Hi
am I right in thinking AHC is similar to ACE on a Disco 2 (hydraulic stability control)...I removed this on my D2 and it was much more capable off road and less problematic with standard roll bars...is this the same reasoning on an LC?
What sort of costs are involved in a swap ? And do all 100 series have AHC ?
Thanks
Foss
Don't now ACE, but it doesn't sound like the same, as the cruiser is actually more capable offroad with ahc than without, in stock version. It's softer, higher (high and X-tra high) and the anti roll bar is slightly softer. So, more flex and more height than the standard in stock version.
The AHC is a hybrid gas/steel (steel = coils & torsion bars) suspension system, with hydaulic transfer of suspension movement from the wheel ("shock") to the gas sphere (nitrogen). The damper function is then in a system of valves between the shock and the gas-spring, making it very adjustable. The system uses input from G-force, steering, braking, accelleration, suspension height and movement, resonant movement in suspension (wash board), and user input.
Drawbacks are complexity and more parts, and that the coils springs have to be changed every 5 years or thereabouts.
To swap to OME or something like that doesn't cost more on an AHC vehicle than on one with conventional suspension, as you have to change all springs and shocks in any case. Only a bit more work to remove unwanted parts/weight of the ahc system.
It is possible to make the ahc suspension stronger or higher, but not with a ready made kit.
