lx470 Suspension option with AHC

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Joe Bob

Joe Bob

10 Year
Joined
Dec 5, 2015
Threads
27
Messages
305
Location
Lincoln, CA
Hey all,
I'm wanting to upgrade my 2006 LX470 suspension and keep the AHC. It looks like there are a few option, but I can't decide on one and they are all in separate posts. Of these options which is best and why?
  1. King Springs and spacers
  2. Air bags
  3. Lc80 springs
  4. Full custom (where would I even find this?)
Thanks for the help, I'm tired of my she going in low when I'm fully packed.
 
Here's my rig. No way I could have done this if the car was packed as suspension would be low.

20170315_122757.webp
 
First thing is to get techstream and see your pressures, cross level the suspension and see where you sit loaded. depending upon your numbers king springs in the rear, or new ahc springs and spacers. as springs age they sag so if your very close to spec on your pressure new springs with 1" spacers will get you there. also might be a good idea to see how many grads from high to low you go, and do a fluid flush as well .

I love my ahc and refuse to get rid of it. I'm guessing you'll need to get king rear springs and crank the front tbs to level everything out.
 
Joe Bob said:
... Of these options which is best and why?
  1. King Springs and spacers
  2. Air bags
  3. Lc80 springs
  4. Full custom (where would I even find this?)
Click to expand...
#3 - LC80 springs - will only work with a lift AND lotsa extra load, like steel bumper, 2nd spare wheel AND drawers w5ith permanent stuff in. Otherwise you will not get enough pressure on the ahc to give any damping. And also, the damping of the ahc system might be insufficient for all that weight.

#1 - King - Good - but, when empty, it will be less comfy than stock springs, and might not go into Low. I would say that this is your best option, if you want to be confident when loaded to the limit, and want to go Hi.

#2 - Air bags - good option if you want a good ride both when empty and with full (over)load. They are progressive tho', not like the nearly linear OE springs, so that grip when flexing is a bit less.

#5 - New OE springs - Brown dot - if you are not planning on permanent or long term max load. The coil springs never last more than 4-5 years before they have sagged too much; just that with the ahc, you don't notice until you experience that the ahc pressure is too high.
 
uHu said:
#1 - King - Good - but, when empty, it will be less comfy than stock springs, and might not go into Low. I would say that this is your best option, if you want to be confident when loaded to the limit, and want to go Hi.
Click to expand...
Comfort was not sacrificed much with the king springs and I never had an issue going into low.
 
DirtDawg said:
Comfort was not sacrificed much with the king springs and I never had an issue going into low.
Click to expand...
King will be my next spring then...
@Joe Bob, which way are you going?
 
are 80 springs really that bad?

i just had a set given to me along with the cruiser torsion bars, was going to install them, but the only thing i'm running right now is a RTT.... i'll be doing a Slee blueberry/trail tailor type bumper , half a drawer system and sliders in say the next year....but that's a ways out and i'm due for a drive out to CO end of next month, 4k mi round trip, road trip with a wife and baby in tow...

i really can't make the ride that harsh due to the family unit throwing a fit, the compatibility between the family unit and a proper trail suspension isn't there, so i'm keeping the AHC for the lush ride until the truck becomes a dedicated trail truck....

i got the stuff for free so it's no big deal to pass it on to someone else, but i'd like to save the cash if possible...is the difference between king and the 80 coils that big of a gap?
 
I've got the AHC spacers, king springs and no spring spacers, rides nice. Checked my pressures this weekend and am all good, could maybe use another full turn up front on both sides.

I can still change ride height and all dampening settings work. It does ride noticeably better when I have a car full of people, but even when empty, comfort setting is good.
 
Joe Bob said:
Did you use spacers with the king springs or is it just a simple swap with the OE springs?
Click to expand...
Simple swap with OE springs, only spacers I used were the Japanese shock spacers.
 
I have swapped the LX AHC coils with LC100 non-AHC coils.
Easy job with great results. Better driving and no more Low when hooking up the camper trailer. Pressures are now within spec again.
 
Joe Bob said:
Do the spacers change the ride height
Click to expand...
No, ride height is dictated by the sensors. The shock spacers just put the shock travel back within stock range.
 
DirtDawg said:
No, ride height is dictated by the sensors. The shock spacers just put the shock travel back within stock range.
Click to expand...

@DirtDawg ... does cranking the torsion bar on an LX effect height? I've been told yes and no with no consensus.
 
geanes said:
@DirtDawg ... does cranking the torsion bar on an LX effect height? I've been told yes and no with no consensus.
Click to expand...
@geanes You need to stop asking people who don't know then. Torsion bars on AHC vehicles adjust cross level and pressure. Height sensors set height. The end.
 
Last edited:
PADDO said:
@geanes You need to stop asking people who don't know then. Torsion bars on AHC vehicles adjust cross level and pressure. Height sensors set height. The end.
Click to expand...

@PADDO ... thanks! I know enough to trust your opinion 100%.
 
Be aware that spacers might not be legal everywhere.
 
@PADDO and @DirtDawg ... great news! 1/4 crank on drivers side cross leveled. Then, 3 1/4 cranks on both sides brought neutral pressures in the front down to 6.7 and the rear dropped into spec as well. Made a HUGE difference in the way the LX felt. Off to Colorado I head in the morning.
 
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