LX570 AHC delete - add UCAs?

[txcoast361]

Hello all. I have a 2011 LX570 and I am looking at an AHC delete in favor of the 2" Ironman nitro gas kit. The "Stage 2" comes with Upper Control Arms, but my shop states I don't necessarily need to do these at this point. I am curious if anyone has an opinion on this issue (or experience with LX570 ACH delete generally).

Best regards,

txcoast361

 

[sedole]

I am also AHC deleted. UCAs are not needed at 2" lift or under imo. In my experience at that amount of lift it actually makes it hard to bring camber back into spec. I was at the very end of adjustment range and couldn't quite get it perfect with a ~2" lift. Went up to ~2.5" and I had a bit more cam adjustment to play with and also tweak caster.

**This could also be specific to the OME ucas I have. Results may vary with other brands.

 

[tbisaacs]

Would focus on UCAs that allow you to keep the front height sensors in tact so you dont have a persistent AFS light in the dash.

If you can keep OEM great. SPC also has a mount for the factory height sensor.

 

[txcoast361]

Thank y'all for the advice! Do you have a preference RE doing the globes and fluid vs. the delete?

 

[Heckraiser]

Regarding UCA's: I personally would install the lift and get an alignment, then decide on UCA's based on the results of that alignment.

AHC maintenance vs. AHC delete is a whole 'nother ball of wax. Really depends on how you use the truck and what your goals are. If you use the AHC features like switcing between drive modes and ride heights based on the situation, then definitely keep the AHC. No aftermarket suspension will have that kind of versatility--not even a full bore $$$ adjustable aftermarket suspension (which Ironman is NOT). A strong argument can be made that maintaining AHC is cheaper than buying aftermarket suspension as well (assuming all it needs is the normal maintenance items like accumulator globes, and not some more complex problem). Keeping AHC is also probably better for resale value.

I have never *loved* ACH for some very idiosyncratic personal reasons, but I do *like* it and acknowledge it's versatility. Still, I plan to delete one of these days.

 

[txcoast361]

Regarding UCA's: I personally would install the lift and get an alignment, then decide on UCA's based on the results of that alignment.

AHC maintenance vs. AHC delete is a whole 'nother ball of wax. Really depends on how you use the truck and what your goals are. If you use the AHC features like switcing between drive modes and ride heights based on the situation, then definitely keep the AHC. No aftermarket suspension will have that kind of versatility--not even a full bore $$$ adjustable aftermarket suspension (which Ironman is NOT). A strong argument can be made that maintaining AHC is cheaper than buying aftermarket suspension as well (assuming all it needs is the normal maintenance items like accumulator globes, and not some more complex problem). Keeping AHC is also probably better for resale value.

I have never *loved* ACH for some very idiosyncratic personal reasons, but I do *like* it and acknowledge it's versatility. Still, I plan to delete one of these days.

Thank you very much! Truck is a daily driver with some light offroading on the beach. I don't need the ability to adjust. I'm leaning towards the delete. Ironman kits are 20% off at the moment, so that is for sure pushing me in that direction.

 

[Taco Supremo]

You dont mention any problems with the system or rust issues so I'd keep the AHC unless you have a legit reason to switch. Replace the fluid every 60k miles, globes every 10 years-ish, and shocks when they start to leak(not weep). I just paid $2000 CAD for globes, shocks and 5 litres of AHC fluid. Way cheaper than Ironman system, i assume. Go buy some gold with the money you saved!

 

[TeCKis300]

Thank y'all for the advice! Do you have a preference RE doing the globes and fluid vs. the delete?

Since you're asking, and perhaps worth stepping back a bit. Many new to the LX570 assume it's another air suspension that is not up to enthusiast pursuits, which couldn't be more wrong. It's an insanely capable suspension that's arguable unmatched in the aftermarket. Not casting shade but it would completely outclass something basic like Ironman shocks. When discussing mixed use cases, AHC's bandwidth to perform everywhere can't be touched. For the rare focused use case like Baja racing, something top tier like Kings can be dialed to perform better, but that's giving up a lot on broad capability like ride quality, payload capacity, roll stiffness, durability and reliability, etc., to eek out a bit more race pacing. And AHC will easily play with Raptors off-road when modified properly (see vid below).

Some of the most beastly builds leverage AHC to their advantage. I've known individuals that have had a career in racing, trade notes on just how good it is. I agree and I've played with cars a long time. I'd get rid of the LX before deleting AHC. And it can be modified to be even better. It's exactly the ability to dynamically lift that also enables the LX570 to more easily swallow 37s and larger - UCAs not needed. 10 min with a 10mm wrench will get you almost 2" base lift, free. At which point AHC high becomes 4-5" lift. Want to haul 2650lbs of payload while towing an 8k+ lb trailer without sag while maintaining a Lexus quality ride, laden or unladen - only AHC will do that.

Videos to do more talking

Raptor and LX570 Desert Running

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

LX570 Sand Climb - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lYlQLQzFs6M

 

[tbisaacs]

Thank you very much! Truck is a daily driver with some light offroading on the beach. I don't need the ability to adjust. I'm leaning towards the delete. Ironman kits are 20% off at the moment, so that is for sure pushing me in that direction.

Ironman FCPs would be a massive downgrade my friend.

 

[Heckraiser]

Thank you very much! Truck is a daily driver with some light offroading on the beach. I don't need the ability to adjust. I'm leaning towards the delete. Ironman kits are 20% off at the moment, so that is for sure pushing me in that direction.

Based on this response, I would recommend you keep AHC and just spruce it up with a little maintenance. It will be cheaper and the stock suspension is pretty much ideal for your use.

I agree with @tbisaacs that Ironman FCP would be a downgrade from stock. You have to get into some pretty high end aftermarket suspension systems to start to offer similar performance to AHC.