Just got a quote for the stage 3 ironman 2"nitro plus install and it's around 6 grand (Canadian) all said and done, that's with alignment on all wheels as well. Does this seem reasonable? The shop in question has a good reputation and they're the first people I talked to who were ok with deleting the AHC and replacing with conventional.
Need some Advice...suspension cost
- Thread starter Foehammer
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Seems steep to me but then again I would just install it myself
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- #3
Well the thing is the price of the stage three, factoring in duty and shipping, is around ~4000. The shop has it in stock for 4200. 900 bucks labour (7hr job) plus 650 tax.
If I had a proper shop/tools and the time I would probably install myself. Although he mentioned that with the stage three they have to drill holes in the frame for the new bracket.
If I had a proper shop/tools and the time I would probably install myself. Although he mentioned that with the stage three they have to drill holes in the frame for the new bracket.
Oh I see. still, I would install myself to help offset the cost.
Heckyeah sounds like a plan.
Did someone mention beer?
That's a lot of money to remove an adjustable hydraulic suspension with variable lift and dynamic response and replace it with a simple conventional setup.
If the AHC isn't rusting away you could refresh that 3 times before you paid for the conventional swap.
If the AHC isn't rusting away you could refresh that 3 times before you paid for the conventional swap.
It probably sounds daunting but I've done multiple suspension installs in my suburban garage and I am a mechanical knuckle-dragger. There are great writeups and videos out there and if you have a buddy to help, you can do it yourself, its really not that complicated if you have a good jack and good jackstands and the right tools. I did a 200 series Dobinson kit by myself with my wife pitching in at a couple of critical stages. Save the install money and use it for more mods! 
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- #11
It does not seem something I genuinely think I can do myself. I can do some basic mechanical stuff but nothing like that. Possible that my Dad could help as he's a previous heavy duty mechanic who fully built semis but he's out of town for work. Another problem is my own work schedule is sporadic, I'm basically on call 24/7 for the most part, so finding time is never easy.
6k is a lot of money no doubt (more than I spent on my first car or my dirt bike) but I'm at the point in my life where I can afford it, and it's a buy once cry once scenario. I also get peace of mind cause it comes with 4 yrs warranty.
6k is a lot of money no doubt (more than I spent on my first car or my dirt bike) but I'm at the point in my life where I can afford it, and it's a buy once cry once scenario. I also get peace of mind cause it comes with 4 yrs warranty.
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- #12
I have no idea as to where to look for the AHC being rusted, it certainly is clapped out cause it's flashing off and not working; front end is sloped pretty much all the way and there's hardly any travel in the front. It just seems a giant headache to try and diagnose/fix/maintain AHC, i hope I'm not making a mistake by ripping it out.
I actually wanted a LC with conventional suspension originally but had to travel across country for work so kinda rushed into buying this, not that I regret it.
I actually wanted a LC with conventional suspension originally but had to travel across country for work so kinda rushed into buying this, not that I regret it.
Lot's of threads here on where to start. Here's something you can do for free right now:
- Get Techstream running on a laptop
- Scan for codes and report back here
Once you share info here the incredible brain trust will provide pathways for you. This could be something as simple as a height sensor gone bad ($300). Once you figure out errors then you can dive into:
- Determine accumulator health by roughly looking at graduations
- AHC fluid flush
Even after this if you need accumulators (which you probably do), those come in at around $500 from Impex. If you can't wrench too much, you can find a shop willing to do these simple things with instructions provided here.
Most AHC problems are simple. It's not a crazy complex thing, it's just unique. The problems you describe are common and usually easy to fix.
Rust aside, AHC requires very little effort to maintain. Sounds like you need a pressure check and adjust. Maybe new globes. Maybe a new height sensor.
For me ahc is the premium option. That's as good as it gets short of installing a $15,000 Baja setup. Be on road and highway performance of ahc is better than any other normal conventional setup, imo. Put your money towards fixing ahc. Or at least properly diagnosing it. The system can seem like it's 100% completely broken when it really only needs one sensor or pressure adjustment.
Installing the lift on these is actually very simple sans AHC removal. Rear springs almost fall right out. The front shocks is basically remove front tire and removal install two bolts. The rear shocks can give you a small amount of trouble but with patience and help from here you can make it happen. Not the Tbars are a little cumbersome but again lots of info here and plenty that are willing to guide you along. Side effect of all this is you get to put your eyes on areas of the truck and see issues or other items that you need to repair or keep an eye on..