Great video. I just finished this job and I have one extra tip for the top nut on the shock, which ultimately took a couple hours to sort out for the first one, while all the rest of the job took no more than 20 min per side. When the top nut is inevitably rusted in place and just won't break free, no matter how hard you try, and with much-o releaser oil, and trying every tool you have, you can use a nut splitter, available for about $18 at the local hardware store, to break the nut and then turn it off. A torch or cutter isn't really an option on the left hand side, because the shock is not far from the gas tank and just below the fuel filler line - not a good place for flame or sparks. You'll also need a 1/2" impact wrench and a 3/4" impact socket to do this. (1) Slip the nut splitter up over the nut, with the cutter bit vertical and on a flat side of the nut - you'll need a light and a mirror to see whether the cutter is approximately vertical and on the nut. (2)Using a socket and a standard ratchet wrench on the nut splitter, tighten the cutter bit hard against the offending nut until you can't really turn it anymore. This will hold it in place for the impact wrench (3)Put the impact wrench on the nut splitter on its highest torque setting and let er rip. If the nut splitter works its way up off the nut before it has finished cutting through the nut, then start at step 1 again and make sure the cutter bit is lined up with the cut so far. (4)once the nut splitter has cut through the nut, squirt releaser oil into the cut in the nut and wait a few minutes (5)using whatever size wrench will fit snuggly on the now deformed and broken nut, turn it off. Both of mine came off easily after being split. As noted, the rest of the job will take about 20min following the steps in the video.
You setted unrealistic expectations on how my suspension work would go. I Spended between the two sides 3 hours just fighting with the rusted bolts. But if we ignore that event the whole endeavor is very easy and straight forward. Your video was very helpful!
Nice concise tutorial vid, thanks. We are also a family of 2 GX470'S, both 04's. I diy 95% of our upgrades and or repairs etc. on our 2 rigs. You earned a 1st video view new sub. 👍
I saw these on amazon and was like naaa probably cheap quality. So i ended up buying Bilstein B6 shocks and just got them today but now since seeing your video im going to return them and get these to retain the plug in features. Thanks. Hope they last a while.
New to these GX 470s. Does the stock GX 470 have the air shocks (suspension bags) AND shocks? Or were you replacing shocks after getting rid of the air bags?
But how do you know if it's the shock that needs replacing or the air bag springs, my lex is bouncing up and down and I was hearing the compressor from time to time and I would come out in the morning and see the back sagging really low? Awesome video BTW!
Great video and looks like something I could manage. What made you decide the rear shocks were the problem? We feel every bump in my wife’s 2007 470, but want to make sure it’s the rear shocks and not something else. When I push down on the rear bumper it seems to snap back into place reasonably well.
If you go over bumps and it bobs up and down like a yo-yo for a few oscillations, it could be shocks. But the rear air springs in these things can also go bad and cause rough handling as well. I’ve done a few videos regarding that. We ended up doing a coil spring conversion on this GX.
Just subscribed ! I think my air bags are leaking (bottom out and sags low to the ground and hear the air pump) or could be the shocks since it's bounces like a yo yo so I will go with the conversion. Question is do you need to change the shocks along with the coil springs ? I have seen many channels that have just changed the coils springs and not the shocks but since the shocks need to come half way off to change the coil springs and I have 250k should I just change them anyways? Thanks again! @@lexus_offroad_adventures
@@timesofyourlife1 thanks for the sub! If you’re already in there, it’s pretty quick to just change out the shocks. Your bouncing issue could be due to the reduced spring rate from the bad bags overwhelming the shocks, rather than the shocks themselves being bad, but with that mileage, fresh parts always help tighten things up and ensure longevity. Check around the shock to see if there is any fluid on them. If they’re leaking, there for sure bad.
I had to actually cut one off and break the other off. The first set was the cheapest from Amazon and it felt like it was bottoming out after every bump. I replaced those with the Luft Meister (?) from Amazon and they don’t feel all that much better. I’ll convert it over when I’m sick of the bounce and have the money to make the conversion.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures a friend of mine is a technician at a local Toyota dealership and I had him check it out beforehand. The airbags stay up when I set it to the high level.
