2003 Refurb - Son’s First Cruiser (5 Viewers)

[MattyO]

Picked up a 2003 LC local to me, will be my son’s first car as he is currently 15. Price was right, given it had several issues and some with unknown scope/solutions. Tore into it this past week to start sorting it out. I have 4 kids and the plan is for this to be everyone’s first car. Because of that, I plan to eventually add some armor for when they crash it. The specs are below along with all the items that need immediate attention. Plan to build it up in phases.

2003 LC
298k miles
-Radiator Leaking (OEM replacement included)
-AC doesn’t work
-Has Bad Driveline Clunk
-P0420 Code
-Tires worn
-Inside was dirty, tears on seats, outside has dents but paint overall good, just dull
-No 3rd row seats

Definitely a project, but that is what I wanted. This is my 3rd LC and 2nd 100 series so I know my way around them.

This past weekend I knocked out the following with the help of my two oldest boys.

-Replaced radiator with OEM
-Replaced center diff bushing. The one in front of axle was visibly shot so started with it. The others need replacing also
-Changed diff and tcase fluids
-Interior carpet clean
-Exterior paint correction & polish
-Clean & condition leather
-Replace Bank 1 Upstream O2 Sensor trying to clear P0420 code
-Programmed 2nd key and key fob using techstream.
-Grease driveshafts
-Installed interior LED’s
-Added Weathertech Mats

Other items found that I am in the process of addressing.

-Lower ball joints are bad, driver side is really bad. Ordered new from Cruiser Outfitters
-Replace drive flanges and maybe CV Axles if the splines are worn. Drive flanges in order from Toyota
-Researching how to tackle AC leak. Assuming it is rear line, hoping to fix it without spending a fortune.
-The arm style diff bushings require replacement
-Clean PS reservoir & replace fluid. Will add AT205 as the rack has tiny weep
-Replace rear sway bar bushings
-If 0420 code returns will replace cats with universal Magnaflow options. The code is the real issue as it has led to two no start situations. One after filling up with gas. Both times vehicle cracked up one fuel cap was removed.
-Replace fuel cap

Additional Items to Add
-OME rear coils
-Crank torsion bars
-New Tires
-YotaMD Key Fob
-BT-45 TOY
-Front/Rear Bumper
-Sliders

Some before pics, after a good washing but before detailing. You can see that diff bushing was toast!

 

[MattyO]

Few more pics. Will add post detail photos later.

 

[Foehammer]

Lucky sons

Nice rig; two tone white is sharp imo

 

[gray rider]

At MattyO: I think I know that 100. Looking good. Glad you are making a project out of it with your youngsters. Should be good times! Nothing quite like a willing buyer and a willing seller, right?

Can you elaborate on the
"The code is the real issue as it has led to two no start situations. One after filling up with gas. Both times vehicle cracked up one fuel cap was removed"

Thx

 

[dbleon]

Nice rig I would’ve loved to have that as my first.

Don’t forget to service the transmission.. IMO

 

[AARONTLC]

If you conclude that the CAT is at fault. You can remove the bank 1 CAT and clean it. I cleared the exact same code on my 2011 Pathfinder by pulling the CAT and filling it with lacquer thinner and just agitating back and forth for about 30 min. Tons of crap came out. Reinstalled and got on an open road put it in 3rd and got it super hot. Code has never come back. 50,000 miles ago. CAT’s are way easier to remove on the Cruiser than the Pathfinder. Good luck!

 

[AARONTLC]

Don’t forget to check the torque on the spark plugs. Cheap insurance!

 

[Rhetoric]

When you say OEM radiator included do you mean a T.Rad from Toyota or some aftermarket? Beware if aftermarket anything with these trucks, esp radiators. If this is gonna be a kiddo car I would be baselining and bullet proofing everything.

Will this truck be loaded heavily? Everything said about OME components means it will ride awful unless you are heavily armored up. Cranking the tbars is just gonna make the driving characteristics awful… again… bad for first time drivers / kids.

