The GX 470 is the sleeper of the 4th-gen 4Runner family: same frame, same 2UZ V8, a nicer cabin. What usually gives out first is the suspension. Twenty-year-old dampers make it float and wallow, and the rear air system is either already replaced or about to be. That makes it the perfect time for a full 8112 / 8100 setup: coil springs in the back, Bilstein damping at all four corners, and a level stance with room for bigger tires. One of our resident GX owners at Shock Surplus calls this shock package "unbelievably smooth."

Want the long version? Read our Bilstein 8112 / 8100 Review for the Toyota 4Runner: Still the King (same family, same parts).

What the Letters Mean

• 8112. 2.65" body coilover with ZoneControl CR: soft around ride height, firmer near full compression and extension. Adjusts for ride height only.
• 8112 DSA+. The same coilover with high-speed compression, low-speed compression, and JCO (internal hydraulic bump stop) knobs.
• 8100 / 8100 DSA / 8100 Bypass. Non-adjustable, compression-adjustable, and fully adjustable bypass rears, all 2.65" with a remote reservoir.

The Rear Air Question

Bilstein lists every 8100 rear for the GX 470 with "Requires Rear Coil Spring Conversion." These shocks are not a drop-in for the factory air system. Plan the conversion with the set, and call us if you want help picking coil springs for the weight you carry.

Choose Your Set

• Run 8112 / 8100 if: it's a daily and weekend trail rig and you'd rather not tune.
• Run DSA+ up front if: the load changes trip to trip, or you want to firm up the bump stop for fast dirt. Budget for aftermarket wheels: Bilstein requires 4.5" of backspacing or less with the DSA+ fronts.
• Run the 8100 DSA rear if: you carry gear in the back often and want to firm the rear without changing springs.
• Run the 8100 Bypass rear if: you drive fast on rough roads and want to tune rebound as well as compression.

Pick Your Height: Lift Chart

Bilstein's preset is built for the 4Runner V6; the GX 470 needs the spring seats adjusted before install.

2003-2009 Lexus GX 470

Setting Your Height

Threaded spring seat. Changing it means a spring compressor and the coilover off the truck. Bilstein's limits: under 19 5/8" at ride height and at least 2" of droop.

The Real Trade-Offs

• Rear coil spring conversion required. No GX 470 runs these rears on the factory air.
• Bypass rears take more work on a GX. Bilstein's sheet has you remove the air compressor assembly, and some GX 470s need a 25/64" (10mm) hole drilled for a threaded insert. The fender liner may need trimming for the hose.
• DSA+ needs aftermarket wheels. 4.5" backspacing max.
• No stock-height setting. The lowest is 1.3".
• Not the typical "firm" ride. While Bilstein is known for its digressive, firmer ride, the 8112's ZoneControl technology delivers far more comfort than expected on the daily drive.

Install Notes

• Fits 2003-2009 Lexus GX 470 with a rear coil spring conversion.
• Fronts: sway bar spacers, reservoir mounts, and an ABS line bracket are included. Bilstein's DSA+ sheet notes that some GX 470s lack the frame hole for the front reservoir mount and need a 3/8" (9-10mm) hole drilled.
• Alignment right after install.

Who Should Buy These

GX 470 owners who are done with the air suspension and want a proper coil-sprung overland build with real damping at all four corners. The 8112 and 8100 shock package is built for drivers who like to pick up the pace in the dirt, whether in the open desert or hightailing it to the campsite.

Read our Bilstein 8112 / 8100 4Runner Review