Symptoms
The rear sits low or sags overnight, the ride turns harsh, the height-control light blinks, the compressor runs nonstop, and in the worst case the truck is sitting on its bump stops.
The fix, step by step
- First confirm the leak with soapy water where each bag folds over its perch.
- To keep air, replace both springs, and the compressor if it has worn out chasing leaks.
- To convert, support the axle, remove the shocks, cut the air lines and pop each bag's upper U-clip with a flat-head screwdriver, then fit a coil conversion kit with springs, retainers and isolators.
- The ride-height sensor sits on the upper trailing arm, and the compressor and reservoir live on the driver's side.
- Recheck bolt torque after 100 miles.
Tools & part numbers
- Floor jack
- jack stands
- flat-head screwdriver
- line cutters
- torque wrench
- coil conversion kit (e.g. Metal Tech 4x4 hardware with Icon 52800 3-in coils)
- or Arnott air springs and compressor (P-3192) to stay on air
Where to buy the parts
Rear air springs, 2005 GX 470RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Air suspension compressor, 2005 GX 470RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Rear coil springs (conversion), 2005 GX 470RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
OME MT64 2–3 in suspension lift, GX 470 (coil rear)Slee Off-Road ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Lexus GX 470 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.