Full Suspension Lifts for the GX 550 (1 Viewer)

[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.

 

[S SUBERI]

Well my decision was to go with the King Shocks in combination with the Built Rite Control Arms. I had them installed today at The Truck Shop here in San Diego. So far I love the ride and after the first 500 miles I get everything re-torqued. Once that's done I plan on trying a few trails If anyone is interested in my Westcott lift kit I will be selling my old shocks complete with the Pre-load collars installed front and back. They have about 3K miles on them. If anyone is interested send me a message.

 

[nonamex]

Very nice! Now go out there and hit some trails.

 

[S SUBERI]

Thanks

 

[S SUBERI]

I have been asked why I went with the Built Rite UCA's and here is my answer:
I wanted to go with the Total Chaos but got talked out of them by the salesperson at the Truck Shop. The Truck Shop has been working with Built Rite for over a year to come up with a better UCA. According to them it's better built (thicker and more maintainable ball joint) at a lower price point. It gives you more articulation and a better ride for non off-roading. They recommend it for all their lifts. They have a tremendous reputation here in San Diego. If your interested call and ask for Henry. I really liked working with them.

 

[nonamex]

Thanks for the insight. Will definitely take a look at Built Rite Fabrication. May get their rear links and bump stop if needed.

 

[teghogh]

Did you guys install a diff drop kit?
Are you achieving more down travel at full droop ? My understanding is that the limiting component is the LCA for achieving more than 1 inch of down travel
I assume the kdsss is no longer active ? If so are you truly achieving more articulatation if the Seanad is always connected ? The swaybar disconnect achieves 30% more articulation when disconnected

 

[S SUBERI]

No Diff drop, KDSS I’m told is still effective. Didn’t really consider the other issues since they probably apply to all suspension lifts. The big one being Total Chaos. I know I was giving up droop with the previous kit. The bigger shocks I assume will get that back. Your questions are good ones and you might want to run them by the techs at the Truck Shop since they worked in collaboration with Bilt Rite to develop this UCA for the GX 550. Frankly it doesn’t really matter that much to me I think I got what I asked for

 

[Bluegill]

I’m adding Bilstein 8112 to the list! I haven’t seen a package listed specifically for the GX550 yet but I’ve made some inquiries.

 

[S SUBERI]

I had some contact with Bilstein R & D a while back and was told that they were working on the LC and 4Runner lift and would get to the the GX 550 after. I reached out to them a couple of weeks ago and have not heard back. They were looking for a LC or 4Runner here in San Diego to work with.