The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

GP55 · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2021 20:45 Post subject: 4.2 vx amazon 2001 rear suspension

Good evening all, just got home after a very uncomfortable ride home ! Ride height dropped to low on outward journey and ride height was flashing "off " on the dash. Attempted to adjust ride height to normal but no joy. Nursed it home and Hydraulic oil reservoir is empty . Any suggestions on any probable or likely cause ? Thanks

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knicko · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 19:08 Post subject:

The dreaded Automatic Height Control (AHC) suspension failure I'm afraid. Most likely corrosion in the pipework that runs underneath the vehicle, which has very poor rust protection. A tiny rust hole will soon empty the suspension fluid under operating pressure.
If you search this site for AHC topics, you will find lots of discussion about how to remedy your problem. In essence you can repair/replace the failed AHC suspension parts (which can be expensive and awkward to reach), or there are aftermarket conversion kits (eg Pedders) to delete the AHC set-up altogether and replace with conventional set-up.
All depends what you prefer and how you use the vehicle (eg towing, varying load weights or just a passenger vehicle).
When mine gives up, I will be going down the Pedders route but that is just my personal choice.
Good luck!
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Nick - Turning Japanese, I really think so!

2003 Land Cruiser Amazon VX 100 series. 5 speed auto. 4.2 TD. 122000 miles.

GP55 · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 8:30 Post subject: AHC failure

Good morning Nick,
and thanks for your reply. Yes you hit the nail on the head, corroded pipework and yes having spoken to various people it seems to replace part of a system which is 20 years old doesn't make a huge amount of sense , so as you suggested , replacement with a conventional suspension kit/set up seems to be the way to go !
Thanks again and I hope you have a few more years before you are in the same boat !!