symbolicmotors

I am trying to find a solution to the bouncy rough ride of 1999 LX 470. Strutmasters says they have the fix, but can't find anyone that has done this. Would like to know this option will work with just going back to strut/shock application.

Hey,

I just went through the same problem. I shopped around and finally decided to try and put a kit together myself from OEM Landcruiser parts (ordering stock Landcruiser springs and bilstein shocks). Although I accomplished my task I would not do the same thing over again for the slight savings versus what you would get from strutmasters (instructions would have been VERY helpful!). The only reason I went my direction is because I didn't want Monroe shocks but in retrospect I dont think it would have made that much of a difference.

I do however recommend getting a new set of front torsion bars because I had to go back and replace mine after I put the new suspension components on.

DO NOT get aftermarket accumulators. I went through 3 sets before I was basically told to &^#k off by the owner of the aftermarket accumulator company.

Good luck!

I have had 3 sets of these B&B accumulators fail. DO NOT BUY B&B aftermarket parts!!!!!!

"Please contact me directly before posting inaccurate information on such forums. B and B stands behind the products we sell. Yes, there HAVE been isolated failures, and we promptly ship , at OUR expense,new replacements WITHOUT requiring deposits or defective parts returned first (which is what every other parts supplier requires). We also provide unlimited telephone consultation to customers and their mechanics".

The statement above is pretty much exactly the opposite of what the warranty information they have changed on their site now says!

So are you saying that my repetitive failures were caused by contamination....?

Seems like before you were sure it was a manufacturing problem. And I quote you "Chris I am so sorry to hear of another accumulator failure. We got bit again with a lot (bog of 500) of O-rings with soft spots dispersed in them--and they were the primary charge gas seal. They lose sealing pressure in the soft spots over time-from weeks to months before leakage starts. Failures are around 6% in the July-Dec 09 group, and run in groups of 20 units it seems. One of us was using the 'suspect' bag, the other a good bag."

This has been the most frustrating experience with a repair I have EVER had.

Any current status... I ordered my replacement globes Saturday.....???

Original Post:

AHC Suspension Accumulators - B & B Suspensions - Keith

I own a 1999 LX 470 with 148,000 miles and I'm changing my accumulators (all 4) for the first time. In the past few months, my ride has become spongey (truck seems to roll left and right around turns and slow curves) but very HARD when negotiating potholes, bumps, etc. It just doesn't feel like the ride I'm used to. I like in New York and think the climate has been kind to me... I heard harsh weather and intense heat really beats up the system.... so after a call to B & B Suspensions and an hour + conversation with Keith, I have decided to go after market....

I have purchased 3 (2.5 liter) containers of the Toyota / Lexus AHC Fluid (part AHC Suspension Fluid 2.5 liter container 08886-01805), which by the way, is now $41 and red in color like their antifreeze... (purchased at Bronx Toyota Parts - Boston Post Road, see Ray Figueroa) I called 5 dealerships locally and found pricing $41 to $57.... I believe I have enough to change the globes and flush the system.....

I have read a few forum threads on IH8MUD.COM... and feel I'm ready to take this on myself....

http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruiser...sion-fluid.html

Does anyone have ANY tips, tricks, watch out for's, suggestions before I start bleeding my first accumulator...

I've done a visual inspection (when I was doing my O2 sensors) and everything SEEMS to be where everyone says it is.... I read about taking a 36mm open ended wrench and grinding it down to 8 - 9 mm thick.....

UPDATE: FORGET THAT GRINDING THE $100 36mm WRENCH DOWN TO 8mm!!!!... get a FORD fan clutch wrench (they are a few bucks online... here's a link to Snap-on for you "Big Shots." Use Item Number: YA9325-1

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?it...oup_ID=1503)....

OR $16 on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Fan-Clutch-1984-and-NEWER-2-Piece-Wrench-Set_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2468001aQQitemZ400042754074QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomo

tiveQ5fTools

It is 36mm and the PERFECT thickness.... my accumulators were original, ten years old and came off with just a little amount of pressure.... without the wrench this could be a lil knuckle buster..... I used a turkey baster to empty the reservior (with the truck in the LOW position), filled it to the brim with fresh, turned on the ignition and let the truck climb to the HIGH position, then started bleeding each accumulator (10 mm open end wrench).... did each one twice allowing the entire suspension to collapse (buy a length of clear tubing at Home Depot and attached to the end of the bleeder)... and continued until I had nice fresh fluid flowing.... This was possibly easier than changing the oil on this truck.... you DO NOT have to get under the truck... everything can be reached from outside the running boards and you don't have to drop the engine skid plate.... Keith said to allow AT THE MAX, 4 hours to complete.... I did everything in two hours, fifteen minutes with bull$#!ting and laughs.... I had one other guy helping me with the floor jack but this is definitely a one man job.... After completing the job, and spilling the oil out of my old accumulators... I think two were completely blown... the new ride was unbelieveably awesome.... firm yet smooth... and the truck lifts better, corners better and just feels fabulous.... I just hope I get the mileage out of these accumulators.... but as far as quality of ride, 4 STARS! I used 2 of the 3 2.5l containers of fluid.... it is relatively cheap compared to the system so let it flow when flushing out..... I plan on re-bleeding after ski season and a few trips to the Catskill Mountains of New York.... That should work out the kinks, and bubbles......

Thanks,

Rob

Hey Rob,

Just FYI..... I just went through my THIRD set of B&B Accumulators (all of which have failed within 3 months of light usage) and now Keith will not replace this faulty set.

Hindsight being 20/20 I definitely would have either switched to a more basic suspension setup of gone with OEM parts seeing as I would have saved some money now.

I'd love to hear how quickly everyone else's has gone out.