Just hit 200k miles, I’ve had wheels and tires on it for a while but now that I’ve seen this I think it’s time for a lift and to remove the running boards. Best video on RUclips for a GX lift.
Just wanted to say thatnks for this. Worked great for me, I kept the stock rear shocks(for now), added a simple nut spacer and let it all air up. Its 1" higher than stock which on stock wheels looked good just enough. Going bigger in the future, bit this worked til i can run off some tread on the stocks and justify the MTs
Thank you! Finally, that is exactly what I want to do to my 06. I like my air suspension too and everybody is trying to turn these into a series 80. There is a lot of freeway between me and the good fishing. I used to have a FJ40 that would beat me to death on the road.
Hey, just wanted to let you know that this video is very helpful in motivating me to do this. Worked out great, and I love the way my truck looks for the amount of money I put into the lift. Thanks
Sweet and easy! I dig it. I too appreciate the awesomeness and comfort of airbags! I'm using bushings for airbag spacers. I just felt more confident in a single unit vs the stack of washers and tried a 1/4 bushing or proof of concept then moved on to a 1/2" spacer bushing (for 1" rear lift) in my set-up.. (true value PN: H883490, 1/2" heavy steel bushing) I understand the front diff drop (and recognize the many arguments for and against) for axle geometry, and wanted to hear your $0.02 on the change in driveline geometry and output shaft seal stress or universal joint geometry changes related to dropping the front diff. thanks for the sweet and clear video explaining the airbag trick! Keep on keepin' on!!
My GX470 has been stock longer than any other vehicle I’ve had. Finally ordered Bilstien 6112 for the front. Will try the air bag trick and add Dobinsons long travel shocks to the rear I had laying around. Once the bags blow I am going with AirBag Man 2” lift bags. They can be tricked up to 4”.
Right on! Are the bags original on yours? If so, definitely change them. They never last long with the added pressure and being so old. The arnott bags are cheap and so far, holding up awesome.
@@MR_Garage I believe mine are still factory but don’t leak down even after sitting for a few months. I ran my GX460 airbags tricked up around 2” and had a set of Airbag Man 2” lift bags to swap them with when they blew. I installed the Dobinsons coil overs up front and had ran the rear completely stock for over a year. They survived a Lone Star Jamboree and I never ended up installing the lift bags because the stock bags wouldn’t blow no matter how hard I tried lol 😂 Flexed them to the bump stop plenty of times too. I’ll be ordering some lift bags in August though when my budget is freed up and I’ll actually put them on this time to see how they work.
Great video. Very informative. I’m looking into a GX470 for pretty much what you described; highway driving to campgrounds/adventure locations. I will definitely be considering this route for the lift. My one question: is there an option for the same lift with shocks with remote reservoirs?
WOW!!!! Just like that. Thanks for this video. I will definitely click on the links you provided and purchase these components. I was looking into a lift for my 03 GX and I think this makes sense to me as we are going to be towing with it. Thanks a million.
Thanks boss couldn’t find this anywhere finally got my 03 4Runner sitting how I want 👌 did a 2.5” level up front it was annpying me squatting a inch in the rear now I lifted the back up 1.5” looks perfect now easiest lift I’ve done haha
Now that is how you make a video like this. We have been looking for a nice GX 470 but around Indy they are hard to find and if we ever do fine one i'm going to do this same thing to it.
Other GX Videos of mine: Driveshaft Clunk / Rear Ended feeling fix ruclips.net/video/7Qekh4_L3EQ/видео.html Swaybar Maintenance: ruclips.net/video/_9ak5mHXdDE/видео.html Towing with your GX470 | hitches: ruclips.net/video/Hf_PM8aMB5k/видео.html Towing with your GX470 | Brake Controller: ruclips.net/video/yd9WBO1mSB8/видео.html GX470 power steering drain and fill: ruclips.net/video/F6bC4RMKde0/видео.html Oil change info GX470 ruclips.net/video/DFCJCQ6xKlQ/видео.html Lift and airbag trick: ruclips.net/video/z1NJzxT2KtY/видео.html
Thanks for the vid. Swapping my front UCAs and Struts/Springs in a week but keeping my air bags because I got lucky too. Only 40k on them. The washer trick will come in handy. I have the rear springs and struts but I’ll do a delete when the bags go out.
This is great. I've been doing a butt-ton of research because I'm about to pick up my first GX470 soon. I'm also in Mesa so if you wouldn't mind helping a noob out every now and then it would be greatly appreciated!
It looks a little high for my taste (I’m 70 and drive 80% on asphalt) but maybe it’s deceiving because the running boards are gone. What setting do you have the rear height? Do they have a default setting they want to return to...high I think. I have an ‘06. Sorry for all the questions. I just sold my ‘07 4Runner and I had the fronts at the first notch (3”4” I think) and the rears wherever they came out and it was very nice and level which is what I’m going for. I’ll change the stock size tires to 265/70-17. My Firestone Destination AT’s went for 65K and still had 5-7K of tread left.
Likely the running boards. Truck does not feel like it is sitting high really. Slightly taller is all. The GX has 3 suspension settings. The default which it always returns to automatically if over a certain speed, is N or normal. The spacer trick makes normal and high carry a lift per the spacer trick. I only use the low setting for hooking up a trailer.
Thanks for making this video. Very helpful for the do-it- yourselfer like me who doesn’t want a lot of change. Oh...where did you get the diff drop kit? Sorry if you said somewhere in the video.
Here you go www.ebay.com/itm/For-03-20-Toyota-4Runner-4x4-4WD-Billet-Aluminum-Differential-Drop-Kit-Diff-Drop/263521278586?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Them matching his/her lifted GX's is nioce... the matching wheels?? CHERRY ON FRIGGIN TOP!!!! SOOOOOOO NICE. mine wanted a 460, so we dont get to match.
Great video. They said it could not be done and here it is.. I'm going to use this method and use the extra money for some rock sliders!! Thanks again for spending the time and making this video. My GX470 thanks you immensely!!
Good video. A lot of explanation and and you showed us some of the important parts without making us watch you do every bit of it or other. Well done. I do have a few questions. You refer to it as a differential drop but it seems to me really you are pushing the body up?? Do you have any trouble running out of vertical lifts with the airbags in the back? Do you have the DSS system on your GX? Or are these the regular adjustable shocks? How much rougher are the Bilsteins than the original suspension?
Hey Craig, Appreciated. Per your questions... 1. The diff is actually lowered with a diff drop. The housing of the diff is moved downward and then held in place by spacers. 2. No, the high function still functions as intended, just higher of course. 3. You get rid of and disable the factory adjustable shocks with this lift. Just simply unplug them, will not throw codes. These are adjustable in height on the front, non-adjustable rears. 4. The bilsteins are actually very smooth and well damped. I have no complaints. The only complains you will see online are from people that swap in the bilstein fronts and leave stock old blown shocks in the back that are bouncy.
Thank you thank you. Just put the lift on and it looks great. I am thinking I could go with a little larger tire than what you used if that’s correct what would be the next size that you would recommend
I have a Prado 150 (what you'd call gx460 in America) and considering lifting it for 2". The thing with the airbads is that they have some maximal lenght they are designed to go to, and once you put in rear shocks which have longer length you go over this limit. Longer shocks also probably require longer air bags, I'm considering the 2" kit by Airbagman. Did you have any problems with the airbags during suspension flex?
