About to buy an LX, but a few questions

[crazy1323]

So I have a 97 LX 450 that I love. My family has had it since new and it is at 130K miles now and never missed a beat.

I just got engaged and my fiance hates my current DD, and Audi RS4 (the 97 LX is my hunting/camping car).

I am looking at picking up a 2010 LX 570 with 30K miles. I have a few questions about the LX though.

****Question 1****
I am going to be putting an ARB bumper and Warn M12,000 winch up front, will AHC automatically adjust for the extra weight and return the car to stock ride height? I am just unsure of how AHC works. I understand the system will be strained, can heavier springs be installed?

****Question 2****
I know the ARB isn't actually supported for the LX, but it will fit. Can you retain the front parking sensors?

****Question 3****
Can a lift kit be installed and retain the AHC? I would really like to get about a 2" lift but keep the AHC.

****Question 4****
Can dual batteries be installed? I currently have dual batteries in my LX (this is possible using factory parts with the 80 series). Is there a second battery tray like the 80 series?


Thanks a lot for the help guys,
Paul

 

[geologic]

I bought a 2010 then traded it in 4 months later because there were too many things that made modifying it unproductive. The integral side steps, the AHC, the Cameras and sensors, the cutting of the plastic bumpers, the effect on the air bags, the expense of different wheels and more pressure sensors, the ugly look of the spliced in bumpers. It's just a little easier to mess with a land cruiser but not much. You still have the sensors and the plastic bumper and the KDSS to work around. I just couldn't see doing it and I didn't want to keep it stock so it's gone. I have my second 200 LC now but I still haven't modified it, just watching mud waiting to find a good plan. I am building an LX450 right now as well: Slee rear bumper, ARB front 2 inch OME, 285s, new leather triple locked and fully PMed. Not hard core but I think I'll like it.
Call Slee and see if they are doing a height control lift using the AHC, they had one for the 100 series but this one should work better since the bags are beefier.

 

[bjowett]

#1 Yes, the AHC will compensate. We could build some springs to help with the load.

#2 The ARB should fit. Geologic has some good points... there are other bumpers that might look better(?). TJM has a nice aluminum unit. The parking sensors can be installed in any bumper.

#3 The height sensors could be adjusted, though w/o having done this to an LX570, I don't know what complications may be involved. Custom springs will probably compliment nicely here by the reducing load on the AHC.

#4 Dual batteries can be installed.

 

[crazy1323]

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I am going to pull the trigger on the LX today.

Geologic, the LX 450 you are building sounds just like mine. Have you thought about the Slee "Short Bus" front bumper? I looked at it and the ARB and eventually decided on the Slee front bumper.

I'd also get some spacers for the front springs. I got mine from Man-A-Fre and they helped level out the truck from the weight of a winch and bumper up front.

 

[SaadUK]

To be honest, you should better go for LC200 and not LX if those mods are in your mind.

 

[crazy1323]

To be honest, you should better go for LC200 and not LX if those mods are in your mind.

The thing is, I live where it is very hot. Ventilated seats are a must.

Also, I like the LX interior 1000x more than the LC.

As long as I can get the ARB bumpers, I should be fine. I can get by without a lift and use 285/60/20 tires.