If only there were some system of certified technicians that serviced these cars that could help who were knowledgeable on a particular brand of cars... Just kidding Lexus / Toyota service is a joke. They can barely handle oil changes.
AHC Height Offset Utility How-To (1 Viewer)
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Hello all, i've read lots about the sensor lift, I was a bit holding back but I did the sensor lift and it sucks... yes I had alignment done, only the steering rods had to be turned out on both sides, the rest was good.
It drives like it's on high and sport mode on the same time.. so I lowered it again by half, and when I drove over a speed bumb (for example) on a slant so with one wheel, it was like it lifted half the car instead of absorbing the bump, back to original position and drives a charm, need to get alignment done again and all effort for nothing...
Checked to set the sensor even lower a bit more and (logically) it was bouncing all over like there is no shock absorption at all.
I have techstream, but I have not one single clue how to set old and new distances to reset it to the new normal settings to combine the sensor lift with low MPa pressure so the drive would be good on the new higher neutral position level also (is this even posible or am I missing something)
I think, that when I have the good manuel and know how to set the techstream to the new ride, it would make no difference in the comfort because all the weight is being carried through the ahc system and not the spring anymore...
My guess is the coil spacer would help out a lot, and techstream, again, will not solve this issue.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, I would love to try techstream first, before I stop the whole thing, get alignement donr, order spacers, go through all of it and get alignement done again.
I like the looks of the lift but I appreciate a confort silky ride on a gravel pad 10 times more..
All the input would be highly appreciated!
I'm member of an aussie fb group, lots of information but non on the ahc because they dont know that system over there.
(Lc 4.5 2008)
Thanks for taking time to response in advance
Cheers.
It drives like it's on high and sport mode on the same time.. so I lowered it again by half, and when I drove over a speed bumb (for example) on a slant so with one wheel, it was like it lifted half the car instead of absorbing the bump, back to original position and drives a charm, need to get alignment done again and all effort for nothing...
Checked to set the sensor even lower a bit more and (logically) it was bouncing all over like there is no shock absorption at all.
I have techstream, but I have not one single clue how to set old and new distances to reset it to the new normal settings to combine the sensor lift with low MPa pressure so the drive would be good on the new higher neutral position level also (is this even posible or am I missing something)
I think, that when I have the good manuel and know how to set the techstream to the new ride, it would make no difference in the comfort because all the weight is being carried through the ahc system and not the spring anymore...
My guess is the coil spacer would help out a lot, and techstream, again, will not solve this issue.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, I would love to try techstream first, before I stop the whole thing, get alignement donr, order spacers, go through all of it and get alignement done again.
I like the looks of the lift but I appreciate a confort silky ride on a gravel pad 10 times more..
All the input would be highly appreciated!
I'm member of an aussie fb group, lots of information but non on the ahc because they dont know that system over there.
(Lc 4.5 2008)
Thanks for taking time to response in advance
Cheers.
I'm sad to hear sensor lift didn't work out for you. It is strange that you see issues at positions both higher and lower. Is your AHC fluid refreshed? What year and KM on your rig? How many previous owners? Have you looked at the lexus site to obtain previous service information by VIN?
@NL4x4 How much of a lift did you dial in? I'll say I'm a bit surprised by how much you describe the ride to change. Is your 200-series a Land Cruiser or LX? Diesel?
I did a mild 3/4"F and 1/2" lift with mine and it still rides silky. Granted I also put spacers in my front and rear shocks, OEM front spacer, and 20mm rear spacer.
I'm a little surprised AHC rides that much stiffer with a mild lift. I say this because off-road, in low range, AHC lifts upwards of 2", and it seemingly maintains a plush ride quality. A mild sensor lift within that height should be somewhat the same? Maybe you can run around a bit in low range high and see if that preserves a good ride or it's immediately stiffer?
It is possible what you say is true in that the system assumes at neutral height, that a certain significant percentage of weight is carried by the springs. So it defaults to a certain valving. By sensor lifting, it logical that AHC is carrying more weight. With more AHC influence, by keeping the same valving, it would inherently mean more damping - i.e. sport feel as you suggests. Whereas when using "H" mode, the system knows AHC is carrying more of the weight and choosing lighter damper valving. Yet the whole system should have accelerometer feedback loops to tailor behavior to some degree but maybe not enough.
