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Can't wait to hit the trails with my upgraded 2011 GX. I installed a stage 2 Ironman Foam Cell Pro 2.5" lift kit. The kit includes adjustable coil-overs for the front with forged alum upper control arms (OEM ball joints). I also installed a front diff and skid plate drop kit with a billet KDSS drop spacer. Installed new CVs and wheel bearings (4 wheels). Since I wanted 295/70/18s, I didn't want to have issues with the trans hunting for the right gear I re-geared to 4.56:1. I also tow a lot, trailer w/SxS or travel trailer and there are serious mountains here in Utah. So, if you're going to re-gear you might as well install lockers. After some research, I decided to install a Torsen locker in the front and an eLocker in the rear.
Side note - Torsen locker is full-time, fully automatic, when one wheel starts to slip it locks. As soon as it senses traction it disengages. You don't have to get stuck before engaging the locker. Totally mechanical, super reliable with almost no maintenance, no compressor or circuit needed.
The Ironman lift kit provides Foam cell Pros shocks for the rear and springs (didn't use them) to replace the airbags. I love the auto-leveling rear air sys, especially when towing and carrying weight (no sag). I modded the limit switch by adding spacers to the bracket. Works great and maintained the great towing performance. The kit also provides KDSS spacers to maintain the OEM angles and an adjustable pan bar that has been re-designed to clear the KDSS.
Installing 295/70/18s (which are 34.5” tires) I needed a body mount chop and fender trimming. I have a set of Victory 4x4 sliders on order, 2 to 3-month backorder. I will be ordering a set of full skid plates also. Here is a pic of the upgrade so far.
Had fun installing this LED light bar from Lasfit in the GX460 grill. Incredibly bright but also no glare off the hood like I get from my roof rack mounted LED light bar. It's become my first choice for trail light.
Route: Route 45 to Pine Creek Hollow, Jones Mountain Road, Brandon Road, Old Shingle Road, and Sharpback Hollow Road. We then jumped back onto 45 and headed to The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park (BESP). GPX file:
@Koz I am very interested in your set up with the FCP installed in the front and the OEM air bags installed in the back. I am wondering if I should go back to the rear air bags for my setup as well as I have the FCP stage 2 and the rear sits higher than the front and rides a bit rougher than I like since the springs are rated for a heavier load. I want a more leveled ride so is it possible to keep the FCP shocks and just change out the coils for the air bags? Also, is it possible to reuse the air bags after they have been taken out?
Without the extra weight, those springs will ride hard and be higher. Add the weight that those springs are rated for and the ride will soften and ride lower. I wanted control over the rear height, that's why I left the air suspension in the rear. I tow a travel trailer or side by side on a trailer when I'm not off-roading. The auto-leveling air susp. provides the BEST towing experience. By shimming the limit switch (one time) on the height control I can get the perfect height regardless of whether I'm towing or off-roading. If you decide to re-install the air suspension, get new airbags (they are not that expensive). I ordered my lift kit with the highest-rated rear springs in case I decide to use them in the future I don't see that happening. I love the ride with airbags.
03-17-22, 10:49 PM