Great idea for the air bag rear lift, beats the hell out of doing it any other way. I'll be putting the 5100s on my 03 4runner(limited with airbag and xreas). SO how does it ride/handle compared to the stock shocks. I'm hoping it's not too jarring when I get the 5100s on mine, although I swear the xreas on mine was making it ride super hard. Love those GX470s, pretty much the same drivetrain as mine which will last for a very long time.
It is a good firm ride, better than stock and much more controlled. Much improved freeway manners and towing manners. If you want a more plush ride, stick with load range D tires.
Ive been wondering if there was a lift that uses the factory air bags. I do a lot of towing with my GX and take it on some very mild off roading out here in CA. Thanks for the video. I’ll be doing this lift soon!
Hi! Great Video! Thanks for the video. I just did all this to my 2008. It all turned out great! By the way, did you need to perform a Zero Calibration after the install?
Ok Lauren here from Ft worth.. I finally got my billstein 5100s on. It looks great, I did diff drop and air bag trick. While doing the front I observed that I need to replace ball joints, stabilizer bar end links and tie rod ends.. should I just replace the control arms with joints already in or can I remove and replace ball joints myself? Also what the best aftermarket brand to use for suspension on the gx??
If you have a press, press tools and like suffering, do your own ball joint and bushing replacement 😅 Otherwise,, just buy pre-assembled OEM units or aftermarket like superpro control arms. Makes life so much easier.
Guys like you make RUclips awesome. Think I can clear a -25 offset wheel with this setup? Any alignment issues with -25? Scrubradius a concern? SSW Dakars to be exact. Thanks in advance
Much appreciated! With the same basic 32" ish size tire, you might get away with it, but likely will need to pin front fender liners (no biggie) and may have to work the area around the step. But the extra -13 will help over what I have shown here.
Yea plan is to run 265 70s. Fine with that minor trimming but concerned about rub at the body mount. Tie like to avoid bmc. Do you think you have that extra 13mm of space to the body mount to accommodate the -25 wheel?@@MR_Garage
Hey man looks great! I also tow and do some mild off-road travel with my gx470. I was curious if you have ever had issues with the compressor or air suspension while towing. I just recently had the air suspension stop working and it started working again right before I came home from camping.
@@MR_Garage Will you replace with factory air springs or buy aftermarket? If aftermarket did you have a supplier in mind? I'm thinking my problem may have been overheating the compressor due to high tongue weight.
Compressor only airs up once and then makes minor adjustments unless the bags are leaking. I have looked at Arnott bags but will likely just go OEM. I mean hell... 150K miles over nearly 15 years... I would say they are quality :)
@@MR_Garage I just replaced the airbags on my gx470 last month. There are videos on the internet the only tricky part was disconnecting the airlines. Once you see the videos you’ll see why. One guy used dental picks, another used a piece of 1/4 inch sprinkler line which seemed very clever. Other than that it’s a simple change. A couple hand tools jack stand and a Jack. It took me 3 hours. Mainly because I fooled with the airline disconnect not wanting to break them. If there is a next time I could do this no more than 1 hour. Rides like butter again.
I am getting this exact thing done to my wife’s GX. I may need to show the installer the video. However, he didn’t mention anything about a diff drop, we don’t tow or really off-road it’s more just for the look, however should I ask about the diff drop? Also looking at 275/70/17 KO2s will this lift be enough to prevent tire rubbing. Also used your video to delete side skirts👍🏻
i have the same tires on mine and i have very minor rubbing when the wheel is fully turned could be easily remedied with some wheel well modification but so minor you may not care anyway.
@@MR_Garage I think when I get mine I might design a mudflap/fender that gives it a stock look post tires/lift. I just like that Prado look. I'd model 3d printed pieces, paint them, and or paint/black flap. Perhaps just the flaps with cleaner lines. Definitely a project I'd enjoy gaining experience with the whole scanning/referencing /modeling/printing yadda yadda Think it's a fools errand? Haven't researched much on forums or anything, maybe there's more Prado specific aftermarket flaps or retrofitting that already addressed it... Thinking at the very least, seeing how it might look continuing the front fender line to match the rear aesthetic, maybe it might clash with the existing fender arch.. Apologies if I'm not very concise, spitballing lol Cheers
Awesome video! I am however a little confused. Doesn't disconnecting the plugs in the rear turn off the height adjustment? I guess my understanding with the washers is that it will trick the system to keep it on the highest setting? I guess my goal is to keep it permanently on the high setting to give it that lifted look the entire time even when driving highway speeds. Thank you in advance.
Wow that 1.75 inch lift on front is impressive. I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the options on this truck and frankly I realized I don’t need to go all out as my main usage for GX is road trips and some minor easy trails nothing too crazy.
Smart man to know your needs vs splurging to impress people or the internet (what most do) Reality is no one cares, no one will remember and everything will end up scrap someday. So do what fits you and never waste a penny on what does not!
@@MR_Garage I’ve personally had great experience with the 5100’s on my 2wd 05 4Runner and was happy with the 1.75 lift. Seems many in the GX community go all out with UCA’s and other things and I feel overwhelmed. I just want to level the truck to make it look good and modern enough that it can still get things done for my needs.
Thank you so much for the wonderful video. I have a 2005 and the spring has become soft. I was looking for the SN of the front Eibach spring and there are few out there. Which one do you recommend to use with this mod?
Curious if you know whether you can do the washer trick to the front end in lieu of the 5100s to gain height in the front? We are holding our son to a budget over time and would prefer to do everything in steps. 1st: diff drop and washers front and rear, 2nd: 5100s front and rear, 3rd: Tandems and BFGs. Any guidance much appreciated! Love your channel!
Hey man. Quick question: It may be a silly question but I am just now starting to get into suspensions etc, so a bit uninformed. Why is it necessary to upgrade the factory shocks to add a 2” Lift? Wouldn’t the airbag trick + a spring spacer for the front springs suffice? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but in my understanding the airbag and the front spring are what give the truck it’s lifted height, while the strut is a hydraulic dampener, and the factory strut should have enough travel to cover 2 inches of lift. What am I missing?
Not silly at all, you could do that. But due to the age of our GX's and milage, factory struts will be shot. And oem adjustable replacements are stupid expensive. This makes for an easy affordable lift without bouncy blown struts.
@@MR_Garage OK. Got it. Thank you for the explanation! I'm on the GXOR group also. After seeing this vid I googled Kenda 612 on the group and saw you are on there also.
Hey thanks for the video. I did the airbag trick on my 2016 GX460 today and am waiting to put my Bilstiens on the front next week. I used 5 washers and was wondering if you can still use the high mode safely or not? I kept the rear OEM shocks as well. Just looking for your thoughts.
Hello, compressor is here. It is a very nice setup and have used it many times over the years. Definitely something you want in your toolbox! www.amazon.com/Interchangable-Strut-Spring-Compressor-Extractor/dp/B00X5CXTR6/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=mcpherson+strut+compressor&qid=1592232041&sr=8-6
@@MR_Garage The one you linked to is currently unavailable, how much was it and can you give specifics as to why this one over others? Prices range from $39+ with this type of compressors.
