Suspension Design With GX550 Chief Engineer

A VERY nerdy technical review of the GX550 suspension and E-KDSS. What mechanically changed from the GX460 or other last gen Toyotas?
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Many shots in this review were captured by DJI Action 4. They were crushed by the GX550 when filming the suspension flex but 100% survived. Highly recommended if you want to film yourself going off-road. Use my affiliate link below is another good way to support this channel!
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[@96kylar]

Most youtubers just talk about new colors and bullshit with the new yota/lexus rigs coming out,..... Kai, gets it, and gives you what you actually want to hear about. Well done Kai.

[@floofy117]

That's because most youtubers decided to call themselves "auto journalists" just to make content for money on KZbin and aren't into most automotive things. Guys like Tinkerer actually spend time with cars as their hobbies/lifestyle

[@rickmontelongo4230]

KIAs are garbage you can’t compare it to Lexus or Toyota buddy are you that 😜

[@jean-pierrelutsheto6386]

@@rickmontelongo4230 You’re the crazy one since you failed to understand that Kai is the name of the guy in the video and not “ Kia the brand.” Read his sentence again 😂

[@rickmontelongo4230]

@@jean-pierrelutsheto6386 sorry sorry my bad didn’t have my glasses on Kia vehicles are garbage though 😂

[@mattb9664]

I unsubscribed from a major Toyota channel because he didn't want to respond to my comments about how the older GX appears way more luxurious than the new one...after begging for the "let me know what you guys think in the comments". (And I got sick of his bragging in every video about how he was going to change out his current Toyota again to the latest and greatest.) Those guys all thrive on providing neutral opinions in order to keep getting invited to manufacturer press events. They claim it's unbiased, but the invites influence their bias.

[@LyleTanner]

LOVE the fact you stopped the vehicle in the middle of the test track to measure articulation and then brought your own paper templates with magnets!

[@MHam1]

Very needy! Was Koji impressed? It’s no wonder you got 1-1 time with him. Nice job @Kai

[@nitrofreakmanho]

Agreed! He’s committed to the cause👍🏼. I’ve never seen anyone willing to do that under those circumstances. Kudos to Kai for the impressive videos he puts out.

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Like Kia said, "I'm nerdy!".

[@alexgavieres8293]

😅 When he whipped out the paper cutouts, I instantly thought...this is some next-level nerdiness happening!! LOL!!

[@vincefairleigh6899]

You should become an automotive journalist, I hate hearing about the interiors of trucks when a new truck comes out.. most if not all automotive journalists know nothing about suspension travel, so for the first time in a long time Toyota came out with something that isn’t just a crossover.. I’m still not convinced that this is a really capable truck, now if it came with 285-70-17” tires I’d be interested, keep those engineers on their toes😎

[@IndependenceOverland]

Thank you Toyota and Lexus for inviting someone who actually does this kind of stuff. A lot of the reviewers spend next to no time actually using these kinds of vehicles, and I always have to sift through their vague information to find the details that I actually care about. Invite some race enthusiasts to the sport car events, off road enthusiasts to your 4wd events, and someone with a family of 6 to your mini van events 🤣 Solid work as usual man!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks man! It almost won my heart from the trailhunter. But if the trailhunter would cost $65K, I'll probably get the overtrail lol

[@levikender4820]

I hope Toyota is watching your videos. They should be proud of their engineers and thankful for people like you Kai. You truly appreciate their systems and understand them better than most mechanics. Great video!

[@Tacoexplorer]

Probably most engineers as well!!

[@InGratitudeIam]

What an honor to be able to visit with the chief engineer of this vehicle! This shows that they have tremendous respect for your work. Congratulations, Kai!

[@chefgiovanni]

We love LEXUS, keep it up.

[@ap-1994]

This guy is a REAL engineer. As an Mechanical Engineer myself I can say this guy is a cut above the rest.

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Then there's the other guy that puts automotive engineer in every title and limits his "engineering" analysis to measuring panel gaps and paint thickness lol!!! Well done Kai!

[@TheJmatagi]

I don’t think the engineers expected Tink. Your speciations show 24” flex I brought a measuring tape… haha Thanks for asking the hard questions.

[@monoped_adventures]

Everyone else "reviews" a vehicle. Kai "investigates" it. Great video.

