New LX470 AHC shock conversion to Land Cruiser (1 of 2)

This is an update to the previous video because i had to remove the audio from that one due to copyright. I think this one is a little better edited too in my opinion

[@automechanic887]

❤❤❤❤thank you so much brother 🎉❤

[@Doeasy2023]

I converted my 2000 lx 470 and I just disconnected the electric plug at the hydraulic pump. It’s easy. Don’t need to remove the fuses or relays. No warning lights came on my lovely suv.

[@biffadog2]

That has been extremely helpful, I am just about to replace the shocks all round an wondered how to do the job, that you have now clearly detailed, thankyou

[@vanqu1sh]

Thanks for the re-upload! I'm about to tackle this on my 1999 LX

[@T25de]

"worst first" when i was a technician this was often my motto

[@MikeDrones]

sweet thanks for uploading. i cut my rear shocks out.. waiting on parts

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

whatever shocks you get just make sure they come with the bushings and the washers. you can try to reuse the AHC shock washers but i'd just get new ones. Washers from Toyota are very expensive. like $12 each so over $100 for all 4 sides.

[@jamesward5721]

If you're doing this - have a good look around.. Look at the chassis carefully. Yours is probably as rusty as this one - now's the time to attack that rust, or you won't have a chassis shortly.

[@patrickstylianou4572]

Converted my 99' to Strutmasters standard for around $700. You don't have to remove the dash panel to remove the ecu plug on the 99'- not sure if it's different for newer models. Much nicer ride than the failing AHC system and a fraction of the cost to replace it verses buying new accumulators and fluid!

[@E39M5SPEED]

Good job. Where is part 2 ?

[@dmann8166]

Hello. Good vid! I would like to do this, but I am wondering if there is a such thing as a shock and spring setup that would keep the LX looking in 'low mode'. I hate how the ahc actually works. They give you height adjustments- and then cancel it out once you start to drive... I've always wondered if there was a way to manipulate the truck to constantly believe it is in 'low mode'... I am a fan of the stature of the LX in 'low' mode' (looks so good). Any advice would be appreciated.

[@austinphillips750]

what kind of saw did you use to cut the shocks off?

[@dakotapeterson3920]

Thank you for your email it was very informative. I just installed an OME suspension on my LX. But was curious on what you did all the plumbing (globes, lines, reservoir).?

[@mjfamgo6563]

Just leave it in place not bothering anyone or making any difference to your ride!

[@mj9316]

Hey I converted my 2001 LX470. I used the Strut Masters shocks and springs. My only concern is that the front of the truck now seems to sit lowered while the back of the truck has its normal height. Do you think I need to purchase a Land Cruiser torsion bar to make the front adjustment so it can sit leveled?

[@user-xu3ty4wp9v]

Отлично сделал

[@roberttsui4126]

Cut the struts or not, you will still need to get up on that tight spot and unbolt it. How did you unbolt the top of the struts?

[@brianfitzgerald544]

Did you think about changing the actuaters? Curious to why you went with straight LC set up. Also what about a OME lift option if your going to swap to standard? curious to your logic as you seem to know a ton about this rig

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

Hey sorry for the late reply not sure how I missed this. My first choice was to fix the AHC. I think you mean Accumulator and not acutater. The accumulator was actually fine on my system. the parts that failed were the globes which are about $300-600 depeending on if you get new or used. I would have gotten new since used globes are a gamble. anyway when i was troubleshooting the system I changed the fluid and noticed that the old fluid was if really bad shape and the shocks and connections were severly rusted. the lines didnt look like they would last too long so after adding it all up it would have been way too much.

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

as for OME I heard that the ride is very stiff and going from AHC to stiff was not something i wanted to do. I honestly wanted to get the land cruiser shocks as i head they are the softest riding but ended up going with the Bilstein. The Bilsteins in my opinion are still pretty stiff comared to functional AHC but not unbarable. Thanks for watching!

[@DanielTejnicky]

My AHC still works, but I want reinforced bumpers, I heard AHC is not happy about extra weight =/

[@thomaskingy886]

😮

[@Khmer-US]

Damn that's hard job 😕

[@dkelley484]

Hey man - how much time start to finish would you estimate this took you? I want to tackle the project myself but am not sure how much time to plan for.