I did a mild 3/4"F and 1/2" lift with mine and it still rides silky. Granted I also put spacers in my front and rear shocks, OEM front spacer, and 20mm rear spacer.
I'm a little surprised AHC rides that much stiffer with a mild lift. I say this because off-road, in low range, AHC lifts upwards of 2", and it seemingly maintains a plush ride quality. A mild sensor lift within that height should be somewhat the same? Maybe you can run around a bit in low range high and see if that preserves a good ride or it's immediately stiffer?
It is possible what you say is true in that the system assumes at neutral height, that a certain significant percentage of weight is carried by the springs. So it defaults to a certain valving. By sensor lifting, it logical that AHC is carrying more weight. With more AHC influence, by keeping the same valving, it would inherently mean more damping - i.e. sport feel as you suggests. Whereas when using "H" mode, the system knows AHC is carrying more of the weight and choosing lighter damper valving. Yet the whole system should have accelerometer feedback loops to tailor behavior to some degree but maybe not enough.
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thanks for the response, in my honest opinion it makes sense that the ride is stiff / rough on high because the hydrolics carry all the weight, and with the sensors moved to the lowest posistion the spring is carrying all its weight so the hydrolics does nothing and it bounces all over the place. fluid is refreshed allthough it looked brand new.
Hello and thanks for thinking along!
I tried the sensor as high as posible and middle and low and that about 3000 times to figure out the best setting between lift and comfort.
it is a 2008 lc200 4.5 diesel, and drivers a charm!
You mention your ride is good, i'm 100% positive that has everything to do with the coil spacers.
did you try the sensor lift allone, so without the spacers at first?
You mention with ahc on high yours still ride good, mine always rides 10 times less comfortable, again, the hydrolics lift the car, the spring does about nothing so my gues will be that is normal, it has the flex ofcourse but the comfort is gone.
Perhaps somebody can chime in with the knowlege, with the sensor left and without coil spacers and than with spacers.
any help or link with manual for the techstream adjustment would be great also!
I'll have a look right now what the settings are.
If your ride isn't compliant in high, and overcompliant in low, you likely need new accumulators. I wanted to find out more before saying so, as some believe (even though it isn't true), that suspension components should last forever, but it sounds like your fluid is fresh and the rest of the system is working correctly.Hello and thanks for thinking along!
I tried the sensor as high as posible and middle and low and that about 3000 times to figure out the best setting between lift and comfort.
it is a 2008 lc200 4.5 diesel, and drivers a charm!
You mention your ride is good, i'm 100% positive that has everything to do with the coil spacers.
did you try the sensor lift allone, so without the spacers at first?
You mention with ahc on high yours still ride good, mine always rides 10 times less comfortable, again, the hydrolics lift the car, the spring does about nothing so my gues will be that is normal, it has the flex ofcourse but the comfort is gone.
Perhaps somebody can chime in with the knowlege, with the sensor left and without coil spacers and than with spacers.
any help or link with manual for the techstream adjustment would be great also!
I'll have a look right now what the settings are.
I don't have any spacers and have no problem with ride in any sensor position / or H/M/L. I did replace the accumulators, and while it wasn't a huge difference in my case, it did bring 'control' back to the suspension. My sensor lift is 'moderate' to fit the 35s for daily driving. I get a small amount of rub at full articulation on the top of the fender liners. I could go higher but I'm trying to stay low for better overall dynamics. That's the advantage of AHC in the first place.
Prior to the accumulator replacement I rarely used firm or soft, as they were either 'too firm' or 'too soft'. Now there is a distinct but acceptable 'firm' and 'soft'. All are comfortable and roadable. I just drove 300 km in Firm (switched it on for some high speed corners and forgot to put it back to normal), but I use Normal almost all the time (or whatever the central setting is called).
I don't think there is anyrhing wrong with the ahc system, with 12years of age and 350k kmers i rather think of lazy springs.
Should be visable with higher mpa on techstream right?
4 new springs or spacers should do the trick i think.
When i started i've noticed the left rear sensor being all the way down and the left right all the way up and about level from side to side.
I now have all the sensors in the same place and i will see what rechstream makes of it.