Lowering the diff lowers the axle connection points at the differential. This makes for less angle on the driveshafts and less wear and tear on the CV boots. Every bit helps if you drive a lot or freeway miles.
v helpful, thx for this video. just bought a gx470 and may do the same. what size wheels/tires can you fit onto this setup without any additional work?
after reading through the comments and it being 2 years now, how are those tires holding up? and the airbags since they are technically being over inflated. Thanks! great video
Tires have been great. No complaints at all. My son switched to them here just recently too. Bags have been fine but are still stock on my white GX. I have a set of arnott bags I need to put in as a maintenance item since the stockers are at 170K
This looks great. I just bought my used GX470. I don’t think I have the tools you do. The air gun or the tool to compress the sprint but this turned out great and I love the price point you mentioned. Has this given you any issues since this video was made? I’d like to give this a try. I also have an air suspension question. I put it in hi and usually within 1-2mins I’m back in “N”. This leads me to think I might have a leak. Which seems it may negate this lift if the bags aren’t working properly. Thanks for the great video, definitely subscribing!
I realize this was an old video however, still relevant. Continuing from the previous point, could you recommend a relatively inexpensive coil over? I have seen several people talking about the bilsteins which is what I am leaning toward, however I am planning to delete the airbags which means I have a few more parts I need. Again thank you for any help.
There is a speed sensor, once you go 25mph the airbags will return to N, this is why you need to trick the sensor if you want it to stay high, it changes your N height.
What are your feelings on the 285/70/17 size, mounted on the stock wheels and also how the 285/70/17 size is on the -12 offset wheels you mounted your tires on? I've seen some people mention 285/70/17 fitting with no modifications
Results look great. I'm currently debating something similar with my sequoia. I'm guessing you trick your airbag neutral heigh position into being higher with the washers. What would happen if you aired them up to high? I'm debating between this mod or disabling the air ride system with a switch once they've aired up so they don't deflate after driving like 15 mph.
Love it man. Looks great. And you're saying the tow capabilities are still great? I was able to get get a GX for cheap and need it to tow my car for track days.
Quick question: when I called Bilstein, they said the 24-239370 (actually have the 24-324359 as they superceded the 24-239370) are NOT approved for KDSS -OR- GXs with the OEM electronic damping. Bilstein said the 24-239370 is ONLY for GX470 with NO KDSS and NO electronic damping. I didn't know they made Base model GXs that came with NO electronic damping module. I know from other comments that you did NOT have KDSS on either of your GXs, but did you have electronic damping? We had issues with the install as the shocks would not compress enough to install (even lowereed the lower control arm after disconnecting tie rod ball joint, upper control arm ball joint and releasing the bound lower alignment bushings). Now, we RE-installed the factory Lexus top hat which I now know we should've replaced it with Toyota Upper Mount Assy. (p/n 48609-60100). Also, confirming that you installed the 1/4" LEAN spacer on the Driver's side only? I assume you just laid this on top of the assembled strut before install (sandwiched between top hat and 3-hole frame mount. Thanks again! Sorry for long post.
Hey Scott. All GX470's came with electronic damping save I think a micro amount in 03. KDSS is the oddball and more rare option but same strut. When converting to standard shocks / struts you disable electronic damping and just unplug it which is why bilstein states it is for non electronic damped models because they do not have a fitment with electronic damping. This upgrade is tried and true - been around a lot of years nothing new. For the shock install, you do not compress the shock to install, simply unbolt the lower control arm (two bolts) from the knuckle. Also, unbolt the sway bar. All articulates enough you can slip the strut in and out / I have done a lot of these, quick and easy. Lean spacer is indeed just installed on the top, drivers side. If you use aftermarket springs (I run eibach on my white GX now on the front), just go 1 notch up on the drivers side 5100 and skip the lean spacer. Eibach are already 2" lift so no pre-load via the 5100 to lift the vehicle, just 1 notch up drivers side to stop the lean. I switched to the eibach fronts as my OE fronts started to fail after 170K miles (I forgive them).
@@MR_Garage Thank you very much! Did your KYB top hats from Amazon come with all the required washers and bushings? That is the last piece of the puzzle that I am trtying to figure out. What washers (top and bottom) and bushings (top only? or bottom too with KYB?)? I bought new top hats from Toyota per Bilstein's installation notes, but don't know if I should source factors washers and bushings too for same gen 4R. Obviously, I will use Bilstein's top nut as shaft size is larger than OEM. If you can give me the order of washers/bushings along with source, that would be all I need! Thank you!
Hello and thank you for the video as I am about to do my gx470 project. Nothing crazy and expensive but off-road capable and fun. Got few questions. 1. From your experience how much gx470 can tow? My RV weight about 5150lb empty, I think with all our stuff in it it will be 6200-6500lb. Would be it too much for gx470 Including few hills on the road? The tires you’ve put are they 33’s or 35? What rims size would you suggest if I want the tire to be flash with a sides/fender sides What would be the difference if Belistein 6112 installed? Thank you in advance
GX is rated at 6500'lbs. I will never tow more than 80% of a vehicles rated capacity and I would not recommend it to anyone. I would recommend moving up to an LX570 or Tundra with how heavy your trailer is. My tires are the equivalent of a 32". I plan to go to 33 when these are warn out. For rims, mine are a -12 offset which makes the tires pretty flush to the fenders. Perfect look IMO. 6112's are really nice, well damped.
Hi Mr. Garage. I first saw your video about brake controller, then saw this off road lifting and tire installation. I have a 2008 GX470, and planning to use it to tow a RV trailer and some off road driving. I live in Chandler, I'm wondering if I can chat with you to get some advise from you about what I plan to do? Thank you Wei
Sure, ask any questions here. Most everything lift wise or towing wise I do with my GX's have been placed in videos. Just generally upkeep things or improvements.
@@MR_Garage With a sway control system installed. Do you think what's the maximum dry weight it can tow safely? Will the lifting and MT tires improve the towing experience? Thx
With weight distro / sway control figures are talked about in this video. ruclips.net/video/Hf_PM8aMB5k/видео.html MT tires with a stiffer side wall or load range E tires definitely improve the towing experience. But not the day to day ride quality. I still prefer load range E though as I tow so much.
Great video. I had a rear airbag deleted from previous owner. Thinking of going back to airbags. Do enabling the rear airbags have any height control over the front with standard shocks/strut ?
So I got $1000 to spend... Want to do a lift like yours. I bought mine with brand new air bags so this is perfect for me. I need the front and rear shocks, bushings, lean spacers, top hats, and wheel spacers. That's roughly $547 without the strut compressor. I'll be on stock wheel and tire until I upgrade down the line. That should give it a little more aggressive look, correct? I still want to fit the truck in my garage and I have about 6.2 inches of growth possible so I think this setup will be put me right around there. I've got 200k miles, do you think the springs are okay? how would I know if they were saggy? LAST Question I promise. I have the adjustable suspension dial in the cab that goes from comfort to sport. All that goes out the window after this upgrade, correct? Then planning on 275/70/17 tires, and a muffler swap to liven up the tone.
Sounds like you have a great plan in place! At 200K miles they are saggy or will not last a long time once compressed with the 5100's. Go with Eibach front 2" lift springs that I have in the description. Then, do not use the 2nd notch on the 5100's, go all the way to the bottom notch or 1 notch up (I ended up going with these later when my factory springs started to give up. Last, buy the 1/4" spacer I have listed for the drivers side. Helps eliminate the typical toyota / lexus SUV sag. And yes, the dial will be dead at that point. Does nothing.