[@4WDisLife]

the BEST GX review on the internet!

[@common1474]

It's all fun & games until Kai pulls out his measuring tape.

[@beri232]

….. and magnetic templates. Don’t forget the magnetic templates!!! Lol

[@jcurbin305]

😂😂

[@myleshebert2885]

You are the only auto journalist on KZbin that has any real knowledge of vehicles. What a breath of fresh air. You are greatly appreciated sir.

[@floofy117]

"only" is a stretch. There's a literal automotive engineer that covers cars on his KZbin channel. I forget his name but he goes to car shows and events with his device that checks panel gaps😂

[@TrevorDyck]

​@@floofy117 Engineering Explained?

[@trublueeq]

Mike Kojima knows some stuff.

[@floofy117]

@@TrevorDyck engineering as in the guy is a mechanical engineer that used to work for an automotive manufacturer

[@myleshebert2885]

@@floofy117 Okay sure. Correction, only interesting journalists with knowledge. Lol

[@mattb9664]

I bet the Toyota Standard involves having each wheel in its own independent articulation stand, and then controlling the amount of Down and Up applied at each corner to achieve those numbers. So it's an ideal number that won't typically be achieved in the real world. Sound like the Toyota engineers were very respectful to make sure they didn't attack his method of measuring which was a real world measurement.

[@Ikki11235]

maybe the toyota standart is to measure it with some weights in the car simulating 4 Adults and stuff in the trunk? maybe even close to the max allowed weight to compress the suspension as far as possible.

[@toyotatrailtrash]

This is why I waited years to get a bumper for my AWESOME FJ from Kai, it was designed and engineered! Thanks for the videos! So much info. To call you a KZbinr would be a disrespect to you!💪🏻💪🏻FJ4Life!

[@GoodkatNW]

So the new Overland trim w/ ~9" of stock ground clearance and center/rear lockers is basically better (or at least equal) to a heavily modded 460? That's pretty damn cool that Lexus is spending so much effort in improving the offroad performance, knowing that very few 550 owners will actually take it somewhere where 19"+ of flex is even necessary

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Brilliant stuff! We can always count on you to bring us the truly important nerdy details that the automotive "journalists" skip over. This platform looks pretty damn cool.

[@geepuller1]

I love the templates and magnets. No wonder the head engineer had respect for you. Your videos are great. You are a dork in the best possible way.

[@williamd8146]

Thanks, Kai! You present valuable information and analysis unavailable elsewhere. TA is my favorite KZbin channel!

[@dmb350]

I cannot express enough gratitude to you for these videos. You've made REALLY understanding suspension supported with actual data accessible to everyone. 100% the best channel on KZbin on this subject.

[@numbr17]

I agree. Best I have found yet. Kai is amazing.

[@samro9744]

Wow! I'm pretty excited for the new Toyota trucks that are gonna come. This is superb journalism and you explain it flawlessly. Brilliant engineering on their new E-KDSS which I think will be safer and more effective than a true sway bar disconnect. Keep up the good work, Kai!

[@faheemabbas3965]

Well, the new LC250 pricing and MPG got posted today, and unfortunately, imo it’s a flop.

[@brianpeck697]

Your channel is criminally underrated! Thank you for making such quality content

[@halvorhelland7768]

Just discovered your channel, and I think I'm addicted now. The perfect balance between informational, technical and entertaining. Love it!

[@WhiteyNorge]

Toyota tend to engineer their closed lengths to be coincident with 100% bumpstop compression, or metal-metal with bumpstop removed. The extra 4 inches or so the Lexus engineer refers to may be the remaining bump travel from bumpstop contact to full closed on the struts and shocks. The GX550 is also using the 300 Series chassis which is just a modified 200 chassis, so travel is different to the older 120/150 chassis.

[@gregmgm06]

Your explanations are phenomenal. I went back and replayed a few section so I could understand better. Your comparison templates.....no one does that. So excellent!

[@andyo.593]

Toshi from JDM Insider!!! That dude has a long history of car influence, true OG

[@TinkerersAdventure]

yes! glad you recognized him. a very talented person.