Autum is all over rhe place, lots of wind and rain and no carport so not exactly the right time to fool around with this right now.
Should be visable with higher mpa on techstream right?
4 new springs or spacers should do the trick i think.
When i started i've noticed the left rear sensor being all the way down and the left right all the way up and about level from side to side.
I now have all the sensors in the same place and i will see what rechstream makes of it.
Autum is all over rhe place, lots of wind and rain and no carport so not exactly the right time to fool around with this right now.
Did you have to cut any metal such as the body mount?
Hello and thanks for thinking along!
I tried the sensor as high as posible and middle and low and that about 3000 times to figure out the best setting between lift and comfort.
it is a 2008 lc200 4.5 diesel, and drivers a charm!
You mention your ride is good, i'm 100% positive that has everything to do with the coil spacers.
did you try the sensor lift allone, so without the spacers at first?
You mention with ahc on high yours still ride good, mine always rides 10 times less comfortable, again, the hydrolics lift the car, the spring does about nothing so my gues will be that is normal, it has the flex ofcourse but the comfort is gone.
Perhaps somebody can chime in with the knowlege, with the sensor left and without coil spacers and than with spacers.
any help or link with manual for the techstream adjustment would be great also!
I'll have a look right now what the settings are.
I did my spacers first before performing a sensor lift, as my primary goal has always been to make sure I had sufficient payload capacity. So unfortunately can't answer your question.
In AHC high (or sensor lift, or sensor lift with AHC high), my car has always rode silky. I go off-road regularly and I primarily drive in low-range high which puts it up 2". Off-road is where the compliance really matters and yes, the suspension rides great in that mode. I believe you're saying even in high mode without sensor lift, it rides worse?
I tend to agree with @grinchy that if there were a fault in your system responsible for your symptoms, I believe it would be the accumulators, aka suspension globes. The globes work as the springs for the AHC part of the suspension, and its wholly possible yours are worn. With AHC bearing more weight, a worn globe can bottom out giving you your symptoms. A spacer or refreshed spring could help to some degree, but ultimately it may be the globes that need attention sooner or later. Your diesel is heavier than our gasoline engine counterparts and this may exacerbate the issue.
That is the same age and use I replaced my accumulators. I also agree that a spring replacement wouldn't be a bad idea, if I do that, I'll definitely be adding spacers too. If there was a mild spring load increase available I'd probably do that, but I haven't seen any published spring rates or length guidance, so I'm not sure about options available on market (believe none). I've only seen uprated springs in armored use case, and that is probably too much for my use case.I don't think there is anyrhing wrong with the ahc system, with 12years of age and 350k kmers i rather think of lazy springs.
Should be visable with higher mpa on techstream right?
4 new springs or spacers should do the trick i think.
When i started i've noticed the left rear sensor being all the way down and the left right all the way up and about level from side to side.
I now have all the sensors in the same place and i will see what rechstream makes of it.
Autum is all over rhe place, lots of wind and rain and no carport so not exactly the right time to fool around with this right now.
A previous owner had already replaced the shocks.
As mentioned before, the rear left sensor was all the way down, the rear right was all the way up.
before i started all this i've never noticed any tilt from side to side, and of course never paid any attention.
I always felt like the left rear was a bit harsh.
So as seen on the pictures my guess is somebody fooled around with it some time, and tried to fix it by lowering one sensor to the bottom and the other to the top.
I added some numbers, like 20mm and 10mm,, than 40 and 20. And what do you know, it lifted the left side even more instead of lowered so i added a higher number first and a lower number after, and its now about the same value left and right with the sensors both in the middle of its capability.
I drove of a speed bump and that is allready way better than it was before so now i'm really excited to try to lift it again and see if it will be a bit smoother.
We'll see tomorow.
Again, thanks for thinking along with me
before i started all this i've never noticed any tilt from side to side, and of course never paid any attention.
I always felt like the left rear was a bit harsh.
So as seen on the pictures my guess is somebody fooled around with it some time, and tried to fix it by lowering one sensor to the bottom and the other to the top.
I added some numbers, like 20mm and 10mm,, than 40 and 20. And what do you know, it lifted the left side even more instead of lowered so i added a higher number first and a lower number after, and its now about the same value left and right with the sensors both in the middle of its capability.