 

[gray rider]

I know where the radiator originated:
Marietta Ga Toyota

Radiator Assembly Part Number: 16400-50290

1​

$518.64​

 

[gray rider]

Answering for MattyO, sorry.

 

[MattyO]

When you say OEM radiator included do you mean a T.Rad from Toyota or some aftermarket? Beware if aftermarket anything with these trucks, esp radiators. If this is gonna be a kiddo car I would be baselining and bullet proofing everything.

Will this truck be loaded heavily? Everything said about OME components means it will ride awful unless you are heavily armored up. Cranking the tbars is just gonna make the driving characteristics awful… again… bad for first time drivers / kids.

Yeah, just changing the springs. Shocks will stay OEM. Cranked torsion bars to level it, still rides fine.

 

[MattyO]

At MattyO: I think I know that 100. Looking good. Glad you are making a project out of it with your youngsters. Should be good times! Nothing quite like a willing buyer and a willing seller, right?

Can you elaborate on the
"The code is the real issue as it has led to two no start situations. One after filling up with gas. Both times vehicle cracked up one fuel cap was removed"

Thx

It has not started for me twice, like it was vapor locked. First was on Friday after filling the tank. Would not start when trying to leave the gas pump. Loosened the cap and tightened it, it cranked. Them on Monday we drove to the forest to hike. Came back about two hours later and no start. Did same thing with gas cap and it started.

 

[MattyO]

If you conclude that the CAT is at fault. You can remove the bank 1 CAT and clean it. I cleared the exact same code on my 2011 Pathfinder by pulling the CAT and filling it with lacquer thinner and just agitating back and forth for about 30 min. Tons of crap came out. Reinstalled and got on an open road put it in 3rd and got it super hot. Code has never come back. 50,000 miles ago. CAT’s are way easier to remove on the Cruiser than the Pathfinder. Good luck!

Interesting, have not considered that. Code has already come back so looks like it was not the O2. I am gonna try Cataclean and a new gas cap also. If it comes back will have to clean cat or replace.

 

[AARONTLC]

Interesting, have not considered that. Code has already come back so looks like it was not the O2. I am gonna try Cataclean and a new gas cap also. If it comes back will have to clean cat or replace.

Might as well. Pulling the CAT is pretty easy. I would have new gaskets and hardware on hand if you do. Best of luck!

 

[Fj60+]

I had the same code…I’ve been chasing the issue as well- replaced with oem gas cap seems to have done the trick, I did get the code one other time but it’s been about a week. Back up o2 sensor on hand. I did not have the no start however. GL! 03’ is a great year!

 

[augustwest]

Picked up a 2003 LC local to me, will be my son’s first car as he is currently 15. Price was right, given it had several issues and some with unknown scope/solutions. Tore into it this past week to start sorting it out. I have 4 kids and the plan is for this to be everyone’s first car. Because of that, I plan to eventually add some armor for when they crash it. The specs are below along with all the items that need immediate attention. Plan to build it up in phases.

2003 LC
298k miles
-Radiator Leaking (OEM replacement included)
-AC doesn’t work
-Has Bad Driveline Clunk
-P0420 Code
-Tires worn
-Inside was dirty, tears on seats, outside has dents but paint overall good, just dull
-No 3rd row seats

Definitely a project, but that is what I wanted. This is my 3rd LC and 2nd 100 series so I know my way around them.

This past weekend I knocked out the following with the help of my two oldest boys.

-Replaced radiator with OEM
-Replaced center diff bushing. The one in front of axle was visibly shot so started with it. The others need replacing also
-Changed diff and tcase fluids
-Interior carpet clean
-Exterior paint correction & polish
-Clean & condition leather
-Replace Bank 1 Upstream O2 Sensor trying to clear P0420 code
-Programmed 2nd key and key fob using techstream.
-Grease driveshafts
-Installed interior LED’s
-Added Weathertech Mats

Other items found that I am in the process of addressing.