[@PatrickRich]

This was great. I got all the answers I couldn't get at the time. I still think its a crime that eKDSS is not an option on the Land Cruiser 250. The main benefit I noticed was how incredibly level the body stayed in all terrain. no head toss, I was amazing. Then you can rip into a corner and not roll like a boat because its automatic. I was very impressed.

[@Dshzzzt]

The new GX is almost as sweet as these videos... keep up the great work.

[@nitrofreakmanho]

You’re making some pretty amazing video Kai. Your explanations are top class! Your videos are helping so many of us understand suspension geometry and how all the parts work together better than most. Thank you for taking the time to test, document and explain all of the details that you share with us all. Keep up the great work!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@mwmarks7713]

Kai, your videos rock! Been waiting to hear your take on the new GX 550 for a while now. You do such a great job explaining the science of off-roading. Can't believe Lexus/Toyota hasn't offered you an opportunity to join their team yet... Keep it up and thank you for helping me solidify my decision to buy an Overtrail this year!

[@joegenshlea6827]

Well articulated!! haha. BEST BEST BEST review of the GX 550! And I've watched just about every one of them. You filled in the gaps that all were missing. Seems like an awkward conversation though with the Toyota Engineers.

[@numbr17]

Hahaha. I see what you did there.

[@etb4272]

Wow, the level of detail and thoroughness in this video is amazing. Thanks! Also, props to Toyota for allowing you to meet with their head engineer, it shows they stand behind their products.

[@abelardoboyettenerida8134]

good to see you with top guys of lexus and yes front lockers pls.

[@aarongerman7857]

This. Is. the best review of the new GX550 hands down. Full stop. actual information. there's 50 reviews that tell me about the tow rating and v6 turbo. You have added an enormous amount of value for us who really want to know about this thing. THANK YOU

[@Unb3arablePain]

I miss the V8 but this is excellent news to see as a GX460 owner and fan! Toyota went above & beyond not just to improve the interior or ride comfot but made large changes to the mechanical design od the suspension itself to make the vehicle even better for off-road use. That's good news, I think many believed they'd try to make it more mall crawler friendly only.

[@37061044]

I've never wanted a toyota/lexus more until after this. Dream truck!

[@calvinkang1224]

Thank you for uploading, really appreciate Kai putting SO much effort into one single video.

[@chrisridebike8]

holy cow! this was super in depth. i've never seen someone make control arm templates and overlay them onto a new suspension. that's insanity. I love it!

[@GrahfisLacan]

Dang, this is so thorough. The toyota engineers must enjoy you talking about the years of work they put into making their vehicles. Thank you for this!!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Another amazing video Kai! Love your attention to detail and how passionate you are about this stuff. We appreciate you being nerdy! Turns out, lots of us are the same way haha.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks Grant!

[@jmacb996]

Has to be the most informative review I've ever seen, well done!!

[@4WDisLife]

When you pulled the ruler out of your waist, that probably got them sweating a bit lol

[@TravelinCatfish]

I legitimately laughed

[@4WDisLife]

@@TravelinCatfish right? that was a total surprise to the GX crew I am sure, in a good way.

[@mrblondeheart9562]

Your videos are unmatched, Kai. Keep doing what you’re doing

[@Dara-ih6jq]

Toyota is currently my number one car manufacturer. If I could only buy from one manufacturer, I feel like they make the best best cars in all categories better than anybody.

[@beri232]

I’m not a fan of their push toward hybrid/turbo’d/4 bangers but this turbo’d V6 deal for the GX550 is EXACTLY what I like to see in this model for innovation…. alongside the explained suspension ergo’s of course.

[@bggees]

​@@beri232How is this engine different from what they are using in Tundra? Tundra is equipped with the V6 turbo engine and those are having problems already

[@beri232]

@@bggees I agree but 2 months ago when I made my post…. they hadn’t had any issues yet. Knowing what we both know now, I wouldn’t buy one.

[@ericchristian8805]

Kai, your channel is fast becoming my favorite content on KZbin! I really appreciate your approach to testing and reviewing off-road vehicles and suspension systems. Most reviews I watch are a waste of time to try to find any useful information. Your videos I rewatch several times to understand the concepts you present. Keep up the outstanding work! Thank you!

[@MustBePerfectForever]

The detail in this video is unmatched. Subscribed.

