AHC Disappointment

[dclee]

ShottsUZJ100, please stop posting the same pics over and over in every thread you venture into :shotts:

Heehee

Woody is going to have to get some high capacity storage for the site soon, or do some kind of data de-duplication. I bet at least half the disk capacity is taken up by Shotts pics! Probably the same four or five pics repeated over and over again...

 

[dclee]

Payload for my 2001 was 1745 lbs. You telling me the Lexus version drops it to 594?

Umm, John, I know you weren't a math major, but that 594 pounds are PER AXLE. Times two axles, that totals ~1200 pounds, and this is the documented load capacity according to others on this thread as well as what is written by Toyota in my own owner's manual.

 

[Jim_Chow]

This is good info, although disappointing. Looking at a newer LC or LX next spring for the wife. I was thinking one with AHC and I would take it over in a few years! If the AHC system can't handle some armor, as well as a reasonable load, I can't go that way. Just like ycookmd said in his original post...this may be good info for future buyers.

Is anyone running the stock AHC system with aftermarket (Slee/ARB/TJM) bumpers, a winch, oversized tires, drawers, etc?

Dinibli is. He has a LC w/ AHC, run an ARB deluxe combo bar up front w/ winch, ARB bar w/ tire carrier in the rear, subtank, gear for 2000km trips, plus tows a trailer. Without the gear/passengers, the AHC did fine, but once loaded up, it would drop into low. His solution was to use airbags in the rear since his rig was only loaded up for trips.

 

[hec4x4dk]

Other threads have some info on AHC too...

for instance this one...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=137234

AHC is in my view very usefull, can if slightly modified carry huge loads. Possibly not for racing drives, though, and the sensors have not been completely waterproof, so some action can be relevant there too.

 

[pint]

Great info everyone! I know Slee built a very trick LX a few years ago, I just wasn't sure if he took the AHC out, or modified it? I also see he sells the AHC controller to override the system. Just wanted more real world experience. Fortunately I only live 25 miles from his shop so I can let him play with a new truck if I get one!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

PER AXLE

Not what he said originally.

Have you not aksed him to post of pic of his superior extra-flex suspension. It's been over a year since spouting his fnags off and he has not yet put his camera where his keyboard is. That to me says he's FOC! Let's see how superior his suspension is compare to my setup.

 

[dclee]

Not what he said originally.

Read post #11, which was still posted before your reply, though maybe you just didn't read it.

 

[ats4x4dotcom]

Remember that weight in the gas tank is part of the 'load capacity.' A full tank of 40 gal is some 250#Toyota is very conservative in all their operating stress/load considerations.

If enough folks are interested, I can certainly design and offer a modest cost 'fix' that will increase the load carrying capacity of the AHC system. Hell, I can even make it user adjustable!

Note however installation will probably void warranty on load related issues and heavier loads will negatively impact stopping distance, handling stability, emergency situation roll-over resistance. Can't ignore physics and gravity. :whoops:

Trying to carry more weight with the same system will only have a negative impact on the shocks, which are dear to replace, but a very well made good quality shock, and the mountings and bushes.

Better off to just change the springs.

 

[LXPearl]

The AHC is fantastic on trips and in the vast majority of situations. I have "overloaded" the rear once, and the indicator showed it was in Low position. Actually, when I checked the height, it was still at normal height, so I continued driving. The next time I stopped and started back on my journey, the dash indicator functioned normally. It was during winter with snow on the roads - possible factor with the sensors?

While the total weight limit is about 1200 lbs, it is not designed to handle all that weight on one axle. I find it will handle more than 600 lbs on the rear axle, but not sure how much more.

It is worth taking to the dealer as a warranty item to be sure all the components and sensors are working properly so you are able to carry the proper load.

 

[Jim_Chow]

The AHC is fantastic on trips and in the vast majority of situations. I have "overloaded" the rear once, and the indicator showed it was in Low position. Actually, when I checked the height, it was still at normal height, so I continued driving. The next time I stopped and started back on my journey, the dash indicator functioned normally. It was during winter with snow on the roads - possible factor with the sensors?

I know the manual says if it's cold outside and the AHC fluid is cold, the AHC may not function properly until you drive a bit to allow the fluid to warm up.