LX570 Augmenting for Load (1 Viewer)

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TeCKis300

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I added a 10mm spacer to each spring at the rear axle. Intent is to add a bit more support to the AHC system, as I tow a heavy 27' Airstream travel trailer. This exact same mod could be done to an LC too, but will result in lifting ~1/2".

While the LX570 never asked for it, this is a well established mod carried over from the 100-series LX470. I had added spacers to my LX470, to bring AHC neutral calibration pressure back to stock and to support more load as I towed with that car also.

I'm not being as thorough here as I could hookup techstream to see where the pressures are. Note there is some mixed info in that the LX570 doesn't report pressures like the LX470 did.

The LX570 AHC seems far more robust. Where the LX470, once near payload capacity, will no longer lift to high position without additional mods like this, I've not found that upper limit on the LX570 yet.

Specifics: Old Man Emu 80/100/200 10mm coil spacers

I installed the spacer between the chassis and coil seat. Traditionally, I'd install this between the seat and spring. But this was easier as the seat fit tightly in the spring. The chassis has a depression that it positively locate the spacer anyhow. It's a quick 30minute mod. Need spring compressors.




Pics:
lxspacer1.jpg

lxspacer2.jpg
 
Did you also do the sensor lift on your lx? I want to try out these spacers and the front oem spacers with a sensor lift to put less strain on the system.
 
Just to confirm, this did not change the rear height any, correct? Like NYC570, i'm also interested in the front coilover spacers to aid in front pressures. Is there anything to disconnecting/reconnecting the front AHC lines? I've fully bled/replaced ahc fluid in the LX570 a few months ago, but haven't disconnected them at the shocks.
 
The sensors dictate the height so putting these on should not effect height on the LX. It will just ideally be less load on the system to keep it at the same height. Once I can find a basic rear bumper that I like I will put in a set of these also.
 
This doesn't lift an AHC rig as I didn't add any sensor lift. This only puts more of the weight on the coil springs. The only lift I have is the 33.2"tires.

Reason being is that suspension geometry is best at stock height for stability and handling, and CV angles, especially for towing large loads.. I can lift on demand anyways.
 
Just to confirm, this did not change the rear height any, correct? Like NYC570, i'm also interested in the front coilover spacers to aid in front pressures. Is there anything to disconnecting/reconnecting the front AHC lines? I've fully bled/replaced ahc fluid in the LX570 a few months ago, but haven't disconnected them at the shocks.

To install the spacers in the front, you'll need to disconnect the hydraulic lines on the top. I'm not sure if all you have to do is to just release the pressure in the accumulator so that you don't make a mess.
 
Very important thread topic. Here’s what the 2011 LX manual says on loads, and it’s really not clear at all — it suggests that when you have about 1,000 lbs (passenger weight & cargo weight COMBINED) the AHC system may stop functioning.

In operation, 1,000 lbs seems very small for the LX, and I’m sure others have loaded it more and have had their AHC continue to function. I haven’t loaded it more to test it, but sandbagging it and testing out may be worthwhile to learn the actual capability.

If the manual had said it WILL stop working if system gets beyond X weight or weight range it’d be more helpful than a vague “your finely calibrated AHC MAY cut out.”

Other than this uncertainty, AHC is one of the most impressive bits of automotive engineering I have ever encountered in my life. Both in theory and in operation. Really impressive suspension setup and results over a range of conditions.

1C482519-714C-424B-B826-4C7713EC8115.jpeg
 
Very important thread topic. Here’s what the 2011 LX manual says on loads, and it’s really not clear at all — it suggests that when you have about 1,000 lbs (passenger weight & cargo weight COMBINED) the AHC system may stop functioning.

In operation, 1,000 lbs seems very small for the LX, and I’m sure others have loaded it more and have had their AHC continue to function. I haven’t loaded it more to test it, but sandbagging it and testing out may be worthwhile to learn the actual capability.

If the manual had said it WILL stop working if system gets beyond X weight or weight range it’d be more helpful than a vague “your finely calibrated AHC MAY cut out.”

Other than this uncertainty, AHC is one of the most impressive bits of automotive engineering I have ever encountered in my life. Both in theory and in operation. Really impressive suspension setup and results over a range of conditions.

View attachment 1677084

Good points. It's worth to discuss what it means though, because it's not that the system will stop functioning.

What's being said is that it may not fully auto-level beyond a certain load. That is, beyond 706lbs, the suspension may squat a bit instead of getting to full normal height. And it may not be able to get up to full high mode beyond 419lbs.

