Overtrail AVS Compatible Suspension Systems (1 Viewer)

[maringx550]

Any know whether ICON or others are working on an AVS-compatible suspension system?

 

[Bluegill]

That's kind of a contradiction. To be AVS-compatible would mean that you would keep the AVS-equipped shocks which means that it wouldn't be a "suspension system." Kind of like the Westcott Designs pre-load collar lifts that many of us have installed. It's not a suspension system per se, it's a way to get a bit of lift out of the stock suspension system. Like most things, it has some benefits and some compromises.

 

[48Njim]

For me, AVS-compatible would be using aftermarket shocks without error codes or warning light on the dash. Is that a thing?

 

[DJ’s Sled]

I think I understood MarinGX550 to mean some future aftermarket ‘plug-and-play’ front struts and rear shocks that:

• could accept the (current/future) factory AVS wiring at each corner;
• would have the internal design, guts, valving, actuators, etc..to respond to the commands from the Drive Mode dial;
• which implies, likely, that the AVS software, firmware could be mod’d to accommodate the new higher performing equipment at each corner;
• and all the systems that normally interface with an active, in-service AVS could (if necessary) also be reprogrammed as required.

I sure haven’t heard of anyone going down that path. But it would be really interesting if it happened!

 

[lowrange44]

That's kind of a contradiction. To be AVS-compatible would mean that you would keep the AVS-equipped shocks which means that it wouldn't be a "suspension system." Kind of like the Westcott Designs pre-load collar lifts that many of us have installed. It's not a suspension system per se, it's a way to get a bit of lift out of the stock suspension system. Like most things, it has some benefits and some compromises.

I think the idea is that an aftermarket suspension manufacturer like Icon of King could develop an electronically adjustable coil over that would be a plug and play replacement and still work with the AVS ecu

 

[maringx550]

That’s exactly the idea. I thought I read somewhere that ICON was working on something along these lines, but haven’t been able to find it again. May just be my wishful thinking, but doesn’t sound it would be that difficult given the ICON CDEV system does more or less the same thing (at least as I understand it).

 

[48Njim]

Yes, I understood the idea and also liked the thought the AVS. It sounds good on paper and may be better than I realize but the more I drive with I'm less impressed. Not against it, just not that impressed. Where do you "feel it" and say "Ooo yeah feel that AVS kicking in?"

I think some quality aftermarket shocks could perform better but I don't want to screw up the overall system. (I like KDSS.)

I have swapped out OEM shocks and suspensions for aftermarket on other vehicles. Often with very noticeable improvements. Specifically, high speed desert runs over washboards and whoops, curvy mountain roads, fast land changes, soaking up random potholes, hard braking, etc. I think the aftermarket GX could benefit too - even without AVS.

Maybe dumb question but does anyone add AVS systems to their off-road or race trucks? Are the leading shock/suspension manufacturers developing these systems as upgrades to existing systems that don't have it?

 

[Bluegill]

I can't imagine an aftermarket shock being engineered to work with Toyota/Lexus' proprietary AVS ecu/software. I guess I can imagine it, but it doesn't seem very practical. I think the general logic is that an aftermarket full suspension system more or less eclipses the whole range of AVS benefits. 48Njim is on the right track - AVS isn't really all that remarkable and aftermarket is kind of better all around. Depends on what you're looking for with your suspension.

Also note that E-KDSS isn't lost with a new suspension system like King or Icon. AVS is lost.

 

[Bluegill]

and maringx550 is also correct - Icon's CDEV is just like AVS, only it looks like it has much more range of adjustability. There's a member here with the full monty Icon Stage 10 or 11 or whatever is bestest with the CDEV and he seems very happy.

 

[maringx550]

Agree that AVS isn’t very impressive (at least not the modes I’ve tried). It’s really the control interface (not the AVS system itself) I’d like to keep. The holy grail for me would be aftermarket performance and adjustability you get with ICON, King, etc. controlled through the existing GX interface (ride mode settings, touch screen). If something along these lines is on the horizon, would probably wait for that. If not, will probably go ahead and upgrade the suspension now.

 

[lowrange44]

Agree that AVS isn’t very impressive (at least not the modes I’ve tried). It’s really the control interface (not the AVS system itself) I’d like to keep. The holy grail for me would be aftermarket performance and adjustability you get with ICON, King, etc. controlled through the existing GX interface (ride mode settings, touch screen). If something along these lines is on the horizon, would probably wait for that. If not, will probably go ahead and upgrade the suspension now.

100% agree

 

[nonamex]

Agree that AVS isn’t very impressive (at least not the modes I’ve tried). It’s really the control interface (not the AVS system itself) I’d like to keep. The holy grail for me would be aftermarket performance and adjustability you get with ICON, King, etc. controlled through the existing GX interface (ride mode settings, touch screen). If something along these lines is on the horizon, would probably wait for that. If not, will probably go ahead and upgrade the suspension now.

