Build 1997 LX450 Ute

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Got the exhaust re-routed and dumped out the side behind the tire. I also got rid of the glass pack and threw a boring muffler on... soooo much better.

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No issues clearing the cross member anymore!
 
Now we're talking. Nice!
 
hamishpotter said:
Now we're talking. Nice!
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Thanks! After the scales I just got on the interstate and drove until I was in the middle of nowhere. I stopped, gassed up, then drove until I saw dirt roads.

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If the fiancée didn't expect me home I'd throw a sleeping bag in the rig and hit the mountains for the night. Man I can't wait to get out in this thing!
 
Well done man. Fun to watch from the beginning. Amazing project and transformation.
 
impressive, didn't know where it was going exactly at the beginning but love how it ended up!
 
bigfj62 said:
Have you had anyone ask you what it is yet? I would be a smart ass and say a Lexus.... Ha ha
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Ha... I actually had a guy at the scales come up and say "Is that a land cruiser??" which kind of surprised me... his brother had an FJC that they just "built" which somehow made us friends.

I told the guys at the muffler shop it sounded just like a Lexus pickup truck should when they were done.
 
Glad to see you stuck with it. Looks very good. I'd like to have one. Hmmm...
 
Well done sir,very cool truck errrr Ute :) I could use something like that around the farm. I think that you have inspired a lot of folks on this board.

That's the money shot right there......

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Did you do the windshield yourself? Just wondering if someone came out to do it what they thought of the rig when they saw it.
 
warezdog said:
Did you do the windshield yourself? Just wondering if someone came out to do it what they thought of the rig when they saw it.
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No, Safelite came and did it. He was impressed... we chatted about the rear hatch glass and he said replacing that won't be an issue with my "modifications."
 
I loaded the ute up for a trip to the dump and heard some funny noises as soon as I started moving. The noises sounded like they were related to the prop shaft, so I hopped out and lo and behold... the prop shaft was contacting my gas tank skid plate.

I pulled back into the driveway, and about 30 minutes later I had the original slee 6" rear coils back under the truck. In addition to curing my clearance issue, the truck handles 100 times better, with zero wandering or driveline vibes.

The downside is, she stink bugs like crazy empty. I've got some lower lift springs on the way.

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Of course in these pictures, it doesn't actually look too ridiculous. It sits really freaking high though.
 
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