Newbie looking to buy

[WatchTimes]

OK I have an 08 Wrangler Rubicon UL with OME 2.5 in lift and 33s that is my secondary vehicle.... I have had death wobble issues since day one no one can fix (even pre lift) and am just tired of it so I want to move on already.
I want something nicer and safer since I have a 3 year old now. I no longer mud etc but for going to hunt camp and winter driving I like a nice SUV, I like to throw on new bumpers and would ideally toss on 33's. I was looking at an 07 LX, but would I be able to run 33's and new bumpers with the AHC?
I do not want to do a lift as my wife bitches my Wrangler is too high and honestly since not off roading and having little kids its a pain for me.
I saw the 06 LC without AHC for sale but was really leaning towards the LX.
Im not a mechanical guy but there are good shops in Metro Detroit.
Thanks!

 

[wpsfan]

You'll be able to run 33's without a lift. My wife's 100 is stock with 33" KO2's and it floats. I can't speak for running heavy front and rear bumpers with AHC. I think most on here have already ditched AHC when they get to the point of adding armour, but I'm sure someone will chime in with a solid answer.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Ex Jeep guy/mechanic. Once you drive a Toyota for any extended period, you will wonder why the hell you ever wasted money on a Jeep. They are great for business when you work for a Jeep shop though!

I have a 05 lx470 and plan to add bumpers while maintaining the AHC. As far as I can tell, it can be done by adding spacers or new, stiffer, coils to the rear and adjusting the torsion bars in the front to compensate for the weight.

The reason you have to do that is the AHC shocks are designed to support a certain amount of the weight of the vehicle. When you add a bunch of weight but your springs/torsions don't change, all that added weight equates to higher pressure on the shocks.

You say you're not mechanical which will likely be an issue when trying to get the AHC dialed in. Most shops will have no idea what the AHC is or even begin to understand how to adjust the pressures. You also have to have toyotas techstream software to even read the pressures. If you can do the AHC stuff, a gold garage can handle pretty much anything else.

 

[WatchTimes]

DAMN!
I will have to see if there are any shops that do a lot of Toyota work in Metro Detroit.
I know there is Vintage off Road who does a TON of FJ restos but I do not think they do the newer stuff.
I might have to consider an 06 LC I saw without the AHC, just not in a color I love.....
Perhaps I should just get the LX, toss on some 33's and call it a day.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Or you can learn how to wrench on your truck

 

[WatchTimes]

HaHaHa one thing I have learned in life is to know your limits.
I have NEVER been strong in mechanical things, I even own a family entertainment center....
Do what you know or love and hire the best to help you with the things you are weak at.
I own two businesses, am a partner in three other decent sized companies that are in a growth phase, have a 3 year old and a wife that is a Dr and a partner in her practice so even if I did knew how to wrench or wanted to learn there is just not the time at this point in my life.
I do have some friends who are partners in a couple auto shops who could do some stuff for me but none of them are specialty off road shops let alone specialize in Toyota. Seems we have quite a few reputable off road shops in Metro Detroit but again none that advertise Toyota work specifically.