GeenIdee

Hey guys,

So, I bought an '99 LS400 a week ago and obviously, it needs to go down.

This car of mine has factory air suspension, so why not use it? But apparently the factory bags can't handle being low.
So i've been thinking on using aftermarket airbagged struts, and connect them to the factory suspension.

Did anyone try this before? Should work right? If everything is set up just right.
And what bout those actuators on top of the factory struts? Car will give a fault reading won't it?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

good question but consider this: the car is old so the air suspension components (not just the bags) are old, such as the compressors and valves.
adding aftermarket bags may work but you will have to forfeit the damper adjustment (actuators at the top of the struts). they are for OE strut use only and will be difficult to retrofit in.

how did you lower the car with factory bags? air controller? adjust the leveling arms?

creilly

I've been wondering about this too, though for slightly different reasons. My car had an air controller in it when I got it, and the suspension shows no signs of previous abuse or really much wear at all. However, I know it'll go at some point and I wondered if a aftermarket air suspension kit could be fitted and made to work with the OEM system.

GeenIdee

@timmy

I haven't lowered it at all at the moment. So it's still nice and comfy

But most sets have adjustable dampers just like regulair coilovers. So retrofitting the factory actuators will be a no go indeed. But i'm expecting that the car will give fault messages on the cluster when I disconnect them. So what to do about that?


My basic idea was quiet simple:
Use aftermarket struts to lower the car instead of lowering by using the airbags.
Adjust the car in such way that the car behaves like it is stock
And then use the factory button next to the gear sellector to raise the car for those rediculous speed bumps we have here in Holland.

I could add the air sus controller later to control the air pressure in the bags if I feel the need to.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

you have to somehow trick the car into thinking all is well, which is an unknown to me.
the factory air suspension relies on leveling sensors on the front and rear to tell the computer what ride height is appropriate, that will have to be adjusted.