Any owner ever use their LX570 off road in bad conditions?

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SWUtah

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not that I'm going to myself but hear a lot of speculation about how robust the AHC/AVS is? Saw a schematic of the system and it looks like a engineering master piece and a very robust system on the order of what after marketers try to sell as add-on's to LC200 owners for increased suspension performance. It's way advanced compared to the 100 series. Cross linked, remote reservoir, nitrogen filled, etc. just wonder if anyone has tried it? Or really analysed it.
 
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bjowett said:
It looks good on paper. The shocks are mono tube, large shafts, essentially an adjustable remote reservoir system.
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That's what it looks like on paper, will probability need real world performance input from someone in another country. Interesting no one on this site has put one through some hard off road miles? Could be no way to add sliders with the AHC/AVS running along the side rails and the unfinished look it would leave when the steps were removed. Also no one makes bumpers that go with the body work? Wonder if Toyota designed the AHC/AVS suspension for more of a off road rally type compatible system like Dakar versus a rock crawler like most of the MUD members build their rigs to do? More questions then answers when it comes to the 200 series Lexus. Looking at the drawings this thing is a big improvement over the 100 series AHC.
 
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Other countries get the AHC as an option on the land cruiser, for sliders you can use the lc ones but need to buy LC rocker panels as the LX sidesteps are a moulded one piece.
 
What's bad? All the published off highway 'roads' in Death Valley? White Rim Trail in Canyonlands? No problem, although stock Michelins are prone to punctures. Deep mud in Alaska? Again no problem, although my running boards are a bit scraped and bent from rocks and tree roots. Rubicon trail? Not going to happen in anything remotely stock.

No issues with AHC or anything else. Love the crawl control.
 
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I thought we saw a stock LX570 (light blue in color) this summmer running up Imogene during one of the trail runs at 100's in the Hills. Wouldn't necessarily consider the conditions to have been bad, but impressed me to see it out there. Although, coming from a few 100 feet above sea level to 12,000+ ft, I guess it could've been a figment of my imagination.
 
Looks like the TransAfrica guy proved that his AHC/AVS equipped 200 series did 10k+ miles across Africa at an average speed of close to 35 mph, with a heavy duty front bumper, shelves, bed and supply's with no problem with the suspension. Based on that it looks like the LX570 suspension is the star of the 200 series line up right out of the box. I guess that makes sense, Toyota would not make their top of the line suspension less durable or capable then the base suspension. I guess from a design stand point I don't understand why Toyota did not make it easy to put on rock sliders, but maybe Toyota does not see the LX570 ever being used to rock crawl?
 
Maybe I'm wrong but I have the feeling that rock crawling is a distinctly American pursuit (although there may be a bit in Australia as well). It may not be a high priority design wise for the stock vehicle.
 
What color is the sky in your world SWUtah? :) The amount of LX bling you world shed on even the most docile trails would land you in front of the Environment Courts as a rolling hazard in a NY minute.

But I want one. Is that wrong? Can I keep my man-badge? :)
 
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Billfish said:
What color is the sky in your world SWUtah? :) The amount of LX bling you world shed on even the most docile trails would land you in front of the Environment Courts as a rolling hazard in a NY minute.

But I want one. Is that wrong? Can I keep my man-badge? :)
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Unless you are a multi millionaire I don't see anyone taking a nice 2008-2015 LC or LX Rock crawling? I agree that the 200 series is designed for more of a luxury vehicle that can handle 3rd world roads and trails. If you load it up with heavy bumpers and sliders, winches, drawers, etc. then you will need to modify the suspension. Looks like based on the member that crossed Africa in his AHC/AVS equipped 200 when he hit that weight limit he upgraded the AHC shocks with ones that are designed for a armored 200. When it comes to the base suspension 200 series Landcruisers sold in the USA, members have several alternatives with different HD shocks and lifts. Here in the US it's easier to mod a LC versus LX (no US member with a LX has even tried HD armored vehicle AHC shocks, that I have found). I just posted this thread to see if we have any rich crazy guys who took their LX to and beyond the limit. From what I have seen on the new 200 series AHC/AVS is a system that is so robust that by throwing on some HD AHC shocks are member overseas was able to drive 10k+ miles across Africa with no suspension problems. Don't know if a base model with HD after market shocks could of done the same thing.

