98 LX470 AHC to OME Suspension Swap by Mudrak

CoolBreeze · 01-05-09, 09:45 PM

Took my 98 LX470 to Gary last week to have an OME Medium Load 2" lift kit installed to replace the 2nd time failed AHC system. The LX has 170K miles on it. Picked it up Sunday in Sonoma and I'm happy with the performance and glad to be rid of the AHC system.

Gary did a great job and while it was in the shop, he also changed all the fluids to synthetic, installed new front brake pads and lubed the drive shaft.

The rides seems more responsive and secure. No body leaning on turns, which was what I hated most with the original setup. The ride is comfortable and I liked how it turned out. Now I need to up-tire from my 275's.

1loudLX · 01-05-09, 09:56 PM

did you drive with it in sport mode?

CoolBreeze · 01-06-09, 12:29 AM

I have driven the LX for 7 years in all modes. I would say that the OME kit is probably most similar to sport mode.

1loudLX · 01-06-09, 07:26 AM

Ya I like the way it rides too, I drove Slees truck and loved it!

GRunner · 01-06-09, 08:14 AM

could you take a side profile shot to show us how it looks after the conversion? Thanks!

1loudLX · 01-06-09, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRunner

could you take a side profile shot to show us how it looks after the conversion? Thanks!

Should look exactly the same as AHC in High position, no?

TMILL · 01-06-09, 08:47 AM

If you don't mind.. what did it cost???

2000UZJ · 01-06-09, 09:12 AM

Thanks for stating that it reduces body roll thats what I need my management (parents) to see, and approve me doing a lift. my shocks have seen better days... And other things also

CoolBreeze · 01-06-09, 11:37 AM

Answers:

>>could you take a side profile shot to show us how it looks after the conversion? Thanks!<<

Sure. I'll get some pictures up in the next day or so.

>>Should look exactly the same as AHC in High position, no?<<

I would say that is accurate.

>>If you don't mind.. what did it cost?<<

OME kit price, plus about $500 for the install.

>>Thanks for stating that it reduces body roll thats what I need my management (parents) to see, and approve me doing a lift.<<

Yup, the reduction in body roll has been nice. The true test will come the next time I head up to Tahoe or down to Santa Cruz. There's lots of curves on those routes.

SpokaneLX470 · 01-09-09, 01:23 AM

WHERE'S THE PICS???

jmarlo · 01-09-09, 09:47 AM

I think its great you are putting that kind of investment into a truck with 170k miles. That says alot about the 100s, and your report is good reassurance for those of us that are considering doing the same (when the AHC craps out).

Thank you posting the labor costs. That seems reasonable given what work is involved. If I were still in Nor Cal I would take my 100 to your guy based on the information you have given.

(I used to commute highway 17 for 4 years to San Jose from Aptos--its a great road to drive when there is light traffic--fun fun!)

CoolBreeze · 01-09-09, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpokaneLX470

WHERE'S THE PICS???

It was dark by the time I got home every night this week. I'll get some pics up this weekend, though.

SpokaneLX470 · 01-09-09, 11:36 PM

I'm considering the same medium lift and can't wait to see how it looks.

170k wow. Anyone have higher?

CoolBreeze · 01-12-09, 12:25 AM

Sorry it took so long, but here are some pics. Another great thing about not having the AHC is the vehicle is nice and quiet after stopping at a light, no annoying random height adjustments. Whisper silent, the way it should be. Yeah, I know, gotta get some bigger tires.

r3run33 · 01-12-09, 07:43 AM

hey that looks totally stock looks great for 10 year old with 170k on it show me another manufactr that can say that about their vehicle. ok enough praise did you change any of the torsion bars etc? if you have time can you list what was actually changes etc mine is still under warranty but very frustrating with the movements (06 lx 43k miles) thanks

1loudLX · 01-12-09, 08:30 PM

....what mine used to look like, hah. Looks good, but daymmnnnnnnnn need bigger tires now!!!

CoolBreeze · 01-14-09, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r3run33

hey that looks totally stock looks great for 10 year old with 170k on it show me another manufactr that can say that about their vehicle. ok enough praise did you change any of the torsion bars etc? if you have time can you list what was actually changes etc mine is still under warranty but very frustrating with the movements (06 lx 43k miles) thanks

It's the OME 2" Lift Medium Load Kit:

2 x Old Man Emu N133 Shocks
2 x Old Man Emu N101 Shocks
2 x Old Man Emu Torsion Bars
2 x OME865 Rear Coil Springs

Keep in mind that the movements may be frustrating, but I believe that's the way the system is designed to operate.

1loudLX · 01-14-09, 09:23 AM

It moves to keep it properly leveled...so yes it's designed like that.

Texasoil · 01-19-09, 07:44 PM

I have several accumulator customers with over 170K on their LX 470's. All are in EXCELLENT condition, one cannot be distinguished from showroom new i n/out. I do not think it unreasonable to expect 300K + from a well maintained LX/LC. Regular routine preventive maintenance seems the key. Oil changes at 3-5 K, timing belt changes, cleaning, waxing, etc.

nymbert · 07-03-09, 03:02 PM

I've got a similar issue with my new rig. I am usually tinkering around in the FJ60 forum but just purchased a 98 LX470 and have a question. The previous owner disabled the AHC and installed a conversion kit. The ride seems nice but the front end is lower than it should be. Is there an "easy fix" to raise the front end a bit??

2000UZJ · 07-03-09, 03:31 PM

Assuming the rig has the AHC shcoks still in it? I'd swap them for OME ( good shock for there pricing) and crank the front tbars.

I'm not an AHC master. But that would be a quick fix ( I think)

nymbert · 07-03-09, 04:45 PM

It looks like the "conversion kit" that the dealer spoke of consists of new shocks/with a spring wrap around it. That's about it. So, to your question, it looks like they yanked out the original shocks. Probably a generic low budget replacement. I installed an OME on my FJ60 and I am pleased with it. Maybe I'll check into that.

You'll have to bear with me, I am not much of a wrencher. tbars = torsion bars??

2000UZJ · 07-03-09, 05:13 PM

Tbars = torsion bars. You are correct.

Having torsion bars upfront allows you to adjust the ride height. The 100 has 2 coil springs in the rear, and 2 tbars upfront.

Puzzled me when I first got it, cause I only saw a shock, no spring

The bolt is 30MM and if your rig has No salt exposure or rust, they should be somewhat easy to turn. Mine cranked with the wheels on the ground, and no lubricants used on them before.

nymbert · 07-03-09, 06:39 PM

Very good. Thanks so much.
I do have a some rust so I will probably lube it for a few days before digging in to it..........and get a FSM. I just picked up the rig today and it is in very nice shape plus it only has 66K miles on it.
Thanks again!

Kernal · 07-03-09, 08:28 PM

CoolBreeze; what did the installer do to disable or remove the AHC components?

CoolBreeze · 07-04-09, 01:59 AM

He used his tools to physically remove the system from the vehicle. I now have a huge gap under the hood on the passenger side near the windshield where a lot of components used to be. He drained the fluid out of the system. I believe some things were left underneath, but capped off.

He installed 4 shocks, 2 torsion bars and 2 rear coil springs. Also adjusted the torsion bars to get the height just right.

Also, he did something with the dash to prevent a warning light from coming on.

nymbert · 07-04-09, 06:22 AM

I feel stupid asking this but here it goes. Is it possible not to have torsion bars ? I have looked at some diagrams of the torsion bars but don't see anything on my rig that resembles what they look like. Are there any better pics or diagrams that show what they look like or exactly where they are installed?