Front Struts and Rear Shocks
02-25-19, 04:42 PM
#16
I don’t know...if you’re sticking with stock springs, then i would just stick to the OEM shocks IF you like the current ride/comfort of your GX. In my younger years, i tried aftermarket shocks on stock springs on various vehicles...never could match the ride quality of stock setup.
02-25-19, 05:26 PM
#17
anyone have an idea on how the Ironman shocks might be for stock application?
https://www.metaltech4x4.com/ironman...rut-nitro-gas/
https://www.metaltech4x4.com/ironman...rut-nitro-gas/
KYB or Monroe for stock-like ride. Bilstein 4600 too.
02-25-19, 09:34 PM
#18
Pole Position
We have a 2013 GX460 with about 91,000 miles on it. We took it to a local garage with a good reputation for an oil change and inspection. They called and said the front struts are leaking and worn out and the rear shocks are also worn out and the replacement will cost $1,175. They said the tires are cupping as a result. We've never had any struts or shocks replaced on any vehicle, although only one we've owned has had higher mileage than this. Also, the price sounds pretty steep. Any advice? Are we getting taken for a ride? We have to decide if we want them to order the parts and do the repair.
Last edited by ASE; 02-25-19 at 09:39 PM.
The following users liked this post:
LFIL (02-26-19)
02-26-19, 03:05 AM
#19
so I typically change shocks in the 80-90,000 mile window given the stock shocks are not that great (IMHO) to begin with, so this is an opportunity to do yourself a favor and upgrade. Tire cupping should be easy to see, or if minimal ... felt by running your hand over the tread in the direction of rotation. Given labor is the bigger cost driver, do not waste your time with crap brands like Monroe ... I would not install these on my riding lawn mower. So many GX owners want the GX to have a "smooth ride" ... ignoring the reality that it is a truck that needs and deserves a higher level of shock control than what Lexus (purposely) provided ... catering the "comfort" crowd while compromising control and handling. While there are many passionate shock recommendations on this and other forums, I like Bilstein's given they do firm-up the ride slightly (emphasize slightly when using stock springs) with improved lean control when cornering and improved road feedback.
Stock shocks are not even fit for a lawn mower? Wow.
If only shocks were the end all to "handling, cornering, and road feedback"....
Sorry, i pretty much disagree with everything that you wrote. But that's just me.
02-26-19, 05:55 AM
#20
Pole Position
OEM shocks ... Yes. Monroe ... Yes. Never said they were “the end all” ... but do play a significant role.
02-26-19, 07:47 AM
#21
LFIL, have you considered having your local Lexus dealer taking a look?
If I was gonna get a second opinion, it would be at my dealer, actually I use them almost everything.
We're very blessed, we have a great dealer!
If I was gonna get a second opinion, it would be at my dealer, actually I use them almost everything.
We're very blessed, we have a great dealer!
03-01-19, 05:03 AM
#22
Rookie
Thread Starter
Our local Lexus dealer is 45 minutes away and not that great. We have an appointment next week with the local Toyota dealer for a second opinion. I will update then.
03-01-19, 08:16 AM
#23
I've put a variety of shocks/struts on cars over the years. Probably the biggest complaint with aftermarket ones are it usually means the ride is stiffer than they want. Something like bilsteins or KYB are going to lose that luxury car ride. Monroe are usually associated with a more compliant ride. I put Monroes on a previous generation GX470 and an LS and they rode better than stock and I never had any issues, but Monroe quality I've heard is spotty. Don't ever buy the economy line of any strut/shock.
I would say OEM are usually the way to go. Sometimes though the OEMs charge CRAZY money for their struts and shocks. But if it's only like $60 more for an OEM strut vs an aftermarket, I know I would gladly pay it on a car that's still worth quite a bit of money.
On the previous generation GX, they could use Toyota 4Runner OEM shocks, which were really inexpensive. Not sure though on this generation.
I would say OEM are usually the way to go. Sometimes though the OEMs charge CRAZY money for their struts and shocks. But if it's only like $60 more for an OEM strut vs an aftermarket, I know I would gladly pay it on a car that's still worth quite a bit of money.
On the previous generation GX, they could use Toyota 4Runner OEM shocks, which were really inexpensive. Not sure though on this generation.
03-01-19, 04:10 PM
#24
Super Moderator
I know you don't have AVS but looking at that dealer pricing.... 3rd party AVS shocks are around $250/each for the rears and $180/each for the front ones
https://www.ebay.com/itm/48530-60210-48530-69565-2pcs-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Set-For-Lexus-GX460-2010-2017/112904312045
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112900226949
https://www.ebay.com/itm/48530-60210-48530-69565-2pcs-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Set-For-Lexus-GX460-2010-2017/112904312045
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112900226949
Last edited by Acrad; 03-02-19 at 09:01 AM.
03-05-19, 10:22 AM
#26
Rookie
Thread Starter
OP here. The Toyota dealer agrees they are leaking and need to be replaced. They quoted $2,200 for Lexus OEM replacements. The quote from the independent shop was $1,175 for KYB. There is a bit of conflicting opinion in this thread about whether aftermarket shocks kill the luxury ride, but for $1,000 I'm thinking I'll chance it.
03-05-19, 12:46 PM
#27
Dude, it sucks that you have to replace, but at least you know you can trust the first shop...
Please keep us updated, my truck just rolled 90,000, so I may be doing this same thing soon.
Please keep us updated, my truck just rolled 90,000, so I may be doing this same thing soon.
03-05-19, 01:33 PM
#28
Pole Position
I seriously do not know why anyone thinks 90,000 miles sucks for shock replacement given the OEM shocks are intermediate quality ... so replacement at this mileage is not shocking (no pun intended). This is an opportunity to upgrade.
03-05-19, 05:28 PM
#29
Lead Lap
Most folks dont really care about shocks until they are worn well past their due date. Plus with these vehicles, a bad shock means perfect time for that upgrade packs
03-05-19, 06:05 PM
#30
Pole Position
What should be experienced by every GX owner is driving one with premium shocks installed ... providing improved road feedback and handling while preserving a comfortable ride.