Your question about keeping your man badge and driving a LX? If your like me I'm not to worried about that since I've been told several times in my life when sitting in a bar shooting the s*** with other guys that if a fight breaks out they want me on their side ;). I don't know if they are saying that because my face looks like no matter how many more times it was punched it would not make a difference or that I'm built like a large NFL linebacker? But even if I was a metro sexual I don't think a LX570 would be considered a girls vehicle? Maybe a rich bitch vehicle, but then you will have that Bitch persona that will give you an edge :)
 
I know folks here on mud like to modify their vehicles. More power to them - it's a great hobby. I like to drive places. While I have a ARB bumper and a winch on my 60 I have only had to use it a couple of times in the 28 years I have owned it. I had an ARB and winch, front and rear lockers, the CDL modification, sliders, enhanced protection, snorkel, Mud Terrains, and a 3" OME lift on my Disco and only really needed that capability a couple of times in 6 years. I did none of those modifications on my 4Runner and 100. For most folks offroading these vehicles, even on some hairy trails, all that stuff isn't necessary. I drove my 60 to southern Argentina and never once needed any of the gear on it. I drove the 100 to Brazil, Chile, Alaska, arctic Canada, and down to Mexico many times. Never needed anything but a stock 100. My guess, given the kinds of roads I drove my LX on in Utah, Nevada, and California I could get anywhere short of a rock garden like the Rubicon or Poison Spider in my stock LX (with maybe a good set of BFG ATs). In 3rd world countries a trashed land cruiser with worn out tires is the norm and they get everywhere they need to go (although they sometimes need a tug).

In my opinion the LX and 200 LC has way more comfort features than I need. So does the last few generations of 4Runner. Give me a modernized FJ60 (like a FJ70 troopie) or early 90s 4Runner with a more efficient and powerful engine and I would be happy as a clam. We don't get those kinds of vehicles in the US so I'll take my LX.
 
stonepa said:
I know folks here on mud like to modify their vehicles. More power to them - it's a great hobby. I like to drive places. While I have a ARB bumper and a winch on my 60 I have only had to use it a couple of times in the 28 years I have owned it. I had an ARB and winch, front and rear lockers, the CDL modification, sliders, enhanced protection, snorkel, Mud Terrains, and a 3" OME lift on my Disco and only really needed that capability a couple of times in 6 years. I did none of those modifications on my 4Runner and 100. For most folks offroading these vehicles, even on some hairy trails, all that stuff isn't necessary. I drove my 60 to southern Argentina and never once needed any of the gear on it. I drove the 100 to Brazil, Chile, Alaska, arctic Canada, and down to Mexico many times. Never needed anything but a stock 100. My guess, given the kinds of roads I drove my LX on in Utah, Nevada, and California I could get anywhere short of a rock garden like the Rubicon or Poison Spider in my stock LX (with maybe a good set of BFG ATs). In 3rd world countries a trashed land cruiser with worn out tires is the norm and they get everywhere they need to go (although they sometimes need a tug).

In my opinion the LX and 200 LC has way more comfort features than I need. So does the last few generations of 4Runner. Give me a modernized FJ60 (like a FJ70 troopie) or early 90s 4Runner with a more efficient and powerful engine and I would be happy as a clam. We don't get those kinds of vehicles in the US so I'll take my LX.
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Your years of real world experience adds a lot of value to this forum. Gives great perspective. Thanks for sharing. I was starting to think these rigs were only good if they were modified out the ass.
 
