LC ride compared to LX

[n55luvr]

As I've posted before I'm hitting the various car listing sites hard over past month looking for a LX or LC. My problem is there are 0 LC's within like 200 miles of me so I can't easily test drive one.

I have however driven some LX's and they were unbelievably smooth. Especially for 14 year old trucks. I was impressed.

My question is, will a LC with non-AHC suspension offer a similar ride? harsher? floatier?

I have a couple long distance leads on some LCs but was just curious how they rode in comparison. If I went this route I'd do a PPI through their local dealer to make sure it was mechanically but in the end I wouldn't be able to drive it until I flew out there.

 

[PADDO]

I recently rode in a friends non AHC truck, well maintained, stock and I'd equate the ride to approximately position 3 on the AHC comfort dial, so a little firmer than mid setting comfort. There are so many variables here you'll get answers all over the place.

 

[super90]

Owning both, I found a 7 year old (at the time) stock conventional suspension to be too soft. I put in the OME kit with 865 springs and really like that setup. My LC currently is pretty stock otherwise; no bumpers or sliders, etc. The LX with AHC does ride well. My wife drives i. Now, when we switch trucks, I find myself wanting the OME back. The AHC now seems too soft to me. Even in the sport mode, I just don't like it as much. It's what you're used to I guess....

They are just.......different. Conventional will never ride like AHC and AHC will never ride like conventional. They are just two different systems. From a cost standpoint, the conventional system will tend to be cheaper to maintain in the long run, especially for trucks getting this old. But, if you like the ride of the AHC and don't mind the possibility of some expense in maintenance, go for it.

If you are not already aware, if you really "build" the truck with bumpers and sliders and lots of added gear/weight, the AHC won't keep up and you'll need to go to a conventional setup anyway.

 

[flood]

This might be a little off base because you're asking for LX470 stock vs LC100 stock...

I converted my AHC to OME suspension a few years back. The AHC ride was really smooth and it felt like a luxury vehicle should. The OME is definitely not as smooth, but still reasonably alright considering what it is. There is a bit of a bounce (it is lifted after all) and it is a little stiffer but not in a terrible way. The one thing I really do miss is the ability to set it to low to get my dog(s) or elderly family members in.

That said if I were to buy again I'd probably get an LC100 instead of the LX470 assuming the prices were comparable as they were when I bought.

 

[TXLX100]

Even on my old AHC system, I'm impressed with how it rides and functions. It seems to really excel on bumpy dirt roads at higher speeds. I'm sure you could get a better ride with a high duty aftermarket shock on a LC. There are so many ways you can setup both models to dial in the ride you want. Load range E tires really firmed up the ride on my LX, corners much better.

You can still use the AHC system if you carry heavy loads, but it will require some help for the AHC system in order to keep the same load on the system (airbags, bigger springs, tighten torsion bars / bigger torsion bars).