JoeyD1122

Hi All,
i have a 2007 GX470. I've read a lot here about bounciness. It it getting real bad. Most posts just talk about high end upgrades. My car has 205K miles, i just want to get it fixed with the cheapest solution. I understand from reading that replacing the original air suspension if crazy expensive. But i can't find a post that just describes what a cheap replacement part is? And if it requires struts or shocks or both.
I have a great mechanic that i trust and can install it, but he wants me to figure out what i want to use. Any help is appreciated.
Joe

chiph9

Depends on what kind of bounciness you have.
If the GX is riding low in the back and going over bumps results in a sharp impact, that's the air springs.
If you have a gentle bounciness that continues for a second or two after a bump, and/or you have wear patterns on the tires, that's the shocks.

If it's the air springs, there are two reasons to keep the system - you tow, or you like how it's height adjusts for loading cargo.
Otherwise, go with a coil-spring conversion and disable the air system.

Don't delay making this decision - when the air springs go bad the air compressor in the back can run continuously and burn out. This turns a $1200 repair (dealer prices) into a $2500 repair.

If it's the shocks, if you like the adjustable firmness (the comfort-sport adjustment on the console), replace them with OEMS.
Otherwise there are aftermarkets available that don't have the adjustable valving. Zip-tie the adjuster motors out of the way to not set a code, or I think you can pull a fuse.

Chip H.

JoeyD1122

Thank you for the great info. Mine is more the gentle bounciness although sometimes like a carnival ride! But not bottoming out. So sounds like the shocks. Aftermarket sounds the best for me, since just trying to get it back to normal. Are these shocks for both front and rear? Do you know of a good website that sells these aftermarket? Sorry for my ignorance here.
Joe

NTH

If shocks are shot and you’re trying to keep cost low, get yourself a set of 4Runner OEM shocks. They are super cheap. I did this on my previous GX and it rode great.

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

I replaced my stock shocks/struts with Bilstein 5100's. Cheaper than OEM and rides great!

MDSteamer

I wouldn't be afraid of using KYB , but Bilstein 4600's are probably the best option if your not going on harsh trails. You will probably find them for same generation Tacoma's.

Do some research here and you will see which boot and spring to get rather than buying a complete conversion kit,

You may only just need shocks and mounts, Let your mechanic tell you how the air bags look. then decide if your gonna do a conversion or just replace with a good aftermarket air bag.

JoeyD1122

Great, thx. So I'll order same year 4Runner OEM shocks. Are the shocks only in the rear, so i only need 2?

Lexus4321

Rear shocks are just shocks. Fronts are coilover shocks.

Hog300

What do you guys think about the after market air springs vs the Toyota brand? I have researched to find a par for under $100 vs Toyota pair for $500. From the reviews some of the after market do not snap attach the hose fitting properly

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

I bought some $80/pair aftermarket air springs off of eBay and they fit right in. Have been running them for over 50K miles with no issues.

Hog300

Doing the research for repair of the air springs.......I have seen other parts for this repair but I ONLY see people removing the old air spring and attaching the new air spring. What are the 2 o-rings, plate, and connector No.2 for the tubing?

Thanks so much for any advice.

Lexus4321

Just get new Arnott bags. "Repairing" rubber air bags seems like a waste of $$ to me.
The inlet on the top of the airbag has a push-to-fit fitting and a retainer plate. Not sure where the o-rings go. O-ring is usually inside the inlet of the push-to-fit fitting.

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

In my opinion don't bother with a repair of the old air springs. Decent new aftermarket ones are fairly cheap.

If you do replace the air bags yourself, do yourself a HUGE favor and get this cheap tool ($11) to remove the air lines from the bag/pump. It was incredibly difficult to get the lines off the old bags without this tool to the point I stopped trying after getting one fitting to let go of the line on the pump. I decided I was doing something wrong and did some research. Once I got this tool, the lines came off/on with ease.

Line disconnect tool:

Hog300

Sorry I should have made it clear. I'm replacing the air springs with new ones.

chiph9

The Arnott air springs are pretty good.

Chip H.