SWUtah, I used to think the same thing, until I started wheeling with some guys in my local club. A few of them had bone stock 100s and I was blown away at how capable they were (doing most of the things I was doing in my FJ40). I knew then, that I would be getting a 100 one day. One thing led to another, and I eventually have the 200 I have today. I am not going to pretend that I have taken it offroad; I haven't gotten a chance to yet (Mississippi isn't the best state for heavy duty wheeling). But, I know I will have a #@$-eating grin on my face when I do, because the 200 is even more powerful and has many more features than a 100.
 
MScruiser said:
SWUtah, I used to think the same thing, until I started wheeling with some guys in my local club. A few of them had bone stock 100s and I was blown away at how capable they were (doing most of the things I was doing in my FJ40). I knew then, that I would be getting a 100 one day. One thing led to another, and I eventually have the 200 I have today. I am not going to pretend that I have taken it offroad; I haven't gotten a chance to yet (Mississippi isn't the best state for heavy duty wheeling). But, I know I will have a #@$-eating grin on my face when I do, because the 200 is even more powerful and has many more features than a 100.
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Now that we are recognizing Cuba you could be the first one to drive there. Just need some good floatations tires ;)
 
SWUtah said:
That's what it looks like on paper, will probability need real world performance input from someone in another country. Interesting no one on this site has put one through some hard off road miles? Could be no way to add sliders with the AHC/AVS running along the side rails and the unfinished look it would leave when the steps were removed. Also no one makes bumpers that go with the body work? Wonder if Toyota designed the AHC/AVS suspension for more of a off road rally type compatible system like Dakar versus a rock crawler like most of the MUD members build their rigs to do? More questions then answers when it comes to the 200 series Lexus. Looking at the drawings this thing is a big improvement over the 100 series AHC.
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Ok, this is what I have found out since buying my new to me 2015 lx570. Had a very difficult time trying to find anyone that offered a after market suspension up grade. The on board computer will not allow you to add shocks. I went to the oxpo looking for someone that might be able to help me out. The very first vender I talked to said he could do it. I asked him several times if he was sure that he could do this and he insisted that it would be no problem. I,m going to remain vague with description and will give the main point which is what is important here. Fast forward a month later and I had bought a heavy duty long travel set up that would have given me the height I was after. 3.5” and the rep set me up with a shop that wasn,t too far from my home. I spoke with the shop owner and he asked me if he could have my vehicle for a few days before starting the install so he could research the install in detail. I had to pick it up to head to northern Ca. to get and extra fuel tank installed then back to the shop for the install. When I went to drop it off on a Sunday I was told then that they could install everything but the shocks and springs. I should have known something like this was going to happen. I was stuck with everything but the shop owner told me that he had the shocks and spring would be sold to someone with a LC200 so I would get my money back there. I have yet to hear anything from that shop owner and I have tried to contact him a couple of times with no return calls. I will have to drive down to his shop to find out what happened to my shocks and springs? I like that my vehicle sits about one inch higher but the owner will have to make some adjustments to the height sensor because my vehicle is constantly raising up then dropping down searching for the proper height. While in low range and activate the height control to high position it does seem to give me an extra inch or so. I took my LX with me to the FJ Summit this year and it preformed good for being lower than most of the people in my group of GX470,s . However , on my way back down from the top of the mountain I hooked up . I found myself in a situation with a couple of guys moving much faster than the group I went up with and there were a couple of blind drop-offs that I slammed my rig down but made it out without any real damage. In conclusion the LX570 has a fat ass and until there is a way of getting around the on board computer it will be limited in its ability to do most anything but should stay away from the heavy duty rick crawling . My favorite feature that the LX has must be the crawl control while in low range. I was able to take it down some very steep angles and this vehicle stuck to the mountainside like nothing I have ever driven before. I know my passenger really appreciated it’s ability to go down this angle at one haft mike per hour without sliding at all. The LX was designed to be very comfortable to drive on those long hauls and it has the power to cruise at a high rate even though it is a very thirty vehicle. I think people that buy these rigs aren,t too concerned about it being thirty as long as they add an extra tank to it. It’s very capable Offroad as long as you understand this isn,t a rock crawling rig that maybe you owned in the past.
 