This is not unlike a standard suspension vehicle, which sags with load. And just like that standard suspension, this squatting is completely normal. The AHC system has a specific load capacity, beyond which, it will defer that load to the steal springs, which deflects with load. It's completely okay and normal operation, and the vehicle will drive perfectly fine. Like the LC guys, you'll just have to be aware that you'll lose some under vehicle clearance when loaded up really heavy. This has been the same since the LX470 AHC system.

It practice, the numbers stated are way conservative. It may squat a few mm's extra with load that is just not perceptible. What I've found is that the system will easily go way beyond the stated door jamb capacity numbers (~1300lbs). I've been to 1800lbs load between 6 passengers, vacation gear, and 1000lb+ tongue weight trailer. It works splendidly and has much more load capacity than the '06 LX470 that I previously had (which was no wimp itself). There are situations where say I'm on a driveway, and much more weight is shifted to the rear axle, and it may not want to come up to "H" mode. Once I find a level spot, it will get to "H" fine. Hence I added the spring spacers to the rear, to preload the steal spring more such that it bears more weight, and that AHC can perform to higher loads. Which it absolutely has.

Others have changed the physical spring completely for more spring rate, such that it can work to higher loads still.

AHC has been shown to be able to go to 5 tons in armored applications with augmentation modifications.
 
My ‘13 LX is bone stock. I pull a Black Rock 22BHS almost every weekend all summer (~5000miles). Loaded it’s ~6800 lbs and ~700lbs on the hitch. Most of the time I have 4 bikes on the roof rack or a canoe, so another ~150 lbs there. Add 500lbs for the family and 100 lbs of dog and I’m up there in terms of weight. I’m also entirely on curvy, hill, mountain roads, no highway. I use a robust WD hitch and drive conservatively: 55-60 mph max (above that and my mpg goes down to 7-8 range) and go 35-40 mph up the passes.

Never had an issue after 4 summers of this.
 
My ‘13 LX is bone stock. I pull a Black Rock 22BHS almost every weekend all summer (~5000miles). Loaded it’s ~6800 lbs and ~700lbs on the hitch. Most of the time I have 4 bikes on the roof rack or a canoe, so another ~150 lbs there. Add 500lbs for the family and 100 lbs of dog and I’m up there in terms of weight. I’m also entirely on curvy, hill, mountain roads, no highway. I use a robust WD hitch and drive conservatively: 55-60 mph max (above that and my mpg goes down to 7-8 range) and go 35-40 mph up the passes.

Never had an issue after 4 summers of this.
Cole, I am interested in the Top of the World Highway. Would you haul your trailer there? I am not timid but discretion and all that.
Teckis, don’t laugh but I looked online for those spacers, from American sites they were around $12-$15 while Canadian pricing was +$50 Canadian. Looks like a trip to Bellingham for Mexican and parts.
 
Good points. It's worth to discuss what it means though, because it's not that the system will stop functioning.

What's being said is that it may not fully auto-level beyond a certain load. That is, beyond 706lbs, the suspension may squat a bit instead of getting to full normal height. And it may not be able to get up to full high mode beyond 419lbs.

This is not unlike a standard suspension vehicle, which sags with load. And just like that standard suspension, this squatting is completely normal. The AHC system has a specific load capacity, beyond which, it will defer that load to the steal springs, which deflects with load. It's completely okay and normal operation, and the vehicle will drive perfectly fine. Like the LC guys, you'll just have to be aware that you'll lose some under vehicle clearance when loaded up really heavy. This has been the same since the LX470 AHC system.

It practice, the numbers stated are way conservative. It may squat a few mm's extra with load that is just not perceptible. What I've found is that the system will easily go way beyond the stated door jamb capacity numbers (~1300lbs). I've been to 1800lbs load between 6 passengers, vacation gear, and 1000lb+ tongue weight trailer. It works splendidly and has much more load capacity than the '06 LX470 that I previously had (which was no wimp itself). There are situations where say I'm on a driveway, and much more weight is shifted to the rear axle, and it may not want to come up to "H" mode. Once I find a level spot, it will get to "H" fine. Hence I added the spring spacers to the rear, to preload the steal spring more such that it bears more weight, and that AHC can perform to higher loads. Which it absolutely has.

Others have changed the physical spring completely for more spring rate, such that it can work to higher loads still.

AHC has been shown to be able to go to 5 tons in armored applications with augmentation modifications.
This is extremely helpful — thank you. With the rear seats removed (which are about 70lbs each), is there a way to “zero” out the AHC pressures, AHC values, etc. — with, let’s say, a half tank of gas — so that that new “zeroed out” setting can serve as a “vehicle-specific” point of reference.

