Full Suspension Lifts for the GX 550

[jmeetze]

I have a set of the MT64 shocks on the shelf to install on mine. Quality looks pretty good.

Same here. Probably won’t install until this fall though.

 

[quacktoduck]

i have king 2.5 coilovers and Icon Stage 6 tubular control arms and diff drop

 

[Bluegill]

What wheel & tire setup are your running? I'd assume 35" tires on 17-inch wheels?

 

[M1W]

i have king 2.5 coilovers and Icon Stage 6 tubular control arms and diff drop

Nice setup, can you share pics? How do you like the 2.5 shocks?

 

[quacktoduck]

Nice setup, can you share pics? How do you like the 2.5 shocks?

unfortunately still waiting on my car. ive had this setup sitting in storage with some TE37s for a few months

 

[XILED]

What full-replacement suspension systems are available for the GX550?

So far I have seen:
King
Icon
Fox
Dobinson's
Radflo
ARB/Old Man Emu
Ride Shocks (I think they have/or will have an option for the GX550)

It's kind of difficult to understand exactly what's needed for a full suspension upgrade. Some offer just the front & rear shocks, some include upper control arms, some include UCAs and rear upper & lower links, some include all of the above plus a rear track bar and a front diff drop. The Icon Stage 10 includes it all - I just noticed that the Icon Stage 10 Billet package is on sale from $11,285 down to $9,458. That's a good savings. Too bad about "APPLICATION NOTE #175: Will not fit GX550 Overtrail"!

As much as I'd like to install a full suspension system myself, I will probably have to go to a place like Westcott and pay them to consult on exactly what I need for my purposes. The easiest way to get their full attention and advice is to pay $$$$ for the installation.

You wouldn't happen to have a link for the fox suspension you found for the GX? I couldn't find anything from them for my GX. TIA

 

[Bluegill]

I haven’t found an actual 550-specific-marketed system yet. I’m looking into it, though, as I’m pretty much ready to purchase. I’m leaning towards King.

 

[S SUBERI]

That’s exactly where I am but I’m going to take a look at the Radflo/Dobson combo. I’m also waiting to hear back from Bilstein R&D. I want to do something by Fall. Have you checked out the lead time for King. I hear 10 months?

 

[S SUBERI]

Just for kicks I went to Chat GBT and asked for an evaluation of the best full suspension lifts for the GX 550. Below is the answer I got. Sorry I couldn’t format it any better



Got it — let’s break this down carefully.





The Lexus GX 550 (2024+) is the new generation of the GX, now built on the TNGA-F platform (same as the Land Cruiser 250 and Tacoma). It comes with factory coil springs, a solid rear axle, and independent front suspension (IFS). There’s no OEM full air suspension like older LX models — so when people ask about a “full suspension system” upgrade, they usually mean a complete aftermarket suspension lift kit that includes:





Upgraded coilovers for the front


New rear springs and shocks


Adjustable upper control arms (UCAs) for alignment


Possibly a long-travel setup if you’re going hardcore

















Best options right now (2024–2025)








For the new GX 550, top-tier suspension upgrades come from brands known for off-road Toyota/Lexus applications:














ICON Vehicle Dynamics

• Pros: Bolt-on, well-tested on the TNGA-F platform. They have complete Stage 1–8 kits with remote reservoirs, adjustable compression damping, progressive-rate rear coils, and upgraded UCAs.
• Cons: On the pricier side.
• Why it’s good: ICON’s reputation for Toyota 4x4s is outstanding. Great balance of on-road comfort and off-road performance.

ARB Old Man Emu (OME) BP-51

• Pros: OME’s BP-51 bypass shocks are internal bypass, fully adjustable compression/rebound, and tuned for heavier overland builds.
• Cons: Ride is firmer than ICON on-road; you’ll feel the tuning if you’re not loaded up.
• Why it’s good: Legendary durability, globally proven. Tons of parts availability.

King Shocks

• Pros: If you want top-tier, fully rebuildable performance, King offers remote reservoir coilovers and shocks with custom valving.
• Cons: Pricey; best if you’ll actually use the performance off-road. More maintenance required than plug-and-play kits.
• Why it’s good: King is the gold standard for serious off-roading and desert running.

Dobinsons IMS or MRR

• Pros: Excellent mid-tier option, great for overlanding. Dobinsons offers a wide range of coil rates, perfect if you’re adding bumpers, winch, or RTT.
• Cons: Less plush than ICON or King, but bulletproof.
• Why it’s good: Great value for money, good tuning for loaded rigs.

Key factors when choosing








Weight: Will you add steel bumpers, winch, sliders, RTT? Heavier loads need heavier coil rates.


Ride comfort vs. performance: Some systems are plush on-road, others prioritize high-speed off-road control.


Future upgrades: Some systems (like ICON) are modular — you can start with Stage 1 and add reservoirs later.


Installation: Full suspension lifts may affect KDSS (if equipped) or advanced safety systems.

















Good example combo








For an all-round build:

• Front: 2.5” adjustable coilovers (remote reservoir)
• Rear: Medium-duty coil springs + matching shocks
• UCAs: Adjustable or high-angle to maintain alignment

My recommendation








For most GX 550 owners who want better off-road performance, moderate lift, and comfort:


ICON Stage 2 or 3 or OME BP-51 kit is the sweet spot. If you’re going hardcore: King 2.5 kit with upgraded UCAs.











If you want, I can help you:

• Figure out the right spring rate for your planned gear weight
• Recommend specific part numbers
• Suggest reputable installers

Just tell me how you plan to use your GX 550!

 

[Bluegill]

I really like the Icon stage 10 system as described by the reviews - good on& off road handling, compliant on road but can take the heavy duty abuse off road, longer travel than most, plus the stage 10 electronic dampening control. I want them to officially approve it for Overtrail installation, however.

Or maybe I’ll order up a full set of Kings with the billet UCAs and see if I can get custom bright green anodizing to match my company logos colors. This is a work truck, after all.

In the meantime, I’m testing out the suspension on my 4X4 Ford Mt. Everest here in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

 

[turbo8]

Same here. Probably won’t install until this fall though.

There were not any fitting instructions in my coilover boxes, the rears had instructions. I reached out to ARB and they gave me this generic sheet.

They also said the 250/GX550 coilovers are set up for maximum height from the factory. So the clip is in the top position. I only wanted 1-2" of extra height from stock and they recommended moving the clip position down 3-4 grooves.