Lmk! Happy to make a good deal
Suspension Upgrade - ARB/OME MT64 Discussion
- Thread starter DJ’s Sled
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A great deal and a great dude. Thanks for all your help.Lmk! Happy to make a good deal
Another MT64 kit is going on a GX.
Appreciate the kind words!
Do you guys know anyone who has done a ride comparison between the 2024 and 2025? I’m wondering if the stiffer springs on the 25 would improve the towing experience. I’m on the suspension upgrade train, but I don’t want to do it until I figure out my full build and resulting weight.
Looks great!
@DJ’s Sled thanks for all the feedback and great information shared, very helpful.
I had Slee do some work on my 4Runner and those guys are great.
As far as the GX, glad to hear there is “hope” even though it’s a bummer.
I wonder if the LC250 is affected by similar issues? Given they share so much.
Also, I know Slee runs ADS on their GX. Any reason why you went with MT64 instead (other than price)? And other options on the table? I know another very popular option with LCs is the BP51 by OME.
Thanks!
- Thread starter
- #90
Earth,
I’ve had really professional and expert help from Slee. We’ve had good technical discussions related to suspension upgrades and any accessories I have been curious about.
As far as the LC250 OEM ride goes I’d only be guessing based on various internet readings..including comments on this forum. But Slee told me that the ride of one of the first LC250 they upgraded with the MT64 kit was improved; and the owner immediately noticed it and called it a real improvement too.
I did go with the MT64 ‘mid-level’ kit based partly on price, and the reality that I actually didn’t need or would use easy day-to-day big adjustability. I also recognized that the MT64 used some of the same internals as the BP51. And the MT64 front end is adjustable if / when i get ready to add a heavy front bumper. The rear shock springs can also be changed if I routinely start carrying heavier loads.
I’m not as familiar with the ADS systems, but if I recall correctly the pricing began to really add up, and I felt the MT64 was a better buy and possibly with better reliability. But obviously I have no real evidence of that.
I’ve had really professional and expert help from Slee. We’ve had good technical discussions related to suspension upgrades and any accessories I have been curious about.
As far as the LC250 OEM ride goes I’d only be guessing based on various internet readings..including comments on this forum. But Slee told me that the ride of one of the first LC250 they upgraded with the MT64 kit was improved; and the owner immediately noticed it and called it a real improvement too.
I did go with the MT64 ‘mid-level’ kit based partly on price, and the reality that I actually didn’t need or would use easy day-to-day big adjustability. I also recognized that the MT64 used some of the same internals as the BP51. And the MT64 front end is adjustable if / when i get ready to add a heavy front bumper. The rear shock springs can also be changed if I routinely start carrying heavier loads.
I’m not as familiar with the ADS systems, but if I recall correctly the pricing began to really add up, and I felt the MT64 was a better buy and possibly with better reliability. But obviously I have no real evidence of that.
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I had the opportunity of meeting the President of Slee at an Overlanding Expo here in So Cal last month. Very professional and knowledgable. They had a built out Incognito (which is my color) GX Overtrail and I must say it looked pretty nice. I have the Slee sliders and have ordered the full skid plates but i decided to go with the Dissent Bumper primarily for the lower profile and I just like the looks. The products I have of theirs are very well built.
I've never run and OME kit that didn't blow me away. I'm a suspension snob and it's actually concerning how few kits get it right out of the box. OME kits just deliver every time. Glad to see you're loving your MT64s!
@DJ’s Sled my car is in the shop now getting the Slee/MT64 kit. It's all based on your reviews, so better be good! 
Honestly, not sure what to expect as the OT+ supposedly comes with a 1" lift (not sure if the MT64 kit is 2.5" over Lux or OT+) and I also had the peak suspension 1" spacer / level, so not expecting more than .5" in the front + 2" in the rear compared to what I already have, but getting 34" Toyo AT3s so another .5" would hopefully be enough to drag the skids a tiny bit less on trails.
I am expecting better ride quality because the whole 'adaptive' thing is not doing it for me. Both Eco and Sport+ require stiff suspension. Comfort is too bouncy and Normal is neither Eco nor Sport.
