Factory Air Suspension 101: Share your A/S knowledge here
07-02-12, 02:25 PM
#16
"The raising/lowering of the factory A/S will definitely have wear and tear on the ride comfort and inevitably strut longevity. The car was not meant to be raised and lowered frequently"
I'm not sure I buy this.
1) There is no warning in the manual telling owners to limit their use of this feature
2) Since, I believe, the system is air actuated there is no particular reason I can think of that exercising it would cause undue wear.
Do you have further evidence of that point?
I'm not sure I buy this.
1) There is no warning in the manual telling owners to limit their use of this feature
2) Since, I believe, the system is air actuated there is no particular reason I can think of that exercising it would cause undue wear.
Do you have further evidence of that point?
07-02-12, 02:49 PM
#17
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island, BC -ex Illinois &Toronto, ON
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The only time I thought the height feature was of any practical value was in conjunction with the AWD; being able to raise the car in snow - admittedly it does not raise it that much but it does help to reduce drag on the under-carriage
07-02-12, 03:02 PM
#18
Moderator
Thread Starter
Hmm, maybe my statement was misconstrued. My statement was made to address specifically those who drive around on lowered cars whether it be with the Datasystems/Lowing Links in addition to raising/lowering their cars at shows etc. From the mileage I have driven in my car, I can already tell there is a deterioration of ride comfort from riding around as low as I do, so there is definitely an inevitable wear/tear to this item.
So, what is causing the wear...seals inside the struts dealing with added stress or is it the air suspension pumps not being able to generate air or what exactly starts breaking down to create the issue..def want to learn more
07-02-12, 03:53 PM
#19
Now that I have sold my SWB non air, I am on the hunt for my new LWB with air. trying to figure all this stuff out, but I do know i will commute daily on a lower level that is within the boundary for good tire alignment specs to avoid inner wear, even with good toe, the camber still can cause some issues on inner wear...road trips will go to stock height for sure..i just think having the option is awesome!
So, what is causing the wear...seals inside the struts dealing with added stress or is it the air suspension pumps not being able to generate air or what exactly starts breaking down to create the issue..def want to learn more
So, what is causing the wear...seals inside the struts dealing with added stress or is it the air suspension pumps not being able to generate air or what exactly starts breaking down to create the issue..def want to learn more
I think the longevity is dictated by shock life -- the actual airbags have metal sheathing protecting them. The shock and the air bag aren't designed to be separated so when your shock blows from running your car outside of its specified design height (either higher than normal or lower than normal) you will have to replace the entire assembly.
If you drive your car very low and never raise it using the controller (which is what I do) the physical bag and compressor will be OK but the shock may blow prematurely.
07-02-12, 06:45 PM
#22
If you own a LWB, your only option to suspension is Data Controller, Skipper lowering link or after market air. There are no coilover for a LWB...correct if I'm wrong.
For those who don't want to spend $4-$5k for after market air, the Data System and Skipper lowering link is the best option and cheapest option to get the desire stance.
Who is it good for?
Someone like me, who could not afford after market air two years ago but love the stance that the Data System allows. I don't care if the OEM air goes bad cause ultimately, I want after market air. I've been running low with the Data System for over two years now and do not see a difference in ride quality. MY opinion...
Someone like CJITTY will enjoy this set up as well since he will be riding stock height and tuck/slam the LS when park for show/gathering.
Who is it not good for?
Someone with no warranty...I heard on the LS430, each corner cost over a $1k to repair. I am assuming the LS460 will cost more.
Also, I've had people ride in the LS with no finger gap and could not feel that the car is lowered. It's super comfortable. Again...my opinion.
I'm waiting for Henry (rominl) to chime in as he has experience in the Data Controller.
For those who don't want to spend $4-$5k for after market air, the Data System and Skipper lowering link is the best option and cheapest option to get the desire stance.
Who is it good for?
Someone like me, who could not afford after market air two years ago but love the stance that the Data System allows. I don't care if the OEM air goes bad cause ultimately, I want after market air. I've been running low with the Data System for over two years now and do not see a difference in ride quality. MY opinion...
Someone like CJITTY will enjoy this set up as well since he will be riding stock height and tuck/slam the LS when park for show/gathering.
Who is it not good for?
Someone with no warranty...I heard on the LS430, each corner cost over a $1k to repair. I am assuming the LS460 will cost more.
Also, I've had people ride in the LS with no finger gap and could not feel that the car is lowered. It's super comfortable. Again...my opinion.
I'm waiting for Henry (rominl) to chime in as he has experience in the Data Controller.
07-03-12, 06:05 AM
#25
Moderator
This a great thread!
You guys answerd a lot of questions I always wanted to know about the OEM A/S with after market lowering systems. Lots of great info in here, PROPS/ thx to all the owners with A/S sharing their thoughts and real world experiences.
You guys answerd a lot of questions I always wanted to know about the OEM A/S with after market lowering systems. Lots of great info in here, PROPS/ thx to all the owners with A/S sharing their thoughts and real world experiences.
07-03-12, 07:17 AM
#27
Moderator
Thread Starter
IIRC, it was a lady talking about her boyfriend's LS460 on Air with the 26" wheels..one or two of the suspension components failed or something..she wondered if they could swap out to coils instead of getting new air...it was a show car. They probably should of just upgraded to aftermarket air with new hardware with that setup..especially if it was a show ride
07-03-12, 08:57 AM
#28
A friend of mine at the local Lexus dealership and I experimented with this. There is indeed a way to remove the system, but it requires a Lexus specific tool and a lot of patience in order to remove this entire system and have zero errors. I can't remember the specifics to it, but it's not as simple as the LS430 just removing the suspension and all its sensors.
I have never heard of anyone with a LWB replacing their entire suspension with an aftermarket air suspension until Nat mentioned it the other day.
07-03-12, 09:25 AM
#29
Yes I do remember that a random member had said that, because he did that "same" procedure with the LS430 and assumed the same theory would carry over with an LS460 as well.
A friend of mine at the local Lexus dealership and I experimented with this. There is indeed a way to remove the system, but it requires a Lexus specific tool and a lot of patience in order to remove this entire system and have zero errors. I can't remember the specifics to it, but it's not as simple as the LS430 just removing the suspension and all its sensors.
I have never heard of anyone with a LWB replacing their entire suspension with an aftermarket air suspension until Nat mentioned it the other day.
A friend of mine at the local Lexus dealership and I experimented with this. There is indeed a way to remove the system, but it requires a Lexus specific tool and a lot of patience in order to remove this entire system and have zero errors. I can't remember the specifics to it, but it's not as simple as the LS430 just removing the suspension and all its sensors.
I have never heard of anyone with a LWB replacing their entire suspension with an aftermarket air suspension until Nat mentioned it the other day.
I guess that what this forum is for...explore and learn.
