Vlog 64 - GX470 Lift Kit Install (Dobinsons 2.5" IMS)

The time has finally come for the next phase in the GX's modified life. The Dobinsons IMS lift made a much bigger improvement in the ride quality and handling of the GX than I originally imagined. Additionally, the outcome of this experiment resulted in being able to achieve proper wheel alignment with stock Upper Control Arms (UCA) which is a huge benefit to those trying to build a budget rig.
Lastly, this marks the official opening of the Awesomoto merch store! If you would like to support the channel and pick up some GX470 influenced merchandise, head over to www.awesomoto.tv/shop and get yours while supplies last.
If you have any questions, drop them down below!
Parts List
Dobinsons IMS Lift (GX470):
www.dobinsonsdirect.com/produ...
Dobinsons IMS Lift Options Selected:
Front Springs: C59-314 - V8 - 2.5" Lift, Stock front end load
Front Coil Seat Height: IMS59-50220 - 213mm Seat Height (stock seat height)
Rear Springs : C59-325 - 2" lift, Stock rear end load
Rear Shocks: IMS59-50705 - Suits 0-2.5" lift - Comfort Valving
Optional Install Parts: SC59-001 - Pair Front Strut Caps
Front Optional Assembly: Front Pair Strut Assembly
Rear Optional Parts: WA59-561K - Rear airbag conversion kit (adds 1/2" lift)
Front Sway Bar End Links:
Driver Side: amzn.to/3K9swwi
Passenger Side: amzn.to/3Zo8oLf
Lastfit LED Savings
Lasfit Ditch Lights: lddy.no/1bz26
Lasfit LED Light Bars: lddy.no/139st
Exclusive 10% Sitewide Code: AWSM10
Instagram:
/ awesomoto
Max Keeley Music
Music Provided By: Max Keeley
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/56R5i...
KZbin: / maxkeeley
Chapters:
00:25 Introduction
00:42 Merch Store Announcement
01:32 T-Shirt Winner Drawing
02:05 Unboxing & Specs
06:28 Rear Suspension
15:24 Front Suspension
20:59 Pinch Weld Hammering
23:04 Fuse Pulling
23:28 Cinematic Reveal
25:20 Install Summary
27:37 Outro
#lexus #gx470 #gxor #gx #gx470offroad #lexusgx470 #youtube #awesomoto #toyota #toyotalandcruiser #landcruiser #landcruiserprado #prado150 #motegi #motegiwheels #falkenwildpeakat3w #falken #falkenwildpeak #overlanding #overland #gxorfl #garagealpha #lasfit

[@AndysGX]

There’s nothing that compares to installing the 1st lift kit on a car! So good to see a fellow GX owner doing the upgrades the right way👌🏽

[@Awesomoto]

Couldnt agree more! It's an exciting moment for the GX.

[@oscarbarr2392]

I don't own a lexus470 just yet and I'm already lifting it up 😁 😂

[@maxkeeley]

⚡ This comment needs pinned ⚡

[@Awesomoto]

LOL Oscar! You should certainly add it to the list!

[@oscarbarr2392]

@@Awesomoto I'm on the Hunt 🧔🏹🐗🦴

[@RobertjSkelton]

Nice, just the video I've been waiting for. Let me know when I can drop mine off at the Awesomoto garage

[@Awesomoto]

I can certainly help you with the install!

[@darshanshivaswamy8977]

Can you please add the checkbox options that you selected while configuring the IMS dobinson suspension. It will be useful.

[@Awesomoto]

Great question! This was quite an issue to figure out when I first ordered as their site isnt so user friendly in my opinion. Here are the options I selected. Red Front Springs: C59-314 - V8 - 2.5" Lift, Stock front end load Front Coil Seat Height: IMS59-50220 - 213mm Seat Height (stock seat height) Rear Springs : C59-325 - 2" lift, Stock rear end load Rear Shocks: IMS59-50705 - Suits 0-2.5" lift - Comfort Valving Optional Install Parts: SC59-001 - Pair Front Strut Caps Front Optional Assembly: Front Pair Strut Assembly (I made sure to add assembly to save some time) Rear Optional Parts: WA59-561K - Rear airbag conversion kit (adds 1/2" lift)

[@e60power1]

i wish i would of done this. sadly I replace the air bags a few weeks after buying my 470. but now I can do this when they give out.

[@Awesomoto]

Well the stock suspension is still very capable and you can still do plenty of offroading. But yes, when it gives out i recommend going coil over.

[@RobertjSkelton]

This was probably your best video yet, loved the views of the suspension off road while driving. And yeah, you'll definitely want some new bump stops. I put on Durobumps and they're a little short and I'm just on a stock suspension with air bags replaced, you'll want something longer with the lift. Can't wait to see your GX around with the lift!

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks Robert! I appreciate the feedback. I was looking at the Perry Parts bump stops and hoping those work out.