Before the lift, I tried some very light trails (maybe 2/10 or 3/10) and was pleasantly surprised at how composed the ride was (compared to my JK), but not so pleasantly at how often the skids touched something. Just barely touched, but touched. Enough to crack the plastic of the factory side steps (which are going to the trash bin soon).
I know I need 35s for the trails I'd like to do, but until I figure out the spare tire situation I'll have to see just how much this MT64+34s improve the clearance.
Seems to me the factory skids are hanging really low. I wonder if after market skids have a bit more clearance or if this is the best we can do with IFS.
btw, while at the shop, they had an older Tacoma getting a full suspension redo - long travel IFS. This was a crazy weld-on system, where they cut off all the front end suspension brackets and weld this beast of a thing - crossbar, control arm mounts, new CVs, tie rods, ... interestingly enough they didn't drop the front diff, but they did push it forward a bit. not yet for the GX, but maybe someday...
Honestly, not sure what to expect as the OT+ supposedly comes with a 1" lift (not sure if the MT64 kit is 2.5" over Lux or OT+) and I also had the peak suspension 1" spacer / level, so not expecting more than .5" in the front + 2" in the rear compared to what I already have, but getting 34" Toyo AT3s so another .5" would hopefully be enough to drag the skids a tiny bit less on trails.
I am expecting better ride quality because the whole 'adaptive' thing is not doing it for me. Both Eco and Sport+ require stiff suspension. Comfort is too bouncy and Normal is neither Eco nor Sport.
Before the lift, I tried some very light trails (maybe 2/10 or 3/10) and was pleasantly surprised at how composed the ride was (compared to my JK), but not so pleasantly at how often the skids touched something. Just barely touched, but touched. Enough to crack the plastic of the factory side steps (which are going to the trash bin soon).
I know I need 35s for the trails I'd like to do, but until I figure out the spare tire situation I'll have to see just how much this MT64+34s improve the clearance.
Seems to me the factory skids are hanging really low. I wonder if after market skids have a bit more clearance or if this is the best we can do with IFS.
btw, while at the shop, they had an older Tacoma getting a full suspension redo - long travel IFS. This was a crazy weld-on system, where they cut off all the front end suspension brackets and weld this beast of a thing - crossbar, control arm mounts, new CVs, tie rods, ... interestingly enough they didn't drop the front diff, but they did push it forward a bit. not yet for the GX, but maybe someday...
- Thread starter
- #94
Hi Rocks!@DJ’s Sled my car is in the shop now getting the Slee/MT64 kit. It's all based on your reviews, so better be good!
Honestly, not sure what to expect as the OT+ supposedly comes with a 1" lift (not sure if the MT64 kit is 2.5" over Lux or OT+) and I also had the peak suspension 1" spacer / level, so not expecting more than .5" in the front + 2" in the rear compared to what I already have, but getting 34" Toyo AT3s so another .5" would hopefully be enough to drag the skids a tiny bit less on trails.
I am expecting better ride quality because the whole 'adaptive' thing is not doing it for me. Both Eco and Sport+ require stiff suspension. Comfort is too bouncy and Normal is neither Eco nor Sport.
Before the lift, I tried some very light trails (maybe 2/10 or 3/10) and was pleasantly surprised at how composed the ride was (compared to my JK), but not so pleasantly at how often the skids touched something. Just barely touched, but touched. Enough to crack the plastic of the factory side steps (which are going to the trash bin soon).
I know I need 35s for the trails I'd like to do, but until I figure out the spare tire situation I'll have to see just how much this MT64+34s improve the clearance.
Seems to me the factory skids are hanging really low. I wonder if after market skids have a bit more clearance or if this is the best we can do with IFS.
btw, while at the shop, they had an older Tacoma getting a full suspension redo - long travel IFS. This was a crazy weld-on system, where they cut off all the front end suspension brackets and weld this beast of a thing - crossbar, control arm mounts, new CVs, tie rods, ... interestingly enough they didn't drop the front diff, but they did push it forward a bit. not yet for the GX, but maybe someday...