[@dkelley484]

Well, I’m currently trying to get the rear shocks off up top. Your video shows you cutting it off underneath but that’s it. What is done on top? There’s a bracket above the shock bolt - I assume that is the AHC? Remove that? Cut the line if needs be? Then access to the 22mm shock bolt is possible? What about the install of the new shock? If I can’t access it to wrench on it to uninstall how hard will it be to reinstall the new shock. Many thanks.

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

Hey. when i cut the lower part of the rear shock right below the mounting bracket that will allow the top part to fall out. So basically think of the shock as the bolt and the 22mm nut on the top is bolted to the shock, once you cut the shock right at the bottom end of the mounting bracket above the lower washer if that makes sense, like i did in the video. That will eliminate the need to unscrew the bolt because the shaft is now cut and the whole assembly up top can just be removed. As the new shock. I didn't have trouble mounting the new shocks with a 22mm wrench. a swivel head box wrench would be ideal but you can manage with a regular one as well. If you have all the parts and are doing the torsion bars as well I'd say a full 5-6 hrs if you take your time.

[@vqdriver]

@@BeginnersLuckGarage doing mine now. How did you fish the top of the rear shocks off the frame? I had to cut the passenger rear twice to gain more clearance, but it’s still too tight. Did you just push it aside? I want to remove the entire thing. Off again to problem solve I go! Thanks for any help

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

@@vqdriver I just took a grinder to the shaft of the shock as close as i could get to the mount. then just cut the hydraulic line and the whole upper shock assembly should be lose. just have to wiggle and jiggle it out. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@azizbekazizbek9882]

Okey🖒🖒🖒UZBEKISTAN

[@jonnydavis6066]

how much does this cost?

[@joannacao3832]

I have a 2000 LX470 with a AHC fluid leaking badly on the rear right hand side. If you don't use yours, how about I buy your old fluid line if it's still working fine. Then I could convert it later on.

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

Sorry. I would give you the line free if it was in good shape but it was very rusty and i ended up breaking it while pulling it out. you can look on car-parts.com or ebay and try to find a used line. It is really worth saving the AHC if you have the money. Much smother ride.

[@MikeDrones]

i would recommend just ordering a old man emu kit from your local arb dealer. or get it from slee off road, they have a lot of experience with this sort of stuff.

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

I've done a lot of research on OME and if you are going to get it lifted then maybe that is the way to go but the ride is significantly stiffer. i mean going from AHC to OME will be a drastic difference. if you want comfort i would go with Factory toyota shocks from land cruiser.

[@MikeDrones]

If you look at the actual arb paperwork for the ome kits they don't call them 1.5 and 2.5 lifts because there not. Thats just what slee calles them. And if you install the OME kit you will realize that it is in fact just like the AHC in sport mode. Firm but not too firm. Much improved and no extra work required like your suggesting.

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

hmmm Interesting. I'll have too look into OME again because the Bilsteins are pretty rough. Thanks for the comment bro.

[@donny-ho1bm]

OMG check out all that rust...

[@showmequick2245]

I am just curious why would one want to replace the AHC to start with ? if they are good. ? Just honest question

[@ForgottenWaypoints]

As the truck ages you will have to maintain it (the coils sag too), and if you are planning on weight such as armor, fuel/water cans, tents etc. I've been told OME or Icon will ride better. Not to mention less failure points on the trail. Plus, coming from Land Rover, it's nearly as plush as a Range Rovers cross linked air, nor as good on the trail. There were just not many pros to keeping it (even though it's a solid system), so I just got rid of it. Once I get mine installed, then I'll compare it and see if I made the right choice.

[@ejshelby5460]

why don't you apply Corroseal to all those rust?

[@pbartolomeo05]

1:01

[@zachc.1978]

My globes are shot on my 2002 lx470. Conversion or new globes, and why? (Mine is freeway miles in dry Arizona--no underbody rust)

[@BeginnersLuckGarage]

Since you have no rust i would go with new globes. You really can't beat AHC ride quality

[@princessgirl6rplaysh59]

Hi

[@T25de]

Salted roads suck!