[@gordowg1wg145]

The way the tyres are loaded is going to make a difference - if the vehicle was on flat ground, and one corner was lifted by a flat platform until a tyre was just touching/lifting from the ground, the sidewal flex may give a greater apparent flex.

[@ColoradoStreetboarding]

I am not capable of creating such detailed content on this topic... but I geeked out hard and enjoyed soaking it up! New Tinkerers shirt idea "don't worry, I've taken measurements". Loved it!

[@stevelikesrhino]

I love how toyota didn't just redesign the entire suspension """from ground up""", but instead they improved the old setup. Combined with the new frame construction and subtle material and geometry change, GA-F might be the best refresh of the entire toyota trucks lineup since 2003.

[@chir0pter]

It’s so cool to see the head of design out there getting enthused about his product DOING something in the real world, not gaslighting journalists with talk about 17% more range and 0.05s faster 0-60 times (3-foot rollout omitted of course)

[@marcoallasio7790]

I don't even have the money to buy an offroader, nor the lexus is sold in Italy, but here am I, looking at technical reviews just to enjoy your videos. 🤣 You are great Kay!

[@christianbolt5761]

So cool to see you geeking out with the engineers.

[@2theprelude]

All those other KZbinrs gave us what we could get in the brochure. Now this is what we needed. Love the tape measure lol.

[@randygreer5491]

As an ME and car guy, I absolutely love your videos, the depth is so far beyond anyone else's reviews/evaluation. the depth you provide is over the head of most but I dig it. Keep up the fantastic work and I believe this is my next vehicle because of it (with the E-KDSS of course).

[@h2o_dug]

Great job filming, investigating, reporting, and explaining the differences Kai. The subtle Land Rover shade is 100% deserved.

[@freeking4291]

This is what we talk about when we talk about cars!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 Not bloody auto pilot, not infotainment BS fancy iPad BS, tech gimmicks 😖 The soul of a car is how great it on the road for thousands miles or decades🙌🏻 Love the content 🔥🔥🔥

[@emilionaranjo5894]

We need more guys like Kai to show these big manufacturers that we care more about the mechanical improvements of modern cars as opposed to the constant gimmicks being pushed our way.

[@Sedole94]

Makes me want a GX550 even more! Love my 200 series, but also loving the sound of all this new tech and mech upgrades!

[@SFzip]

Wow, that was some impressive analysis! I'm not usually interested in off-roading, but I couldn't stop watching.

[@9rows]

Your videos do such a good job of scratching my nerd itch. All while being entertaining. Thank you.

[@leastofyourconcerns4615]

damn I wish there was a channel like this one but dedicated to jeep

[@evolusd]

Best analysis, hands down! Toyota should hire you.

[@thndr_5468]

Having the Chief Engineer there was super cool to see! I hope he is proud of what he made because he did a great job!

[@kimleigh]

You’re light years ahead of others in the space. Thanks for doing what you do. 🐐

[@adrianw3985]

I'm really impressed that Toyota will sit down with a regular guy and explain how they made improvements. I went from being more of a Nissan to a Toyota guy several years ago.

[@russellbaker7026]

Dog, you out here teaching us. Thank you! You are contributing to the off-road community in great measure. I am very grateful for your excellent, informed and thoughtful content. Keep up the great work!

[@overland_cam]

This is the real info people are looking for, well done!

[@XcessCapital]

The breakdown in this video is ridiculous, and it's literally EXACTLY what I've been looking for since this vehicle was annouced. Thank you so much for taking the time to delve so deeply in to this subject. I think this will be our next family adventure vehicle.

[@arnoldoromo3231]

You are a fantastic engineer, with an even better sense of how to educate those interested in all things Toyota off-road.

[@a36538]

Wow I am in awe of your thoroughness

[@cbh148]

That's so cool that you got to speak with the Japanese designer at Toyota. Respect to you, him, as well as the translator who seemed very engaged and willing to carry over as much technical nuance as possible from one speaker to the other.

[@xxtwobitxx]

I give you top respect for getting out measuring, and then calling it out to main guys in charge. Deffinetly top 3 guys on yt that breaks down everything about cars

[@shawnomeara6153]

Kai is the only legit reviewer of suspension function, and comparison on KZbin. Way to go Kai! I laughed out loud when you whipped out the paper diagrams of the existing Toyota control arms. That was absolutely brilliant!