Uh ohh…looks like I might be on the hook!
By now you’ve probably read most of my writings, rational, etc. So won’t repeat it all here. But some of this should help our newer forum members.
And there are several other members who have also weighed in with their MT64 results and are quite happy.
At the time, my stock ‘24 OT had 275/70R18 SL tires last year when the kit was installed. I believe I gained about 2” front and 3” rear. I definitely gained noticeable and useful off-roading clearance with the MT64, one of my goals.
And keep in mind the adjustable front struts for height. In my case we dialed in some front rake (so..lowered front end) to accommodate my trailer towing weight in the back. So I could, if desired, bump the front up for additional clearance in the future.
Since then I’ve changed tires to the Toyo AT3 285/70/R18 E (33.7) to get a tad more clearance, gain better towing performance and get more reliability on tougher trails.
The only thing I hit or scrapped in Moab was my spare tire, and I think that was when I dropped off some minor, blind ledges a tad too fast. I was pretty heavy for those particular 3 days on the White Rim trail: A pretty loaded roof rack, the entire back loaded to the ceiling and 2 people.
Yes, the ride is really improved all the way around… (to be continued).,
EDIT (minor corrections, and continuation).. Your disappointment with the OEM AVS stock suspension matches my experience. As it does others. It soon became obvious to me that Lexus, IMO, rushed or cut corners to get the truck out to market with the Overtrail AVS. The AVS could be substantially better, but who knows if they’ll ever do that.
I’m not real familiar with the factory side steps. I’m running Slee slider steps with success. There are at least 2 or 3 other quite popular options.
As far as a spare, I’m using a Cooper AT 275/70/R18 E (on the stock rim) which happens to also be a 33.7 tire, but is a tad narrower than my Toyo AT3s.
Talking crazy, I’ve had a couple comms with Arctic Trucks and had a close up with their LC250 on display at Slee. Wow! A ton of work!
Keep us posted on your MT64 experience. Anything I can learn..would be great!
DJ.
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Ok, small update on the MT64s - getting alignment done now so haven't driven yet but got some measurements-
First finidings- the advertised 2"/2.5" is compared to stock trim. '25 OT+ comes with 1" so 2.5" in front is only 1.5" over stock. I already had a 1" peak suspension spacer so it "only" bought me an extra .5" in the front although the shop suggests I have room for a .5" spacer should I need more.
Second finding- the stock suspension had a 10mm rhs toyota lean, both front and rear.
height was 809mm/799mm front left/right and 843mm/833mm rear left/right (this is '25 OT+ with 1" spacer).
After changing just the front shocks+springs, the lean disappeared both the front and rear.
Since I travel light (for now), I ended up keeping the OEM rear springs. Would have been too much rake if adding the 2" rears. If I ever install a tire carrier, rtt or something i'll swap in the 2" springs.
Ride now sits at 822mm/823mm front lhs/rhs 846mm/847mm rear lhs/rhs.
(note: measurements come from the shop, I need to ask how they measured, because this isn't hub center to fender and it's not ground to fender either).
The 285/70/18 AT3, add another .5" clearance, so sits pretty solid. Now just need to go test drive it.
(I also got the adjustable UCAs and diff drop, so getting another 1" of clearance should be an easy DIY if when/needed - 35" tires + .5" spacers).
Now just need to figure out what to do with that disastrous rear bumper.
First finidings- the advertised 2"/2.5" is compared to stock trim. '25 OT+ comes with 1" so 2.5" in front is only 1.5" over stock. I already had a 1" peak suspension spacer so it "only" bought me an extra .5" in the front although the shop suggests I have room for a .5" spacer should I need more.
Second finding- the stock suspension had a 10mm rhs toyota lean, both front and rear.
height was 809mm/799mm front left/right and 843mm/833mm rear left/right (this is '25 OT+ with 1" spacer).
After changing just the front shocks+springs, the lean disappeared both the front and rear.
Since I travel light (for now), I ended up keeping the OEM rear springs. Would have been too much rake if adding the 2" rears. If I ever install a tire carrier, rtt or something i'll swap in the 2" springs.
