Check refrigerant levels first and fill if low. Mine was acting up and I had it topped off (with the dye just in case) and it's been OK for a couple weeks already.
Air suspension finally died so I installed Eibach lift kit (rear only for starters). I'd say it was pretty darn tedious screwing down those spring plates. Make sure to get a magnetic retriever stick... you will need it :) It's not a complicated job but prepare to curse quite a bit along the way.
It's been a while but little progress has been made.
Come Black Friday - Crutchfield had a great sale on speakers so I took advantage and replaced all front ones (3 x each door). My lows sounded awful and were dried out and torn as I found out later. I'd say it was a pretty easy and...
Depo headlights installed...
Word of advice to all looking to do the same - get the damn harness replaced at the same time to save yourself the trouble and get the job done in one attempt. Both of my old lights had turn signal melted and I suspect it might have been caused by shorted wiring...
Cosmetic stuff. Now if I could finally make it to the upholstery shop to get the rest of the seats done by real professionals.
I could get replacement leather seat covers but I really would like to boost the worn out butt pad and add heating elements.
Following... my steering is also a pretty stiff and I did replace the fluid but no noticeable improvement. No rust issues since I am in Southwest so I'm not sure what to look for yet. It is not terrible but definitely requires more effort to steer than I'd like.
Replaced PS reservoir, return and pressure line (passenger side). Real pain in the ass to do it because old hoses are stiff and dried up. I don't know if there is a trick that I'm not aware of to push the pressure line assembly in place. I had to take one of the brackets off to do it and then...
Finally got the stereo in... what a pain! Still have to glue few broken trim pieces together - plastic gets brittle after 18 years after all so it is almost inevitable that something breaks.
One of the challenges was programming SWC adapter. For some reason JVC stereo would not take input on 3.5...
Part 1: Head unit replacement... Noob edition :)
I've looked through bunch of YT videos but couldn't find anything comprehensive that goes over the process for noobs like me.
And I have somewhat underestimated amount effort and number of parts required although mine is a non-nav so comparing to...
Cosmetic stuff but probably the most "intimate" since you hold on to it all the time :)
Finished steering wheel wrap... This was a real pain. I think I've spent good 4-5 hours on it. It is not perfect so I might muster myself to redo it sometime if it keeps bothering me.
I took the wheel off to...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Splash-Shield-For-2003-2009-Lexus-GX460-GX470-Apron-Fender-Liner-Seal-Flap/283409343366?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Clips that come with it kinda crappy but otherwise it is not a bad kit for the price. I definitely wouldn't bother cutting...
How much were the skids? I tried calling these guys but no answer and the website is not showing any pricing. I'm looking at the options and looks like so far ASFIR is the ones I'd get but I haven't gathered all of my options yet.
My math is kind of simple:
Assembled bumper = $2XXX (MetalTech for example)
OR
Coastal bumper + MIG welder = $1XXX and gained welding skills... priceless :)