@MR_garage The Eibach springs definitely work with the 5100’s?? With that link you posted, the guy from eBay emailed me when I ordered them and says they only work with with Eibach Protruck shocks.
Hey last question, I finally got the stuff and installed it!!! Love it! Thank you again! My question is the dash lights came on for ABS and traction control. Did I break a wire? Or does unplugging the shocks do that? Did it happen to you?
This is great, thanks for the work. Question, since ride quality electronics are disconnected, were there any warning lights to deal with? Remove fuses etc. Thanks
Oh that’s right, so the comfort/sport doesn’t function now...got it. So how would you say the new setup is compared to the factory settings? I’m guessing more towards the sport end??
Great write up! Since you retained the factory airbag setup, what are the rear wheel arch heights at Low, Normal, and High? I have the same size tires and want to still park in my garage which has a low entrance.
I threw 6 washers in to trick the airbag sensors on both sides and don't think it did much (if anything). Did I miss something? Should the height adjustment system be turned off and/or in a certain setting (H,N or L) prior to doing the airbag trick? Dummy me didnt measure before doing the trick and now I've convinced myself that I've done it wrong.
It just still looks like factory rake and the airbags didn't kick in when I started the car after installing the washers. Plan is to install 5100's with ome 884's in the next few weeks. Maybe I've overthought this...
You do not have to do anything prior to spacing the sensors. If your airbags are functional and sensors working properly, the trick always works. Countless people have done the airbag trick - works like a charm. And you can see the rear height change with mine even in the video. Just making sure, you started the car after the trick to let the bags air up ? I Ground to fender, both front and rear are at around 27 3/4" on mine.
Great video...thank you. I just purchased a GX470 one year ago in Oregon. My family and I just moved here from Washington State 6 weeks ago. Do you know what the labor cost would be to have all this done? The parts are very affordable, but I'm not sure how long of a project this would take? Please let me know. Thanks, Eric
Thank you for all the great GX470 videos! The drawtite hitches look nice but get a lot of terrible reviews for being bent with bad alignment issues. Do you have any suggestions around this? I was thinking maybe a local place has them and I could find one that isn't bent up, IIRC uhaul installed one on my jeep back in the day. I checked uhaul, they now sell their brand class 3 installed for around $250, do you have an opinion about these? They claim capacity is 5000 lbs. Also, have you tried the factory hitch? It's a class iv but may be slightly more expensive. -A
5K lbs is a lot lower than the drawtite at 6500 (more with weight distro and higher tongue capacity). I did not have any issues with mine. Ordered from etrailer.
Wow, what a transformation... I’m new to this off-road capability stuff... I’m looking for gx as well... I have 4Runner v8 but it’s 2wheel drive I’m going to sell it and get this gx...thanks
With the current lift set up how much bigger of a tire do you think you could fit? Been looking at 285/70r/17. Didn’t know if you’d think I’d have an issue going just a bit bigger. Appreciate the video!!
Hello sir, I seen a few comments of people saying traction light and possible ABS light came on dash after. Was this normal and if so what did you do to get those off. Thank you!
This happens if they stretch their ABS cables and break the wires. You can verify for yourself that they will not come on by unplugging the shocks before you do the job, drive it around for a week. They will not come on. If you do the job and they do come on, you damaged one of the wires.
Great looking GX's. I just picked one up for myself. I am getting a 2.5" lift on it. I am wondering about what you do for a spare tire. Is it full size? And where do you carry it?
Looks like my 07 GX 470 the air bags system is starting to leak, the GX has 205K on it. Do you prefer to have the air bags or do you simply replace them when needed. What is the horse shoe looking thing that so see in some complete kits? Have you replaced yours?
I prefer to keep them as I tow a lot. I have the bags listed in the video description that I use (arnott brand). The horse shoe looking item is likely the top clip that secures the top of the airbag so they do not fall out.
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Just hit 200k miles, I’ve had wheels and tires on it for a while but now that I’ve seen this I think it’s time for a lift and to remove the running boards. Best video on RUclips for a GX lift.
Thanks man! Good luck with your project!
Just wanted to say thank you. I did this conversion and love it. It rides well, it’s good off road, it just works. Thanks!!
Can you still adjust the stiffness of the shocks?
Did this on my GX. I’m happy it doesn’t sag when I tow or hang my motorcycle off the back. Bonus is wife can’t tell between stock ride and new ride.
Dude, this is the video I've been looking for! Fantastic!👏👏👏
Just wanted to say thatnks for this. Worked great for me, I kept the stock rear shocks(for now), added a simple nut spacer and let it all air up. Its 1" higher than stock which on stock wheels looked good just enough. Going bigger in the future, bit this worked til i can run off some tread on the stocks and justify the MTs
Best GX470 video on RUclips. Thank you
Thank you! Finally, that is exactly what I want to do to my 06. I like my air suspension too and everybody is trying to turn these into a series 80. There is a lot of freeway between me and the good fishing. I used to have a FJ40 that would beat me to death on the road.
same here
Hey, just wanted to let you know that this video is very helpful in motivating me to do this. Worked out great, and I love the way my truck looks for the amount of money I put into the lift. Thanks
If I move onto a GX I'd want a basic setup. This really is perfect for my needs.
Sweet and easy! I dig it.
I too appreciate the awesomeness and comfort of airbags! I'm using bushings for airbag spacers. I just felt more confident in a single unit vs the stack of washers and tried a 1/4 bushing or proof of concept then moved on to a 1/2" spacer bushing (for 1" rear lift) in my set-up.. (true value PN: H883490, 1/2" heavy steel bushing)
I understand the front diff drop (and recognize the many arguments for and against) for axle geometry, and wanted to hear your $0.02 on the change in driveline geometry and output shaft seal stress or universal joint geometry changes related to dropping the front diff. thanks for the sweet and clear video explaining the airbag trick!
Keep on keepin' on!!
My GX470 has been stock longer than any other vehicle I’ve had. Finally ordered Bilstien 6112 for the front. Will try the air bag trick and add Dobinsons long travel shocks to the rear I had laying around. Once the bags blow I am going with AirBag Man 2” lift bags. They can be tricked up to 4”.
Right on! Are the bags original on yours? If so, definitely change them. They never last long with the added pressure and being so old. The arnott bags are cheap and so far, holding up awesome.
@@MR_Garage I believe mine are still factory but don’t leak down even after sitting for a few months.
I ran my GX460 airbags tricked up around 2” and had a set of Airbag Man 2” lift bags to swap them with when they blew. I installed the Dobinsons coil overs up front and had ran the rear completely stock for over a year.
They survived a Lone Star Jamboree and I never ended up installing the lift bags because the stock bags wouldn’t blow no matter how hard I tried lol 😂 Flexed them to the bump stop plenty of times too.
I’ll be ordering some lift bags in August though when my budget is freed up and I’ll actually put them on this time to see how they work.
@@marcochavanne No diff drop on the back? How many washers for the 460?
Great video. Very informative. I’m looking into a GX470 for pretty much what you described; highway driving to campgrounds/adventure locations. I will definitely be considering this route for the lift. My one question: is there an option for the same lift with shocks with remote reservoirs?
WOW!!!! Just like that. Thanks for this video. I will definitely click on the links you provided and purchase these components. I was looking into a lift for my 03 GX and I think this makes sense to me as we are going to be towing with it. Thanks a million.
