Can this be done?

Option 13 · 05-12-05, 09:55

I have a 1994 LandCruiser with 60k on it and I need your suggestions.

I want to modify my suspension so that when I bring my car to a stop I can flip a switch and my car will drop .....flip it again and my car will raise back to the original height.

I'm doing this to make it easier for my wife and daughters to get in and out.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy...in fact, the simpler the better.

I looked into "bagging" or "juicing" it, but setups I found for both of those ways seemed to more for true lowriders or hoppers.

Does anyone know how this can be done.

TortoiseAWD · 05-12-05, 09:58

I'm not an expert on those types of suspensions, but I think if you want to be able to raise and lower automatically, you'll need to look into airbags or something similar. I can't think of anything that does what you want other than pneumatic or hydraulic setup.

Tort

Option 13 · 05-12-05, 10:06

I think you're probably right about having to use air or hydraulics.
What I guess I'm looking for is a setup that has minimal modifications to my original suspension.

I mean I dont want to have to weld or drill on my original suspension any more than is necessary.
But the only setups I have been able to find are for hardcore lowriders or hoppers and they seem to have severe modifications to the original suspensions.

brwill2005 · 05-12-05, 10:18

I dont think you can realisticaly expect to accomplish that without modifying your suspension. As the other gentleman stated, airbags would be appropriate for you goal.

rjstaaf · 05-12-05, 10:21

Have you thought about just getting some step rails rather than going to the expense of modifying the suspension?

Option 13 · 05-12-05, 11:20

Quote:

Originally posted by brwill2005
I dont think you can realisticaly expect to accomplish that without modifying your suspension. As the other gentleman stated, airbags would be appropriate for you goal.

I know I'll have to modify some...I just want the modifications to be as minimal as possible.

And if it has to be airbags that's ok...I'm just looking for the easiest setup.
I'm hoping someone who has seen or done this can point me in the right direction.

99blackmagic · 05-12-05, 12:02

i saw on an offroading program on TV a set of running boards or nerf bars that came out automatically when you shut off the vehicle. i don't have a truck and didn't pay attention to who made it, but perhaps you could do that cheaper than airbags.

Accumulator · 05-12-05, 12:02

"Bagging it" is not a simple mod by any means. This is something that has to be done right (serious safety issues).

I forget how has the most "daily-driver-friendly" system, but doing an internet search should bring up the top few companies.

I dunno...this one sounds like trouble to me.

Option 13 · 05-12-05, 01:04

What about hydraulic shocks with a switch?

I've had replies from East coasters and Mid westerners.
How about some ideas from the West Coast?
After all, you guys practically invented these setups.

the other pc · 05-12-05, 02:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Option 13
What about hydraulic shocks with a switch?...

They only raise the truck.

Even If you remove the shocks completely the height won't change unless they have some preload to them. You would need to lower the whole suspension. Then the hydraulics or pneumatics would raise the car to the desired ride height.

You didn't answer rjstaaf's question. Does it have a step already?

PC.

Way2SSlow · 05-12-05, 02:37

The LX470s come with that feature. I think it was an option on later model cruisers as well. It allows you to sit at normal height (which it will automatically go to when you hit 18mph or AREN'T locked in 4WD) drop 2 inches from Normal to allow for easy entry/exit, or go 2 inches over normal height for more ground clearance. I wouldnt even consider adapting the Lexus parts though (although they *might* fit) beacuse of the cost. I used to work for Lexus and Jiffy Lube had to eat a suspension for an LX and It was just ridiculous!!! They poured windshield washer fluid into the hydraulic fluid that goes to the suspension. Anyway, if you can maybe sell your cruiser and get an LX470, new or used, that might be a good bet. My Mom has one and we have been in love with that car ever since we drove it off the lot.

As far as money and time invested, getting a newer one is probably the best bet. With that kind of mileage, you should be able to get a nice chunk for that crusier. Correct me if I am wrong, but that bodystyle is desireable because it was available with locking differentials...?

Option 13 · 05-12-05, 05:31

Quote:

Originally posted by the other pc
They only raise the truck.

Even If you remove the shocks completely the height won't change unless they have some preload to them. You would need to lower the whole suspension. Then the hydraulics or pneumatics would raise the car to the desired ride height.

You didn't answer rjstaaf's question. Does it have a step already?

PC.

Thanks for the input... have you ever seen anything like what I'm talking about?
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Sorry rjstaaf...I didn't mean to ignore you .

Yeah, I already have running boards.
I don't think I would like step rails on it, but I appreciate the suggestion.