Hey man, great video. I was hoping to do the rear shocks myself but I am struggling to find the shocks I want. I was wondering how these shocks performed over the long run and if you have any other rear shock suggestions.
I ended up doing a spring conversion on this GX a few thousand miles later. I would say if you’re interested in long term performance, you can’t beat OEM.
Great vid! Did you have to change your air suspensions bladders or compressor yet? I have a 2012 GX460 that I need to have shocks replaced. Ride is rough and stiff
At around 5:15, you said you need to torque the bottom bolt to 72 ft*lbf. Are you measuring that exactly with a special tool or are you just wrenching until it's secure? Sorry if it's a silly question. I've been dipping my toe into working on my GX lately, and this kinda job is making me want to ensure that I do everything exactly right to ensure safety
Good question! You can get a torque wrench from Harbor Freight that will click when you get to the correct torque amount. I’ve done this job a few times so I have a pretty good feel for what the right torque is so I don’t remember if I used a torque wrench but I definitely recommend getting into the habit of torquing everything to spec with a torque wrench.
Hi. How did these hold up? I need to replace ASAP and am "shocked" that my Lexus mechanic never noticed mine were rusted through with holes on the top hood! I even replaced my airbag suspension with new airbags and still leaking and they found the pipe connections were broken at the source. Again they never checked. They just did the work. Sad. New mechanic now for sure!
I have moved on to a full strutmasters static setup in place of the air/active ride system. Link is in description. ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.html
Yes absolutely. I’ll post the Amazon link. It’s like 215 and you get to keep ride control and get OE ride quality. I’ve heard mixed results from static shock setups with the stock airbags. LuftMeister 48530-69485 Pair Rear... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BVG7D12?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Yup! 1974 GTV 2000, my dad and I were rebuilding the suspension. It’s in for an engine refresh, hotter cams and Weber 40mm carb upgrade right now. Gonna be amazing when finished Thanks for watching!
Hey man… nice video. I’m about to pull the trigger on these but wanted to check with you to see how they’re holding up. Also. Do you know if they come with a manufacturer warranty? Thanks.
I installed those shocks looked like good quality shocks. I noticed bumps still feel like they are making contact with the bump stops. But my height control moves and up down just fine. Can the sensors be adjusted to be higher while normal driving?
ruclips.net/video/-SG0ZmvaqD4/видео.html I’ve done the fronts before but the video wasn’t the best. I’ll definitely make a video of a stock replacement if we end up getting them
Hey @LexusOff-RoadAdventures How are the aftermarket Luftmeisters performing? Did they restore the ride back to original ride quality and compatible with the electronic comfort control?
Yes they are performing very well. Although poor ride quality can also be a result of bad air springs. If you’re getting excess bounciness in the rear, these will help
I replaced my rear shock absorber,stabilizer link and rear axle stop bump cushion and my car still bouncy ( gx 470) how could I fixed this problem please advise thanks
Hey GX460 owners, i recently got the GX460 2022 luxury trim but i am really annoyed by how stiff is the OEM suspentions and thinking of replacing them with Dobinsons IMS (only the suspentions). What do you think? Any one tried to do so and got huge improvements?
Dobinsons makes a good kit. If you just want OE ride height, Strutmasters makes a kit that does not lift the vehicle. Only replaces the active/ air suspension www.strutmasters.com/products/2010-2019-lexus-gx-460-4-wheel-air-suspension-conversion-kit-te24f
Also any vendor recommendation to converting my back rear door into a fold down table/stove platform? Appreciate you and your channel. Keep up the great work. 07 GX470 210k miles.
I saw these on amazon and was like naaa probably cheap quality. So i ended up buying Bilstein B6 shocks and just got them today but now since seeing your video im going to return them and get these to retain the plug in features. Thanks. Hope they last a while.