I drove of a speed bump and that is allready way better than it was before so now i'm really excited to try to lift it again and see if it will be a bit smoother.
We'll see tomorow.
Again, thanks for thinking along with me
Update.
Couldn't wait till tomorrow
I tried a few things this evening, my guess is that the rear was lifted by somebody before and they scr*wed it up or somerhing and corrected it back with the sensor position, i have no idea really.
I tried to level it and turned out really good in such a short time and in the dark.
I tried a bumpy farmers road on different heights and it does drive better on all positions so we have gained a lot today!
No rear left harsh feeling what so ever
A gravel (!) Rock/dirt farmers road like this i hardly ever drive on on normal circumstances ( Unfortunately lol )
I always felt cornering right was firm and turning left had more body role, probably has something to do with this also.
But, only when noticing, not like it was annoying or anything like that, lots of cars have that.
The fact remains that when i lift it in techstream, the ride gets rougher, lower it again and it's better again.
I also learned that the rear needs to be a bit hinger to drive perfect. Front and rear level looks good also but i would choose the rear a small bit higher.
10mm lift makes a lot of difference in the drive, up or down
Is there anyone who can tell me its front and rear OEM distance from the center to the fender please?
I think i'm a fair bit higher than original allready on the position that i think drives perfect although higher looks better haha
Cheers.
Couldn't wait till tomorrow
I tried a few things this evening, my guess is that the rear was lifted by somebody before and they scr*wed it up or somerhing and corrected it back with the sensor position, i have no idea really.
I tried to level it and turned out really good in such a short time and in the dark.
I tried a bumpy farmers road on different heights and it does drive better on all positions so we have gained a lot today!
No rear left harsh feeling what so ever
A gravel (!) Rock/dirt farmers road like this i hardly ever drive on on normal circumstances ( Unfortunately lol )
I always felt cornering right was firm and turning left had more body role, probably has something to do with this also.
But, only when noticing, not like it was annoying or anything like that, lots of cars have that.
The fact remains that when i lift it in techstream, the ride gets rougher, lower it again and it's better again.
I also learned that the rear needs to be a bit hinger to drive perfect. Front and rear level looks good also but i would choose the rear a small bit higher.
10mm lift makes a lot of difference in the drive, up or down
Is there anyone who can tell me its front and rear OEM distance from the center to the fender please?
I think i'm a fair bit higher than original allready on the position that i think drives perfect although higher looks better haha
Cheers.
Thanks, i made a print screen
i have seen this post, couldn't recall were it was, i've read so much everywhere haha.
I was smart enough to measure from ground to fender and change wheels.. again.. lol
Good morning!
So yesterday i was fooling a bit with techstream again, and when it's about as heigh as the numbers in you diagram, it's smooth as a feather, i had it a fair bit heigher when it drove so harsh.
Going 1cm up is still ok but a bit harsher, 20mm more and its horrible agsin.
I notice that 5mm fine tuning on one wheel, makes the ride a fair bit smoother also, i had no idea it was so sensitive on changes!
And somethimes i drove it after the change, measuring it, about to change it again and than it changes height, so i have to be a bit more patient between the changes or i'm working against myself.
Curious now that you have the ride setup nicely at normal height. What's the ride like in H?
What i've found out is that, when on the new higher neutral position, the small bumbs are not comfortable because the load is carried with the ahc system instead of combined with springs, but the flex is still good when driving slow, like it's opening a valve automaticly on a certain height same as high mode (!?), because when i drive over speed bumps when setting the new neutral on a heigher position, it keeps bouncing 2 times after the speedbump, i tried every posible position to minimize this, i could bring the rear a bit higher but i don't like that look.
In high mode it was always less confortable.
Its a 2008 model nearly 350k kmers so perhaps they changed a few things over the years, for example the oem coil spacers.
I prefer a smooth ride over looks and i still have the ability to press the heigh button whenever i need it or want to make a picture
Every good thread deserves a revival. @NeMal512 - any update? I've got a 1/2" driver side lean I'd like to perfect out... Haven't decided on sensor bracket route or techstream yet (weighing my available time ahead of trip - may just leave it be for now).
