Running in AHC Low - Can't Get it Up!

[Kigiin]

I think my AHC is getting is getting tired and/or overworked.

Filled up both tanks (70 gallons) plus three 5 gallon jerry cans and the truck is riding in low. Last summer I was able to fill up both tanks and the truck would still stay at medium (although I couldn't raise it to high). However, since last summer I added drawers (and contents) plus the jerry can holder is new.

I recall years ago going on a hunting trip with two other guys, and with all our crap, the truck ran in low all the way to Montana and back. Didn't have any problems, however I didn't have the 285/70/16s.

Question - not much I can do about it, but is there any problem(s) in paved road travel in low?

Clearly I need a heavy duty suspension mod, but can't prior to this trip.

Edit - although now that I look at the ride height, it doesn't look like the "low" setting... maybe just not medium.

 

[hoser]

How much time do you have before your trip?

 

[Kigiin]

8 hours

 

[lexi4darin]

It's something like a 1,400lb limit before the AHC suffers problems. I think Toyota set the AHC computer to protect the system by electronically forcing the LC/LX into Lo after just 1,200lbs of added weight. Do the math on bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, larger cargo carrier, 40 gallons of gas, 15 gals of jerry, a passenger or two.

Yikes. Think you're hitting the weight limits?

Yea, that doesn't look like the low setting.

You could torque TB's; and maybe Kragar special the rear coils with spacers.

 

[2000UZJ]

Iron Man TB's with King Shocks and Slee Springs....yezziirrrr. That would be a awesome setup.

 

[sonk76]

Edit - although now that I look at the ride height, it doesn't look like the "low" setting... maybe just not medium.

Does not look like "low" to me either... more like "normal" as you said...

 

[hoser]

Some quick things that can help...

-Remove some heavy items. (obvious)
-Shift some of the heavy objects forward towards the front of vehicle
-adjust the rear AHC sensor downwards 1/4"-1/2". This will lower the rear of the vehicle but will also reduce the AHC pressure. A better solution would be to add a trim packer or two but I don't think you could get those in time.

But, as others have said, it doesn't look really low. You could jack up the body/rear with a hi-lift and "help" it into N mode. I did that once and it stayed in N for the duration of the road trip.

 

[trackmur]

A pair of Firestone ride-rite air bags in the rear coils would give you way more weight carrying ability, and even when you don't have things overloaded will reduce wear on the AHC as the coils wear. Maybe there is a set sitting on a shelf near you.

 

[1loudLX]

85 gallons? Where the heck are you going in Ohio that you need 85 gallons?

 

[Mxndrnks]

O don't I could get it up if I were running low either.....

 

[Kigiin]

85 gallons? Where the heck are you going in Ohio that you need 85 gallons?

90 gallons (five 5 gallon jerry cans) and north NW Ontario. Just getting back and truck is back to N... too much weight, I guess. Plus the ride quality was pretty bad.... new suspension in the future.

 

[lexi4darin]

It's something like a 1,400lb limit before the AHC suffers problems. I think Toyota set the AHC computer to protect the system by electronically forcing the LC/LX into Lo after just 1,200lbs of added weight. Do the math on bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, larger cargo carrier, 40 gallons of gas, 15 gals of jerry, a passenger or two.

Yikes. Think you're hitting the weight limits?

Sigh...

 

[1loudLX]

Looks like fun