Yeah I’m super happy with them so far! Just make sure they’re the Luftmeister ones in the description. There are some other cheap-o ones that people say to avoid
Great video. I just finished this job and I have one extra tip for the top nut on the shock, which ultimately took a couple hours to sort out for the first one, while all the rest of the job took no more than 20 min per side. When the top nut is inevitably rusted in place and just won't break free, no matter how hard you try, and with much-o releaser oil, and trying every tool you have, you can use a nut splitter, available for about $18 at the local hardware store, to break the nut and then turn it off. A torch or cutter isn't really an option on the left hand side, because the shock is not far from the gas tank and just below the fuel filler line - not a good place for flame or sparks. You'll also need a 1/2" impact wrench and a 3/4" impact socket to do this. (1) Slip the nut splitter up over the nut, with the cutter bit vertical and on a flat side of the nut - you'll need a light and a mirror to see whether the cutter is approximately vertical and on the nut. (2)Using a socket and a standard ratchet wrench on the nut splitter, tighten the cutter bit hard against the offending nut until you can't really turn it anymore. This will hold it in place for the impact wrench (3)Put the impact wrench on the nut splitter on its highest torque setting and let er rip. If the nut splitter works its way up off the nut before it has finished cutting through the nut, then start at step 1 again and make sure the cutter bit is lined up with the cut so far. (4)once the nut splitter has cut through the nut, squirt releaser oil into the cut in the nut and wait a few minutes (5)using whatever size wrench will fit snuggly on the now deformed and broken nut, turn it off. Both of mine came off easily after being split. As noted, the rest of the job will take about 20min following the steps in the video.
Great tips for people dealing with rust. Pinned!
All videos should be like this. Thank you for the easy to follow directions.
You setted unrealistic expectations on how my suspension work would go. I Spended between the two sides 3 hours just fighting with the rusted bolts. But if we ignore that event the whole endeavor is very easy and straight forward. Your video was very helpful!
@@martinscarpone2396 oh no! Yeah my GXs are lifelong California cars which is pretty unfair. Makes things so much easier. Thanks for watching
I changed mine out last week on my ‘03. Couldn’t have done it without your video. Thanks so much for posting these DIY videos!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Nice concise tutorial vid, thanks.
We are also a family of 2 GX470'S, both 04's. I diy 95% of our upgrades and or repairs etc. on our 2 rigs. You earned a 1st video view new sub. 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks for including the lb-ft torque! 👍
Best Video I have ever seen about this, Thanks
I saw these on amazon and was like naaa probably cheap quality. So i ended up buying Bilstein B6 shocks and just got them today but now since seeing your video im going to return them and get these to retain the plug in features. Thanks.
Hope they last a while.
Right on, they seem to be working great so far after a month or so. Thanks for watching!
New to these GX 470s. Does the stock GX 470 have the air shocks (suspension bags) AND shocks? Or were you replacing shocks after getting rid of the air bags?
Thanks for the video and congrats on almost 1k subs 👍🏼
Still loving these? Was thinking about getting them but want to hear someone’s experience after a few months. Thank you!
Yep! Still very secure feeling, like-new ride
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Sweet thank you! Loving you videos, thank you for putting the information out there.
But how do you know if it's the shock that needs replacing or the air bag springs, my lex is bouncing up and down and I was hearing the compressor from time to time and I would come out in the morning and see the back sagging really low? Awesome video BTW!
Bag sagging = bag leaks.
Great video and looks like something I could manage. What made you decide the rear shocks were the problem? We feel every bump in my wife’s 2007 470, but want to make sure it’s the rear shocks and not something else. When I push down on the rear bumper it seems to snap back into place reasonably well.
If you go over bumps and it bobs up and down like a yo-yo for a few oscillations, it could be shocks. But the rear air springs in these things can also go bad and cause rough handling as well. I’ve done a few videos regarding that. We ended up doing a coil spring conversion on this GX.
Just subscribed ! I think my air bags are leaking (bottom out and sags low to the ground and hear the air pump) or could be the shocks since it's bounces like a yo yo so I will go with the conversion. Question is do you need to change the shocks along with the coil springs ? I have seen many channels that have just changed the coils springs and not the shocks but since the shocks need to come half way off to change the coil springs and I have 250k should I just change them anyways? Thanks again! @@lexus_offroad_adventures
@@timesofyourlife1 thanks for the sub! If you’re already in there, it’s pretty quick to just change out the shocks. Your bouncing issue could be due to the reduced spring rate from the bad bags overwhelming the shocks, rather than the shocks themselves being bad, but with that mileage, fresh parts always help tighten things up and ensure longevity. Check around the shock to see if there is any fluid on them. If they’re leaking, there for sure bad.
