ROTW - sjcruiser

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 02:28 AM

The vehicle: 1997 Lexus LX450
Production date: Dec. - 1997 (ported to the US on Jan. 1998)
Mileage: just rolled over 88,888 miles yesterday!

I bought mine under CPO program in May, 2001. The truck had approximately 35Kmiles on it. Since then, it's been serving mainly as a family van on long trips. Besides regular maintainances, the truck has had very few issues.

Repairs that have been done (all in which, fortunately, 100% covered under CPO warranty):

. All shock absorbers replaced with Land Cruiser counterparts' at 35Kmiles
. Rear hatch window and USPS sliding doors replaced at 42Kmiles(bubbles forming)
. Door lock control module replaced (doors unlocked automatically on hard turns) at 45Kmiles
. Antenna mast replaced at 48Kmiles (stopped functioning)
. Front axle service at 68Kmiles (USPS internal seal started leaking)

Comparing to most others' on the list, mine is pretty much a plain jane truck. It's built for traveling and future expedition wheeling. Heavy weight mods are postponed at least till the truck is paid off (few more months to go, yaayy!!!)

Modifications made (in no particular order):

. Great-cover seat covers for the first and second row. This made the

extremely happy.
. George's map and dome lights (plus door courtesy LEDS all around)
. OME861/862 low lift springs matched with OME N73/N74E shocks (currently replaced with OEMs)
. Slee's CDL switch
. Slee's in-dash cup holder
. Slee's upgrade headlight wiring harness
. Cruiserdan's pin 7 mod
. Front and rear differential breathers extended and relocated in the engine bay (along with flappers removed).
. 100UJZ front brake pads + cryogenized front rotors
. MKII Supra fog light switch for the 1000FF Hellas
. Rear center console mounted cup holder
. Rear cigarette lighter outlet (with power distributor block)
. Dual 7" screen headrest mounted portable DVD player (keep kids quiet!)
. Only Mobil1 Synthetics on the engine and transmission.
. Amsoil 75w-90 synthetic gear oil series 2000 on the transfer case + front and rear differentials.
. Windshield washer bottle relocated and secondary battery tray installed - waiting for dual battery setup.
. MKII Supra underhood light
. JDM second row seat reclining hinges
. 3M protective films on all frontal light housings

Future considerations:
. ARB bullbar
. OME851/860 springs & CC bushings + 33" tires

Frank.

Edit: added some items that I missed out

Uncle Ben · 08-08-05, 09:11 AM

Sound's very sweet! Get them pics up!

Aussie cruiser · 08-08-05, 07:16 PM

Pics of the headrest mounted dvd would be appreciated and what are cryogenised rotors?

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 08:16 PM

Finally got the pics uploaded...my DD

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 08:18 PM

Various mods under the hood...

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 08:19 PM

Interior...

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 09:08 PM

Last shots...

sjcruiser · 08-08-05, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie cruiser

what are cryogenised rotors?

Basically it's a process used to toughen the rotors by bringing it to extreme temperature. You could find more information on www.frozenrotors.com

NorCalDoug · 08-08-05, 09:38 PM

Nice rig!

I see you got the chromed rims too.

How'd you get your kid to float in the door way

???

loquito · 08-08-05, 11:17 PM

Nice ride, does the under hood light come on and off with the opening of the hood?
Steven

Darwood · 08-09-05, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalDoug

Nice rig!

I see you got the chromed rims too.

How'd you get your kid to float in the door way

???

Float in the doorway? I see his wife carrying his son. Doug, I think you need to turn up the brightness on your monitor

NorCalDoug · 08-09-05, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwood

Float in the doorway? I see his wife carrying his son. Doug, I think you need to turn up the brightness on your monitor

I see arms, but not much else - could be someone out of view...I guess.

Darwood · 08-09-05, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalDoug

I see arms, but not much else - could be someone out of view...I guess.

She's in plain view, hugging the boy. Her head is right next to the boys head. Now I'm thinking you need glasses.

