Love this thang and how it’s turning out

I prefer a soft, compliant ride when it comes to SUVs.
After buying my GX460, I was perfectly happy with the way it behaved on the highway, aside from expansion joints, but I was never happy with the suspension over rough pavement.
The rear suspension was the biggest issue. Short, sharp bumps, speed bumps, broken pavement, and washboard roads all felt much harsher than I wanted from a GX.
I switched to larger 275/65R18 tires, which gave me more sidewall and more air volume. It helped a little, but it did not fundamentally change the way the truck rode.
Even putting the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) into COMFORT mode, which is the softest shock setting, still did not give me the level of ride comfort I wanted from the GX.
Eventually I decided to remove KDSS completely and install conventional front and rear sway bars from a non-KDSS Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150.
Here is how we did it.

Removing KDSS
We put the truck on a lift and started removing the factory KDSS components.
There is one important thing to know before doing this.
The KDSS hydraulic lines on the GX are routed along the frame in a way that makes removing them intact practically impossible.
In theory, you could probably get full access to them by separating the body from the frame, but obviously nobody is going to do a body-off job just to remove KDSS.
So the hydraulic lines have to be cut and removed in sections.
Keep that in mind if you ever plan to return the truck to the original KDSS setup. You would need intact replacement hydraulic lines to do that.
The other KDSS components can be removed without damaging them.
That includes:
KDSS hydraulic components
KDSS valve block
KDSS control module
other individual components of the system
Those parts can be kept as spares or sold separately afterward. The KDSS valve block in particular is one of the more valuable components on a GX460.
Once the hydraulic system was out of the way, we moved on to installing the conventional sway bars.

Rear sway bar
For the rear, we used a conventional sway bar from a non-KDSS Prado 150.
You need more than just the sway bar, bushings, brackets, and end links.
A separate set of mounting brackets and hardware had to be fabricated for installing conventional sway bars on a GX460 that originally came with KDSS.
Once the mounting hardware was in place, we installed:
rear sway bar
sway bar bushings
factory sway bar brackets
sway bar end links
washers, bushings, and link hardware
Snaking the rear sway bar into position is tight and awkward, but it can be done.

Front sway bar
The front is more involved.
To install the conventional Prado 150 front sway bar, the front bumper has to come off so you can access the front section of the frame rails.
Access openings need to be made in the frame so the special internal mounting plates with welded bolts can be inserted inside.
The sway bar brackets are then bolted to those internal mounting plates.
So you cannot simply take a non-KDSS Prado 150 sway bar and bolt it directly to a KDSS-equipped GX460. Additional internal mounting plates and hardware are required.
The custom hardware set includes the mounting plates with welded bolts, brackets, and the other pieces needed to properly mount the sway bar.
Once those were in place, we installed:
Prado 150 front sway bar
new sway bar bushings
sway bar brackets
front end links
required bolts and nuts

Radiator replacement
This was not directly related to removing KDSS, but since the front of the truck was already apart, I decided to replace the main radiator at the same time.
The old radiator had developed a very small coolant seep, so it made no sense to put everything back together and leave it in place.
We installed a new radiator and replaced the coolant while we were there.

What we did with the KDSS electronics
One thing that actually made me laugh was how simple the electronics turned out to be. The GX460 is a surprisingly straightforward truck in a lot of ways, and that is one of the reasons we love them.
To make the truck stop looking for KDSS after the system was physically removed, in my case all it took was pulling the KDSS fuse. Yes, literally. 🙂
This is what we did:
Removed the KDSS control module.

Removed the 10A KDSS fuse.
Disconnected the battery for a few minutes.
Reconnected the battery.
Started the truck and scanned it.
The unused KDSS connector was insulated and secured.
After that, there was no KDSS warning left on the dash, and on a later scan with a Launch diagnostic tool, the KDSS module no longer showed up as present in the vehicle.
So in my case, no complicated coding or module reprogramming was required.

How long did it take?
The whole job took about two full working days.

