Fixing the Most UNRELIABLE Part of the Lexus GX470 for WAY LESS than Mechanic Estimates
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 вер 2022
- In this video, I replace the unreliable active air suspension system that plagues Lexus GX470 owners with a reliable, great-riding static spring and shock setup from Strutmasters.
Strutmasters Rear air suspension conversion kit: strutmasters.pxf.io/15x3JD
Strutmasters 4-wheel suspension replacement kit: strutmasters.pxf.io/EaBjPK
Odelfi headlamp link (code LORA470): odelfi.com/?ref=cByNNBlM
Channel Instagram: / lexus_offroad_adventures
#Lexus #gx470 #overlanding #offroad #lexusgx470 #gxor #gxorsocal #flexus #lexusoffroad #lx470 #lexuslx470 #lexuslx #lexusoffroadadventures #overlanding #overland #overlanding4x4 #overlandlife #overlander #toyota #toyotatacoma #toyota4runner #toyota4x4
Torque specs for this job:
Rear shock absorber bottom bolt: 98 Nm / 72 ft-lb
Wheel lugs: 83 ft-lb
Other helpful torque specs for the GX470:
3 x Strut top plate to chassis frame: 64 Nm / 46 ft-lb
Bracket, Front Suspension Member: 25 ft-lbs (pic)
Caliper slider bolts: 65 ft-lb (for replacing brake pads)
Differential Front Fill: 29 ft-lb
Differential Front Drain: 48 ft-lb
Differential Rear Fill: 36 ft-lb
Differential Rear Drain: 36 ft-lb
Oil Drain plug: 30 ft-lb
Oil Filter cap metal: 18.43-22.13 ft-lb
Oil Filter cap plastic: 18 ft-lb
Oil filter end plug (metal oil cap mod): 9-10 ft-lb
Rear shock absorber bottom bolt: 98 Nm / 72 ft-lb
Skid plate for oil filter access: 21 ft-lb
Spark Plugs: 15 ft-lbs
Strut lower bolt: 95 Nm / 70 ft-lb
Tie rod end ball joint (castle nut): 91 Nm / 67 ft-lb
Track rod ends (to frame chassis): 110 Nm / 81 ft-lb
Transfer Case Drain: 27 ft-lb
Transfer Case Fill: 27 ft-lb
Transmission Check Valve: 15 ft-lb (many have sided closer to 10 ft-lb)
Transmission Drain Plug: 15 ft-lb (many have sided closer to 10 ft-lb)
Transmission Fill Plug: 29 ft-lb
UCA to spindle (castle nut): 110 Nm / 82 ft-lb
Wheel lugs: 83 ft-lb - Авто та транспорт
I think GX's air suspension works just fine. If I want a stiffer ride with less bounce, I switch to sports mode. Comfort mode is slightly bouncy but I hardly notice much difference. The most overlooked GX suspension tweak for better ride quality are the bump stops. If your GX is pretty much a mall or parking lot crawler instead of a hardcore rock/mountain crawler, keep the air suspension and replace the OEM bump stops with Timbren or Sumo. Cost about $300 a pair for the rear and anyone who can remove their tires can replace bump stops. There are four, 2 rear and 2 front. The rear's are different from the front.
Bump stop upgrade coming soon!
If you drove the car back to back after replacing the air suspension with the static setup, it may just change your mind. Ride quality improved at the rear axle by at least 20%
If course I have no way to prove that so… 🤷♂️ There is this steep driveway my wife and I always pull out of and there would be a boom and shaking of the interior and strollers we have in the back for our son. Now, it no longer has that sudden shock of energy and is a smooth transition to the street surface.
Of course, if you tow a lot of stuff you want the load leveling but it’s just my wife’s daily. She loves how the car rides now on the 405 fwy and she normally doesn’t pay attention to car stuff
Cool, I'll keep your spring conversion review in mind. I might reconsider if my bags finally pops. About bump stops -- there are also hydraulic ones but I'm not sure what the pros are compared to non-hydraulic. If you do choose to go with that type, please share videos on it. Thanks.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures did you upgrade the bump stops?
I'm so stoked to get a young 470, and get the full air ride experience that someone paid 50k for 13 years ago. If and when I'm not satisfied with the air ride later down the line, I'll go coil overs, but for me thats part of the GX experience! It still off roads just fine factory im sure. Nice take
It lasted 250k miles on mine. Stealer wants 3k to replace both of them. I ordered parts online and fixed it myself for as low as $120.
