Full suspension refresh for lx highway warrior. Suggestions? (2 Viewers)

[striddly]

Hello! I have a 2010 lx 140k mi that I use as a work vehicle in management for construction. Being in Texas, I can rack up 50k high speed miles a year pretty easy. I’ve previously used a few gx’s for this purpose, and they’ve been great, but this is my first lx. We’ve found the Toyota SUV’s are way better than half ton trucks because they don’t constantly get broken into or stolen, but I’m essentially using the lx how one would a half ton. Occasionally pulling trailers and off-road, but mainly just long highway trips with crews in the cabin.

I’d like to refresh the suspension on my lx. I had a ppi 10k miles ago, and they didn’t specifically mention anything related to suspension being worn, but the ride is a bit bouncy, doesn’t feel tight, and requires LOTS of steering input. I assuming the springs are worn, tie rod ends are shot and every bushing it’s trashed. I’m not concerned about costs as I’m going to run this truck until it dies.

What parts should I look at for the ultimate highway lx? OE springs and shocks or can I find better comfort in aftermarket? Same with bushes?
Anything beside the obvious that should be changed? Transmission mounts for example? Driveshaft service? Should I knock the hubs out while I’ve got the car torn apart? Does the hydraulic suspension system need to be serviced? Best brake pads?

I’d even love a suggestion on best Texas highway tire for this thing. It’s on slightly oversized ko2 right now and they’re wearing me out. Can’t wait to switch to oe sized highway tire.

Thanks in advance! Even tho I just made an account I’ve loved this forum for years! Great people on here. Happy New Year!

 

[tbisaacs]

OEM everything if your AHC is in working order. You’ll be hard pressed to find something aftermarket that is as hwy compliant.

AHC Accumulators
AHC Fluid flush
New springs

Shocks if leaking, otherwise leave them alone

UCA and LCA will get you new ball joints in front, personally made a big difference in my truck

outer tie rods
Sway bar links up front
Rear links and track bar
Spring isolators in rear

I’d also replace hub / bearing assemblies in front. Rears only if making noise.

And swap to something like a Michelin defender

 

[striddly]

OEM everything if your AHC is in working order. You’ll be hard pressed to find something aftermarket that is as hwy compliant.

AHC Accumulators
AHC Fluid flush
New springs

Shocks if leaking, otherwise leave them alone

UCA and LCA will get you new ball joints in front, personally made a big difference in my truck

outer tie rods
Sway bar links up front
Rear links and track bar
Spring isolators in rear

I’d also replace hub / bearing assemblies in front. Rears only if making noise.

And swap to something like a Michelin defender

Thanks

OEM everything if your AHC is in working order. You’ll be hard pressed to find something aftermarket that is as hwy compliant.

AHC Accumulators
AHC Fluid flush
New springs

Shocks if leaking, otherwise leave them alone

UCA and LCA will get you new ball joints in front, personally made a big difference in my truck

outer tie rods
Sway bar links up front
Rear links and track bar
Spring isolators in rear

I’d also replace hub / bearing assemblies in front. Rears only if making noise.

And swap to something like a Michelin defender

OEM everything if your AHC is in working order. You’ll be hard pressed to find something aftermarket that is as hwy compliant.

AHC Accumulators
AHC Fluid flush
New springs

Shocks if leaking, otherwise leave them alone

UCA and LCA will get you new ball joints in front, personally made a big difference in my truck

outer tie rods
Sway bar links up front
Rear links and track bar
Spring isolators in rear

I’d also replace hub / bearing assemblies in front. Rears only if making noise.

And swap to something like a Michelin defender

Thanks dude!

 

[ExpeditionMan]

Hello! I have a 2010 lx 140k mi that I use as a work vehicle in management for construction. Being in Texas, I can rack up 50k high speed miles a year pretty easy. I’ve previously used a few gx’s for this purpose, and they’ve been great, but this is my first lx. We’ve found the Toyota SUV’s are way better than half ton trucks because they don’t constantly get broken into or stolen, but I’m essentially using the lx how one would a half ton. Occasionally pulling trailers and off-road, but mainly just long highway trips with crews in the cabin.

I’d like to refresh the suspension on my lx. I had a ppi 10k miles ago, and they didn’t specifically mention anything related to suspension being worn, but the ride is a bit bouncy, doesn’t feel tight, and requires LOTS of steering input. I assuming the springs are worn, tie rod ends are shot and every bushing it’s trashed. I’m not concerned about costs as I’m going to run this truck until it dies.

What parts should I look at for the ultimate highway lx? OE springs and shocks or can I find better comfort in aftermarket? Same with bushes?
Anything beside the obvious that should be changed? Transmission mounts for example? Driveshaft service? Should I knock the hubs out while I’ve got the car torn apart? Does the hydraulic suspension system need to be serviced? Best brake pads?

I’d even love a suggestion on best Texas highway tire for this thing. It’s on slightly oversized ko2 right now and they’re wearing me out. Can’t wait to switch to oe sized highway tire.

Thanks in advance! Even tho I just made an account I’ve loved this forum for years! Great people on here. Happy New Year!

I did (or am in-progress) for most of what @tbisaacs mentioned above. My alignment and front wheel bearings were shot from the PO, so I bought front bearing assemblies pre-pressed (highly recommend) from BluePitBearings.

