Can I run a 2-3" lift with AHC? I'm looking at a couple of LX470's right now that both have the AHC system. I'm not entirely sure what it is or does or how it functions, but the way it was explained to me seemed like an aftermarket lift would create problems.
Lift with AHC?
- Thread starter bhicks
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I think 2" is the highest you can go.
Look at Hoser's excellent write up.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ahc-sensor-adjustment-for-lift.60848/
Look at Hoser's excellent write up.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ahc-sensor-adjustment-for-lift.60848/
I Believe it is Adjustable Height Control (AHC). It lifts the truck about 2" over the Normal ride height, and can lower 1-2" under Normal height. Nice feature if it's maintained and offers good temporary lift and lowering. I think it's great. I'm considering keeping mine long term.
AHC -auto height control. You can adjust the height up to 2", you can lock it there but can't lift any higher. A lift kit requires you disable AHC and remove some of it's components. Pretty sure all of the N. America LX470's have AHC standard.
There is a great deal that can be learned by searching here. I would dig in a learn lots more before you buy a 100 series you'll be glad you did. That said, by all means go out and buy a 100 series!
There is a great deal that can be learned by searching here. I would dig in a learn lots more before you buy a 100 series you'll be glad you did. That said, by all means go out and buy a 100 series!
It's Active Height Control
- Thread starter
- #7
So it looks like I can actually go 2-2.5" with the AHC. That would be perfect. That should allow me to run a 285 tire. Is this a common 2" lift approach or is this not a permanent option/ghetto approach? Does the 2" height adjustment cause any long term issues if left that way indefinitely?
You can purchase an override device from slee off-road with which you can disable the auto High to Neutral height function ie get it to stay in high as long as you want it to regardless of vehicle speed. Or you can rebaseline your height sensors to get extra lift, as per the referenced thread. The thing is that vehicle ride height and ride quality is a balance between the hydraulics and mechanical springs (rear coils and torsion bars) if you change ride height and/or normal everyday weight you throw that balance off. There are a few recent threads where a member has done the AHC lift and added extra weight and is now working through the best new combination of coils and TB adjustments to regain ride quality with his AHC lift.
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- #9
You can lift it 2" yes. But the ride is TERRIBLE at that height. I settled on about 1.5" of AHC lift, and at that height the rise is harsh but acceptable. Be sure to get an alignment after you settle on height.
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- #11
so nobody has actually done an aftermarket lift with the AHC still installed? I am decent at fabrication. Has anybody made any type of spacers or brackets welded in to allow the AHC to still function with a 2 to 3 inch lift. sorry if this is a stupid question, I have never actually seen the AHC system nor do I fully understand how it works. So I don't even know what type of modification or fabrication I am asking about? I guess a simpler question would be:, is there any amount of fabrication or modification to keep the system intact with an aftermarket lift? if not, is it difficult to remove the system?
You can run a 285 tire with stock height. I roll out of the driveway with mine in Low and no rubbing.
There is no need to add an "aftermarket lift" if you have AHC. At 2-3" of lift, the AHC system will be at max height. It is limited by the height sensors and the length of the hydraulic rams (shocks). Like has been stated, you can adjust the height sensors or add the Slee Overide to trick the AHC system to stay in high full time. I guess technically you could install "lift" torsion bars & springs, and not remove the hydraulic shocks and keep it riding high, but it will probably ride terrible.
A boring video: Read around here, tons of information.
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- #14
I just want a set up that will net me around 2.5" of lift with a quality ride and not a terrible ride. I also want to make sure that at the highest AHC ride height I still have some good down travel on the trail. I don't want to bottom out the shocks at full ride height. That will make me VERY tippy on anything off camber.
If you want full time lift and decent ride, a conventional lift with shocks is probably the best bet.
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- #16
Looks like I will either need to yank the AHC or find a 100 without it. Thanks for all the info guys.
I suggest doing some searches and reading up on how it all works before you decide on changing things. From what I have understood your ride is going to be harsh all the time if you leave it in High all the time. Plus in high the AHC system will be taking a majority of the load and not the springs and torsion bars. Making things wear out faster.
There are several photos and a description of AHC shock actuator extension mounting brackets, they could have been JDM?, buried deep down in the mud annuls from years ago. But what you speak off - permanent lift with great ride and full AHC functionality is somewhat elusive unfortunately. We've got a microprocessor controlled hydraulic/mechanical system that likes to work within its design parameters and when you modify one parameter you get unintended consequences.