Very straight forward on point no rambling on perfect install video. Awesome can’t wait to install stage 2 shocks and struts.
Thanks so much for watching! Good luck with your install 🤙
Commenting a second time on this video because I just now got time to finish the install! Just thought I'd put it out there that removing the swaybar links (atleast for me) was optional I did not need to remove them to get everything to fit underneath. Thanks again!
I really appreciate the video. My 470 is at the point where I have to choose between coil or air and I am now convinced to spend the extra dough and have a smoother ride, to maintain the original integrity of the manufacture and keep the air system. It seems like every video I watch where the bags were replaced with coils that the owner is trying to convince themselves in the test ride that it is a more 'normal' ride with a little more bounce. In every video I can see the camera jumping up and down. It's ok to admit that you're choosing a slightly more bumpy ride over money. And that's ok. I understand saving money but I'm going to sacrifice to have a better ride.
Great video well done.
I just crossed Canada and the USA with my 2008 Gx 470. It has over 230,00 km (144,000 miles) towing a Winnebago RL2500 travel trailer weigh in at around 5,700lbs total weight. Max towing capacity is 6,600 lbs.
The air suspension on this vehicle works as designed. Lower the system to hook up, then raise to the neutral position. I did not need to purchase a load distribution system for the trailer.
The 4.7 V8 was a rock start. This engine reminded me of my motorcycle engine , it loves to rev. Yes, I did burn lots of gas averaging 10 miles per gallon.
Removed all rear seating. With the trailer tongue weight and a few items I was close to maximum load capacity (1200 lbs. max)
Ordered the new Tundra Hybrid Platinum with advance package (back in February) and more or less the same air suspension system for towing our travel trailer.
Have replaced my air bags once and the pump. All four shocks are the stock originals and work just fine. The key to keeping the cost down is to find someone how is familiar with the system.
All this to say if you are planning on towing with your GX keep the air its worth it for the ride and stability towing.
Norm
Gloucester Ontario
Thanks! Sounds like a great trip! Completely agree, if you tow a lot, the air suspension makes sense.
My rear bags lasted over 15 years and nearly 185K miles. Replaced them with Arnott bags. To get off the rear shocks just use a sawz-all on the top nut.
WOW impressive lifespan on those bags
that's a very reasonable lifetime for rubber...
Mine has 252k miles on it and still working great. No dash lights bat all. Drives like new. 👍🏻
Same here. I’m on my second set of rear bags and at 322,000 they’re still in great shape. No leaks. Nothing.
Format and presentation, well done!
Really appreciate it 🙏
I'm at 205k on my 03 and my friends at 396k on his 04 both our air springs still work although you have to give them a minute or 2 of idling when you first start them up in the morning so the pump can air them back up or you'll be bottoming out over every little bump.
Highly recommend Air Bag Man lift bags from australia instead of deleting the bags. There are a ton of benefits to them like auto levelling roof top tents, when youre loaded down with gear, or pulling a trailer. They use Firestone air bags so they are easy to swap, tougher than stock, and offer standard as well as 2" lift bags. IMO its foolish to ditch the bags for coils and downgrade your plush ride.
If chose to get extended airbag then where to get extended shocks and struts? Recommendations?
Do they have right hand drive GX460’s?
@@Reardon_Cobra In Australia, this model is RH drive, but produced as a Toyota Landcruiser Prado (120 Series). They’re almost identical other than some mostly visual interior and exterior differences, engine variants and suspension options. They’re offered with the same 4.0ltr V6 1GRFE engine that the GX460 has, but there’s also a 3.0ltr 4 cylinder 1KZ turbo diesel option. No 4.7ltr V8 2UZ engine option and no airbag suspension. I believe this is the same in most other RH drive countries they were released in, if I’m not mistaken.
@@shannonmesritz ok I knew about the Prado it’s just I wanted to know specifically for the gx470 cause I live overseas and a diplomatic child so I’ve see plentiful amount of prado thx 🙏
@@Reardon_Cobra I believe all Lexus GX’s of this era (120 series) are for the American market only. The 150 series and newer might be offered with Lexus branding in RHD in some other markets though.
Great job! Waiting for 2nd video.
Thanks!
Good job. Great video as always.
Thanks!
Hi, I am experiencing harsh ride and bouncing at the rear end, when more people sit in the back the ride becomes very hard and jumpy. The height control system is working alright. Any idea how to solve this problem ? Please guide
Thanks for this video
Just replace the entire suspension with the Eibauch Stage 1 Pro kit. But this is a great alternative and was very informative.
