LX470 Dead AHC in Indy (2 Viewers)

[Dave in Indy]

Good morning. My 2005 LX470's AHC is dead, has been for a couple years parked in garage while I alternated between fiddling with it and throwing my hands up in disgust. I love the truck, but my time has run out. It's got new timing belt, water pump, alternator, serpentine belt, and I just had the valley plate reseal done. Mechanically, with 202k miles, it's ready to go, but for the suspension.

Found thru this board a contact at the local Toyota dealer, but they don't work on AHC as they don't have the specialized tool(s) to do so - his words, not mine. Recommended I go to Tom Wood Lexus, the only such dealer in Indy. I had truck towed in and their opening bid is 4800.00 to "replace the AHC pump and retest/bleed system." I have already replaced the pump, by they way. And the pressure sensor. Computer issues left me blind without TIS to use, and had no success with the paperclip/count blinky lights on dash method.

All that to say, I want to sell truck to someone with the desire to swap in a lift/regular suspension. I'm divorcing imminently, lost my shop space/lift, and need a pickup instead. Any guidance on what suspension swaps cost either DIY or in a shop? Hell, I'd even take a recommendation for a shop in Indy that would/could do the swap. Trying to figure out what to ask to sell as a project, because it's too good a vehicle in all other respects to send to the junk yard.

Please give me your feedback, on this or another route I might consider.

 

[excessive]

Give up on the AHC
just sawp in the stock Landcruiser suspension. you can buy all the components you need for less than $1k. And there's a huge 25% off Toyota parts sale goign on right now, which is pefect for you to get what you need

 

[Exiled]

I would post on the Wanted section to see if anyone is selling their old LC suspension after an aftermarket upgrade, that might be the cheapest option. Swap them out, then sell your truck without bothering to repair the AHC.

Or ping a couple of LC shops to see if they've recently done a suspension swap on a 100 and still have the parts?

 

[Dave in Indy]

Give up on the AHC
just sawp in the stock Landcruiser suspension. you can buy all the components you need for less than $1k. And there's a huge 25% off Toyota parts sale goign on right now, which is pefect for you to get what you need

know any reputable shops in indy to do the job?

 

[zipdoa]

What are the symptoms/issues with your AHC?

Something as simple as a broken tie-rod on the height-level sensor can force the truck into L mode, and would be a ~$100 fix.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

I don’t own a 100 series. I don’t even live in Indy area. I do recall reading thst hash imports in fisher Indiana. did a ahc flush and was reasonable for a 200 member.

I would order the parts from impex Japan and take to them.

 

[Rhetoric]

Valley plate reseal? No such thing on a 2UZ.

Sounds like you need Techstream to properly diagnose. If the truck isnt rusty TS will enlighten you to the issue. If its rusty, just sell it as a project and move on.

 

[LXfromTX]

Perhaps better suggestions if you would discuss the AHC issue. Sounds like the pump will not run. The AHC is great when working but from your current position, putting in a LC suspension or, since time is an issue, put in an aftermarket 2" lift kit would be the shortest fix IMO. There are plenty of options out there. But, the rust factor is an issue since you're in the midwest. If the undercarriage is very rusty, just sell it as a project as-is. If the frame is still solid, google 4x4 shops and hire them to put in the aftermarket lift kit.

 

[Dave in Indy]

I have used techstream in the past, on more than just this vehicle. I removed the fluid reservoir assembly, took off pump, disassembled, cleaned, replaced gaskets, meticulously reassembled. I even replaced the pump myself. I repinned the connector for the pressure sensor. I replaced the sensor, and my techstream got corrupted so I was trying the paperclip in the OBDII port (actually the one under the hood). I have replaced both front sensors and with this last go-round, the rear sensor is new also (Aisin brand so OEM I believed).

One time, I got the truck to raise front and rear, but pushed the down button (oops) and the whole thing lurched down and fluid overflowed the reservoir, engine bay, and floor. Hasn't worked since. Got new pressure sensor as a warranty replacement, but no love.

In the middle of a divorce, packing, and finding a place to move while working to get house listed. I have no more time for this s***. Best advice I saw was to sell as a project.

