Yes. Only real difference was road/tire temps between t1 and t2/3. I put the original fuse back and the malfunction message went away. I'll do t1 and t2 tomorrow again when its cool.
Suspension Upgrade - ARB/OME MT64 Discussion
- Thread starter DJ’s Sled
- Start date
I had to do an errand this am so I traveled down on the same road at about the same cool temp and the ride was smoothish like tests 2 &3 from yesterday. You got me. I did some further research and I believe the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension) system may also affect the ride quality so I will pull the AVS-IGT fuse tomorrow am when it's cooler and see if that makes a difference in ride quality. Stay tuned...
- Thread starter
- #44
As far as I know there are no aftermarket shocks, struts that work with the Lexus AVS system. AVS includes specially built Tokico shocks, wiring, etc.
So, as promised, I did more road testing this cool am: I again drove down to the turn-around and back home with my OT in stock form. The ride was a bit bumpy just as I noticed in the first run a few days ago. I then pulled the 15A blue AVS-IGR fuse (located in the passenger-side FB) and went for another spin. The ride quality seemed to be significantly improved, maybe not on what I would expect from a Lexus, but quite a bit smoother and no error messages. I plan to leave the fuse out and get some more feedback from other trips. I am not sure how the now de-energized sensors are utilized in other ways - I see from the schematics that the wiring is used in the Stabilizer Control ECU and Skid Control ECUs. I would imagine that these ECU systems are affected if the original shocks are replaced during a lift kit install. Your thoughts?
Very interesting and thanks for sharing. I am quite the noob so I have to ask, when you say passenger side FB, what is the FB? Tks
FB - fuse box.
Tks! Now don't I feel like a dummy! lol
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- #49
Great info Garauld!
When I ran my OBD scanner after disabling and removing the AVS components, I didn’t see any other error or issue code, other than the one for each corner of the AVS being disconnected, not communicating, etc.
I’m completely unqualified to say for sure, but only can guess…
The Skid Control system obviously would use several other sensors, inputs. The AVS type OE Tokico shocks would be able to contribute somewhat to firming up nose dive, helping mitigate excess lean, etc..during emergency type situations, skid recovery, etc. However, I’m guessing that the VSC is not predominantly reliant on AVS. The ECU may in fact be looking at/for AVS input, and simply would direct other resources (maybe steering, ABS, EKDSS, etc) and sensors to make up any AVS shortfall. So since most lift kits supply a firmer spring and modern multi-valved shock…which handle sudden inputs extremely well.., the sensors being used by the VSC won’t be affected too much; you’ll still have the default mechanical resistance of a modern lift kit working in your favor. Instead of an ECU relying on firmware, software to adjust the shock.
The Stabilizer Control ECU (you’re referring to the EKDSS, I assume?) will use some of the same sensors (speed, turning rate, forces, normal driving mode input vs. the MTS or Crawl control, etc) to determine what to do.
That’s perhaps why now - with no AVS in the loop - at very low city speeds on pavement (I previously mentioned round-about, sharp 90 degree turns, transition from driveway or parking lots to the roadway, etc) I can notice a bit more lean and/or nose dive on my new suspension. However, as speeds increase that essentially goes away, the ride is much better, the very controlled ‘float’ and plushness are far nicer.
And at very high speeds when I've had to make quick adjustments to speed, steering input, flying up roads like Monarch pass, etc..the new suspension feels very robust, predictable, and confident.
- Thread starter
- #50
UPDATE:
A quick note for those of you who are following and/or wondering about the towing improvements of my MT64 lift upgrade.
This was one of my goals (explained in more detail earlier in this thread):
2. More towing robustness; more lateral stability and more level - haven’t tested that yet. (and avoid installing air bags)
I have now tested this out.
I initially ‘outsmarted’ myself, by thinking that since the new lift has brought the vehicle rear up by about 2.5” I would lower the hitch ball height one setting lower, to compensate some.
WRONG!
That rationale actually brought the GX rear end down more than needed..to below level. Well duh.
So I readjusted the hitch ball back up to its previous, original position (about 1.25” higher) and tried that.
PRESTO, fixed!!
The GX now sits level when I plant the trailer on the back. I could immediately notice the truck front hood sitting normal (level) once I started off down my local streets. I had a couple quick stop and look moments, yes its level.
And yes after driving around some on our local highway at moderate speed..everything is more robust.
I’ll get a final test with the trailer slightly heavier when we head over to C.Springs in 2 weeks, but I’m completely confident we - actually meaning Slee Offroad - have nailed this perfectly.
A tad more why/how: A modern well engineered set of springs is designed to progressively firm up, resist - more weight as you add it.
The springs enter into more of their weight carrying portion. In our case, the rear springs they chose combined with a tad of rake ends up being perfect. This is kind of explained on both the ARB and Slee websites.
Feel free to comment if you have more questions, etc.
I’ll try and post a couple pics when I can.
A quick note for those of you who are following and/or wondering about the towing improvements of my MT64 lift upgrade.
This was one of my goals (explained in more detail earlier in this thread):
2. More towing robustness; more lateral stability and more level - haven’t tested that yet. (and avoid installing air bags)
I have now tested this out.
I initially ‘outsmarted’ myself, by thinking that since the new lift has brought the vehicle rear up by about 2.5” I would lower the hitch ball height one setting lower, to compensate some.
WRONG!
That rationale actually brought the GX rear end down more than needed..to below level. Well duh.
So I readjusted the hitch ball back up to its previous, original position (about 1.25” higher) and tried that.
PRESTO, fixed!!
The GX now sits level when I plant the trailer on the back. I could immediately notice the truck front hood sitting normal (level) once I started off down my local streets. I had a couple quick stop and look moments, yes its level.
And yes after driving around some on our local highway at moderate speed..everything is more robust.