I also have an Eibach installation video on my channel! Great kit!
@@lexus_offroad_adventures it floors me that there is better life out of a $900 Eibauch kit over a $3000-$5000 Icon kit.
Good tutorial!
Found your video tutorial here and it has been a prayer answered. My GX susp started going south about year or so ago and I had to keep driving it and let me tell you about the headaches I’d get after driving just down the street!. Let’s you know how bad our roads truly are! Anyways thank you for the video. I was a few days away from forking over $4K to Off Road Warehouse to do this same job you shared. I’m no experienced mechanic by any means but am a quick study and I think I can do this. And I appreciate any and all guidance, so please respond….
I need to replace the airbag system asap but also would like to build a modest lift. Would love to get recommendations on parts and/or conversion kit for this job? After some research it seems that ICON is NOT a preferred brand by many. Thoughts? This is what ORW recommended. I plan to make additional mods for off road intentions and have some great ideas from your other videos. Cheers!
Hi Christopher, thanks so much for watching. I’m humbled to have been a part of an answered prayer!
For a modest lift, most opt for the Bilstein 5100s. I don’t personally have experience with them, but I’d consider them a safe bet. I do have experience with the Eibach pro-truck lift system. They are very high quality and huge value for money. Icons get a bad rap in some circles but overall they’re considered a high quality suspension system. Probably overkill for the money and the modest lift you’re looking to install. I also have a front strut replacement tutorial so you can follow that to replace the suspension at all 4 corners and get a comprehensive lift system, which is highly advised. The front may be a bit more involved for the install.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures thank you for the quick reply and I actually just finished watching your tutorial on installing the Eibach heavy duty and I think that may be the choice. I’ve also seen a lot of talk in the GX forums about Dobinsons? Any experience with these?
@@SuperSocrates13 I don’t have experience with dobinsons but another perfectly reliable choice which I included as a great option in my latest video
nice informative video
my gx was bucking when i bought it, while i was switching to OME suspension i saw that my right airbag was lodged into the frame completely outve place and i was just riding on my bumpstop
Same story on my other GX before I lifted it!
Same here
A fuel line disconnect tool will release the air lines very easily. I got a set at harbor freight and swapped my bags in under 30 minutes
Great tip
THANKS-- excellent video.. and MUCH needed!!!
Thanks for watching David!
Check the ride height sensors. They can get corroded inside and quit working. Easy to remove, clean, and get working again. Costs nothing to do.
What jack are you using? I've been looking to purchase something similar.
This guy right here: www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-64544.html
I have replaced both the front struts and the rear shocks. The rear still sways badly. I know the air suspension is dead. Would replacing the air springs with a spring conversion kit fix my issue?? GREAT VIDEO series BTW!! 2 thumbs up!!
Thanks for watching!
As for your vehicle issue, I certainly couldn’t diagnose your it via comments section. The issue could be related to any number of bushings or a compromised anti-sway bar, etc. make sure you get an inspection before you go throwing parts at it. It costs money, but can end up saving you money in the long run. I had failed bags on my silver GX when I first got it and it definitely swayed, bottomed out on the bump stops on mild bumps in the road, etc. so it could be the issue, but I’m just saying to cover your bases before assuming it’s one thing 🤙
I see you’re trying to do your best with the knowledge that you have. although a lockwasher would never work like that there’s a reason it’s on the nut and not the bolt. And if you didn’t cut all your air lines and took your time, I have took these units off for a while now and replaced them and I have sold them up to $400. To individuals that would like to keep their airbags. That can’t afford the high price of a new ones.
Great How to Video! Q: would you buy Gx-470 with 215K miles?
Really depends on service history, rust and a lot of other factors like spec and year, etc. check out my Buyers Guide video for the GX470 for more info
You forgot to mention that the replacement shocks top bolt is not 17mm atleast not on the kit that I just got delivered to me.
Correct. Every replacement kit can be different so didn’t want to be specific on that
@@lexus_offroad_adventures awesome info thank u sir! I found my size 🙏
Those are strange prices. In our country a new oem airbag is $150 a piece 2х = $300. $100 labour and $50 for computer calibration. Totals $450
Multiple people have confirmed on our forums that is the going rate at a Lexus dealer. That’s if everything needs to be replaced including the compressor, front active shocks, rear active shocks, airbags, etc. and they are all replaced with full price OEM Lexus parts.
