Thinking of Buying a LX. AHC Concerns

[OG 91 LC]

That's a good piece of information.
I will be adding a roof rack and a rtt. I think that will be around 300 lbs on top of the LX.
I was a bit concerned about the added weight.

 

[nutter]

I love my AHC.

 

[Fuge]

Btw, earlier this week I bought a used ahc system with out shocks from a fellow 'mudder. (Good deal on back up parts with 40k fewer miles than Mine.) The weight of all components, less shocks, was 72 lb dry the box, not 400lb. My "new" kit includes the globes which i will be swapping in lAyer today, if i can get my hands on the right wrench.. These golbes will probably last me 8+ years with how much I drive (no commute). I may buy new globes anyway, but I need to get my ride sorted out now while I make up my mind.

I am removing my AHC tomorrow. I have no idea how much the system is worth. Suggestions?

 

[ylexot]

Why are you removing the AHC? there are some good reasons to ditch it, but not many. The AHC is a pretty cool setup that with upgraded springs and adjustment to sensor positions can be quite adaptable to many use scenarios Including running heavy with armor and lifted.

if you're committed to "swap" in a traditional suspension, it would be good to know how well the system is working before you take it apart: how many ticks marks do you have in the reservoir between Low and High modes, is it operating correctly now, service history, neutral pressures before the take off, miles, kind of miles. Any information that can help a would-be buyer make an informed confident decision will help the sale price.

The AHC system is pretty robust. Most components don't fail. The pressure spheres are a long wear item, but will eventually need replacement. I mostly bought the takeoff kit for these 4 parts. The rest is just to have, just in case. i have seen at least one post about a failed pump, but thats the only other specific part failure i have heard about In my short time reading about these.

Id say most of the value is in the used globes, if they are any good. Look around at what people are getting for those, and that should help you determine a price.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

Recently I flushed 2 cans of AHC fluid through my 470 and it made a night and day difference. Drove down an unpaved road and it was as smooth as can be.

I'm quite sure Toyota messed up on the service frequency for this system. I think a 25-30k flush should be the standard.

 

[LX5708]

All I got to say after being in Moab and a 2100 mile road trip. I love the ACH.... And Don't be a Typical man like me and not read the Manual about it... I learned a lot... Like the "extra" high mode. Or the fact when you put the extra weight on it then take it to the Lexus dealer. they can change up the Torsten bars/ACH system to allow for the added weigh...

 

[Fuge]

Thanks for the feedback on the AHC. I have changed my mind and am going to keep it. Can I put the OME torsion bars and 864 springs I already have on to help the AHC support the bull bar/winch, roof rack, dual swing rear, skids and sliders I am putting on? It gets daily driven so I would like the AHC for that and AHC high should be all I need for the wheeling I will do. Only plan 285/75R16 once the factory size tires wear out.

 

[Fuge]

Thanks for the feedback on the AHC. I have changed my mind and am going to keep it. Can I put the OME torsion bars and 864 springs I already have on to help the AHC support the bull bar/winch, roof rack, dual swing rear, skids and sliders I am putting on? It gets daily driven so I would like the AHC for that and AHC high should be all I need for the wheeling I will do. Only plan 285/75R16 once the factory size tires wear out.

Also I almost never use the low function so not a huge factor if this setup would be too strong for that.

 

[ylexot]

Glad to hear youre keeping the AHC @Fuge. The spring rate for the AHC torsion and coils springs is a lot lower than stock non AHC springs. The OME are stiffer than stock non-AHC.

Swapping in tired non AHC springs into a rig with AHC is too stiff for a smooth ride without adding a fair amount of weight. (Tired= springs slowly loose their springiness over time.) It really comes down to how much weight you put on. You have a heavy list of future mods but my GUESS is that OME is probably still too much spring. Alot of the weight in AHC cruisers rides on the hydraulics. It just comes down to weight and maintaining an AHC neutral pressure within specs.

The good news is there several ways to fine tune your spring load and AHC anf keep every thing happy and funation ingredients well. You will need a Techstream ot similar OBD2 reader to read AHC pressures. The Torsion bars are a snap for the front, jusT need a big socket and adecent sized breader bar to make adjustments. The rear can become adjustable by installing helper airbags in the coils. (I'm adding air bags as soon as they arrive.)

The front bumper and winch recently installed added enough weight (180lb) that I need to reindex my torsion bars to get my front pressures down a little lower and perfectly to spec. Not new springs, just resetting the twist to get the adjustability into the right region of the spring. However, when I add a rear bumper and extended fuel tank, I'll most likely put heavier springs in the front and back, probably tired stock springs. Until then, my existing prings and airbags should handle all my extra weight.

 

[Fuge]

Glad to hear youre keeping the AHC @Fuge. The spring rate for the AHC torsion and coils springs is a lot lower than stock non AHC springs. The OME are stiffer than stock non-AHC.

Swapping in tired non AHC springs into a rig with AHC is too stiff for a smooth ride without adding a fair amount of weight. (Tired= springs slowly loose their springiness over time.) It really comes down to how much weight you put on. You have a heavy list of future mods but my GUESS is that OME is probably still too much spring. Alot of the weight in AHC cruisers rides on the hydraulics. It just comes down to weight and maintaining an AHC neutral pressure within specs.

The good news is there several ways to fine tune your spring load and AHC anf keep every thing happy and funation ingredients well. You will need a Techstream ot similar OBD2 reader to read AHC pressures. The Torsion bars are a snap for the front, jusT need a big socket and adecent sized breader bar to make adjustments. The rear can become adjustable by installing helper airbags in the coils. (I'm adding air bags as soon as they arrive.)