I’ll get a final test with the trailer slightly heavier when we head over to C.Springs in 2 weeks, but I’m completely confident we - actually meaning Slee Offroad - have nailed this perfectly.
A tad more why/how: A modern well engineered set of springs is designed to progressively firm up, resist - more weight as you add it.
The springs enter into more of their weight carrying portion. In our case, the rear springs they chose combined with a tad of rake ends up being perfect. This is kind of explained on both the ARB and Slee websites.
Feel free to comment if you have more questions, etc.
I’ll try and post a couple pics when I can.
Last edited:
Bendou,
I tow a Kimberley Karavan that weighs approximately 5,000lbs when loaded. The only time I’ve had issues with swaying was when I had the hitch too high and it was extremely windy. I tried the Timbren “helper springs” that replace the bump stops. They were great on the highway, but I didn’t like the ride when towing off-road. I would like to reduce the squat when towing, but I also don’t want to install airbags. I have them on my Tacoma for towing and they are also pretty harsh when inflated (they don’t have enough of a progressive spring rate). How do you like the Dobinson springs and which did you install. I’m specifically wondering how they impacted the ride when you aren’t towing. I have a drawer system and fridge that probably add 200+ lbs when loaded, and the tongue weight is approximately 550lbs.
- Thread starter
- #53
BENDOU,
I will be towing our trailer over to the Springs on Monday. It’ll be the first tow trip since installing the MT64 suspension upgrade. I’m scheduled to have larger and stronger 285-70R18 E tires put on today.
I’ll let you know how it all goes sometime next week.
As far as daily driving goes I still love the new ride and feel from the lift. It’s still night and day on the improvement, I don’t miss the AVS suspension at all. I’m very curious to see how the new tires will ride, inflated down for the streets.
How long did Slee take to do the install?
I live in Durango, and might have a reason to be in the Denver/Golden area in the near future. Sounds like they do good work and I have no idea if there's anyone in/near Durango that knows their stuff.
I live in Durango, and might have a reason to be in the Denver/Golden area in the near future. Sounds like they do good work and I have no idea if there's anyone in/near Durango that knows their stuff.
- Thread starter
- #55
We planned for a full day. It took somewhat less than that which included readjusting the headlights, and also a realignment. In my case we didn’t need to do any trimming after the lift since I was still on the 275/70 tires and OE wheels.
I’m generally aware there are several installers in Durango…one in particular suppose to be able to do all, but I can’t think of their name?
EDIT: should mention that the primary installer at Slee for LC250 and GX550 is who did my install. He has done several of the MT64 kits on those vehicles and knows exactly what he’s doing.
- Thread starter
- #56
BENDOU, a quick update: I drove home on the new 285/70 E Toyo AT3s, tires at about 36 psi as installed. New wheel is 18x8 25 offset. The new tire is very slightly louder, but nothing to worry about.
I can see I gained a little more track (width) for towing, one of my goals.
Measured in the same place in my garage, at the top and center of passenger slider step, I went up about .4 inch, just about as expected.
The GX still seems to steer straight as before.
Part of the drive home is on a torn up local county road. I hit 50 in several places (watching to not get a ticket), and could tell that this tire absorbs the bad stuff better.
Tomorrow I’ll be back in town and will lower pressure to about 31 cold so I can compare to the tires I just removed.
With wheels removed I was able to visually confirm that Slee did indeed set both struts to the same setting on the front.
Spare Tire: I confirmed my new Cooper 275/70 spare is the same height (diameter) as the new 285/70 Toyos unmounted. This particular spare just barely, barely squeezes in all the way. It retains the same overall section width as the previous Nitto TG G3 275/70 we removed, so I haven’t lost any clearance there.
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Willboy, Dobinson makes around three different real springs as I recall. The lightest increase in load capacity and just a 1 inch lift was the spring I got. The other two springs had a lift of 2 inches and more load capacity. With your drawer system and fridge, I would think you would at least need a stiffer spring, just how much I wouldn't know. I carry very little weight in the back of my GX. Not sure what my tongue weight is but it sits level when hitched up to the trailer. I didn't noticed much, if any, harsher ride with the springs. Been very happy with them. But the stock shocks just don't have enough damping. And then getting the stiffer springs, the shock is even further behind in controlling it. I have been talking with Slee on my needs, (1) stop swaying on undulating interstates and then (2) needing to be able to go pretty quickly over washboard roads. That mean having ability to adjust compression damping. Talked with Slee on the OME BP51 and the ADS shocks. I have opted for the ADS suspension and will get it installed the week of 8 September. Yeah, they are pricey but quickly adjustable which is a need I have. I'm 75 so I thought "what the hell" in getting this suspension. Hope this provides some insights for you.
DJ, happy to hear you got the tires! With my KO3's Load Range E, I find cold psi of 25-36 works really well. Nice and smooth. I tried 40 psi and they seemed to quickly get pretty harsh.
DY,
You'll see in another post I made a few minutes ago that I am scheduled with Slee on 8 September to have the ADS suspension installed. As I read up on these, I became pretty impressed with them. After hearing my desires for on-road (no trailer sway) and then off-road without the trailer attached where I am ferrying photographers back and forth from various locations quickly, they recommended the ADS units due to their easy accessibility for adjusting compression and their damping characteristics. . We are heading out Friday for Utah.
Great feedback, thank you. I hate to abandon the stock suspension but i bought the GX to tow our camper into the backcountry, so as you said, “what the hell.” We don’t get to take our money with us so we should do what makes us happy while we can. I’ve been talking to Dissent Offroad because I would love to install their front bumper/winch and rock sliders. However, I’m on the West Slope of CO so I will reach out to Slee and talk to them as well. It would be much more convenient to go there instead of CA.
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