LX 470/LC100 first-hand experience: Kings vs AHC (soft setting)? (1 Viewer)

[krispykritter]

Do you have a reference for this by chance? Concerning the life of the "shocks?"

I have replaced all four of my 'shocks.' On the front, the bushings wore out and allowed the shock shaft to wear through, causing a leak. Replaced both front shocks around 150k miles.

On the rear, one of of the shaft seals started leaking/weeping despite pressures being in spec. Replaced both rears at 175k miles.

Both of these issues caused my truck to regularly 'pump up' after being parked for a bit, which was my first indication something wasn't quite right.

I have new OEM globes ready to install should it become an issue, but as of right now, the globes are in great shape.

As always, YMMV.

 

[Cybertronianhun]

Hi,
I'm in the same situation where I want to increase the car payload capacity. I have RRT, 2 paddle boards, 4 bikes, camping gear, 4 adults, and some camping gear. Can I replaced the lx470 spring with king spring? If so, can you provide me the model number? TIA.

 

[zipdoa]

Hi,
I'm in the same situation where I want to increase the car payload capacity. I have RRT, 2 paddle boards, 4 bikes, camping gear, 4 adults, and some camping gear. Can I replaced the lx470 spring with king spring? If so, can you provide me the model number? TIA.

My truck has a trekboxx, fridge, pioneer platform and JB RTT. No armour or winch. I found the Kings springs were inadequate (1.0mpa above max spec) when I loaded up for camping (wouldn’t go to high mode) but otherwise they worked well.

I think there’s only one model for AHC 100’s - KTRS79.

I have since moved to used non-ahc 100 springs and they’re perfect.

 

[David310]

My truck has a trekboxx, fridge, pioneer platform and JB RTT. No armour or winch. I found the Kings springs were inadequate (1.0mpa above max spec) when I loaded up for camping (wouldn’t go to high mode) but otherwise they worked well.

I think there’s only one model for AHC 100’s - KTRS79.

I have since moved to used non-ahc 100 springs and they’re perfect.

Thanks for your response. Were the springs new non-AHC 100 or used?

I’m currently above pressure in the rear with a 1” AHC lift, new OEM globes, fresh fluid, 100 LC AHC springs, and a Slee 30mm spacer. No armor and third row removed, but I’ve added a roof rack and Curt under-bumper hitch.

I plan to add a steel front bumper with winch, and a steel rear bumper with tire and jerry can swing-outs. I’m considering bypassing King KTRS-79
for non-AHC 100 springs, especially since I tow a military trailer with a heavy tongue. I use airbags now and would keep them with the new springs to help manage pressure when towing.

Any flaws in this plan or should I go with King KTRS-79 and pump up the air bags for military trailer.

 

[zipdoa]

Get rid of the bags, spacers, just OEM non-AHC springs in the back.

They’re stiff enough to allow my LX to go into HI even with 650lbs of tongue weight (Ktm 990 on a mototote) and a full cab (trekboxx, fridge, recovery gear, 15gal water).

I don’t run spacers or anything else.

Keep in mind the ride will be bouncy and harsh when unloaded.

 

[TreatSmash]

Thanks for your response. Were the springs new non-AHC 100 or used?

I’m currently above pressure in the rear with a 1” AHC lift, new OEM globes, fresh fluid, 100 LC AHC springs, and a Slee 30mm spacer. No armor and third row removed, but I’ve added a roof rack and Curt under-bumper hitch.

I plan to add a steel front bumper with winch, and a steel rear bumper with tire and jerry can swing-outs. I’m considering bypassing King KTRS-79
for non-AHC 100 springs, especially since I tow a military trailer with a heavy tongue. I use airbags now and would keep them with the new springs to help manage pressure when towing.

Any flaws in this plan or should I go with King KTRS-79 and pump up the air bags for military trailer.

I live in my truck full-time, I also wheel it all over the country. It's curb weight is just north of 7,000 lb. I have front and rear steel w/ winch, sliders and skids. I still have and use the AHC system but I was having difficulty going into high mode even with the King springs and new globes.

What I decided to do was add the non-AHC springs as well as the non-AHC torsion bars. You can find either very cheap because so many non-AHC vehicles upgrade theirs for their lifts. Any Land cruiser shop will have a few of them just laying around. They're all so cheap at the junkyard.

From my perspective it solved all my problems. The ride is still softer than a lifted non-AHC truck, though it is a little rougher than it used to be. But all of my numbers are in spec and I can easily go into and out of high mode.

 

[krispykritter]

One other point I'll mention is running 80 series rear springs. I believe they're 1-2 inches longer than 100 series springs, and I think the LX ones are 150 lbs/in and the LC ones are 170 lbs/in (kings are 130 lbs/in and shorter). The extra length means you can run softer springs and still hit the ride height you want. I'm using LC 80 springs with probably 2 inches of lift and regularly hit very difficult trails and use AHC to pick up the trailer tongue on a 6500lbs trailer. It works flawlessly.