My goal is to have my LX470 with AHC tow ready.
First I checked the pressures with techstream via amazon and then I changed the AHC fluid with the correct Toyota product.
After seeing my pressures were increased I had to decide NEW AHC or some components (coils) or new OME or add 80 series spring, or augment current system (airbags).
I chose the airbag route b/c it will be reusable in most other systems once I change to them in the far future. For now, I need to stick with the stock system b/c I like it and b/c I already paid for it.
I did some cursory airbag research and found the Firestone kit with a pretty easy to follow downloadable 4124 instructions here. I like the Firestone kit b/c it has the "no drill" option. If I do not have to drill into my vehicle I prefer not to. Also, drank the koolaid on they were the first ones to ever make air supsensions so they must know what they are doing.
I have VERY LIMITED MECHANIC experience but felt since I had worked on a suspension once before, I could do this. Here is my one word of caution. Working on suspensions is dangerous, if you haven't done it before, do not start by yourself, do it with someone who knows what they are doing the first time you do it. There were many times I had to hit the brake and remember I was working under a 3 ton vehicle on jack stands that I was pushing and pulling on.
OK, anyhow, with my limited experience I decided I could do the task if I was careful not to get myself killed and I took my time.
First I assembled my tools the night before b/c I knew it was going to be a pain to do it by myself and I wanted as much prepared as possible.
I highly recommend having 4 x 3+ Ton jack stands if you plan on doing this in a private garage. I also used a 3.5 ton jack because it had more "lift" in inches than the 4 ton option.
During the process I discovered I needed this equipment as well.
I followed the directions almost word for word except while the vehicle was on the ground I loosened all bolts that were going to be removed. Other deviations included, I disconnected the wrong end of the battery and I didn't remove items after loosening them. This made the experience much longer than it needed to be. I had to jack all components back up and knock them off with a mallet because they were still in place.
After jacking it up and putting jacks stands FORWARD of the axles,
I loosened the bottom nuts of the shock. (No pic, you know what the shock looks like).
Then I had to loosen the sway bars (forward of the axle).
First I checked the pressures with techstream via amazon and then I changed the AHC fluid with the correct Toyota product.
After seeing my pressures were increased I had to decide NEW AHC or some components (coils) or new OME or add 80 series spring, or augment current system (airbags).
I chose the airbag route b/c it will be reusable in most other systems once I change to them in the far future. For now, I need to stick with the stock system b/c I like it and b/c I already paid for it.
I did some cursory airbag research and found the Firestone kit with a pretty easy to follow downloadable 4124 instructions here. I like the Firestone kit b/c it has the "no drill" option. If I do not have to drill into my vehicle I prefer not to. Also, drank the koolaid on they were the first ones to ever make air supsensions so they must know what they are doing.
I have VERY LIMITED MECHANIC experience but felt since I had worked on a suspension once before, I could do this. Here is my one word of caution. Working on suspensions is dangerous, if you haven't done it before, do not start by yourself, do it with someone who knows what they are doing the first time you do it. There were many times I had to hit the brake and remember I was working under a 3 ton vehicle on jack stands that I was pushing and pulling on.
OK, anyhow, with my limited experience I decided I could do the task if I was careful not to get myself killed and I took my time.
First I assembled my tools the night before b/c I knew it was going to be a pain to do it by myself and I wanted as much prepared as possible.
I highly recommend having 4 x 3+ Ton jack stands if you plan on doing this in a private garage. I also used a 3.5 ton jack because it had more "lift" in inches than the 4 ton option.
During the process I discovered I needed this equipment as well.
I followed the directions almost word for word except while the vehicle was on the ground I loosened all bolts that were going to be removed. Other deviations included, I disconnected the wrong end of the battery and I didn't remove items after loosening them. This made the experience much longer than it needed to be. I had to jack all components back up and knock them off with a mallet because they were still in place.
After jacking it up and putting jacks stands FORWARD of the axles,
I loosened the bottom nuts of the shock. (No pic, you know what the shock looks like).
Then I had to loosen the sway bars (forward of the axle).
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