Hola que marca de amortiguadores so y se te salieron buenos. ? Gracias
I had to actually cut one off and break the other off. The first set was the cheapest from Amazon and it felt like it was bottoming out after every bump. I replaced those with the Luft Meister (?) from Amazon and they don’t feel all that much better. I’ll convert it over when I’m sick of the bounce and have the money to make the conversion.
Have you checked to make sure the airbag isn’t the problem? If those are bad, it will cause a terrible ride no matter what shocks you have on
@@lexus_offroad_adventures a friend of mine is a technician at a local Toyota dealership and I had him check it out beforehand. The airbags stay up when I set it to the high level.
Great job!! Thank you for posting
Thanks for watching!
Hey man, great video. I was hoping to do the rear shocks myself but I am struggling to find the shocks I want. I was wondering how these shocks performed over the long run and if you have any other rear shock suggestions.
I ended up doing a spring conversion on this GX a few thousand miles later. I would say if you’re interested in long term performance, you can’t beat OEM.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Sounds good man, thank you for the quick response!
Great vid! Did you have to change your air suspensions bladders or compressor yet? I have a 2012 GX460 that I need to have shocks replaced. Ride is rough and stiff
I ended up doing a coil conversion: ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.htmlsi=GFB9bGI7FBEhJ4y1
At around 5:15, you said you need to torque the bottom bolt to 72 ft*lbf. Are you measuring that exactly with a special tool or are you just wrenching until it's secure? Sorry if it's a silly question. I've been dipping my toe into working on my GX lately, and this kinda job is making me want to ensure that I do everything exactly right to ensure safety
Good question! You can get a torque wrench from Harbor Freight that will click when you get to the correct torque amount. I’ve done this job a few times so I have a pretty good feel for what the right torque is so I don’t remember if I used a torque wrench but I definitely recommend getting into the habit of torquing everything to spec with a torque wrench.
Hi. How did these hold up? I need to replace ASAP and am "shocked" that my Lexus mechanic never noticed mine were rusted through with holes on the top hood! I even replaced my airbag suspension with new airbags and still leaking and they found the pipe connections were broken at the source. Again they never checked. They just did the work. Sad. New mechanic now for sure!
I have moved on to a full strutmasters static setup in place of the air/active ride system. Link is in description.
ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.html
@@lexus_offroad_adventuresThanks for the quick reply. Did they hold up OK until the upgrade?
@@c.a.nixiii4650 yeah they were a good stop-gap
Hey! Thanks! Indeed super easy! My rear suspension just got super bumpy this weekend. I wonder if it shocks or level sensors? Maybe you have an idea?
Yep! I’d check for leaks in the shocks but I wouldn’t have any idea without driving it
Nice video. Do you find it worth keeping ride control vs just using a standard shock?
Yes absolutely. I’ll post the Amazon link. It’s like 215 and you get to keep ride control and get OE ride quality. I’ve heard mixed results from static shock setups with the stock airbags. LuftMeister 48530-69485 Pair Rear... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BVG7D12?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Lexus Off-Road Adventures where is the link to the luft meister shocks?
@@nikkimo66 above ⬆️
@@lexus_offroad_adventures thanks - i had to get onto my laptop to view the links.
Hey is the red car an Alfa Romeo? Looks like GTV.
Great video. Extremely helpful.
Yup! 1974 GTV 2000, my dad and I were rebuilding the suspension.
It’s in for an engine refresh, hotter cams and Weber 40mm carb upgrade right now. Gonna be amazing when finished
Thanks for watching!
Good one. Thanks brother
Hey man… nice video. I’m about to pull the trigger on these but wanted to check with you to see how they’re holding up. Also. Do you know if they come with a manufacturer warranty? Thanks.
So far they’ve been great! Not sure about the warranty. I’d check the Amazon page to see if there’s any info.
I installed those shocks looked like good quality shocks. I noticed bumps still feel like they are making contact with the bump stops. But my height control moves and up down just fine. Can the sensors be adjusted to be higher while normal driving?
The shocks aren’t affected by height control, if it’s still contacting the axle, you may need to replace your rear airbags or convert to coil springs.
My GX had quite a bit of roll. This might do the trick and stabilize it. Have you done fronts yet or just rear?