Ride now sits at 822mm/823mm front lhs/rhs 846mm/847mm rear lhs/rhs.
(note: measurements come from the shop, I need to ask how they measured, because this isn't hub center to fender and it's not ground to fender either).
The 285/70/18 AT3, add another .5" clearance, so sits pretty solid. Now just need to go test drive it.
(I also got the adjustable UCAs and diff drop, so getting another 1" of clearance should be an easy DIY if when/needed - 35" tires + .5" spacers).
Now just need to figure out what to do with that disastrous rear bumper.
Test drove on road. Much better! Firm, controlled, almost sporty. Next test would be some local trails.
But I also found out two more things on this setup, both have me stressing a bit (possibly for no reason)-
I have the OT+ which came with AVS and eKDSS.
The front MT64 shocks are almost touching the swaybar end links. Had a quick chat about this with DrKDSS and he's aware of the issue but it's not obvious if it'll actually bind under some conditions. I'm going to run some experiments. I'm told it's an issue with 2.5" or more of front lift and the specific MT64 wide body, but it looks like Kings and others have similarly wide bodies.
As for the AVS- I'm going to do by best to waterproof the (now unused) connectors. Although everyone says no CEL/dash lights after disconnecting, I've seen several places mention that you will eventually get an AVS error message if the battery is disconnected for long enough. The computer will run a system check and scan for the AVS shocks when power is back. From my understanding, the only way to clear that code is to reconnect the old (possibly rear only) shocks to the connector to clear the code, then unplug again. Hopefully, never going to see this happen in real life.
But I also found out two more things on this setup, both have me stressing a bit (possibly for no reason)-
I have the OT+ which came with AVS and eKDSS.
The front MT64 shocks are almost touching the swaybar end links. Had a quick chat about this with DrKDSS and he's aware of the issue but it's not obvious if it'll actually bind under some conditions. I'm going to run some experiments. I'm told it's an issue with 2.5" or more of front lift and the specific MT64 wide body, but it looks like Kings and others have similarly wide bodies.
As for the AVS- I'm going to do by best to waterproof the (now unused) connectors. Although everyone says no CEL/dash lights after disconnecting, I've seen several places mention that you will eventually get an AVS error message if the battery is disconnected for long enough. The computer will run a system check and scan for the AVS shocks when power is back. From my understanding, the only way to clear that code is to reconnect the old (possibly rear only) shocks to the connector to clear the code, then unplug again. Hopefully, never going to see this happen in real life.
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One more update, sorry for derailing this thread, but I guess it's related-
As I'm aiming for at least 3", hopefully 3.5" of lift (yes, I use it offroad), I added the 1" diff drop.
Turns out on my last trail (before the install), the front skid plate landed on some rock. This was an easy trail and I didn't notice anything much while driving, so I only looked under the car today realizing the whole thing is seriously bent.
So much so that the skid was actually sitting on the front diff, like pressing hard on it.
The OEM skids are so soft, it actually bent all the way up to the diff (this was before lowering it), and probably because they're so soft, I didn't even notice it while driving.
TBH, I'm not sure what the front skid protects because everything in that area looks solid, like it could take hits much better than that thin aluminum.
But either way, I'm now shopping for a stronger skid with enough clearance for a dropped diff and will definitely be lifting that front as much as the shop will let me.
As I'm aiming for at least 3", hopefully 3.5" of lift (yes, I use it offroad), I added the 1" diff drop.
Turns out on my last trail (before the install), the front skid plate landed on some rock. This was an easy trail and I didn't notice anything much while driving, so I only looked under the car today realizing the whole thing is seriously bent.
So much so that the skid was actually sitting on the front diff, like pressing hard on it.
The OEM skids are so soft, it actually bent all the way up to the diff (this was before lowering it), and probably because they're so soft, I didn't even notice it while driving.
TBH, I'm not sure what the front skid protects because everything in that area looks solid, like it could take hits much better than that thin aluminum.
But either way, I'm now shopping for a stronger skid with enough clearance for a dropped diff and will definitely be lifting that front as much as the shop will let me.
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