Nor sure why someone said no valley plate reseal needed. I could visbly see the coolant leak under intake manifold. I did one on my other car (IS-F) and it's doable, but no fun.

I gotta get the thing towed back, because the dealer is awful. Then it's pics and a for sale ad, here and/or FB marketplace. Saddens me, love the truck and would eagerly keep if I could get this back in service without buying dealer a yacht.

 

[SteveH]

Agree that Tom Woods Lexus in Indy are pirates, at best.

Nor sure why someone said no valley plate reseal needed. I could visbly see the coolant leak under intake manifold.

I think this is semantic issue - I've only heard of valley plates in Ford diesels . Many of us have pulled the intake manifold on 4.7s to replace starters, knock sensors, etc. Is that what you meant?

 

[saucebox]

Sounds like the crossover pipe in the rear, for which you'd need to take the intake manifold off anyway.

Head up, OP. It'll pass.

 

[LXfromTX]

Well, divorce sucks even under the best of circumstances and these are clearly not the best of circumstances. Get the photo's, especially undercarriage shots for this audience, and post it here. I suppose the future X will get 1/2 $ just to add insult to injury. Good news is, once it's behind you, life gets so much better.

 

[LJE]

I have used techstream in the past, on more than just this vehicle. I removed the fluid reservoir assembly, took off pump, disassembled, cleaned, replaced gaskets, meticulously reassembled. I even replaced the pump myself. I repinned the connector for the pressure sensor. I replaced the sensor, and my techstream got corrupted so I was trying the paperclip in the OBDII port (actually the one under the hood). I have replaced both front sensors and with this last go-round, the rear sensor is new also (Aisin brand so OEM I believed).

One time, I got the truck to raise front and rear, but pushed the down button (oops) and the whole thing lurched down and fluid overflowed the reservoir, engine bay, and floor. Hasn't worked since. Got new pressure sensor as a warranty replacement, but no love.

In the middle of a divorce, packing, and finding a place to move while working to get house listed. I have no more time for this s***. Best advice I saw was to sell as a project.

Nor sure why someone said no valley plate reseal needed. I could visbly see the coolant leak under intake manifold. I did one on my other car (IS-F) and it's doable, but no fun.

I gotta get the thing towed back, because the dealer is awful. Then it's pics and a for sale ad, here and/or FB marketplace. Saddens me, love the truck and would eagerly keep if I could get this back in service without buying dealer a yacht.

Hey! I'm down in Bedford, Indiana. I'd certainly be willing to take a look at your vehicle and/or swap in a traditional suspension. Very familiar with Techstream, also familiar working on AHC and troubleshooting difficult electrical issues (as @MongooseGA can attest to).

My rates are way more reasonable than the dealers in Indy, and between the time I've spent on this board, rebuilding my own LX470, and working on other people's 100 series and other 2UZ vehicles as a side gig, I'd argue I'm probably far more knowledgeable on these vehicles than nearly any dealer tech in the state.

But, I am ~1.5 hours south of you. So getting the vehicle here probably would be somewhat of a challenge for you.

Alternatively, if you really are looking to offload it and the frame is clean, let me know. I don't need another 100 series, but it never hurts to look...

 

[Dave in Indy]

Sounds like the crossover pipe in the rear, for which you'd need to take the intake manifold off anyway.

Head up, OP. It'll pass.

Yep, that's it. IDK what it's called but there is a coolant reservoir underneath the intake manifold that has a FIP sealant failure, so slow coolant leak and perpetual smell of antifreeze. I have an IS-F that had same issue and on those forums it was called a "Valley Plate" repair, so that's why the confusion. Didn't know Fords had a similar issue, but I've never owned a Ford.

 

[Dave in Indy]

Well, divorce sucks even under the best of circumstances and these are clearly not the best of circumstances. Get the photo's, especially undercarriage shots for this audience, and post it here. I suppose the future X will get 1/2 $ just to add insult to injury. Good news is, once it's behind you, life gets so much better.

Thanks, it's gotten better already. I may have a buyer within the family, someone who builds Jeeps and wrenches on all kinds of things. If it doesn't go to that good home, I'll consider listing as a project vehicle here.