Question on LC Suspension Conversion

[labcab]

Thank you for the information, is it safe to drive long distance for the short term while I am waiting to get the part ?

Short answer: No.

When they removed your AHC, they took out half of your front springs, so to speak. If your truck was perfectly aligned prior to the AHC removal, they still drastically changed your spring rate, front-end geometry and you're now riding on an alignment tuned to an entirely different suspension.

The being said, I would drive it. At low speeds, locally. Interstate speed is where it gets dangerous, in my opinion. If you hit a pot hole or have to pull a high speed evasive maneuver, you don't know how that suspension is going to react. I wouldn't be afraid to drive a long distance at 25mph, but that usually isn't the case.

If you need time to figure out what you want to do with the front end, take it back to the shop that did the work. Like @hoser said, you can get close with your AHC TBs. It will only take them a few minutes to crank your torsion bars to get it more level, and they shouldn't have let you leave like that. Your target is 1.5". The measurement between the center of the wheel up to the wheel well should 1.5" shorter in the front than the rear, resulting in a slight stink-bug stance.

If you need to take it on a few trips while you track down used parts, then look into Firestone's lifetime alignment. That way, they can get you aligned now, and then there's no cost when you go back after installing your Toyota or aftermarket bars.

My only hesitation with aftermarket bars would be that they'll ride a bit more rigid. If your ass is used to a cushy Lexus ride, you have a wife that complains a lot, or will have triplet newborns in the back, then you may be disappointed in the ride quality. I have a friend at work that just removed his AHC and went with Old Man Emu TBs and 33" AT tires. He loves the ride now, says it feels sportier. So it all comes down to personal preference. I'd get some Tough Dog TBs from @reevesci and if they ride too rigid, have him build you a bumper and sell you a winch to weigh it down a touch. Good luck

 

[abuck99]

OP- do it right man. Install the aftermarket TBs and set your truck up properly. You will be happier and safer in the long run. It is also a good idea to spend the extra $30 and get lower control arm reinforcement brackets. This will mitigate the torque put on the LCA by the TB and save you from a failure.

As was mentioned, buy a can of PB blaster and start soaking the TB mounting bolts and adjustment bolts every day for a week ahead of your install. This may save you a couple of hours $$ labor, and broken hardware.

 

[PADDO]

Aside from the underrated AHC torsion bars (standard LC bars provide 60% more torsional force over AHC bars) you also need to consider how the vehicle's stability control system has been affected by that over exaggerated rake the shop let you drive away with. Nothing sinister is going to happen puttering around town but an inadvertent VSC braking episode as you hit an on ramp or off ramp at 75mph with family, dogs, cats, ferrets and luggage (i.e. even more dynamic loading on the stressed AHC TBs) would surely grab your attention. Point being you should have a zero point recalibration done after messing with the vehicle's attitude and suspension system too.

 

[Batlowboy]

I'd suggest it's unsafe and dangerous to drive, especially at high speed, the things riding on the bump stops, not designed to run like that.

 

[geanes]

Short answer: No.

When they removed your AHC, they took out half of your front springs, so to speak. If your truck was perfectly aligned prior to the AHC removal, they still drastically changed your spring rate, front-end geometry and you're now riding on an alignment tuned to an entirely different suspension.

The being said, I would drive it. At low speeds, locally. Interstate speed is where it gets dangerous, in my opinion. If you hit a pot hole or have to pull a high speed evasive maneuver, you don't know how that suspension is going to react. I wouldn't be afraid to drive a long distance at 25mph, but that usually isn't the case.

If you need time to figure out what you want to do with the front end, take it back to the shop that did the work. Like @hoser said, you can get close with your AHC TBs. It will only take them a few minutes to crank your torsion bars to get it more level, and they shouldn't have let you leave like that. Your target is 1.5". The measurement between the center of the wheel up to the wheel well should 1.5" shorter in the front than the rear, resulting in a slight stink-bug stance.

If you need to take it on a few trips while you track down used parts, then look into Firestone's lifetime alignment. That way, they can get you aligned now, and then there's no cost when you go back after installing your Toyota or aftermarket bars.

My only hesitation with aftermarket bars would be that they'll ride a bit more rigid. If your ass is used to a cushy Lexus ride, you have a wife that complains a lot, or will have triplet newborns in the back, then you may be disappointed in the ride quality. I have a friend at work that just removed his AHC and went with Old Man Emu TBs and 33" AT tires. He loves the ride now, says it feels sportier. So it all comes down to personal preference. I'd get some Tough Dog TBs from @reevesci and if they ride too rigid, have him build you a bumper and sell you a winch to weigh it down a touch. Good luck

@labcab ..... " I'd get some Tough Dog TBs from @reevesci and if they ride too rigid, have him build you a bumper and sell you a winch to weigh it down a touch. Good luck " I absolutely LOVE this logic! Best excuse for upgrading armor I've heard