-AVS struts up front and shocks/springs in the rear. I’ve got a set from my 2014 I just took off I’d be happy to send you!

 

Are you sure it's the shocks? In general, worn shocks and struts tend to produce a bouncing effect vs very harsh ride. Tires play an important role. Over inflating definitely reduces ride quality. Control arms also play a factor. It very well may be the shocks but I would confirm before spending that money.

 

No I'm not sure its the shocks, but at 115k miles it seems like the default suspect no?

I tried to adjust the level sensors last night but the threaded arm wouldn't budge and I broke one, so started playing games with the sensors to manually set the ride height a bit lower to see if it helped the ride. Its a difficult system to trick as there are some delays etc and you are trying to adjust 2 sensors, but I got it to stay in a lower pressure position and can feel a difference in the ride (placebo?).

So now I'm on the hunt for a level sensor arm and shocks

 

Thanks for the offer but 2014 shocks might not buy me much time!

 

I don't care what anyone thinks ... the AVS shocks are absolutely not worth the money for replacement. Put that money into a down-payment on a new GX before sinking that kind of money (for shocks) into a six-figure mileage GX ... or install conventional shocks. Had the same decision on an AVS GX470 and installed 4-Runner Bilstein's for a fraction of the cost, and my wife liked the ride so much better ... the GX felt so much more planted, with reduced body roll and brake dive and a firm but very smooth and comfortable ride. The AVS shocks IMHO are a solution looking for a problem with an obscene replacement cost. Just purchase high(er) end conventional shocks and save the money. If installing Bilstein's (for example) you will need to install the longer 5100's in the back so the air bags can fully extend ... while running the standard 4-Runner (no-lift) part number for the fronts.

$2,000 for conventional KYB's is a rip-off ... I suspect they are hitting you with a "Lexus Tax" on the labor side.

 

Thats what I am leaning towards, what bilsteins did you use?

 

5100's in the rear and 4600's in the front ... same shock other than the length. A company named "Arnott" made a Bilstein (Kit) for the GX470 with Air Suspension ... not sure if they do the same for the GX460 ... may be worth a call ... and if they don't, you can get their input on what Bilstein PN's would work on the GX460 for a no-lift installation. The V8 4-Runner shocks worked perfectly for the GX470 (even with the extra 500-lb weight) ... the GX460 may be different. While many shocks will work in terms of end-configuration and valving ... the shock length is all-important when reusing the stock springs (which should match the shocks being replaced).

 

Good point. If I could get spring lengths from a 2012 4runner and GX to compare on paper that would add confidence (GX without air ride for rear spring length compare). If only that information existed!

I will probably just order the 4600s and measure them extended to compare to the stock ones I'm removing. If they don't match I'd need to get a set of 4runner coils for the front and adjust the air bag sensors in the rear.

 

The fully extended shock length is what's important, not spring length given the spring rates are probably different given the GX over the years is typically 500-800 pounds heavier.

 

The fully extended shock length is what's important, not spring length given the spring rates are probably different given the GX over the years is typically 500-800 pounds heavier.

 

Replacing the OEM airbags are the same across all Toyotas and it's not that hard, here's a good DIY video https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...l#post10782394
and the OEM parts aren't that expensive... https://www.oemvehicleparts.com/v-20...--ride-control
(aftermarket brand airbags which are plug and play are much less expensive than OEM airbags too: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...r+spring,15005)

The AVS shocks are ridiculously expensive, I agree with @ASE on that...

 

I've seen some new 3rd party AVS shocks on eBay that get close to $100/each

Another thread with info on aftermarket parts for AVS/RAHC

 

Finally got it into jack it here in SLC for a set of bilstein 5100s and the ride is soooooo much better. I was worried about bushings and bearings given the clattering I could feel in the steering wheel, but a set of shocks did the trick.

Left the airbags in the rear and reused the front springs, and it feels great. Softer but I’m happy.

No lights on the dash either which is nice.

Hope this thread helps others considering the same.

 

Question: With the 5100's what spring perch clip position did you use ? ... were you able to use the "no lift" (lowest) position, or did the assembled spring length require moving the spring perch up to minimally compress the spring ? ... and if so, how many notches ? ... and what was the resulting increase in ride height ?