Thanks boss couldn’t find this anywhere finally got my 03 4Runner sitting how I want 👌 did a 2.5” level up front it was annpying me squatting a inch in the rear now I lifted the back up 1.5” looks perfect now easiest lift I’ve done haha
Now that is how you make a video like this. We have been looking for a nice GX 470 but around Indy they are hard to find and if we ever do fine one i'm going to do this same thing to it.
Much appreciated!
Other GX Videos of mine:
Driveshaft Clunk / Rear Ended feeling fix
ruclips.net/video/7Qekh4_L3EQ/видео.html
Swaybar Maintenance:
ruclips.net/video/_9ak5mHXdDE/видео.html
Towing with your GX470 | hitches:
ruclips.net/video/Hf_PM8aMB5k/видео.html
Towing with your GX470 | Brake Controller:
ruclips.net/video/yd9WBO1mSB8/видео.html
GX470 power steering drain and fill:
ruclips.net/video/F6bC4RMKde0/видео.html
Oil change info GX470
ruclips.net/video/DFCJCQ6xKlQ/видео.html
Lift and airbag trick:
ruclips.net/video/z1NJzxT2KtY/видео.html
I have Kendas on my power wagon and they are great. Thanks for the info video
2 GX470's and a 3rd gen T4R to boot! Nice video
I dont even own a gx and I liked the video immensely. Great tips for diy guys like myself.
Glad you enjoyed! Now time for you to get a GX :)
Thanks for the vid. Swapping my front UCAs and Struts/Springs in a week but keeping my air bags because I got lucky too. Only 40k on them. The washer trick will come in handy. I have the rear springs and struts but I’ll do a delete when the bags go out.
You may find the rear with good shocks feels pretty good, well damped without bounce. May like them enough to keep the bags! Surprises many.
This is great. I've been doing a butt-ton of research because I'm about to pick up my first GX470 soon. I'm also in Mesa so if you wouldn't mind helping a noob out every now and then it would be greatly appreciated!
I just purchased a 2005 GX. Loving your videos! Thanks man.
Right on!
Mr Garage working smartly !!
You should do a video of the tipe of wheel and tire setup looks really cool
those Tandem 612s look great. fit the Lexus quite well.
It looks a little high for my taste (I’m 70 and drive 80% on asphalt) but maybe it’s deceiving because the running boards are gone. What setting do you have the rear height? Do they have a default setting they want to return to...high I think. I have an ‘06. Sorry for all the questions. I just sold my ‘07 4Runner and I had the fronts at the first notch (3”4” I think) and the rears wherever they came out and it was very nice and level which is what I’m going for. I’ll change the stock size tires to 265/70-17. My Firestone Destination AT’s went for 65K and still had 5-7K of tread left.
Likely the running boards. Truck does not feel like it is sitting high really. Slightly taller is all. The GX has 3 suspension settings. The default which it always returns to automatically if over a certain speed, is N or normal. The spacer trick makes normal and high carry a lift per the spacer trick. I only use the low setting for hooking up a trailer.
Thanks for making this video. Very helpful for the do-it- yourselfer like me who doesn’t want a lot of change. Oh...where did you get the diff drop kit? Sorry if you said somewhere in the video.
Here you go www.ebay.com/itm/For-03-20-Toyota-4Runner-4x4-4WD-Billet-Aluminum-Differential-Drop-Kit-Diff-Drop/263521278586?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
@@MR_Garage I have an 05 Sport with the KDDS. My question is, would articulation be affected at all with this hack?
I have not worked on the KDSS equipped GX's - best to ask the guys on the forums or facebook groups if lifts cause any issues with the setup.
Them matching his/her lifted GX's is nioce... the matching wheels?? CHERRY ON FRIGGIN TOP!!!! SOOOOOOO NICE. mine wanted a 460, so we dont get to match.
Great video. They said it could not be done and here it is.. I'm going to use this method and use the extra money for some rock sliders!! Thanks again for spending the time and making this video. My GX470 thanks you immensely!!
Sweet deal! Glad it helped
Same.Was debating things until I saw this vid
Great video. i needed the help and advice. thank you. Just got my first gx470
If I did this would I be able to do an airbag delete down the road and keep all the parts of this affordable lift? Thanks for the solid content man!
I'm jealous of your paint job. Mine is showing its age.
Mine both are too, they needs some TLC in that department.
Thanks for the tips! Super helpful on helping alot of newcomers some basic info about an awesome platform.
Good video. A lot of explanation and and you showed us some of the important parts without making us watch you do every bit of it or other. Well done.
I do have a few questions. You refer to it as a differential drop but it seems to me really you are pushing the body up?? Do you have any trouble running out of vertical lifts with the airbags in the back? Do you have the DSS system on your GX? Or are these the regular adjustable shocks? How much rougher are the Bilsteins than the original suspension?
Hey Craig, Appreciated. Per your questions... 1. The diff is actually lowered with a diff drop. The housing of the diff is moved downward and then held in place by spacers. 2. No, the high function still functions as intended, just higher of course. 3. You get rid of and disable the factory adjustable shocks with this lift. Just simply unplug them, will not throw codes. These are adjustable in height on the front, non-adjustable rears. 4. The bilsteins are actually very smooth and well damped. I have no complaints. The only complains you will see online are from people that swap in the bilstein fronts and leave stock old blown shocks in the back that are bouncy.
Thank you thank you. Just put the lift on and it looks great. I am thinking I could go with a little larger tire than what you used if that’s correct what would be the next size that you would recommend
I see a lot of 03-09s with 285/70 17s
Awesome! Very affordable as well. Thank you for sharing!
Nice job. Love to see the Mtn bikes in the background!
I have a Prado 150 (what you'd call gx460 in America) and considering lifting it for 2". The thing with the airbads is that they have some maximal lenght they are designed to go to, and once you put in rear shocks which have longer length you go over this limit. Longer shocks also probably require longer air bags, I'm considering the 2" kit by Airbagman. Did you have any problems with the airbags during suspension flex?
Great idea for the air bag rear lift, beats the hell out of doing it any other way. I'll be putting the 5100s on my 03 4runner(limited with airbag and xreas). SO how does it ride/handle compared to the stock shocks. I'm hoping it's not too jarring when I get the 5100s on mine, although I swear the xreas on mine was making it ride super hard. Love those GX470s, pretty much the same drivetrain as mine which will last for a very long time.
It is a good firm ride, better than stock and much more controlled. Much improved freeway manners and towing manners. If you want a more plush ride, stick with load range D tires.
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the review, love the looks of your GXs.
Ive been wondering if there was a lift that uses the factory air bags. I do a lot of towing with my GX and take it on some very mild off roading out here in CA. Thanks for the video. I’ll be doing this lift soon!
I love your video so much more than the other guy. Damn he grinds my gears!
Great video Mr. Garage! :)
Have you finished the AC video you mentioned at the end of this one?
Hi! Great Video! Thanks for the video. I just did all this to my 2008. It all turned out great! By the way, did you need to perform a Zero Calibration after the install?
I did not on either of mine - no issues.
Yes. Do what suits you👍👌🇳🇿 They're are not paying for your setup
Thanks for doing this video. What rims are those and where did you get them?
No prob! Those are Tandem Offroad 612's. Not sure if they are making them anymore. Bought them direct from Tandem Offroad.
