tigmd99

There is no 3rd party shock system that hook directly to the GX computer to avoid the dash lights.

Acrad

Disconnecting the AVS shocks doesn't appear to cause any unusual errors. Once you decide to replace the bags with spring coils then you need to make sure you leave everything plugged in (shocks excluded of course) and adjust the rear right sensor.

Take a read through this thread

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...nsion-ahc.html

mschulth

Thanks to everyone. This post have been so helpful. I have a 2013 GX Base 97K miles and after reading the post have determined the front shocks need to be replaced. I am thinking about replacing the stock shocks myself. I see them for $215 each on line. I have done it before on a 4 runner but ripped out the oil system and went with Bilstein. This time I want to stay Lexus stock. My question is how to deal with oil levels. bleeding and re-pressurization after installation? Anyone have experience with the installation.

The Lexus dealer quoted $1600 for the job.
_________________________________
2012 Lexus GX 460 Base

Acrad

Base doesn't have AVS so a lot cheaper @ less than $55/each

PN: 48530-69655 / FRONT 10-19 without AVS left/right
PN: 48510-60260 / FRONT 10-19 with AVS left/right
PN: 48530-69655 / REAR 10-19 without AVS left/right
PN: 48530-69575 / REAR 10-19 with AVS left/right

mschulth

Great advice Acrad. I inspected the shocks and sure enough they had no special oil lines or sensors. For the shock replacement, does anyone have experience with installing bilstein 5100 on the GX 460? The vehicle seems similar to a 4runner but 4 wheel parts tells me there is no fit with bilsteins.

Thanks
2013 Lexus GX 460 Base

ASE

Not on the GX460 ... but did install Bilstein 5100's on a GX470 ... huge improvement in stability, control and handling over the AVS system that IMHO offered no real benefit over good conventional shocks.

Word of caution ... while the 5100's should work, understand that the stock front springs are too short for the long(er) 5100's ... so the spring perch on the 5100's CANNOT be in the lowest "no lift" position given the stock spring will not have any level of compression when assembled. On the GX470, I had to raise the spring perch to JUST compress the spring when assembled ... resulting in 1.25" of front-end lift. Given I had rear air bags, the sensor was adjusted to raise the rear to achieve a slight rake. For you, rear springs would need to be replaced with longer springs to re-level.

The Bilstein 4600's are essentially the same shock as the 5100's without the lift adjustment ... so are shorter. I installed these on a 2005 Toyota 4-Runner with a V8 engine ... perfect fitment with the OEM springs, and a huge improvement in ride and overall handling.

Agarakon

I have a 2010 GX460 Premium. Since I am at 115k on the truck I would safely assume that the shocks are kinda toasted. I am also looking at doing Timbrens front and back as well to dial in the ride a bit more.

What shocks are the best to replace OEM that will be a nice upgrade?

downshift1

Bilstein 6112 / 5160

nuclearn8

https://www.metaltech4x4.com/search....0&category=504

If you need new UCA's I'd go with JBA's... they're maintenance free unlike most aftermarket UCA's.

Acrad

If for whatever you want to go with non-AVS here are PNs.

PN: 48530-69655 / FRONT 10-19 without AVS left/right
PN: 48530-69575 / REAR 10-19 with AVS left/right

captainnem

I have that setup on my Tundra and love them. I set on the lowest ride height. However on Bilstein's website, nothing comes up for a 2018 GX (I don't have airbags). Would I just set the vehicle to a 4Runner Limited instead?

downshift1

Yes you'll have to look them up for a 5th Gen 4Runner. With the height setting the GX will be about a 1/2" lower than the rating for a 4Runner.

You shouldn't need UCAs but if you do check out the SPC units as they are adjustable and assure a proper alignment.

Jacket

What do you consider an "upgrade?" If you want a similar OEM ride and you aren't planning on lifting it, then there is nothing at all with the OEM Tokico's. And the pricing isn't bad at all.

Agarakon

From the posts so far I am getting the idea that swapping out shocks is not a plug and play item due to rear airbags and AVS. I guess just replacing stock would be good by me. I was hoping to upgrade from Tokicos but they are damn good shocks to start.

mcroni19

Wondering if anyone has attempted or knows a reason why I could NOT fit a load adjusting shock to the GX460. No one sells a direct part but it does not seem to be a difficult fitment when looking at the rear shock.
For some reason its also kind of hard to find the rear shock from many vendors at all unless your doing a lift.
I do not have the air ride system, just regular old shocks on the rear.
It seems to me there is plenty of space around the stock rear shocks.
I have the boat well positioned on the trailer to try and limit the tongue weight.
When towing it is NOT riding on the bump stops and I have never felt them contact in case anyone was thinking along those lines again just looking for slight ride improvement and don't see a directly listed fitment option.
I do not want to adjust the ride height. I tow a 6000lb boat on a fairly regular basis and wanted to help the squat and keep the front down during towing, and stiffen up the ride when turning.
I had these on an f150 a few years ago and it basically felt like I put a stiffer anti roll bar on the backside.
2015 GX 460


for example this has a very similar range of compression / extension 14 and 22 inches is listed on stock
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...djusting+shock

Just looking for thoughts/experience and Thanks!