[@ImOnlyaMAN88]

Kai going to be working for Toyota as product development pretty soon. Good job man.

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Came with your own tape, templates and magnets...respect brotha

[@2109461000]

I have watched hundreds of videos about the GX550 but this video is the only one that covers the real engineering masterpiece behind a shiny look.

[@bradstevens993]

I'm 43 years old. One day I want to grow up to be like Kai.

[@FreshYoungDude]

Wow setting the standard! You and the new GX.

[@Mish3ab999]

Unparalleled depth and technical insightfulness. Very impressive.

[@RedDog265]

Just watched your channel for the first time. What an excellent report. So much more use full than reviews I see here in Australia that comment on how much "piano black" is on a vehicle. Thank you

[@azureNETCode]

a non-superficial assessment. nice work.

[@N0TxSURE]

I hope Toyota never loses its ways, they single handedly prop the entire industry up when it comes to longevity, dependability and ingenuity

[@Clintshandpainted]

No one has better videos about Toyota than you! Another 10/10.

[@TheStaniG]

On Car Expert, apparently on the LX 600 the E-KDSS paired with its adjustable suspension makes towing with the SUV unbearable as the electronic dampening system gets completely thrown off when you add a trailer to it. Im not sure if the GX 550 has a similar problem... That would be a HUGE dealbreaker, where the additional feature makes the car WORSE, at least that was my understanding of it when towing.

[@WiliamShattner]

Kudos to you for being for real.

[@hotflashfoto]

I'm glad to see how respectful you were to be honored in the presence of the designer. You were able to gather much data while also being dignified. I'm sure he appreciated it. I know I do! I also like how you came prepared with templates and magnets, and really got into the weeds with your inspections. This is great information. I wish other channels would pay attention. Then maybe "the KZbins" would start to be what they truly should be. You're doing it right. Keep it up, sir.

[@jeffpeterson5157]

Great video and good info. Keep in mind the main spring rates along with ARB rates can affect flex, the rebound displacement on the unloaded wheel is a balance of the forces. The vehicle mass can also affect results. This is even more apparent when you have KDSS or a disconnect ARB. When the unloaded wheel is at full rebound, and you have a higher mass you will have higher displacement with the loaded wheels. But that being said, you did a great review.

[@ramoneortiz]

Loved the in-depth analysis. GX550 is now on my list of vehicles to look into.

[@John-ib3zi]

The video we've all been waiting for.

[@rednekroketsci]

I love how much access you are getting to the new toyota launches. The templates of your control arms were great! I love this level of detail!

[@Scoobienorth]

Wow. Some serious thought went into making this. Loved the paper cutouts and measuring during the test drive.

[@pauldavies4650]

Great vid. So impressive that they got someone technical involved and gave you real answers and details as opposed to just journalist fluffers. Serious #respect for that. Keep up the great work

[@anorakadventures]

This is the exact video I wanted to see. Thank you so much for this hard work and technical breakdown of the design!

[@GearUpind]

That yota engineer doesn’t even believe what kind of beast did he create

[@TrailTape]

Lexus: "Please come test drive our new GX!" Kai: [pulls out tape measure and paper templates] Lexus: 😰

[@fraxonthefurry21]

Damn I love how thorough this man is.

[@jimtoney7810]

KDSS is more than just sway bar disconnect. If I remember correctly it actually pushes the opposing corner into the ground and actually allows more articulation than no sway bar at all.

[@richards996]

This might be the best KZbin video from a press drive that I have ever seen. I used to work on the OEM side and would have KILLED to have Kai on our drives. Awesome job and can’t wait for the e-KDSS overview.

[@sightseeing2]

What a wonderful and detailed explanation. Miles ahead of all these other reviewers who can only talk about the colours and trim levels 😅

[@valdius85]

Finally some proper content on the new Lexus. Thank you so much. I’d like to know the line of thought from Toyota’s development team about the size of the vehicle. Bigger is better doesn’t work that well for all of us.

[@stefancremer4615]

Phenomenal content! Just the type of nerdy info we’re craving on this new suspension design.

[@lotsad1234]

Congrats for doing all that measurements, the models on paper and the very clear technical explanations!!