Ok Lauren here from Ft worth.. I finally got my billstein 5100s on. It looks great, I did diff drop and air bag trick. While doing the front I observed that I need to replace ball joints, stabilizer bar end links and tie rod ends.. should I just replace the control arms with joints already in or can I remove and replace ball joints myself? Also what the best aftermarket brand to use for suspension on the gx??
If you have a press, press tools and like suffering, do your own ball joint and bushing replacement 😅 Otherwise,, just buy pre-assembled OEM units or aftermarket like superpro control arms. Makes life so much easier.
Great video. What would happen if you did the airbag trick with the washers but kept the factory rear shocks? Thank you
You would likely have a very bouncy ride in the back.
Those rims are fire.
Telling ya!
The links in the description (for the GX460) don't seem to be available anymore. Have the part numbers been updated?
Guys like you make RUclips awesome. Think I can clear a -25 offset wheel with this setup? Any alignment issues with -25? Scrubradius a concern? SSW Dakars to be exact. Thanks in advance
17x9
Much appreciated! With the same basic 32" ish size tire, you might get away with it, but likely will need to pin front fender liners (no biggie) and may have to work the area around the step. But the extra -13 will help over what I have shown here.
Yea plan is to run 265 70s. Fine with that minor trimming but concerned about rub at the body mount. Tie like to avoid bmc. Do you think you have that extra 13mm of space to the body mount to accommodate the -25 wheel?@@MR_Garage
Hey man looks great! I also tow and do some mild off-road travel with my gx470. I was curious if you have ever had issues with the compressor or air suspension while towing. I just recently had the air suspension stop working and it started working again right before I came home from camping.
I have not had any problems but bags are due on my white GX470. 150K miles on the original so just a matter of time.
@@MR_Garage Will you replace with factory air springs or buy aftermarket? If aftermarket did you have a supplier in mind? I'm thinking my problem may have been overheating the compressor due to high tongue weight.
Compressor only airs up once and then makes minor adjustments unless the bags are leaking. I have looked at Arnott bags but will likely just go OEM. I mean hell... 150K miles over nearly 15 years... I would say they are quality :)
@@MR_Garage I just replaced the airbags on my gx470 last month. There are videos on the internet the only tricky part was disconnecting the airlines. Once you see the videos you’ll see why. One guy used dental picks, another used a piece of 1/4 inch sprinkler line which seemed very clever.
Other than that it’s a simple change. A couple hand tools jack stand and a Jack. It took me 3 hours. Mainly because I fooled with the airline disconnect not wanting to break them.
If there is a next time I could do this no more than 1 hour.
Rides like butter again.
Great video high quality h2O!!!! Where do you get that awesome strut compression tool at???? Would love to have me ones of those!!!!
I have a link in the video description - great tool!
Nice and straight to the point. What are the torque specs for the diff dip bolts?
I went german spec - goodntight.
I am getting this exact thing done to my wife’s GX. I may need to show the installer the video. However, he didn’t mention anything about a diff drop, we don’t tow or really off-road it’s more just for the look, however should I ask about the diff drop? Also looking at 275/70/17 KO2s will this lift be enough to prevent tire rubbing. Also used your video to delete side skirts👍🏻
I prefer one - just saves a bit of wear and tear on your cv boots. Pretty much it.
i have the same tires on mine and i have very minor rubbing when the wheel is fully turned could be easily remedied with some wheel well modification but so minor you may not care anyway.
@@michaelhill7298 Do you think 285s would be too much with wheel well modifications?
@@MR_Garage I think when I get mine I might design a mudflap/fender that gives it a stock look post tires/lift. I just like that Prado look.
I'd model 3d printed pieces, paint them, and or paint/black flap. Perhaps just the flaps with cleaner lines.
Definitely a project I'd enjoy gaining experience with the whole scanning/referencing /modeling/printing yadda yadda
Think it's a fools errand? Haven't researched much on forums or anything, maybe there's more Prado specific aftermarket flaps or retrofitting that already addressed it...
Thinking at the very least, seeing how it might look continuing the front fender line to match the rear aesthetic, maybe it might clash with the existing fender arch..
Apologies if I'm not very concise, spitballing lol
Cheers
Awesome video! I am however a little confused. Doesn't disconnecting the plugs in the rear turn off the height adjustment? I guess my understanding with the washers is that it will trick the system to keep it on the highest setting? I guess my goal is to keep it permanently on the high setting to give it that lifted look the entire time even when driving highway speeds. Thank you in advance.
Nope, it is independent of the struts. You still get all three ranges, just shifted higher. I use them all the time towing.
Very cool.
Thanks for the info.
Wow that 1.75 inch lift on front is impressive. I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the options on this truck and frankly I realized I don’t need to go all out as my main usage for GX is road trips and some minor easy trails nothing too crazy.
Smart man to know your needs vs splurging to impress people or the internet (what most do) Reality is no one cares, no one will remember and everything will end up scrap someday. So do what fits you and never waste a penny on what does not!
@@MR_Garage I’ve personally had great experience with the 5100’s on my 2wd 05 4Runner and was happy with the 1.75 lift. Seems many in the GX community go all out with UCA’s and other things and I feel overwhelmed. I just want to level the truck to make it look good and modern enough that it can still get things done for my needs.
Do you happen to have video footage of you removing the strut from the spring and installing it in the front
Thank you so much for the wonderful video. I have a 2005 and the spring has become soft. I was looking for the SN of the front Eibach spring and there are few out there. Which one do you recommend to use with this mod?
Curious if you know whether you can do the washer trick to the front end in lieu of the 5100s to gain height in the front? We are holding our son to a budget over time and would prefer to do everything in steps. 1st: diff drop and washers front and rear, 2nd: 5100s front and rear, 3rd: Tandems and BFGs. Any guidance much appreciated! Love your channel!
The front does not have air suspension - nothing to trick as they are fixed struts.
@@MR_Garage makes complete sense. Wasn’t thinking. Thank you for the reply.
Nice clear explanation!
Hey man. Quick question: It may be a silly question but I am just now starting to get into suspensions etc, so a bit uninformed. Why is it necessary to upgrade the factory shocks to add a 2” Lift? Wouldn’t the airbag trick + a spring spacer for the front springs suffice? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but in my understanding the airbag and the front spring are what give the truck it’s lifted height, while the strut is a hydraulic dampener, and the factory strut should have enough travel to cover 2 inches of lift. What am I missing?
Not silly at all, you could do that. But due to the age of our GX's and milage, factory struts will be shot. And oem adjustable replacements are stupid expensive. This makes for an easy affordable lift without bouncy blown struts.
@@MR_Garage OK. Got it. Thank you for the explanation! I'm on the GXOR group also. After seeing this vid I googled Kenda 612 on the group and saw you are on there also.
Hey thanks for the video. I did the airbag trick on my 2016 GX460 today and am waiting to put my Bilstiens on the front next week. I used 5 washers and was wondering if you can still use the high mode safely or not? I kept the rear OEM shocks as well. Just looking for your thoughts.
Hey Jamie,
I use the high mode all the time to lock in a trailer ball and also backing a trailer up a steep driveway. Never had an issue.
@@MR_Garage Do you remember what setting you installed your front springs at? Also, I assume the Bilsteins will eliminate the AVS?
I have a 2016 luxury and plan to do the airbag trick and a toytec spacer in the front. Did you wind up doing it? I’d like to keep my AVS in the front.
Thanks for the video! Just what I’m wanting to do. What spring compressor do you have. I’m a little gun shy on those and want to use a proven tool.