Also I purchased the cruiser outfitters tie rod kit (inner/outer) here. If your inner tie rods do not have wear you can pocket the parts for later.

Also going down to 18" wheels from a 2G Tundra or Sequoia with a highway centric tread pattern would improve ride comfort and MPG. The OEM 20" wheels are for style and nothing else.

 

[gasman4u]

Hello! I have a 2010 lx 140k mi that I use as a work vehicle in management for construction. Being in Texas, I can rack up 50k high speed miles a year pretty easy. I’ve previously used a few gx’s for this purpose, and they’ve been great, but this is my first lx. We’ve found the Toyota SUV’s are way better than half ton trucks because they don’t constantly get broken into or stolen, but I’m essentially using the lx how one would a half ton. Occasionally pulling trailers and off-road, but mainly just long highway trips with crews in the cabin.

I’d like to refresh the suspension on my lx. I had a ppi 10k miles ago, and they didn’t specifically mention anything related to suspension being worn, but the ride is a bit bouncy, doesn’t feel tight, and requires LOTS of steering input. I assuming the springs are worn, tie rod ends are shot and every bushing it’s trashed. I’m not concerned about costs as I’m going to run this truck until it dies.

What parts should I look at for the ultimate highway lx? OE springs and shocks or can I find better comfort in aftermarket? Same with bushes?
Anything beside the obvious that should be changed? Transmission mounts for example? Driveshaft service? Should I knock the hubs out while I’ve got the car torn apart? Does the hydraulic suspension system need to be serviced? Best brake pads?

I’d even love a suggestion on best Texas highway tire for this thing. It’s on slightly oversized ko2 right now and they’re wearing me out. Can’t wait to switch to oe sized highway tire.

Thanks in advance! Even tho I just made an account I’ve loved this forum for years! Great people on here. Happy New Year!

So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us)

I wanted to talk about function over form and my opinions on why I think the Michelin Defender LTX is one of the best "all-terrain" tires out these for a majority of 4wd enthusiast/Overlanders... Before I begin let me cite a few sources on why I have these opinions. Sources/References - My use...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[bloc]

All of what @tbisaacs said is great advice.

The only thing I’d adjust for a new user is that what he referred to as accumulators are often called “globes” on this board, in the event you are gonna do some research.

Lots of good info by others too. 18s, and defenders. I’d stick with the OE cruiser size of 285/60R18 and avoid the LT-metric construction. This will allow the ~33psi cold inflation pressure from a stock 200-series cruiser. That plus your AHC suspension should be about as good of a ride as you can get.

 

[striddly]

Just to clarify, will oe lc suspension parts properly fit the lx? I’ve seen several lots of low mileage suspension parts taken off of 200 lc for sale. Thanks!

 

[tbisaacs]

Just to clarify, will oe lc suspension parts properly fit the lx? I’ve seen several lots of low mileage suspension parts taken off of 200 lc for sale. Thanks!

Shocks and springs and UCAs and sway are are different

 

[striddly]

Roger. Thanks for your knowledge!

 

[tbisaacs]

Supercharger
Body lift
37s
Gears and lockers

Send it!

 

[striddly]

285/65/18 Michelin defender LTX on lc rims solved 80% of the problem. Had it on a lift—the front suspension is all tight. Waiting on new springs and an alignment.

 

[krice118]

New globes and fluid are the best bang for your buck on the Lx to improve ride.

Love how you use the LX. Sounds the the right tool for the job.

 

[bloc]

Yeah, it's important to note on an LX the coil springs don't do a lot. The globes are much more important for "spring-like" behavior in these systems.

 

[striddly]

That’s great to know. Thanks

 

[slipkid13]

Concur with the members above, Globes and fluid change will give you the best bang for buck. I did mine a few months ago and it was night and day.

Get the globes from Japanese sellers on ebay, MUCH less expensive that buying them here in the US. Also note front/rear have different part numbers.

 

[striddly]

Is this really the largest tire i can fit on stock suspension? 285/65/18 Or does the LX have more clearance than the LC

 

[striddly]

 

[tbisaacs]

Is this really the largest tire i can fit on stock suspension? 285/65/18 Or does the LX have more clearance than the LC
View attachment 3812377

Suspension has nothing to do with tire fitment, with exception of KDSS ram on Land Cruiser.

If you want to push fitment and keep a spare in stock location, 295/70-18 is your huckleberry

295/70/18 is a tire size that you should consider*

* for your LX After nearly 15k miles running 275/70/18 Cooper STT Pros — I've concluded that I'm not a mud terrain kind of person. But that's another story. Today I installed (5) 295/70/18 Falken Wildpeak AT3W's on my LX and they fit like a glove. Seriously, I don't know why this size isn't...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[ExpeditionMan]

Shocks and springs and UCAs and sway are are different

@striddly and @tbisaacs this is only partially true. Yes they are different for shocks, springs, and sway bar links. However, at least for 2013, the UCA/LCA is the same (see here).

 

[Heckraiser]

Is this really the largest tire i can fit on stock suspension? 285/65/18 Or does the LX have more clearance than the LC

I'm running 35x12.5 on stock suspension, but a little plastic clearancing. The LX has lots of room for more tire.