I would doubt any aftermarket companies would design a platform that would integrate AVS. The closest thing is to keep your stock suspension and install axle portals.

If I would to do it all over again I would buy the LX700H with 3rd row delete, install 74Weld portals and call it a day. I would keep the OEM wheels since +50 offset is good and just get larger tires.

 

[swarnerus]

I asked ICON "Will you be releasing suspension systems for Lexus GX 550 Overtrail models?" Their response on 9/8/2025 was "There are OT kits in the works, however the AVS setup is going to be the main hold up here. There is currently no known way to override the ECU checking for the presence of shocks, resulting in dash error messages that do not go away."

I also asked ARB "Will "MT64 KIT W/UCA FR 3IN/220-330LBS, RR 2IN/440LBS 2126K" work with Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and not affect function of EKDSS?" Their response on 9/8/2025 was "Being a shared platform, our MT64 kits for Land Cruiser will fit the GX550. However, these are specifically tuned for the LC250 platform, so performance across different vehicles may vary. Note: does not suit Overland trim or models with air suspension."

 

[Bluegill]

The guy with the full Icon setup - found him, it's Six Overland - says no problem with AVS error light, or it came on once or twice but he got it to shut off. Icon was working on a permanent fix. I'll have to read his thread again.

Member Build - Six Overland Build

By all other reports, EKDSS is not affected.

 

[48Njim]

I asked ICON "Will you be releasing suspension systems for Lexus GX 550 Overtrail models?" Their response on 9/8/2025 was "There are OT kits in the works, however the AVS setup is going to be the main hold up here. There is currently no known way to override the ECU checking for the presence of shocks, resulting in dash error messages that do not go away."

Thanks, this is what I'm trying to understand. It should be possible based on my limited experience tricking ECUs albeit older less sophisticated ones.

I'm sorry for wasting everyone's time because I'm not even sure what we've got. Do these shocks used the "metalized"? fluid that changes viscosity when electrical field is applied? I don't know for sure, please feel enlighten me. I think the Icon system uses some electrically controlled micro valves. I'm guessing our shock doesn't send any state information back to the ECU other than it's present. I really should get down and look at the connectors. Often shorting, grounding or a properly sized resistor could fake the ECU. The other technique can be to fake state so the ECU so it doesn't check the shock. Something like setting to only check if speed is over 150mph. Hey It worked on old TBI ecu to stop EGR controls. A little piece of electrical tape over the warning light works too until you take the dash apart and remove the light bulb.

I plan to work on getting the service manuals and electrical diagrams as a winter project. Hopefully we'll figure something out.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Whether in Park or Drive, or rotating the Drive Selector Control, I’ve never had any warning lights, flashing codes or anything on the driver or center screens. Have the MT64 upgrade since 7/29. I routinely still use the drive modes Eco, Normal, Sport+ for whatever power I need.
I’ve also played around in 4Lo, MTS modes, lockers; nothing.

I haven’t recently checked my Carrista OBD, but previously it did show the 4 codes, one for each corner:

They each read basically the same:

I did reset, clear all 4..but haven’t checked to see if they reappeared. I just made the assumption they always will.
Either I ‘got lucky’ (doubtful), or my Slee Offroad installer knew what to do, or the ARB response above is not entirely detailed enough to be correct. Not sure which.

More generally..there are now a reasonable number of us who have removed all 4 of the AVS Tokico shocks and installed whatever upgrade. I don’t recall anyone having warning codes flashing (either a direct AVS warning, or warnings such as VSC etc that likely utilize AVS inputs). But maybe I’m wrong.
And I also don’t recall anyone stating any ill effects while driving.

As one of you just mentioned, I too grew increasingly dissatisfied with the AVS suspension. Along with all my other reasons to dump it, I made it happen. I’m super happy I did. I’m constantly looking for excuses to go somewhere, anywhere because it rides, handles, steers and tows so much better now.
Yes Bill, I’m still a kid in a candy store!

 

[48Njim]

DJ, thank you for sharing the details. That's great!
Now, I just need to find a buyer for my '11 200 Series Land Cruiser.

 

[solluna]

When you purchase an aftermarket suspension from Icon, Fox or King, Do you still have all your drive modes in the OT+? Does it mess up your KDSS?

 

[DJ’s Sled]

When you purchase an aftermarket suspension from Icon, Fox or King, Do you still have all your drive modes in the OT+? Does it mess up your KDSS?

Solluna,

Yes, you still have your drive modes..with the exception that you no longer are changing the AVS settings on your front struts and rear shocks, because your OE AVS-compatible struts, shocks are no longer there.
But other aspects of each drive mode are still there (throttle sensitivity, transmission shifts points, etc..).

It does not mess up EKDSS and sway bar functionality - assuming you don’t install a really high lift. My general understanding is that EKDSS is ‘good to go’ with up to at least a 3” inch lift.

 

[solluna]

thank you,