Hello, compressor is here. It is a very nice setup and have used it many times over the years. Definitely something you want in your toolbox! www.amazon.com/Interchangable-Strut-Spring-Compressor-Extractor/dp/B00X5CXTR6/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=mcpherson+strut+compressor&qid=1592232041&sr=8-6
@@MR_Garage The one you linked to is currently unavailable, how much was it and can you give specifics as to why this one over others? Prices range from $39+ with this type of compressors.
hey. awesome video. what was the diff drop? whats the benefit of doing that?
Lowering the diff lowers the axle connection points at the differential. This makes for less angle on the driveshafts and less wear and tear on the CV boots. Every bit helps if you drive a lot or freeway miles.
v helpful, thx for this video. just bought a gx470 and may do the same. what size wheels/tires can you fit onto this setup without any additional work?
What size and offset are the wheels what tire size. Is there ANY rubbing at all
Excellent video! Did you experience any rubbing at this tire size?
With factory wheels, no. With the -12 offset, yes. Have to pin the front fender liners forward + heat gun them a little.
Great video..I live in AZ as well...just finishing a Discovery 2. Any good recommendations on trails?
What size tires are these and what is the offset of the wheels ? Great video , you just saved me a shitload of money !
-10 / 17". Tires are 265/70/17
@@MR_Garage What wheels are you using on these? They look great, especially with that rubber. 👍
@@Milesamanjaro They are Tandem Offroad 612's
@@MR_Garage Awesome. Thanks for replying and great looking rigs.
after reading through the comments and it being 2 years now, how are those tires holding up? and the airbags since they are technically being over inflated. Thanks! great video
Tires have been great. No complaints at all. My son switched to them here just recently too. Bags have been fine but are still stock on my white GX. I have a set of arnott bags I need to put in as a maintenance item since the stockers are at 170K
Thanks for this man. Much appreciated!
I’m sure you have answered this already but what rims are you using? They look great
This looks great. I just bought my used GX470. I don’t think I have the tools you do. The air gun or the tool to compress the sprint but this turned out great and I love the price point you mentioned. Has this given you any issues since this video was made? I’d like to give this a try.
I also have an air suspension question. I put it in hi and usually within 1-2mins I’m back in “N”. This leads me to think I might have a leak. Which seems it may negate this lift if the bags aren’t working properly. Thanks for the great video, definitely subscribing!
I realize this was an old video however, still relevant. Continuing from the previous point, could you recommend a relatively inexpensive coil over? I have seen several people talking about the bilsteins which is what I am leaning toward, however I am planning to delete the airbags which means I have a few more parts I need. Again thank you for any help.
There is a speed sensor, once you go 25mph the airbags will return to N, this is why you need to trick the sensor if you want it to stay high, it changes your N height.
What are your feelings on the 285/70/17 size, mounted on the stock wheels and also how the 285/70/17 size is on the -12 offset wheels you mounted your tires on? I've seen some people mention 285/70/17 fitting with no modifications
Did you ever do this?
It looks like Anthem...Thanks for the video. I just bought a 18 GX with KDSS. Does this lift work with KDSS?
Pretty close! I am down in Laveen. KDSS usually requires spaces for the swaybar but can be done.
Results look great. I'm currently debating something similar with my sequoia. I'm guessing you trick your airbag neutral heigh position into being higher with the washers. What would happen if you aired them up to high?
I'm debating between this mod or disabling the air ride system with a switch once they've aired up so they don't deflate after driving like 15 mph.
The height settings are fixed. The additional height has been no problem for the bags.
Thanks for the informative video!
Love it man. Looks great. And you're saying the tow capabilities are still great? I was able to get get a GX for cheap and need it to tow my car for track days.
Exactly - perfect for towing / way better than stock for towing.
Quick question: when I called Bilstein, they said the 24-239370 (actually have the 24-324359 as they superceded the 24-239370) are NOT approved for KDSS -OR- GXs with the OEM electronic damping. Bilstein said the 24-239370 is ONLY for GX470 with NO KDSS and NO electronic damping. I didn't know they made Base model GXs that came with NO electronic damping module. I know from other comments that you did NOT have KDSS on either of your GXs, but did you have electronic damping?
We had issues with the install as the shocks would not compress enough to install (even lowereed the lower control arm after disconnecting tie rod ball joint, upper control arm ball joint and releasing the bound lower alignment bushings). Now, we RE-installed the factory Lexus top hat which I now know we should've replaced it with Toyota Upper Mount Assy. (p/n 48609-60100).
Also, confirming that you installed the 1/4" LEAN spacer on the Driver's side only? I assume you just laid this on top of the assembled strut before install (sandwiched between top hat and 3-hole frame mount.
Thanks again! Sorry for long post.
Hey Scott. All GX470's came with electronic damping save I think a micro amount in 03. KDSS is the oddball and more rare option but same strut. When converting to standard shocks / struts you disable electronic damping and just unplug it which is why bilstein states it is for non electronic damped models because they do not have a fitment with electronic damping. This upgrade is tried and true - been around a lot of years nothing new.
For the shock install, you do not compress the shock to install, simply unbolt the lower control arm (two bolts) from the knuckle. Also, unbolt the sway bar. All articulates enough you can slip the strut in and out / I have done a lot of these, quick and easy.
Lean spacer is indeed just installed on the top, drivers side.
If you use aftermarket springs (I run eibach on my white GX now on the front), just go 1 notch up on the drivers side 5100 and skip the lean spacer. Eibach are already 2" lift so no pre-load via the 5100 to lift the vehicle, just 1 notch up drivers side to stop the lean. I switched to the eibach fronts as my OE fronts started to fail after 170K miles (I forgive them).
@@MR_Garage Thank you very much! Did your KYB top hats from Amazon come with all the required washers and bushings? That is the last piece of the puzzle that I am trtying to figure out. What washers (top and bottom) and bushings (top only? or bottom too with KYB?)? I bought new top hats from Toyota per Bilstein's installation notes, but don't know if I should source factors washers and bushings too for same gen 4R. Obviously, I will use Bilstein's top nut as shaft size is larger than OEM. If you can give me the order of washers/bushings along with source, that would be all I need! Thank you!
The KYB set had everything new (washer, nut and bushings). Nothing else needed.
Hello and thank you for the video as I am about to do my gx470 project. Nothing crazy and expensive but off-road capable and fun.
Got few questions.
1. From your experience how much gx470 can tow? My RV weight about 5150lb empty, I think with all our stuff in it it will be 6200-6500lb.
Would be it too much for gx470
Including few hills on the road?
The tires you’ve put are they 33’s or 35?
What rims size would you suggest if I want the tire to be flash with a sides/fender sides
What would be the difference if Belistein 6112 installed?
Thank you in advance
GX is rated at 6500'lbs. I will never tow more than 80% of a vehicles rated capacity and I would not recommend it to anyone. I would recommend moving up to an LX570 or Tundra with how heavy your trailer is. My tires are the equivalent of a 32". I plan to go to 33 when these are warn out. For rims, mine are a -12 offset which makes the tires pretty flush to the fenders. Perfect look IMO. 6112's are really nice, well damped.
I must’ve missed it, but would you mind sharing the wheel/tire specs? It sits perfect!
265/70/17's with a tandem offroad 612 wheel. Perfect IMO!
