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Im looking for any input or opinions on a suspension swap for a Lexus GX460 in the US... The site has already been a wealth of knowledge, between the Suspension Data base and all the other input Ive read.
First the facts:
2010 Lexus GX460, with KDSS and NO rear auto-leveling/ air suspension (2,406 kg)
- adding sliders and underbody protection
- no plans for any other accessories on the front end.
- rarely pulling a trailer
- majority on-road, with occasional weekend expeditions
- want to fit 275/65R18 BFG A/Ts for a little more grip and a little more ground clearance
- 748 lbs spring rate (front), and 212 lbs spring rate (rear) if the Prado 150 and Lexus GX have the same springs....
Options in the US seem to be limited to complete coilovers (RADFLO, ICON, KING Shocks) which Im not wild about due to higher cost for features I dont need/ wont use. I have bilstein shocks on my other vehicles and appreciate the longevity (even if they arent rebuildable). The only appeal of coilovers is that I could adjust out any of the KDSS lean that Im dreading...
This leaves me looking at AUS springs for the Prado 150. Based on what Ive read on here, and initial contact with the manufacturers, Ive narrowed it down to the following:
KING
KTFR-121 (front KDSS Specific, 800 lbs rate, 45mm lift) and KTPR-102 (260 lbs rate 45mm lift with Bilstein BE5-A713 and BE5-A712 (Or US Equivalent). I like that the front springs are different lengths right to left, but Im not particularly wild about having to move up to the Heavy Duty Spring Rate (800 lbs) rather than the KTFR-101T (front, 660 lbs rate).
DOBINSONS
C59-724 (front KDSS specific, 725 lbs rate, 40 mm lift) with C59-723 (212 lbs rate, also different lengths R/L, unlike KING, and 35 mm lift), also with same Bilsteins as mentioned above. I think this set up would avoid the rear end being up much higher than the front.
Ive read a lot of good about King Springs and adjustable Bilsteins which brings me to my questions:
Should I be concerned that the US Spec Lexus/ Petrol V8 is approximately 100kg heavier than the Prado 150 (2280kg petrol, 2320kg diesel, according to what Ive found online)? Id imagine most of the weight difference is in the front of the vehicle.
It seems like the Dobinsons, with slightly lower rates than the Kings, and slightly longer spring lengths than the Kings would provide a softer ride, but everything I read seems to indicate Dobinsons are generally stiffer than the King equivalent?
Im probably going to eat the cost of freight, so Im trying to get it right the first time.... appreciate any help I can get.
And BTW... the Petrol V8 is great, but the total lack of aftermarket support here in the states for this platform is a bit frustrating. Ive recently picked up a set of Prado 150 painted rocker panels while in South American so that I can ditch the giant painted Lexus running boards (seen below when I was adding some Lexus door molding).
Sean
First the facts:
2010 Lexus GX460, with KDSS and NO rear auto-leveling/ air suspension (2,406 kg)
- adding sliders and underbody protection
- no plans for any other accessories on the front end.
- rarely pulling a trailer
- majority on-road, with occasional weekend expeditions
- want to fit 275/65R18 BFG A/Ts for a little more grip and a little more ground clearance
- 748 lbs spring rate (front), and 212 lbs spring rate (rear) if the Prado 150 and Lexus GX have the same springs....
Options in the US seem to be limited to complete coilovers (RADFLO, ICON, KING Shocks) which Im not wild about due to higher cost for features I dont need/ wont use. I have bilstein shocks on my other vehicles and appreciate the longevity (even if they arent rebuildable). The only appeal of coilovers is that I could adjust out any of the KDSS lean that Im dreading...
This leaves me looking at AUS springs for the Prado 150. Based on what Ive read on here, and initial contact with the manufacturers, Ive narrowed it down to the following:
KING
KTFR-121 (front KDSS Specific, 800 lbs rate, 45mm lift) and KTPR-102 (260 lbs rate 45mm lift with Bilstein BE5-A713 and BE5-A712 (Or US Equivalent). I like that the front springs are different lengths right to left, but Im not particularly wild about having to move up to the Heavy Duty Spring Rate (800 lbs) rather than the KTFR-101T (front, 660 lbs rate).
DOBINSONS
C59-724 (front KDSS specific, 725 lbs rate, 40 mm lift) with C59-723 (212 lbs rate, also different lengths R/L, unlike KING, and 35 mm lift), also with same Bilsteins as mentioned above. I think this set up would avoid the rear end being up much higher than the front.
Ive read a lot of good about King Springs and adjustable Bilsteins which brings me to my questions:
Should I be concerned that the US Spec Lexus/ Petrol V8 is approximately 100kg heavier than the Prado 150 (2280kg petrol, 2320kg diesel, according to what Ive found online)? Id imagine most of the weight difference is in the front of the vehicle.
It seems like the Dobinsons, with slightly lower rates than the Kings, and slightly longer spring lengths than the Kings would provide a softer ride, but everything I read seems to indicate Dobinsons are generally stiffer than the King equivalent?
Im probably going to eat the cost of freight, so Im trying to get it right the first time.... appreciate any help I can get.
And BTW... the Petrol V8 is great, but the total lack of aftermarket support here in the states for this platform is a bit frustrating. Ive recently picked up a set of Prado 150 painted rocker panels while in South American so that I can ditch the giant painted Lexus running boards (seen below when I was adding some Lexus door molding).
Sean
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