SWUtah said:
not that I'm going to myself but hear a lot of speculation about how robust the AHC/AVS is? Saw a schematic of the system and it looks like a engineering master piece and a very robust system on the order of what after marketers try to sell as add-on's to LC200 owners for increased suspension performance. It's way advanced compared to the 100 series. Cross linked, remote reservoir, nitrogen filled, etc. just wonder if anyone has tried it? Or really analysed it.
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I have taken my LX570 on the trails of Ouray at the FJ Summit this past year and it did surprising good. The LX has a fat butt and that’s a drawback. I hope someone figures out a way to get around the on board computer. It will put the vehicle into high range or low range and that’s what your stuck with if you install after market shocks. Not a good option . I was able to have everything except the shocks and springs installed. It rides about an inch high in the normal mode and when I am in low range and put the height control into high mode it rides about an inch higher . Still it isn,t high enough if you want to do any rock crawling. Other than that it is great Offroad. I found some rocky trails in Ouray this year and I was able to get past them but had to take my time picking my line . On my way down the mountain however at a higher rate of speed I was slamming down off of rock ledges but no real damage. Hope this helps. I should have picked up a LC200 because doing the modes isn,t a problem.
 
SWUtah said:
I've been told several times in my life when sitting in a bar shooting the s*** with other guys that if a fight breaks out they want me on their side ;). I don't know if they are saying that because my face looks like no matter how many more times it was punched it would not make a difference or that I'm built like a large NFL linebacker?
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Dude how high are you?
 
mcschreddy said:
Ok, this is what I have found out since buying my new to me 2015 lx570. Had a very difficult time trying to find anyone that offered a after market suspension up grade. The on board computer will not allow you to add shocks. I went to the oxpo looking for someone that might be able to help me out. The very first vender I talked to said he could do it. I asked him several times if he was sure that he could do this and he insisted that it would be no problem. I,m going to remain vague with description and will give the main point which is what is important here. Fast forward a month later and I had bought a heavy duty long travel set up that would have given me the height I was after. 3.5” and the rep set me up with a shop that wasn,t too far from my home. I spoke with the shop owner and he asked me if he could have my vehicle for a few days before starting the install so he could research the install in detail. I had to pick it up to head to northern Ca. to get and extra fuel tank installed then back to the shop for the install. When I went to drop it off on a Sunday I was told then that they could install everything but the shocks and springs. I should have known something like this was going to happen. I was stuck with everything but the shop owner told me that he had the shocks and spring would be sold to someone with a LC200 so I would get my money back there. I have yet to hear anything from that shop owner and I have tried to contact him a couple of times with no return calls. I will have to drive down to his shop to find out what happened to my shocks and springs? I like that my vehicle sits about one inch higher but the owner will have to make some adjustments to the height sensor because my vehicle is constantly raising up then dropping down searching for the proper height. While in low range and activate the height control to high position it does seem to give me an extra inch or so. I took my LX with me to the FJ Summit this year and it preformed good for being lower than most of the people in my group of GX470,s . However , on my way back down from the top of the mountain I hooked up . I found myself in a situation with a couple of guys moving much faster than the group I went up with and there were a couple of blind drop-offs that I slammed my rig down but made it out without any real damage. In conclusion the LX570 has a fat ass and until there is a way of getting around the on board computer it will be limited in its ability to do most anything but should stay away from the heavy duty rick crawling . My favorite feature that the LX has must be the crawl control while in low range. I was able to take it down some very steep angles and this vehicle stuck to the mountainside like nothing I have ever driven before. I know my passenger really appreciated it’s ability to go down this angle at one haft mike per hour without sliding at all. The LX was designed to be very comfortable to drive on those long hauls and it has the power to cruise at a high rate even though it is a very thirty vehicle. I think people that buy these rigs aren,t too concerned about it being thirty as long as they add an extra tank to it. It’s very capable Offroad as long as you understand this isn,t a rock crawling rig that maybe you owned in the past.
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??? There’s a mid-east member here who lifted the LX570 with no issues. What did the shop claim the problem was?
 
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