Hi Mr. Garage. I first saw your video about brake controller, then saw this off road lifting and tire installation. I have a 2008 GX470, and planning to use it to tow a RV trailer and some off road driving. I live in Chandler, I'm wondering if I can chat with you to get some advise from you about what I plan to do? Thank you Wei
Sure, ask any questions here. Most everything lift wise or towing wise I do with my GX's have been placed in videos. Just generally upkeep things or improvements.
@@MR_Garage With a sway control system installed. Do you think what's the maximum dry weight it can tow safely? Will the lifting and MT tires improve the towing experience? Thx
With weight distro / sway control figures are talked about in this video. ruclips.net/video/Hf_PM8aMB5k/видео.html MT tires with a stiffer side wall or load range E tires definitely improve the towing experience. But not the day to day ride quality. I still prefer load range E though as I tow so much.
Thanks a lot for the vid. How's the ride compared to stock. Looking for soft and comfy. Hoping to give this lift a try
Slightly stiffer than stock with a better, more planted feel on the road. Damping is excellent without bounce. I really like the ride.
removing the shocks and the electronic adjustment plug noticed a cap? on the wire harness?
Hello, I have a little gap between front suspension top bolt and metal on the top of rubber. Did you also have the gap?
It is hard to picture what you mean, if you can get a photo, shoot it to admin@garage1217.com
Great video. I had a rear airbag deleted from previous owner. Thinking of going back to airbags. Do enabling the rear airbags have any height control over the front with standard shocks/strut ?
Let me know if you need any parts from that were removed from the delete.
So I got $1000 to spend... Want to do a lift like yours. I bought mine with brand new air bags so this is perfect for me. I need the front and rear shocks, bushings, lean spacers, top hats, and wheel spacers. That's roughly $547 without the strut compressor. I'll be on stock wheel and tire until I upgrade down the line. That should give it a little more aggressive look, correct? I still want to fit the truck in my garage and I have about 6.2 inches of growth possible so I think this setup will be put me right around there.
I've got 200k miles, do you think the springs are okay? how would I know if they were saggy? LAST Question I promise. I have the adjustable suspension dial in the cab that goes from comfort to sport. All that goes out the window after this upgrade, correct?
Then planning on 275/70/17 tires, and a muffler swap to liven up the tone.
Sounds like you have a great plan in place! At 200K miles they are saggy or will not last a long time once compressed with the 5100's. Go with Eibach front 2" lift springs that I have in the description. Then, do not use the 2nd notch on the 5100's, go all the way to the bottom notch or 1 notch up (I ended up going with these later when my factory springs started to give up. Last, buy the 1/4" spacer I have listed for the drivers side. Helps eliminate the typical toyota / lexus SUV sag. And yes, the dial will be dead at that point. Does nothing.
@MR_garage
The Eibach springs definitely work with the 5100’s?? With that link you posted, the guy from eBay emailed me when I ordered them and says they only work with with Eibach Protruck shocks.
100% they work, I have them on my own rig.
@@MR_Garage Sweet! Because they’re on the way!! lol Thank you for the video!! Big help! And exactly what I was looking for!
Hey last question, I finally got the stuff and installed it!!! Love it! Thank you again!
My question is the dash lights came on for ABS and traction control. Did I break a wire? Or does unplugging the shocks do that? Did it happen to you?
From the Dominican Republic. Excellent tutorial, do you have any problem when you disconnect the cable from the shock absorber ???
None at all, just disconnect.
What wheel brand are they. It looks great. Good job on the video.
The wheels are Tandem Offroad 612's. Thanks!!!
This is great, thanks for the work. Question, since ride quality electronics are disconnected, were there any warning lights to deal with? Remove fuses etc. Thanks
Not a thing - I just disconnected everything and moved on with life :)
Oh that’s right, so the comfort/sport doesn’t function now...got it. So how would you say the new setup is compared to the factory settings? I’m guessing more towards the sport end??
Great write up!
Since you retained the factory airbag setup, what are the rear wheel arch heights at Low, Normal, and High? I have the same size tires and want to still park in my garage which has a low entrance.
Your current settings + about 2".
I threw 6 washers in to trick the airbag sensors on both sides and don't think it did much (if anything). Did I miss something? Should the height adjustment system be turned off and/or in a certain setting (H,N or L) prior to doing the airbag trick?
Dummy me didnt measure before doing the trick and now I've convinced myself that I've done it wrong.
It just still looks like factory rake and the airbags didn't kick in when I started the car after installing the washers. Plan is to install 5100's with ome 884's in the next few weeks. Maybe I've overthought this...
You do not have to do anything prior to spacing the sensors. If your airbags are functional and sensors working properly, the trick always works. Countless people have done the airbag trick - works like a charm. And you can see the rear height change with mine even in the video. Just making sure, you started the car after the trick to let the bags air up ? I Ground to fender, both front and rear are at around 27 3/4" on mine.
Great video...thank you. I just purchased a GX470 one year ago in Oregon. My family and I just moved here from Washington State 6 weeks ago. Do you know what the labor cost would be to have all this done? The parts are very affordable, but I'm not sure how long of a project this would take? Please let me know. Thanks, Eric
How many miles and what year and what did you pay? Looking into getting one thnx
Appreciate the guidance! Do you know if the airbag trick is possible on the newer models after the facelift? Thanks!
If airbag equipped, yes! Works the same.
Thank you for all the great GX470 videos! The drawtite hitches look nice but get a lot of terrible reviews for being bent with bad alignment issues. Do you have any suggestions around this? I was thinking maybe a local place has them and I could find one that isn't bent up, IIRC uhaul installed one on my jeep back in the day. I checked uhaul, they now sell their brand class 3 installed for around $250, do you have an opinion about these? They claim capacity is 5000 lbs.
Also, have you tried the factory hitch? It's a class iv but may be slightly more expensive.
-A
5K lbs is a lot lower than the drawtite at 6500 (more with weight distro and higher tongue capacity). I did not have any issues with mine. Ordered from etrailer.
Wow, what a transformation... I’m new to this off-road capability stuff... I’m looking for gx as well... I have 4Runner v8 but it’s 2wheel drive I’m going to sell it and get this gx...thanks
An easy transformation at that!
With the current lift set up how much bigger of a tire do you think you could fit? Been looking at 285/70r/17. Didn’t know if you’d think I’d have an issue going just a bit bigger. Appreciate the video!!
You will rub quite a bit but may fit you would definitely need to move fender liners
Hello sir, I seen a few comments of people saying traction light and possible ABS light came on dash after. Was this normal and if so what did you do to get those off.
Thank you!
This happens if they stretch their ABS cables and break the wires. You can verify for yourself that they will not come on by unplugging the shocks before you do the job, drive it around for a week. They will not come on. If you do the job and they do come on, you damaged one of the wires.
Great looking GX's. I just picked one up for myself. I am getting a 2.5" lift on it. I am wondering about what you do for a spare tire. Is it full size? And where do you carry it?
Full size on matching rim. Just barely fits in stock location
Looks like my 07 GX 470 the air bags system is starting to leak, the GX has 205K on it. Do you prefer to have the air bags or do you simply replace them when needed.
What is the horse shoe looking thing that so see in some complete kits? Have you replaced yours?
I prefer to keep them as I tow a lot. I have the bags listed in the video description that I use (arnott brand). The horse shoe looking item is likely the top clip that secures the top of the airbag so they do not fall out.