The front bumper and winch recently installed added enough weight (180lb) that I need to reindex my torsion bars to get my front pressures down a little lower and perfectly to spec. Not new springs, just resetting the twist to get the adjustability into the right region of the spring. However, when I add a rear bumper and extended fuel tank, I'll most likely put heavier springs in the front and back, probably tired stock springs. Until then, my existing prings and airbags should handle all my extra weight.

Thanks for the feedback. Good stuff. I already have everything on minus the skid plates and sliders. So it looks like I need to get the techstream next to see how my pressures look and go from there. My guess is the pressures are too high all around. If so, I will start adjusting the stock TBs and then if that doesn't help, I guess I will try the OME TBs. I get what your saying about the tired springs. In my case, I have new ones because I was going to do the conversion. But after understanding the system more, crawling under truck and really evaluating what I need and how I will use the truck, I think the AHC is the way to go. I just need to figure out the right combo of TBs and Springs for the extra weight to get the AHC think nothing has changed.

Sidebar, do you know how to get sliders on with all the AHC stuff attached to the frame rails?

 

[LX5708]

I got my sliders front hot metal fab... Yea yea. I see the surface rust.. It's for R&D purposes. Eventually getting the Cerakote..
But they only add like 60 pounds. I don't notice them..

 

[LX5708]

If you want me to be straight honest... I had about 1200 pounds of gear for a weeks journey. I didn't notice it one bit. In the Ride or MPG... Which makes me wonder added~600 pounds of bumpers will even affect it..

 

[ylexot]

I haven't gotten to sliders yet. Metal tech sells sliders that are AHC compatible. I'd like to fab my own, but I may end up buying theirs cuz they are better than I can make and already laid out for tight spacing on the frame with AHC.

Your pressures are probably high. Just adding the winch I went from 7.0MPa to 8.8MPa. (Spec is ~6.9.) The bumper is heavy and hanging off the very front of the frame, which gives it some leverage to boot.

Somewhere around here are side by side pix of an AHC coil spring next to a non AHC spring. That picture speaks volumes.

 

[ylexot]

If you want me to be straight honest... I had about 1200 pounds of gear for a weeks journey. I didn't notice it one bit. In the Ride or MPG... Which makes me wonder added~600 pounds of bumpers will even affect it..

At 1200lb, I think you're still under the maximum load ca pacify of 1500lb. Your rig should have been fine. I think the issue is if you are always running heavy, you will put added strain and shorten the life of the system.

Further if you have 600lb of armor and accessories, that chews onto your load capacity.

 

[TXLX100]

Recently I flushed 2 cans of AHC fluid through my 470 and it made a night and day difference. Drove down an unpaved road and it was as smooth as can be.

I'm quite sure Toyota messed up on the service frequency for this system. I think a 25-30k flush should be the standard.

It's a 30k interval to change the fluid.

If anyone has GOOD used globes, I'm interested. Think I'm going to go the upgraded spring and maybe torsion bar route if I start adding a lot of weight.

 

[LX5708]

At 1200lb, I think you're still under the maximum load ca pacify of 1500lb. Your rig should have been fine. I think the issue is if you are always running heavy, you will put added strain and shorten the life of the system.

Further if you have 600lb of armor and accessories, that chews onto your load capacity.

yea...... Prob be the first and last time I have that much weight. I was sponsoring an event and had extra weight. I figure after said and done I will be at 800 pounds of gear so not too worried about it anymore. As the book and dealer says bring it in and we will make it right... Pretty sure they do what you all do with the stream tech. That stuff is all over my head.... I know I did the adjustment to the rear globe and added a couple inches in the rear.. You can do the same to the front but I am waiting till I get my new tires and alinement is necessary.
Edit: also you have to add more ACH fluid to level your ride out..
On a side note my buddy was behind me on a dirt road. He has a Icon Set up under a new 4Runner. After we got out he was commenting on how I looked like I was riding on a cloud due to the ACH working... And I basically was.. Especially after I aired down to ~20 pounds for my normal 30-35 pounds

 

[ylexot]

The AHC rides are pretty sweet. My dad came out to visit shortly after I got my LX. He took my keys every chance he got just because he liked to drive it. (Usually he doesnt want to drive, period.) I'd wake up in the morning to find he had invented an errand and "stole" my car.

I've never been in a rig with Icon shocks, but I was thinking about going that route on my 80 before I jumped to the 100. I can't imagine any damping system doing as well on these beasts as the AHC. plus you get to change ride height on demand.

 

[LX5708]

I was truly on the verge of doing the Long Travel Icon set up but after the trip I will never get rid ACH. I think it's worth every penny. Reason for another lift is for bigger tires. I basically can a 285/75/16 under it on the ACH system. I am happy with. It's my DD so don't want to go too big. Tested and approved at American tire. Btw

 

[TexasCrane]

I was truly on the verge of doing the Long Travel Icon set up but after the trip I will never get rid ACH. I think it's worth every penny. Reason for another lift is for bigger tires. I basically can a 285/75/16 under it on the ACH system. I am happy with. It's my DD so don't want to go too big. Tested and approved at American tire. Btw

A suspension lift on a 100 series doesn't really effect what size tires will fit. The articulation range of the IFS up front doesn't change. If a tire rubs before a lift, it will still rub under articulation after a lift. You really need a body lift to fit bigger tires.

 

[LX5708]

A suspension lift on a 100 series doesn't really effect what size tires will fit. The articulation range of the IFS up front doesn't change. If a tire rubs before a lift, it will still rub under articulation after a lift. You really need a body lift to fit bigger tires.

I understand what you are saying but Seeing something different in person.... unless I am missing something.. If I were to kept my rig in the highest position at all times a 295 would be prefect with no rubbing. The 285 is prefect at all ranges(L,N,H). How I see it hope it makes since. Still learning. Love to hear all the comments and picking brains. Thanks Again!!!