NorCalDoug · 08-09-05, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwood

She's in plain view, hugging the boy. Her head is right next to the boys head. Now I'm thinking you need glasses.

Ahhhhh....there she is!

Got it. I thought he was strapped into a baby carrier like a bjorn or something. Now I see her

Might need to update the prescription on the specs

landtank · 08-09-05, 07:31 AM

was that dash cover a gift from your mother-in-law?

MTNRAT · 08-09-05, 07:45 AM

How'd you get your kid to float in the door way ???

LMAO,
Cheers,
Sean

landtank · 08-09-05, 08:01 AM

Do you remember which pattern number that was on the covers? My wifes 4Runner needs some and I can't tell from the site which one you selected, which would be a good match for her truck.

NorCalDoug · 08-09-05, 10:35 AM

That supra light switch is pretty cool. Did you pick it up new or 2nd hand?

tarbe · 08-09-05, 10:44 AM

I need to get a/some cup holder(s) on the back of the center console. My kids really gripe when we hit the drive-through in the 80....spoiled brats!

sjcruiser · 08-09-05, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loquito

Nice ride, does the under hood light come on and off with the opening of the hood?
Steven

It's supposed to. However, the switch that came with it does not fit on the cruiser's fender hole. I'm still looking for a smaller one (or drill a larger hole

)

sjcruiser · 08-09-05, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwood

She's in plain view, hugging the boy. Her head is right next to the boys head. Now I'm thinking you need glasses.

Both of your replies made my day - exactly what I was thinking skimming through Doug's posts

sjcruiser · 08-09-05, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landtank

Do you remember which pattern number that was on the covers? My wifes 4Runner needs some and I can't tell from the site which one you selected, which would be a good match for her truck.

I believe it's either T4 or N6 (first thing I ever put on the cruiser). I'll check the receipts box if the information is there later tonight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalDoug

That supra light switch is pretty cool. Did you pick it up new or 2nd hand?

From a local junk yard (saw lots of them) - $3 I think...

Lars · 08-09-05, 06:05 PM

Where did you buy the seat covers? Got a link?

reffug · 08-09-05, 06:34 PM

Nice pink panty machine dude.

loquito · 08-09-05, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjcruiser

It's supposed to. However, the switch that came with it does not fit on the cruiser's fender hole. I'm still looking for a smaller one (or drill a larger hole

)

I was going to use a murcury switch, might be a though

[Comparing to most others' on the list, mine is pretty much a plain jane truck. ]

Our list of stuff is real simular, and yet I still feel real plain Jane too

[with power distributor block]

Can I see this?

[Slee's upgrade headlight wiring harness/MKII Supra fog light switch for the 1000FF Hellas]

Are the Hellas fog lights?

Thanks

Steven

sjcruiser · 08-10-05, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lars

Where did you buy the seat covers? Got a link?

It used to be www.great-covers.com. I think they have a new website www.gtcovers.com, which is more user friendly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by loquito

[with power distributor block]

Can I see this?

[Slee's upgrade headlight wiring harness/MKII Supra fog light switch for the 1000FF Hellas]

Are the Hellas fog lights?

The distributor block is similar to the ones that are normally used on external amplifiers. I'll try to snap a pic tomorrow. The Hellas are driving lights.

slick621 · 08-10-05, 08:41 PM

i like the idea with the a/c pipe insulation

AnnoymousUser · 08-15-05, 12:08 PM

I want to see the ". JDM second row seat reclining hinges" That is so cool!

Nice Ride! In SF and very near by if you ever plan to go off road!

alkaline747trio · 08-15-05, 09:47 PM

I'm with annoy.. pics of the recliners and where did you get them, how much, etc..?

TLC42TD · 08-16-05, 03:05 AM

On UK spec trucks, the blank switches on the dash panel are occupied by headlamp height adjustment, headlamp jet washer and rear fog lamps.

It ought to be possible to obtain an original LC fog light switch instead of the Supra switch, that's if you want a consistent "look".