Land Cruiser 100 AHC problem

[SafariTecPeter]

Ehh, com again UHU

The LC100 does not have "Steel springs" in my world
It has as You also state torsion bars.
Earlier I stated that if one converts away from an AHC setup, then changing torsion bars is a must.
Genuine Toyo Diesel torsion bars are WAY more expensive thet fi OME bars.

I do agree; If one converts away from the AHC there are many options in terms of suspention choices.
Not all want a lift so going with stock height is certainly an option.
If one goes stock, I`d opt for genuine (height) rear springs, OME torsion bars & whatever shocks fit the bill & have the desired specs.

 

[frank rabbets]

Front has T bars + AHC.
Rear has Coil Springs + AHC.

Jon and I checked the front of my 2004 with 65,000 miles on the clock.

Front needed adjustment to T bars.
Rear Coil Spings were within spec.

 

[SafariTecPeter]

Well Frank, thats the basics of the Toyo IFS setup used on the LC J10..

Height on the front can be mechanically adjusted by twisting the Torsion bar provided You do not have AHC.

AHC (torsionbars) are height adjusted by the shocks & the amount of oil pumped onto them. Which in turn is regulated by AHC ECU that picks up a reference signal from the Height sensor fitted to the upper front suspention arm.

 

[Eliphanta]

Thanks chaps, if as I suspect with my negative outlook head on and this is not to be a simple AHC solution issue for me and prudence then demands a replacement, what are the pros and cons of what I see on offer? From what I have seen advertised on the pages of Land Cruiser Club there appear to be two manufactures available; OME and Pedder; I of course also imagine Toyota have a kit, and further imagine those of you with knowledge would buy/could buy the individual components to bolt on; sadly, not for me, need the kit in a box or bag; observations please. I do not need the vehicle jacked up, but have no real issue if it is, get a bit of weather here, can be minus 20-25 at times with a bit of snow, but generally similar to the UK.

 

[SafariTecPeter]

As I wrote above;
If You whish a complete solution, then going to a trusted delaer of our choice is the way forward,
I am uncertain if TerrainTamer can supply ALL parts, but I am certain they can help.
I have not looked at the TerrainTamer catalouge specifically yet.
OME You can find here, Springs You would have to contact them
https://www.offroad24.de/index.php?...gung__OLD-MAN-EMU-OME-Fahrwerk&pli=1001070030
Another Option would be Ironman. I do not know if You need or want TüV Documents. OME comes with this

If You need further help with this, drop me a PM & I can put You in touch with the right (French or English speaking) people.
If You are conserned with the underbody & snow, then a underbody belly protection would be the ideal way forward. Again, If I can help on this just drop me a PM.

 

[Eliphanta]

How do I send a PM?

 

[SafariTecPeter]

PM Sent with Email adress

 

[frank rabbets]

The AHC does not have a shock absorber on each wheel. It has a ram on each wheel to partly determine ride height and partly to receive damped oil from a remote shock absorber.

 

[Eliphanta]

Thank you for that, becomes more complecated by the moment, would I be correct to imagine the system will function at one level albeit disconected from electrical power, is it any different fro being switched off?

 

[uHu]

Well, it's not as simple as frank states either, but still quite simple. Anyhow, that's mainly semantics.
Without power, the system will work only as long as the pressure is still up. When the pressure goes down (time depending on wear on valves etc), the car will eventually sit on the bump stops, as the steel springs can not hold the weight alone.
Also, the adjustable damping will not function. There are 16 steps of damping, which are dynamically handled by the ahc ECU, and executed individudually by each wheel's actuator (which sits between the rams (shock absorber look-a-like) and the gas springs aka spheres).

 

[SafariTecPeter]

I am sorry Frank! Toyota in its Parts catalouge call this spesific item "Shock absorber"
You may feel different about it, but thats what the maker calls it.

Again; Without the AHC shock absorber getting oil & backpressure from the external reservoars, the suspention will (individually) go down onto its bumpstops & You will not be able to raise it without power.
This is very much "bushmechanics".... when all else fails.

The "weak" torsionbars on an LC 100 with AHC is by far not strong enough to hold the vehicle up.
Thats why they need to be replaced if You throw out the AHC Shock absorber. The OME I fitted where nearly twice as thick in Ø as the original AHC-supported torsion bars.
There are still no springs as such on the front end uHu

 

[Graham]

Thanks chaps, if as I suspect with my negative outlook head on and this is not to be a simple AHC solution issue for me and prudence then demands a replacement, what are the pros and cons of what I see on offer? From what I have seen advertised on the pages of Land Cruiser Club there appear to be two manufactures available; OME and Pedder; I of course also imagine Toyota have a kit, and further imagine those of you with knowledge would buy/could buy the individual components to bolt on; sadly, not for me, need the kit in a box or bag; observations please. I do not need the vehicle jacked up, but have no real issue if it is, get a bit of weather here, can be minus 20-25 at times with a bit of snow, but generally similar to the UK.

Don't forget West Coast 4x4
They will supply the full kit, and fit it for you at very reasonable prices.

http://westcoastoffroad.co.uk/

Gra.

 

[BobMurphy]

There are still no springs as such on the front end uHu

Ahem . . . A torsion Bar is a spring, its just a long straight one instead of being wound into a coil shape. The action on the steel bar in each is the same - they twist when loaded and un-twist when released.

Whatever Toyota call them, the AHC struts are not 'Shock Absorbers', they are just rams. Pump oil in and they get longer, let oil out and they get shorter, there is no damping - that comes from the adjustable valves in the Actuators that are attached to each ram.
I do find Toyota's descriptions a bit odd at times, maybe its the translation from Japanese to English that is the cause .

Bob.

 

[Dark Dude]

Have a 2005 Land Cruiser and some months ago the AHC off light switched on and off continuously, the control itself not seeming to function; depressing of the button caused the hi or low indicator light to flash before returning to normal, effectively there was no control. Took the vehicle out yesterday and noticed the off light was not flashing and the mode indicator was showing lo setting; drove off and the vehicle took off like a camel crossing the sands. Checked and topped up the reservoir, listened for the pump when trying different modes, dit deaf so cannot say it the pump is running, however judging by the height of the vehicle I imagine it is! Again took the vehicle on a run and again was in the up and down operation and the suspension height was some 20cm from top of tyre to bottom of wheel arch, hot rod style. Parked the car up for a while, 3 hours, an on starting again with the body still elevated was a bit surprised when it lowered to normal height and the off light was again flashing. Drove for about 20 minutes with the handling as normal as ever, no bounce and no concern other than the flashing indicator. Stopped the vehicle and parked up for about 10 minutes, switched on and started up only to notice the indicator had dropper down to lo and the light was out, drove off and again the bounce was back. Any observations and advice that may bring a modicum of comfort here in rural France!

Have a word with my people at Pleiades, they sort out ALL of my AHC and Air suspension problems and they don't mess around. Martin and the lads can be contacted on 01487 831239, tell him all of your problems and one way other, he'll be able to help. Trust me!

 

[Domhnull]

This may be a AHC ECU issue.. or at least a height sensor out of wack...
If no independet Toyo LC specialist is nearbu You, them head for a main dealer for a diagnosis!
With this in hand You can decide what to do.
Servecing these "older" AHC plants can become very dear financially.

Personally I have ripped it out & replaced it with a full OME Lift kit for a number of reasons.

I replaced my suspension with the standard Petters Replacement Suspension Kit, you do have the option of of fitting different lift heights if you prefer, I hardly notice any difference in the ride and it it is worth the peace of mind as I had a burst pipe