I just got my LX470 back after the LandCruiser suspension conversion--what a difference it makes, highly recommended. I have ZERO regrets about swapping out the AHC--it rides like a new vehicle. I need to thank SLEE for putting the parts together at a reasonable price and for taking the call from my mechanic who wanted to make sure everything was done correct. SLEE took the time to walk him through a few things, so thank you. Also, thank you to the guys on this board, your feedback was invaluable. Thank you all.
Lexus LX470 Landcruiser suspension swap--- great results
- Thread starter unkltrp
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- ahc delete lx470
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- Thread starter
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Absolutely. But, i VERY rarely go offroad, not sure if there is a trade off.
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- #4
I sourced the Springs, Torsion Bars and shocks from SLEE and also bought a sway bar bushing kit which came with all new hardware. So I have a new suspension...and it feels like it.
trdcorolla
SILVER Star
Doesn't the LX have a thinner swaybar than a LC? Maybe with the thinner LX swaybar you'll have more flex in the rear compared to a stock LC
are you sure your AHC was perfectly functioning prior to the swap?
Most reports I've heard is that the coils and shocks are much simpler, but don't ride nearly as nicely as the AHC.
I like to think my AHC is in good working order, but globes are original. It rides a lot nicer on the road than toyotas with traditional setups.
That's my hesitation to swap out the AHC on both of mine, I've yet seen anything ride as nice as a well-kept AHC suspension. I don't see how going from AHC to standard suspension improves ride quality, all things being equal.
trdcorolla
SILVER Star
My AHC was bad when I bought my LX. I replaced the 4 globes, rear springs and added a 30mm spacer since @PADDO recommends it and rode on that with street tires for about half a year and it rode awesome. It makes a big difference if the AHC pressures are in spec. Of course upgrading to 32" E tires hardened up the ride. Later I sold the the 32" tires and replaced then with 33" C rated tires and it rides good again, not stock good but good (I'm usually on the AHC 3rd click setting). I'm generally not a soft ride person (all of my prior cars were all lowered with sport struts/sway bars and my 4Runner prior to my LX was on Donahoe/Icon Stage 2 with D rated tires. Some here have replaced the AHC shock bushings, I could only imagine that would make the AHC ride even better. But you can't get more reliable than a standard suspension.
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
AHC can only do so much for ride comfort if all of the connecting squishy bits need replacement too.
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- #10
Doesn't the LX have a thinner swaybar than a LC? Maybe with the thinner LX swaybar you'll have more flex in the rear compared to a stock LC
I really have no idea. It was fine, a litle stiff but then the leak drained the rear and i had decided that if I had a problem, id switch over to LandCruiser.... To me, the suspension is much better now.,...solid, plentey of travell...etc.
I'd suggest finding out what your AHC needs before converting to an inferior suspension. There is *zero* chance a conventional suspension is nearly as nice as properly functioning AHC.
If your LX has enough mileage or age that the swap is a consideration (beyond building for heavy offroad use), then your bushings and mounts are also shot, which won't be remedied by putting on a conventional suspension anyway.
+2
I've had both and the conventional suspension is not as good as AHC, either on or off road, and in comfort and handling.
I currently have an 03 cruiser, and 03 LX and have to agree the cruiser suspension rides like a dream. My AHC in the LX functions fine, just put new globes on 2 months ago, and wish I had just gone ahead and swapped it out. The only real convenience I see to the AHC setup is being able to put it in high mode to get under the truck for a bit more clearance. Other than that, it’s nothing special. I’m considering a lift just to have one of the vehicles riding higher for any fun/camping adventures, but based on what my stock 100 got through at big bend, I may just spend the $800 and convert it to LC setup and call it a day.
"It's nothing special"
LOL
It's incredibly special and has many more "conveniences" than you suggest here.
You'd be looking at a bit more than $800 to actually convert it fully to LC suspension. The torsion bars run $500/piece. Just doing "shocks" and ripping the rest out is not a conversion. It's an insult to how these trucks should be set up.
With each AHC deletion, karma blesses a bunch of Subaru owners with a blown headgasket.
If your conventional Cruiser suspension feels better than the AHC, then it means something is not right with the AHC truck. Could be bushings, hydraulic pump, pressure ratings, etc.
There's no comparison between AHC and conventional. The AHC is vastly superior when in good shape.
There's no comparison between AHC and conventional. The AHC is vastly superior when in good shape.
It really just comes down to preference. I’ve driven many LX when I first was in the market for a 100 series (before landing on the cruiser), and still prefer stock Lc suspension over it.
My LX has some rust as it originated from Jersey, and I use it mostly to keep city miles off the LC. I even put new globes in as one had blown and figured better to do all 4. For me, I like the firmer suspension that the LC offers. When dialed in right and T bars adjusted accordingly, it feels like the “magic carpet” that others have described in their LX.
Both are an 03 though and are getting some bushings replaced in the next week or so, so will see if that makes a noticeable difference.
Agreed. I’ve got a box of bushings, hardware, new links, and ball joints from amayama. Just need life to slow down a bit to get to them.