I replaced front and rear with a static setup! No more active ride which is fine by me ruclips.net/video/M3SlWLP6Prc/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.html
Please show us how to do the fronts!!
ruclips.net/video/-SG0ZmvaqD4/видео.html
I’ve done the fronts before but the video wasn’t the best. I’ll definitely make a video of a stock replacement if we end up getting them
Hey @LexusOff-RoadAdventures How are the aftermarket Luftmeisters performing? Did they restore the ride back to original ride quality and compatible with the electronic comfort control?
Yes they are performing very well. Although poor ride quality can also be a result of bad air springs. If you’re getting excess bounciness in the rear, these will help
Does they have to be with the plugs or it’s ok without and what’s the side effects if it’s without the plugs
You won’t have ride control without connecting the harness
I replaced my rear shock absorber,stabilizer link and rear axle stop bump cushion and my car still bouncy ( gx 470) how could I fixed this problem please advise thanks
Likely the air spring
This is what I ended up doing on this car: ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.htmlsi=4ePTLKTmm5f9XpWs
@@lexus_offroad_adventures how much this parts cost ?
Did you put a washer on the top because I did mine and the top nut just went straight through the bushing
Yes need that sandwich with the bushings and washers
@@lexus_offroad_adventures How have they been holding up? I was going to order the KYBs but these are half the price
@@paulkang267 I switched this vehicle to a Strutmasters coil spring conversion
@@paulkang267 ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.htmlsi=ccXZtlMDsbBsFyGF
I struggled so hard to get my rear shocks on because i put the bottom on last.
Oh yeah that must have been tough. It’s the always the little things!
Hey GX460 owners, i recently got the GX460 2022 luxury trim but i am really annoyed by how stiff is the OEM suspentions and thinking of replacing them with Dobinsons IMS (only the suspentions). What do you think? Any one tried to do so and got huge improvements?
Dobinsons makes a good kit. If you just want OE ride height, Strutmasters makes a kit that does not lift the vehicle. Only replaces the active/ air suspension www.strutmasters.com/products/2010-2019-lexus-gx-460-4-wheel-air-suspension-conversion-kit-te24f
What is the electronic connection for?
The active ride. It can increase/decrease compression/rebound damping based on your driver preferences. (A little bit)
What’s the brand name of the new shocks you put on?
ruclips.net/video/7YsGNpYwwD8/видео.html I went with a strutmasters spring conversion for this GX
In this video I put shocks called “Luftmeister”
@@lexus_offroad_adventures what do you think about the quality of this shock? It is still good after one year of using it?
@@khaithi it was performing fine after a year and a half or so of use. Active ride, etc. worked and they seemed to be tuned properly
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Thank You 🙏
Does the top nut need to be torqued?
This one has to be done by feel. You want to slightly compress the bushings, but not too much.
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Thanks!
What size is the flare nut wrench?
I believe on the stock one is a 17mm. But when you switch to the aftermarket Luftmeister one, they use 18mm for some reason
Do you have the specific part # for these Luftmeister? 07 GX470 210 miles. Thanks in advance.
LuftMeister 48530-69485 Pair Rear... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BVG7D12?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@lexus_offroad_adventures Thanks just ordered. Better than the $800 oem that Lexus quoted me for 1.
Also any vendor recommendation to converting my back rear door into a fold down table/stove platform? Appreciate you and your channel. Keep up the great work. 07 GX470 210k miles.
What year?
This is an 04 but 03-09 are all same
@@lexus_offroad_adventures thanks
2010 and newer Lexus RX 350 Rear Shock Replacement: ruclips.net/video/mQA2cno2ixM/видео.html
many reviewers are saying they only last 6 months or so before they crap out. no name chinese junk probably.
Hah maybe, they lasted fine for the year and a half or so they were on the truck 🤷♂️ I did a Strutmasters spring/static shock conversion
I saw these on amazon and was like naaa probably cheap quality. So i ended up buying Bilstein B6 shocks and just got them today but now since seeing your video im going to return them and get these to retain the plug in features. Thanks.
Hope they last a while.
Yeah I’m super happy with them so far! Just make sure they’re the Luftmeister ones in the description. There are some other cheap-o ones that people say to avoid