[@tannermullins9320]

Take the steps off! It’ll look so good

[@Awesomoto]

I agree! This is in the future plans for the GX :)

[@kaisarsaleem8422]

Since my GX is staying a soccer Dad truck! I think the infomercial was the best part! Love everything since Day 1!

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you Kaisar! Haha, the infomercial was fun to make. Thank you for the order...I'm shipping out to you tomorrow! :)

[@MFA16]

This is so awesome! You're the man! Thanks for the great GX content! Respect ✊🏽

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you MFA116! I appreciate you reaching out and glad you like the content! Don't hesitate to reach out when you have questions.

[@prairie_ghost]

More great content packed with useful and thoughtful info -- thanks for sharing. Also, I like the longer format.

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you for that...I try to make them informational so others can repeat the same steps. I'm glad to hear you like the longer format as I was worried it would be too much for people to sit through.

[@maxkeeley]

Stoked to help produce your awesome line of print & apparel! Keep up the amazing work - love the video ⚡️⚡️

[@richardwilliams9815]

About time. Owned my gx470 for a year. Wheels, tires ome lift done and within a year. Can't believe you cleared 285's on oem suspension. Been a subscriber since before I bought my Gx. About time😅😅

[@Awesomoto]

LOL yes, this is a slow and steady build which would go faster without all the video editing and documentation...I'm enjoying the process though. Yes, 285s on stock suspension was quite a task and the key there was wheel offset which is paying off even with the lift. If you notice in the video when the rear suspension flexes it tucks perfectly into the wheel well and doesnt mash into the fender. It's the perfect wheel fitment imo. Thank you so much for being a subscriber and supporter of the channel!

[@richardwilliams9815]

@Awesomoto I did mine last summer while having covid🤣 I was to exited to wait. Every wrench turn was heavy breathing 🤣 we went ome 3" did new lower control arms and freedom off road uppers. Will say it drive smoother than oem suspension. Yours turned out amazing!

[@elliotgold]

Bought the same suspension because of this video. Great details, like the wrench size, etc. Fantastic info that the alignment worked with the stock upper control arms.

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks for the positive feedback Elliot! Glad this video was helpful for you!

[@harryfonseca5812]

I am going to buy the gx470 and happy to find your channel ... I found all the information I was looking for.. thanks

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you for watching these videos. I'm glad the content helped you with all your GX470 questions!

[@haroldzamora3596]

Looks sweet!!!!!!

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks Harold!

[@RichardBauer_]

Way prefer my GX with springs over bags! And just a suggestion, next time you measure the height of a vehicle, use either the top or bottom of the rim to the fender and not the tire. Its more accurate.

[@Awesomoto]

Me too, such a nice improvement over bags. Great suggestion on measurement. The good news is that the suspension settled after ~2 days and was the proper 2/5" change to height.

[@adecarlo29411]

I tried getting away with stock UCA's on my 3 inch lift. No dice. The alignment shop couldn't get it correctly set. I ended up getting Freedom Off Road's UCA's. The truck was then able to be aligned correctly. I have beat the crap out of them for 2 years with zero issues.

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you for sharing! I'm interested in UCAs in the future and I'll have to add Freedom Off Road to my list.

[@4runnerHector]

Put the old front end links in the back to get a lil more flex with the sway bar on

[@Awesomoto]

Ah, interesting! Did you do this to your GX?

[@frankfeng6199]

Looks sick dude! I literally just installed my eibach pro truck coilovers and load leveling springs yesterday, getting the washer and nuts for the coil conversion on was a pain in the ass! for the eibach, the top has a hat too that you need a washer/nut for haha, and there's like an inch of clearance to hold the nut/washer in place.

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks Frank! Haha! Yes, there was not much room to work in there. This install generally beat me up physically after everything was said and done lol. I’m still so happy with this suspension and the driving experience upgrade!

[@frankfeng6199]

@@Awesomoto My thoughts exactly, I'm glad you found something that works well for you! My buddy and I are sore as hell today 🤣🤣

[@carletos]

Since you lifted it, get a set of the front sway bar spacers so they’ll be in the original angle position.

[@Awesomoto]

Ahhh, good tip! I'll certainly be doing some end link work soon as my end link bolt fell off because somebody(me) didnt tighten it good enough. Ripped a hole in the CV boot :(

[@RichardBauer_]

Or just remove the front sway bar and use 4runner sway bar links in the rear and you golden :)

[@eric4seasons]

Goliath came out with a rear bumper and tire swing. Was wondering if you thought about doing it. I've got the same exact gx as you and was contemplating it. Me OME lift and upper control arms will be here tomorrow for this weekends project. The wife is making making me wait on bumpers. Nice content. Been watching for a year.