How does the truck drive now?
This is the reason I went through all of this.
The improvement in ride comfort was very noticeable.
The GX is significantly softer over broken pavement, short sharp bumps, speed bumps, and washboard roads.
The biggest difference is in the rear suspension. Before, short impacts were transmitted through the body pretty aggressively, and even small road imperfections could make loose items in the cargo area bounce around.
With the conventional sway bars, the truck goes over those same surfaces much more calmly.
At the same time, in the type of highway driving I normally do, I have not noticed any major downside in stability or handling.
For me, the result was absolutely worth the work.

Parts list
Front sway bar
48811-60310 - qty. 1
Rear sway bar
48812-60290 - qty. 1
Sway bar bushings
48815-60380 - front, qty. 2
48818-60040 - rear, qty. 2
Sway bar bushing brackets
48824-60190 - front right, qty. 1
48829-60120 - front left, qty. 1
48823-60050 - rear, qty. 2
Sway bar bracket bolts
91674-G1028 - front, qty. 4
91674-F1020 - rear, qty. 4
Front sway bar end links
48820-60050 - right, qty. 1
48810-60040 - left, qty. 1
Rear sway bar end links
48830-60030 - qty. 2
Front and rear end-link hardware
90179-12144 - front end-link nuts, qty. 4
90179-12141 - lower rear end-link nuts, qty. 2
94183-00831 - upper rear end-link nuts, qty. 2
90948-02126 - rear end-link outer washers, qty. 4
90948-02127 - rear end-link intermediate washers, qty. 2
48817-36011 - rear end-link rubber bushings, qty. 4

Additional mounting hardware
You also need a separate set of brackets and mounting hardware for installing conventional sway bars on a KDSS-equipped truck.

The set includes:
internal frame mounting plates with welded bolts
additional mounting brackets
support pieces
sway bar mounting hardware
required end-link hardware

This type of hardware set is used when removing KDSS from Lexus GX470, Lexus GX460, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 models.
I used non-KDSS Prado 150 sway bars on my GX. Prado 120 sway bars can also be considered, but the exact parts and mounting hardware for that setup should be verified separately.

I just applied Hyperdip to my wheels. I'd love to hear your opinion.

Details:

- 2021 GX 460

- Lexus L/Certified

~22,000 miles

White exterior, ecru interior

Out the door after all taxes and fees: about $50,900
Is this a good deal, or should I push for a lower price?

Thanks in advance!

Alright so I hear there’s a cover for this KDSS that if I take off and clean it will avoid most issues. She’s from Nevada so no rust or road salt but it’s in Pa now so it’s gonna be coming.

I’ve got 2 questions.

Where is the cover and what are we using to clean it is it just a rag and brake clean?

Also just put on this grille I pick up on fb marketplace. Not terrible looking for headlight replacement recommendations with black lenses and housings.

I have a 2014 gx460 and I’m looking to upgrade from my stock front and rear bumpers to high-clearance bumpers. I want the bumpers to be the same manufacturer and match. I also want to get rock sliders. What are some good recommendations for the two bumpers and rock sliders?

Help me choose a tire before my wife divorces me for spending more time researching which tire to get for my 2023 gx460 black line worth stock wheels and suspension.

I just bought a 2015 GX460 from Texas (I live in Ontario). So far so good! Thought I’d post some pics of my new wheels in case anyone is curious of fitment. These tires were just released July 2026.

TRD Pro rims (PTR56-89210-F2)
Continental TerrainContact AT2 (265/70R17)
Stock GX

I hear some rubbing at full lock but that’s it so far.

Howdy everyone, I recently bought a 2019 GX460. After driving it 1200 miles home I kept noticing a shaking while braking, kind of feels like a super like ABS while applying the same pressure on the brake. When I get to a redlight its as if I release the brake, push back on, release, back on etc without moving my foot. This feeling is not felt through my foot and isnt terribly noticeable in the steering wheel.
I have taken the car to Lexus, new tires, balance, alignment and the car still has the same shake. I am absolutley quizzical as to what the issue could be. Has anyone experienced this before? If so what did you do?

Yes, I have seen the cruising shake, I fortunatley have not experienced that yet

After driving a 6th gen 4Runner, I love my 2007 GX470 even more.

Medium built person, normal weight. GX on 19' - enough clearance to slip under to have a look ? (rust condition)

As you can see LAST Lexus service was at mile 10321. Then 3 years passed stoner dude ("Personal lease" according to CarFax) turned it in. No Lexus service during those 3 years.

