ARB/OME BP-51 (2 Viewers)

[SwainBuilt]

It never actually settles. those avs shock are weirdly tuned.

We completely agree with this statement. After discussing this with the Lexus engineers the takeaway was "this is what was required to achieve the 9000lb tow rating". As not every customer requires this need for their use case, this is where quality aftermarket suspension makes a ton of sense (does not include spring spacers or entry level low technology shocks). My opinion is an upgraded suspension with quality shock absorbers is one of the most rewarding improvements that can be made to the GX550 platform. The comfort and handling can be improved for both a driver that has zero plans of ever going off road or intends to spend half their time there.

 

[rocksallday]

We completely agree with this statement. After discussing this with the Lexus engineers the takeaway was "this is what was required to achieve the 9000lb tow rating". As not every customer requires this need for their use case, this is where quality aftermarket suspension makes a ton of sense (does not include spring spacers or entry level low technology shocks). My opinion is an upgraded suspension with quality shock absorbers is one of the most rewarding improvements that can be made to the GX550 platform. The comfort and handling can be improved for both a driver that has zero plans of ever going off road or intends to spend half their time there.

Them Lexus engineers forgot to mention "required for 9000lb tow rating while costing less than $100 to make". I'm running the Lexus coils in the rear with the MT64 shocks and the improvement is wild (especially considering they're not adaptive). I don't know if they skimped on beefier shocks, more complex shock design, or just better electronic control, but I really hope they take some lessons from GM on how to design cheap variable suspension, or just offer OME/Fox/King/... options from the factory.

 

[Angelitopstar27]

We completely agree with this statement. After discussing this with the Lexus engineers the takeaway was "this is what was required to achieve the 9000lb tow rating". As not every customer requires this need for their use case, this is where quality aftermarket suspension makes a ton of sense (does not include spring spacers or entry level low technology shocks). My opinion is an upgraded suspension with quality shock absorbers is one of the most rewarding improvements that can be made to the GX550 platform. The comfort and handling can be improved for both a driver that has zero plans of ever going off road or intends to spend half their time there.

If i may.
I´m from another country, my 2026 Gx550 is a Panama spec one. No tow mode. No tow hitch. nothing. An interesting fact is that while my model is a 2026 it does not come with the 1 in lift you guys in north america got for the 25 and up models. I basically have the 24´ suspension. I also own a 2022 Land cruiser prado 150 kdss with passive shock and it rides better and more controlled than this Gx550.
I have owned mine since march of the present year and since day one i want new shock. The rear is too stiff. Yes at low speeds under 10 mph its a cloud ... once you drive faster they become to harsh and the ride is too jittery... i know its a BOF but the prado does not ride like this.

Besides the BP-51 shocks i also had in mind the Radflo 500 r , the dobinson IMS and the Mt64´s.
Panama is a hub for dobinson, so my prices here in the IMS are just like in USA.
I know here is just about the Bp+51 and Mt64s, but what other monotube non adjustable shock could be a OEM plus upgrade so like you said a quality aftermarket suspension would be a great improvement.
thanks.

 

[Angelitopstar27]

Them Lexus engineers forgot to mention "required for 9000lb tow rating while costing less than $100 to make". I'm running the Lexus coils in the rear with the MT64 shocks and the improvement is wild (especially considering they're not adaptive). I don't know if they skimped on beefier shocks, more complex shock design, or just better electronic control, but I really hope they take some lessons from GM on how to design cheap variable suspension, or just offer OME/Fox/King/... options from the factory.

Fun fact.
North america is the only market that gets the 9000lbs tow rating.. is a 4081 kg tow rating.
Not even the Land cruiser 300 with the F33A-FTV 3.3 TT diesel from toyota can tow over 3500kg or 7,717 lbs....
It´s weird you have a higher rating than the rest of the world.
Just saying

 

[Ctprelude]

Great question. 4 drivers in the family but I pick and maintain them and drive each one sometimes. GX was the oddball in terms of not having sorted suspension. I was blown away how good the AT4 suspension is for a low $40kish truck compared to the GX. 3/4 ton was smoother too until it engages the leaf springs, then it kicks back hard. BP-51 solved most of my issues with the GX; more on that soon.

Definitely curious to hear a full review. I can certainly tell upgraded suspension would make a big difference on my Overtrail.

 

[ColoradoOutdoors]

Definitely curious to hear a full review. I can certainly tell upgraded suspension would make a big difference on my Overtrail.

Thanks for the reminder and will finally put together some cohesive thoughts on it this long weekend now that I have about 900 miles on the OMEs.