-Lower ball joints are bad, driver side is really bad. Ordered new from Cruiser Outfitters
-Replace drive flanges and maybe CV Axles if the splines are worn. Drive flanges in order from Toyota
-Researching how to tackle AC leak. Assuming it is rear line, hoping to fix it without spending a fortune.
-The arm style diff bushings require replacement
-Clean PS reservoir & replace fluid. Will add AT205 as the rack has tiny weep
-Replace rear sway bar bushings
-If 0420 code returns will replace cats with universal Magnaflow options. The code is the real issue as it has led to two no start situations. One after filling up with gas. Both times vehicle cracked up one fuel cap was removed.
-Replace fuel cap

Additional Items to Add
-OME rear coils
-Crank torsion bars
-New Tires
-YotaMD Key Fob
-BT-45 TOY
-Front/Rear Bumper
-Sliders

Some before pics, after a good washing but before detailing. You can see that diff bushing was toast!

View attachment 3771360

View attachment 3771361

View attachment 3771362

View attachment 3771363

View attachment 3771364

Did new O2 sensors clear the P0420 code? If not, you should look into the citric acid/oxalic acid wash. Google "citric acid oxalic acid catalytic converter". There was actually a study done on it in 2006 which shows it brings cats back from the dead. I had been trying to pass CO emissions for the better part of the last year (and had P0420/0430 along the way). The last ditch hail mary before dropping $3k on new cats was the acid wash, and it worked. It dropped my NOX number from 2.0 to 0.4 (1.5 limit in CO). I got rid of the code before this by replacing all 4 O2 sensors and the MAF sensor, but the cats were apparently still all gunked up and ineffective.

Cat Cleaning Citric & Oxalic Acid. CO Emissions

Emission tested the 94 LC 417,000 mi and got a FAIL. 1st test O2 unplugged = 6.8 NOx 2nd test plugged in old O2's and added 1 gal denatured alcohol to 5 gal gas 7.3 NOx I checked the temp of the cats after hwy driving and the cats were the same temp as the exhaust pipes off the manifold so...

forum.ih8mud.com

P0420 / P0430 and a "Hail Mary Pass" (the...

www.tundrasolutions.com

Edit: I see the code came back.

 

[MattyO]

Did new O2 sensors clear the P0420 code? If not, you should look into the citric acid/oxalic acid wash. Google "citric acid oxalic acid catalytic converter". There was actually a study done on it in 2006 which shows it brings cats back from the dead. I had been trying to pass CO emissions for the better part of the last year (and had P0420/0430 along the way). The last ditch hail mary before dropping $3k on new cats was the acid wash, and it worked. It dropped my NOX number from 2.0 to 0.4 (1.5 limit in CO). I got rid of the code before this by replacing all 4 O2 sensors and the MAF sensor, but the cats were apparently still all gunked up and ineffective.

Cat Cleaning Citric & Oxalic Acid. CO Emissions

Emission tested the 94 LC 417,000 mi and got a FAIL. 1st test O2 unplugged = 6.8 NOx 2nd test plugged in old O2's and added 1 gal denatured alcohol to 5 gal gas 7.3 NOx I checked the temp of the cats after hwy driving and the cats were the same temp as the exhaust pipes off the manifold so...

forum.ih8mud.com

P0420 / P0430 and a "Hail Mary Pass" (the...

www.tundrasolutions.com

Edit: I see the code came back.

Thanks for this info. Will look into it.

I added a few after pics of the outside & inside.

 

[MattyO]

Few more outside shots. Now just waiting on parts.

 

[AARONTLC]

Thanks for this info. Will look into it.

I added a few after pics of the outside & inside.

View attachment 3771770

View attachment 3771771

View attachment 3771773

View attachment 3771777

View attachment 3771778

Sweet!

 

[AARONTLC]

Strange how some cruisers have a middle support under the rack and some don't. My neighbor has a white 1998 and his rack has a center support. Mine is an 2001 and does not and never did. Yours is 2003 and does.