Bilstein Shock by Arnott and Moog Ball joint repair, PICS!
#31
jafch1 - now that you have lost the "comfort / sport **** features", were there any pesky dash lights to disable ?
Also, can you confirm for future reference that the parts you ordered were:
Front shocks - part# SK-2511
Rears shocks - part# SK-2512
Thanks.
Also, can you confirm for future reference that the parts you ordered were:
Front shocks - part# SK-2511
Rears shocks - part# SK-2512
Thanks.
#32
I'll answer for jafch1. The part numbers are correct. There are no pesky lights to disable either.
#33
I have a KDSS sport equipped 2006 with 95,000 miles. I always adjust the suspension to the firmest setting and only soften the setting when I wonder if there is any difference. It always seem to soft on the lower settings whether I am on the freeway or in town and I go right back to the firmest setting.. I would actually like a little more firmer shock but I recognize there is a point that the shocks can be to harsh. If you would please pay particular attention to the ride differences and try to describe them to us, it would be most helpful. .
I always found the all the way to the right (sport) too harsh, so I always backed it off one previously. With the Bilstien's it seems the harshness I felt in the highest sport position is gone, so it was likely the rear shocks causing it. Now, the highest sport setting seems just as stiff in the front (factory) as the rear (Bilstein), but the rear is still smoother.
I've always liked the ride of the 4Runner Sport with X-REAS and the Bilstein seems to move the GX more in that direction. I really didn't want to change the fronts until I had to, but I like the rear setup enough, I'll likely change those out in the next couple of months.
#34
I always found the all the way to the right (sport) too harsh, so I always backed it off one previously. With the Bilstien's it seems the harshness I felt in the highest sport position is gone, so it was likely the rear shocks causing it. Now, the highest sport setting seems just as stiff in the front (factory) as the rear (Bilstein), but the rear is still smoother.
The Comfort/Sport Switch only had effect on the rear OEM shocks. It's my understanding that you have removed the rear OEM shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins. If this is the case, the Comfort/Sport Switch should have absolutely no more effect on your ride quality.
Again, I could be wrong
#35
Just so we are all clear here... (and I'm asking, not telling)
The Comfort/Sport Switch only had effect on the rear OEM shocks. It's my understanding that you have removed the rear OEM shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins. If this is the case, the Comfort/Sport Switch should have absolutely no more effect on your ride quality.
Again, I could be wrong
The Comfort/Sport Switch only had effect on the rear OEM shocks. It's my understanding that you have removed the rear OEM shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins. If this is the case, the Comfort/Sport Switch should have absolutely no more effect on your ride quality.
Again, I could be wrong
#36
Pole Position
Just so we are all clear here... (and I'm asking, not telling)
The Comfort/Sport Switch only had effect on the rear OEM shocks. It's my understanding that you have removed the rear OEM shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins. If this is the case, the Comfort/Sport Switch should have absolutely no more effect on your ride quality.
Again, I could be wrong
The Comfort/Sport Switch only had effect on the rear OEM shocks. It's my understanding that you have removed the rear OEM shocks and replaced them with Bilsteins. If this is the case, the Comfort/Sport Switch should have absolutely no more effect on your ride quality.
Again, I could be wrong
#37
When I was sourcing new rear shocks, I mistakenly assumed that it was only the rear shocks that were adjustable as all the pictures showed the connector/pigtail on the rear shocks but not on the front. I've just checked mine and what do you know... plug-ins on the front ones as well.
Hope I didn't confuse anyone.
Cheers!
#38
Gents -
The GX470 suspension system is a Adaptive Variable Suspension, which allows the driver to control the sport/comfort ride.. This system is located on all four struts on the vehicle.
The hight control system works only in the rear due to the fact that the rear suspension does not have conventional springs, but rather airbags. (The LX however has 4 airbags, front and rear.. but thats a story for a different day.)
