AHC Replacement (3 Viewers)

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cdub623

cdub623

Joined
Oct 5, 2024
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Location
Texas
Hi All,

I've got an 02 LX470 with 300k on the clock.

I'm looking to do a major overhaul on the suspension including replacement of the AHC.

I'm looking for long term reliability/overbuilt. Don't need a massive lift, perhaps 1.5", 2" max.

Everybody seems to go with OME, but I'm also interested in additional parts past the standard kits offered to need up the suspension. A comprehensive package of you will. Can y'all recommend the best parts to use? And also links to a reputable site where I can purchase. Also my sincere apologies in advance as I'm very new to the 100 series and know next to nothing about suspension.
 
Why replace AHC?

Unless you're suspension budget is north of ~$7k you're not going to improve much by removing AHC unless the lines are all rusted.

If you want to go aftermarket, look at the upper trim Icon kits. Ignore all the typical ~$2-4k aftermarket stuff, IMO. It's all a downgrade from maintained AHC.

AHC is very nice. You have to spend quite a bit to beat it.

If you don't have any reason to remove AHC, give it a thorough once over. New bushings, new globes, maybe new return valve (some folks have had problems lately with those) and a thorough flush. New control arms all around (all OEM Toyota/Lexus, generally the most reliable and robust).
 
suprarx7nut said:
Why replace AHC?

Unless you're suspension budget is north of ~$7k you're not going to improve much by removing AHC unless the lines are all rusted.

If you want to go aftermarket, look at the upper trim Icon kits. Ignore all the typical ~$2-4k aftermarket stuff, IMO. It's all a downgrade from maintained AHC.

AHC is very nice. You have to spend quite a bit to beat it.

If you don't have any reason to remove AHC, give it a thorough once over. New bushings, new globes, maybe new return valve (some folks have had problems lately with those) and a thorough flush. New control arms all around (all OEM Toyota/Lexus, generally the most reliable and robust).
Click to expand...
Thanks buddy. Super helpful. Do you have a link where I can bug the control arms?
 
I've done some more research and will definitely not be going the OME route (after reading about the ride harshness). Can someone provide some advice on doing a major AHC overhaul vs converting to the LC OEM suspension? And is it possible to achieve a 1-1.5" life with the LC OEM suspension? Perhaps LC OEM shocks with different springs?

My AHC is randomly raising and lowering at stop lights.
 
The height adjustment when stopping is normal. The front end squats at speed to improve the aerodynamics of the billboard you're driving.

Rather than overhaul it, why don't you just PM it, as @suprarx7nut suggested? The procedure is in the service manual.

Dave Stedman is the source for parts.
 
Malleus said:
The height adjustment when stopping is normal. The front end squats at speed to improve the aerodynamics of the billboard you're driving.

Rather than overhaul it, why don't you just PM it, as @suprarx7nut suggested? The procedure is in the service manual.

Dave Stedman is the source for parts.
Click to expand...
I guess I'm just wary of having components of this age imo. The vehicle when I'm trying to bit by bit make this a forever truck. But I hear you. Still thinking/considering. Would love some advice on an LC suspension conversion though.
 
cdub623 said:
I guess I'm just wary of having components of this age imo. The vehicle when I'm trying to bit by bit make this a forever truck. But I hear you. Still thinking/considering. Would love some advice on an LC suspension conversion though.
Click to expand...

The AHC is no different than any other component that is now 22 years old. Most fear and delete it due to a lack of an understanding of how the system works. Once you read through all the previous threads regarding the AHC you'll be happy you have it and realize it'll require less maintenance than rest of the truck. I'm a delete whore, but I refuse to say bye bye to the AHC.
 
cdub623 said:
I guess I'm just wary of having components of this age imo. The vehicle when I'm trying to bit by bit make this a forever truck. But I hear you. Still thinking/considering. Would love some advice on an LC suspension conversion though.
Click to expand...
Don't
 
I was going to delete the AHC when I first got my LX, like I did with the X-REAS on my 4Runner, but decided against it after consulting with the experts on this site. It definitely was a smart decision. I recently made a 600 mile round trip to Biloxi to get away from Hurricane Helene and it always amazes me how smooth of a ride a vehicle this big, heavy and old can achieve. Truly an engineering marvel.

And don't forget that the CD player also plays DVDs. A feature that is often overlooked/forgotten. I watched half of Gran Torino while stopped on I-10 for an accident.
 
Read the ABCs of AHC thread here. It's $600 for a new set of globes and $150 for a new pump. Run at stock ride height on the street and your CVs will last forever. 1.5" lift will kill your CV boots fast. Don't mess with perfection. Best upgrades for an AHC truck is Air Lift 1000 bags in the rear and LC t-bars in the front.
 
J1000 said:
Read the ABCs of AHC thread here. It's $600 for a new set of globes and $150 for a new pump. Run at stock ride height on the street and your CVs will last forever. 1.5" lift will kill your CV boots fast. Don't mess with perfection. Best upgrades for an AHC truck is Air Lift 1000 bags in the rear and LC t-bars in the front.
Click to expand...
Link to the ABC of AHC thread?
 
I purchased my 01 LX in March and I am currently going through every inch of the truck to insure it will be the last one I buy (until a nicer one pops up!!). The original owner had removed the AHC system in 2012, replacing it with a Bilstein kit that is no longer available. I did not want a high lift, so I went with the 01 LC Pro-Truck kit from Eibach (Part #: E80-82-086-01-22) and added new OME torsion bars. Under 1000.00 for all. Truck rides great, no issues at all. This set up may be an alternative to the common "off-road" kits that are avaiable.
 
cdub623 said:
Link to the ABC of AHC thread?
Click to expand...
Self-help. Practice it.

abcahc.png
 
@cdub623 what part of TX are you in? We have members all over and I'd imagine you probably have someone close who has done their own AHC maintenance/baseline and would be willing to go over it with you. I'm by no means experienced having just finally started digging into my AHC myself, but if you happen to be in the Houston area I'd be willing to lend a hand and the use of TechStream if you haven't figured out getting a working copy for yourself yet.
 
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