Suspension ques: AHC sys to coil/shock setup

[bmwguy]

Having recently purchased my 02 LX470 with 95k miles. The vehicle drove fine for one week. One week later, this thing was a slammed low rider. AHC went Kaput.

Did some research on here and decided it was not worth of getting the AHC fixed. The Indy shop quoted 3800 just for the pump and no guarantee. So I told the Indy shop to go ahead and switch to tradional shock/coil setup.
Little did I know that the Indy shop purchased the StrutMaster setup and not the Slee's or Toy LC setup. I know, I shoulda done more research and pushed for Slee's setup and probaby got IronPig down in F'burg down in VA to do the conversion.

Anyhoot, I'm stuck with the Strutmaster setup. According to Strutmaster website, I think the kit they replaced it with only comes with shocks/struts and springs and it retails for little bit over 500. So I'm wondering what I need to do next to get this done correctly outside of taking the coil spring and shocks out.

Should I get the Torsion bars and put it in as I don't believe the StrutMaster has them? Should add the Slee's lower front differtial kit?

I noticed that while driving the vehicle, there seems to be more body role on ramps now and on occassion, I will hear a "bong" sound coming from the suspension on stops and go. Is this cumulating from the Torsion bar or not having the Slee lower diff kit?

Thanks much guys!

 

[bmwguy]

Oh.. I also wanted to add that when the AHC went kaput, I did the ach fluid change and ect but could not get the vehicle to go up. The previous owner changed the fluid about 50k ago with proper ahc fluid according to the receipt. Although I must admit that when I replaced the fluid. the color is red on the new fluid and the one in the vehicle is more yellow.

 

[2000UZJ]

If you want to remove the AHC completely you can simply replace the AHC shocks with OEM (or aftermarket choice). You will need to replace the LX Torsion bars with OEM Toyota torsion bars, or OME torsion bars (you do not have to run a lift with the OME, it all depends on how much you crank the adjuster), and the rear springs need to be replaced with OEM Toyota or OME springs (which will provide a lift). It's advised to run a differential drop, however some members have gotten away with no diff drop on lifts. I have been lifted ~2" for roughly 4 years and have never installed a diff drop.

The additional body roll is most likely due to the Strutmaster setup. I'm assuming the AHC torsion bars are still installed? Remember, the AHC system holds 60% of the vehicle weight, the LX470 springs and torsion bars only hold 40% IIRC.


You can purchase OEM Toyota shocks for very cheap, and probably find somebody who has a set or stock springs and torsion bars sitting in the garage for free/cheap.

I hope that helps!

 

[hoser]

The AHC fluid changed color at some point in time.

Like 2000 said, you'll need to replace the existing T-bar with the OE non-AHC t-bars.

You don't need any differential drop brackets unless you plan to raise the ride height by 2 inches.

 

[bmwguy]

If you want to remove the AHC completely you can simply replace the AHC shocks with OEM (or aftermarket choice). You will need to replace the LX Torsion bars with OEM Toyota torsion bars, or OME torsion bars (you do not have to run a lift with the OME, it all depends on how much you crank the adjuster), and the rear springs need to be replaced with OEM Toyota or OME springs (which will provide a lift). It's advised to run a differential drop, however some members have gotten away with no diff drop on lifts. I have been lifted ~2" for roughly 4 years and have never installed a diff drop.

The additional body roll is most likely due to the Strutmaster setup. I'm assuming the AHC torsion bars are still installed? Remember, the AHC system holds 60% of the vehicle weight, the LX470 springs and torsion bars only hold 40% IIRC.


You can purchase OEM Toyota shocks for very cheap, and probably find somebody who has a set or stock springs and torsion bars sitting in the garage for free/cheap.

I hope that helps!

Certainly helps.
On the torsion bar, is this something a DIY can do? After the torsion bar is replaced, do I need a alignment?

 

[2000UZJ]

Certainly helps.
On the torsion bar, is this something a DIY can do? After the torsion bar is replaced, do I need a alignment?

The torsion bars is not tricky once you do them. I was a little hesitant to swap mine out, once I got started it all made sense. There is a great DIY in the FAQ. As for the alignment, it wouldn't be a bad idea, but it may not be needed if you keep the front end the same height (within 1/2").