[@Awesomoto]

Hey Eric! Great question, I have thought about going this route as I do like their bumper offering. I also would love to have a tire carrier built into the bumper instead of the door mount style. Congrats on the lift upgrades coming this weekend! LOL, I'm sure she doesn't think the bumper is a priority for expenses. Hopefully this video helps you see the steps you'll need to do and maybe save you some time. I appreciate you watching and supporting for the past year! Thank you!

[@cloudpumper6399]

i'm so jealous

[@matthewrainer3108]

Great content. I have a 3.5" Dobinsons long travel set on my GX. Feels like you are riding on clouds! What size tires are you rocking with the factory suspension?

[@Awesomoto]

Dang, 3.5" long travel is goals! I agree, such a smooth ride. I'm rocking 285/70/17s with factory suspension. The key is the wheel offset.

[@matthewrainer3108]

@@Awesomoto Incredible that you were able to fit those on a factory suspension! Trying to convince my wife to let me go up to 35s but she doesnt like the amount of work and money involved for that. haha

[@brandontomaiko8993]

Awesome upgrade and love the videos. I laughed when you said the front was easier because I wish it was.

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks Brandon! It felt much easier for me since I didnt need spring compressors or removing the pan hard bar.

[@macrofocus1988]

All those sweet mods, and yet, still the stock running boards?!

[@Awesomoto]

LMAO yes. I still rock the stock running boards for now and they are starting to take on some damage...hopefully I'll replace those this year.

[@grillngill2955]

Nice rig! I’m lifting mine next weekend so this video helps. What size tire and offset are you running?

[@Awesomoto]

Thanks Gill! I'm running 285/70/17 for tires and for wheels I went with an 8.5" wide wheels with 0mm offset to bring the wheels out to the edge of the fender for an aggressive fitment.

[@grillngill2955]

@@Awesomoto sweet! Looks great. I have used 2 of your videos already. You make great content. Speaker install and switched my seats old leather out. That was a job but they look so great now.

[@scotfinch6912]

Looking into the Dobinson 2 1/2" and have a question....did you pre-load the front struts and if so, .5" or 1"? Thanks for all your great content!!!

[@Awesomoto]

Hey Scot! Yes, preload of 0.5" on the front struts.

[@dubhaltaghohearcain2431]

Nice job. What size tire did you go with and did you have to do any adjustments to the frame for the tires. Thank you.

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you! 🙏🏻 I went with a 285/70/17 with minor trim on the front fender liner. My video from Vlog 15 shows the tire and wheel spec which worked perfectly for me.

[@lennytsanchez]

What size tires are you running ? I want to keep my stock running boards, but want to install larger tires than stock. I will also be installing the Dobinsons IMS lift, but keeping rear bags as I tow a trailer and like how the systems airs up when loaded down

[@Awesomoto]

I'm running 285/70/17 and have a full video documenting the install in Vlog 15 (and oldie). This should be a solid setup for you to run even with keeping rear bags.

[@donventura3844]

The front will drop down about 1/2 inch if you install after market UCA

[@Awesomoto]

Thank you for the advice! I did not know that. Sounds like it'll change the suspension geometry quite a bit.

[@scotfinch6912]

I've seen others who remove the front sway bar completely to increase independent articulation on the fronts, from left to right. Thoughts?

[@Awesomoto]

I hear this as well and I'm considering this route and would like to do a test to see how it performs without it. If I go that route, I'll do an update video.

[@marcbailey4437]

Where in Florida is this? The compound? My friends and I are looking for places like this to wheel.

[@Awesomoto]

LOL...maybe. It's a decent spot to off-road locally for me, so that's why I go.

[@marcbailey4437]

@@Awesomoto I live in the Melbourne area and have been out there a few times. We have avoided it for the last couple years because of the bad stuff that’s happened out there. Safe to go out there?

[@jasonmears4393]

Are you still happy with your lift? Would you recommend Dobinsons?

[@Awesomoto]

Absolutely love it! It's very impressive ride quality and responsiveness. For me the GX feels less like a floating boat over the stock air suspension.

[@jasonmears4393]

@@Awesomoto what about old man emu? Any thoughts on that company?

[@Awesomoto]

@@jasonmears4393They are a great suspension company as well. Can’t go wrong with either.

[@jasonmears4393]

@Awesomoto Thanks , I'm super excited about finally getting a lift. My airbag suspension just went out in the rear. I think I'm gonna go with OME.

[@Awesomoto]

@@jasonmears4393 You should be excited! It’s one of the more directly noticeable mods you can do to the GX!

[@johnwarren2475]

what was your total cost for lift kit parts?

[@Awesomoto]

Total cost was $2258 when I did this. Curious how much “inflation” has changed the price on this kit.

[@edrasmussen1745]

What the kit cost?

[@Awesomoto]

Total cost out the door was $2260

[@sidneypp2003]

Send me your airbag bro