In your opinion what feels better to you. Eibach or strutmasters?
Two totally different solutions for different setups. The strutmasters are for OEM replacement suspension (stock height) and the Eibach pro truck series is a lift system. The eibach kit does great for off road performance for not a ton of money. But if you’re not looking for a lift; these strutmasters have been great. We love this stock height GX just as much as my off road GX, but for different reasons.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Thank you for the response. The way you detailed it out gave me a better idea of everything!
not a single hiccup with my 2003 GX470's air suspension, even after 200,000 miles.
Wow that’s crazy! How often do you go off road?
@@lexus_offroad_adventures I routinely fly along the National Forest Roads in North Georgia, and go totally off-road about 2-3 times a month.
It's like that GX is on rails.
Mine failed around 290,000. I bought aftermarket replacement pair fot like $100 and someone put them in super easily for $60 :) that said, I do like the idea of reliability and better ride whenever I can afford it or the airbags fail, but who knows. Coming up on 325,000!
I bought replacement airbag on ebay for $35, easy fix
That's still bouncy asf. Thanks for showing the ride quality after the replacement.
How can you say it the most unreliable part? My GX470 just hit over 200K miles, and the airbags just start beginning leaking. It didn't fail at 10K miles or 100K miles. It's sure damn reliable to me.
Yes, and doesn't that show that, since the most unreliable part lasts so long (for some), the GX470 is a pretty damn reliable vehicle overall?
I,v got a set of good bags and pumps that was replaced by coils. Make offer if interested.
At it bags from oriellys are only like $500
Do you think it was a rip-off that a shop charged me 780 for new shocks and springs install all around - I provided all the parts - I argued it should never take 3.5 hours to change out the front shock and springs, but they insisted it did.
Depends where you’re at. I’m in Huntington Beach CA and that sounds about right for what shops charge here. That said, I’d never do it because I have the ability to do it myself. I understand that not everyone wants to tackle that job though.
probably plus you supplied your own parts, but rusty nuts and bolts take more time.
So are you still happy with your replacement?
Yes, I absolutely love driving my wife’s car. It’s even better now a few months later since the springs are starting to settle in nicely.
Not sure what forums or dealerships you are getting these quotes from. Those prices are way out to the left field. The OEM parts for the replacement airbags are less than $600. You can buy them and have an indie shop replace them with labor for around $1000 total. Or you can DIY with coil springs for less than $400. It is almost as simple as changing oil.
Um, you may have missed the screen shots from Repairpal.com that I put in there for my make/model/zip code. The forum that members post up their ridiculous dealer quotes for air suspension replacement is called GXOR on Facebook. One of the largest GX forums out there. There is no “left field” element here.
As for ease of replacement, sure, it’s easy to DIY a coil spring conversion for $400. That was the whole point of the video. Not sure what your point is?
is this one for purchase !!!!!🚘🚘
Not at this time
Let’s dial back the “click bait” language…this system is NOT unreliable or flawed. Mine lasted 220,000 miles and all my fiends GX’s lasted at least 180,000. Any suspension part that lasts that long is made extremely well!
Keith this is an off-road youtube channel. If you actually take your GX off-road, the air springs will not last. Plus, I've found that the spring conversion drives much nicer as the spring rate is nice and progressive. The air springs on my silver GX failed after only the low 100k mile range. Still reliable, but not as reliable as the rest of the vehicles' components when you actually take your vehicle off-road.
Save yourself some time here, only watch if you are switching to non-OE setup he is replacing with traditional shocks. This is NOT how to replace an OE setup with OE parts.
I wouldn’t remove the air suspension, you’re making it worse lol self leveling and having 4 choices for comfort settings is so much better than a low end coil conversation. I’m at 275,000km and the original equipment performs great.
It’s 100% not worse for my purposes. Thanks for watching!
You obviously don't use yours the same way overlanders use theirs. Function over ride quality.
@@jfreakinl4719 I park in front of Starbucks with my jerry cans and traction mats daily. It’ll be fine.
@@carter240 posers gotta pose lol 😆
@@carter240 😃
No music needed
Why the need for the accompanying annoying repetitive soundtrack?
Flow. Filling deadspace. Etc. pretty common for UA-cam videos
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Okay. The information was good, so I still watched 👍
Noisy and irritating "music". Needs to slow down when speaking and be more descriptive and practical in your language. The American tongue rolling slur makes it almost impossible to understand. Video shots and lighting were well done.