The analogy here is to a basic measuring scale. We know that lots of things can interfere with correct readings, so good scales permit zeroing. I’ve read same is possible with AHC pressure values, but does anyone have a guide for doing this in a more accessible / more user-friendly / easier way. So that if you’ve mounted a roof top tent more towards the rear axle and you are carrying additional loads in the rear, you can then do what amounts to “auto-manual” leveling. The LX AHC will be trying to auto-level but with inputs from you.

The OME spring spacers are a form of “auto-manual” control, and an easy/smart one at that. The AHC is still doing its thing, but as was pointed out, more of the weight is being transferred away from shocks/AHC towards the springs. Has anyone put these OME spacers on all four corners? If so, what’s the effect on ride quality — if any? What’s the effect of the “rear-spacers only” approach on ride quality in an unladen LX with only a driver and maybe one or two small passengers? Thank you.
 
I’ve never been on the top of the world highway in Canada. I have taken the camper to Chicken, AK that is on the way there. I’ve took my camper up the dalton highway above the arctic circle. When I get out that way I carry 2 spare tires for the cruiser and 2 for the camper and 20-40 extra gallons of fuel. Also on the dalton it’s 25-35 mph the entire way, the road has gotten much better over the years as the tour busses go up there not just the truckers to the north slope. Message me if you have any questions about AK.
 
...I could hookup techstream to see where the pressures are. Note there is some mixed info in that the LX570 doesn't report pressures like the LX470 did.

The LX570 AHC seems far more robust [...] I've not found that upper limit on the LX570 yet.”




Pics:
View attachment 1533272
View attachment 1533273
Can you please shed more light on what you meant that techstream doesn’t report LX570 AHC pressures?
 
It does.. Only not for each separate side. One pressure for the whole system.
 
As per the FSM:

Fluid pressure sensor reading /
min.: -784.79 MPa (-8002.540 kgf/cm2, -113824.688 psi)
max.: 784.76 MPa (8002.296 kgf/cm2, 113821.215 psi)

When I measured before changing the rear coils to stronger ones with an extra static load of around 800 lbs the pressure was 12.5 mpa while raising the truck from N to H.

After changing the coils, pressure during rising was 9.5 mpa (IIRC).
 
Fascinating stuff. Hope to apply to my lx. Thanks to all.
 
Not sure how relevant this is in this thread, but I know that the LX470 has slightly thinner torsion bar and weaker coil spring than the 100 series LC counterpart. Generally I'd assume because it's designed for comfort along with the AHC capability. I'm curious if the LX570 has beefier hardwares vs the 200 LC.
 
Not sure how relevant this is in this thread, but I know that the LX470 has slightly thinner torsion bar and weaker coil spring than the 100 series LC counterpart. Generally I'd assume because it's designed for comfort along with the AHC capability. I'm curious if the LX570 has beefier hardwares vs the 200 LC.

The 570 can't have higher spring rates than the LC or AHC wouldn't work. In the LC the springs support the whole weight of the vehicle. In the 570, the weight is supported by both the springs and the shocks. This isn't only for comfort, but to allow the system to work. If for example you install LC springs in a 570, the truck wouldn't be able to lower.
 
I added a 10mm spacer to each spring at the rear axle. Intent is to add a bit more support to the AHC system, as I tow a heavy 27' Airstream travel trailer. This exact same mod could be done to an LC too, but will result in lifting ~1/2".

While the LX570 never asked for it, this is a well established mod carried over from the 100-series LX470. I had added spacers to my LX470, to bring AHC neutral calibration pressure back to stock and to support more load as I towed with that car also.

I'm not being as thorough here as I could hookup techstream to see where the pressures are. Note there is some mixed info in that the LX570 doesn't report pressures like the LX470 did.

The LX570 AHC seems far more robust. Where the LX470, once near payload capacity, will no longer lift to high position without additional mods like this, I've not found that upper limit on the LX570 yet.

Specifics: Old Man Emu 80/100/200 10mm coil spacers

I installed the spacer between the chassis and coil seat. Traditionally, I'd install this between the seat and spring. But this was easier as the seat fit tightly in the spring. The chassis has a depression that it positively locate the spacer anyhow. It's a quick 30minute mod. Need spring compressors.




Pics:
View attachment 1533272
View attachment 1533273

Do you happen to remember if the inner diameter on these was large enough to seat around the stock bump stop to sandwich it between the spring and bump stop vs. body amd bump stop? Thanks
 

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