Yet this dealer still L/Certified it ? WTF ? Is this just not right ?

2004 GX470 with 325,000 km (201,000 miles). Would love to purchase this but wanted to get some opinions on the rust underneath. Located in the GTA, Ontario. Is this fixable/manageable or should we run from it?

Hey everyone,

New to the sub! Recently picked up a 2013 GX460, and like most people, the factory infotainment is the only real weak point for me.

've been looking into aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto upgrades. The Grom VLine and Hamilton Motor Company units look solid, but the price tag is tough to swallow. While browsing AliExpress, I noticed several units that look nearly identical to the brand-name options, just without the branding.

Does anyone have long-term experience with the generic AliExpress boxes? Are they actually running the same hardware/board under the hood, or do the name-brand units offer significantly better audio quality, firmware stability, and customer support to justify the cost difference?

Thanks in advance!

Just purchased this 2018 premium for 36k. 45,000 miles. Anything I need to know? Any advice? Planning to change the tail lights to the red ones and possible updating the screen to do Apple car play.
Edit- any way to fix the door handles? They are chrome and cracked and that’s the one thing I hate.

I've had some issues with my 2018's defrost. Usually it's an all over problem on wet/damp days, but today the passenger side defrosted while the drivers side would not. Any tips on defrosting successfully?

Just bought this beauty. 2023 premium plus, clean carfax, new tires, brakes and rotors. $55,000 at a “no haggle” dealership 43,000 miles. Averaging 16.3 mpg. Talked them into more for my trade in. I feel pretty good about the purchase, now wondering if I should do the ceramic coating and rust proofing?? I’d like to keep this as long as possible. I absolutely love driving it. Who has done that and do you think it’s worth it??

Edit: I live in Chicago
Edit: What about ppf on a white car?? Or ppf in general?

I have to say ceramic coating is well worth the money. So much easier to clean after the infrequent rain in So Cal. Quick detailer spray and its done.

Looking at purchasing a 2018 Lexus GX 460
With 92k for 30k from carvana. Is this Lexus worth it? I originally had a Lexus gx470 2006 with 96,000k on it. I forget the price now since it’s been so many years but I did a trade in for it.

I had to delete rear suspension/air compressor went bad/was intermittent and also it would throw codes all the time because of the fuel injection etc, would clear with code reader but eventually needed to replace. Let’s just say when I was driving it and it actually broke, it was the bumpiest drive I’ve ever had and white knuckled it until I arrived at my destination (was doing a road trip). Ugh.

I guess my question is, is the 2018 worth it? Any major problems with the 2018? I’ve seen that it’s gotten a few updates since 2006. But just nervous I’ll have to dump money into it like I did with my 2006. Which, I looooooved so so much and regret selling her years ago. I think I may just buy her but I’d like to hear experiences with yours.

Hey everyone! I'm looking at buying a 2021 Lexus GX 460 and I'm going to have a pre-purchase inspection done before I commit. I'd love your opinions on what to ask the mechanic to look at specifically.

1. Are there any common problems or known issues with the 2021 model year?

2. What are the usual trouble spots on the GX 460 in general that a PPI should cover? (I've seen people mention things like the KDSS/suspension, frame rust, and timing cover leaks, but I'm not sure which ones actually apply to a newer one like a 2021.)

3. Is there anything I should ask the dealership for, like service records, before the inspection?

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much!

I have a 2023 GX and the phone will not stay connected, keeps going in and out. Yes, I've tried different wires as well.

I have an all factory GX470, just crept over 270,000 miles. suspension was all original, and getting worn, so i replaced front upper/lower and rear upper/lower control arms, bushings, sway bar links, tie rod ends, and airbags with OEM parts.

the last thing to replace are the struts and shocks. looking to go as close to OEM as possible, within a budget.

keep seeing the Bilstein 5100’s pop up, and was leaning towards them, but i am a complete newcomer to suspension parts.

any suggestions? should i just call it a day and go with the 5100’s? no off-roading, i do take relatively rough washed out roads once or twice a month, but the factory GX470 was able to handle it no problem.

And if so, any suggestions on sites to order from? Thanks