I replaced all four struts on my car.. Front and back now have the Arnott Bilstein struts. No pesky lights, no problems what soever integrating them into the GX.
rj4510 only replaced his rear struts, so his Comfort/Sport **** still works for the front struts only.
I replaced all four struts, therefore my Comfort/Sport **** is useless.
The GX470 suspension system is a Adaptive Variable Suspension, which allows the driver to control the sport/comfort ride.. This system is located on all four struts on the vehicle.
The hight control system works only in the rear due to the fact that the rear suspension does not have conventional springs, but rather airbags. (The LX however has 4 airbags, front and rear.. but thats a story for a different day.)
I replaced all four struts on my car.. Front and back now have the Arnott Bilstein struts. No pesky lights, no problems what soever integrating them into the GX.
rj4510 only replaced his rear struts, so his Comfort/Sport **** still works for the front struts only.
I replaced all four struts, therefore my Comfort/Sport **** is useless.
#40
Just to make sure - the firmness of Bilstein
So What I read is the Bilstein replacement seems to be "less firm" than the highest level of firmness setting for the OEM shocks.
I am looking for something that takes the suspension to the firmest setting.so this option of Bilsteins may require a compromise for me. Or course, I believe that may not be an issue. It just seems that the highest setting brings better control but that my be my imagination. After all the GX isn't a cornering machine like a car. I do have KDSS.
So firmness appears to be less than the firmest with the Bilstein replacements?
I am looking for something that takes the suspension to the firmest setting.so this option of Bilsteins may require a compromise for me. Or course, I believe that may not be an issue. It just seems that the highest setting brings better control but that my be my imagination. After all the GX isn't a cornering machine like a car. I do have KDSS.
So firmness appears to be less than the firmest with the Bilstein replacements?
#41
Driver School Candidate
I'm getting ready to replace all 4 shocks and convert the rear airbags to the arnott conversion kit tomorrow. I have a couple of questions:
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
The following users liked this post:
sjp2113 (01-04-17)
#42
So What I read is the Bilstein replacement seems to be "less firm" than the highest level of firmness setting for the OEM shocks.
I am looking for something that takes the suspension to the firmest setting.so this option of Bilsteins may require a compromise for me. Or course, I believe that may not be an issue. It just seems that the highest setting brings better control but that my be my imagination. After all the GX isn't a cornering machine like a car. I do have KDSS.
So firmness appears to be less than the firmest with the Bilstein replacements?
I am looking for something that takes the suspension to the firmest setting.so this option of Bilsteins may require a compromise for me. Or course, I believe that may not be an issue. It just seems that the highest setting brings better control but that my be my imagination. After all the GX isn't a cornering machine like a car. I do have KDSS.
So firmness appears to be less than the firmest with the Bilstein replacements?
#43
I'm getting ready to replace all 4 shocks and convert the rear airbags to the arnott conversion kit tomorrow. I have a couple of questions:
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
Just pulling the fuse should be enough to keep the pump, etc from running, so I personally don't see any reason to remove the old. Either way, you will get a light on the dash, but believe there's a fix for that as well.
#44
I'm getting ready to replace all 4 shocks and convert the rear airbags to the arnott conversion kit tomorrow. I have a couple of questions:
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
1) Should I rip out all of the gear such as ride height sensors and pumps?
2) I just had an alignment on the truck a week ago, would it require another alignment after the conversion?
I'll come back here and post about the arnott spring conversion after I get it.
As for ride height sensors and pumps, if you want go for it. Otherwise pulling the fuse does just the trick. Personally, I am a bit OCD and would more than likely remove all of it from my vehicle since it will be inert.
#45
has anyone found a replacement panel to remove the switch in the center consol. I recall someone on expedition portal removing both the air springs and shocks and installing a blank panel where the switch once was. also, are you guys just taping up the pigtails when you remove the shocks?
my air suspension works great but the shocks do seem to be on their final days. I like the repair path OP decided on.
my air suspension works great but the shocks do seem to be on their final days. I like the repair path OP decided on.