Build 97 LX450 Build Thread/Ex
- Thread starter gneisscruiser
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- #22
I decided to go with an ARB bumper, the AOE bumper (bumper that was on there) is for sale though as highlighted in my last photo dump. If you have any questions about it or want to make an offer, feel free to send me a private message.
I swapped my 07 WRX wagon for an lx450 about a year ago, really only miss it driving through a cloverleaf. Haven't checked what autox class the lx falls in.
Looking forward to more great pictures!
Looking forward to more great pictures!
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- #24
I know what you mean, i haven't looked back at the WRX but when you can roast people out of a corner is a feeling that you will never forget. ITs funny, you throw more money at the WRX to make it faster and here you throw more money at the LX to make it go slower. Quite the change of pace i would say. I will have to look and see if i can fit in the stock class up here with my local autocross group
Anyways, i hope to keep it all updated on photos, if you have any suggestions feel free to share!
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- #25
Quick photo of the LX450 out at Nightingale mine near Pyramid Lake, Nevada. I took some buddies out there to go explore a closed down tungsten mine and to teach a little economic geology; where the orebodies were located in the mine, how they formed, and methods used to remove the ore bodies. It was a quick little trip but it was fun none the less.
I will put the ARB compressor in 2 weeks from now as we have a trip with friends planned for wheeling at Moon Rocks this coming weekend.
I also have gotten the wiring done for the lights, using a breaker box before the new fuse box to allow me to break the circuit as well as some added protection against a large surge. All auxiliary items will be run through the new system.
I will put the ARB compressor in 2 weeks from now as we have a trip with friends planned for wheeling at Moon Rocks this coming weekend.
I also have gotten the wiring done for the lights, using a breaker box before the new fuse box to allow me to break the circuit as well as some added protection against a large surge. All auxiliary items will be run through the new system.
If you havent looked at the PHH, you should look into replacing it before you get too deep in the desert. If you do the bypass, you can avoid most of the cusswords associated with a typical PHH replacement.
Nice LX. Ive got a 97 LX that Ive had since 2004. Had 58k on it when i bought it, and has just under 240k on the odometer. She's due for some major love next month.
Nice LX. Ive got a 97 LX that Ive had since 2004. Had 58k on it when i bought it, and has just under 240k on the odometer. She's due for some major love next month.
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- #27
That is super cool that you have had your LX for that long! They are truly awesome cars! And the PHH was taken care of by the last owner from what I understand
Cooldeal. Youll have to do the same thing the 120 series guys do (the GX series Lexus suv's). After conquering a difficult obstacle, you have to roll down your window and ask "if this is the way to the outlet mall and starbucks that is showing up on the gps???" watch the reactions from people that dont anticipate seeing a lexus out in the wilderness.
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- #29
Since I am still in college I have started telling girls that i drive a lexus, it has worked 100% of the time 30% of the time. Maybe ill throw that one in the mix and my odds will get up to 100% of the time 40% of the time
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- #31
This weekend I went home and did some stuff to the cruiser; installed and wired my ARB High Output Compressor, installed the indicator lights on the bumper (finally, i got lazy with it), and decided that next trip down that we are going to replace almost all of the vacuum lines for the EGR after getting both codes for "excessive gas recirculation" and "insufficient gas recirculation" 
. Last weekend was spent out at moon rocks again but we didn't take any pictures 
as that seems to be the common issue with our little trips lately. Anyways here are some photos of the indicator lights on the 80 as well as the bracket that we had to make to mount the compressor on the passenger side wheel well between the washer fluid and the cruise control.
. Last weekend was spent out at moon rocks again but we didn't take any pictures as that seems to be the common issue with our little trips lately. Anyways here are some photos of the indicator lights on the 80 as well as the bracket that we had to make to mount the compressor on the passenger side wheel well between the washer fluid and the cruise control.
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- #32
Quick little trip overview of Seven Troughs Mining region. Went out in two vehicles and explored some of the old mining workings out in the Seven Troughs area including the stamp mill and town of Tunnel Camp. Tried to wheel inside one of the canyons but I wasnt confident that i could get through by myself wheeling in it. While exploring one of the mine workings we ended up about 800ft inside of a mountain before we decided that it was probably too gnarly for us to go any further. Drank some beers and had some sausage and chili for dinner. Couldnt ask for a better weekend trip. All of the photos are shot by my roommate Zach Youngberg. He is in the process of getting another 60 to build up with his father.
Have you noticed the difference in the powder coating and welding quality between your AOE bumper and sliders VS the quality on your 4X4labs rear? I have the AOE front bumper and sliders on one of my rigs with a 4x4labs rear. I ended up going back to my Slee sliders as they are so much more beefier than the AOE. Also the powder coating does not flake off like on my AOE stuff. I am also looking to eventually put a 4x4labs front on my rig as well. Just curious if you have seen the same quality difference in yours?
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- #34
I actually got rid of the AOE front bumper but yeas i totally agree, I am not a supporter of AOE any more. They don't do a great job with their products especially the powder coating. The 4x4 Labs, ARB and Slee stuff are the only things that i will be running on my cruiser from this point onward. And the owner of the LX before me let the car sit in their shop for 3 months, they dont spray the powercoating in a booth and is full of contamination. My rig was actually covered in the over spray so i had to wet sand and buff the entire rig. Absolute nonsense, if you cant shoot in a sterile place, at least make sure that you arent overspraying onto customers vehicles. Just my two sense, but i will be going other routes than AOE.
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- #35
Here is a rolling shot in a large basin. Moving at about 45mph on the nice Nevada dirt roads.
Yes, that is my same position as well.
I love my LX. 295k and I have the AOE front bumper and sliders. I have Luke's 4 x 4 lab kit which I will be assembling soon for the rear bumper. I'm going to try and build a roof rack as well .
I really haven't had any complaints for the finish of my front bumper, or my sliders, but then again I really don't have anything to compare it to.
I really haven't had any complaints for the finish of my front bumper, or my sliders, but then again I really don't have anything to compare it to.
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- #39
Looking good! and its all preference when it comes to armor, i just didnt have a great experience with Alex at AOE so I am going to be staying away from him and his products.
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- #40
If anyone in the Reno/Sacramento area is looking to get rid of a set of 37s let me know, I will be posting in my club page as well but figured i would bring some more attention to it. Looking to have the 37s on by mid july after the Utah trip to wheel rubicon, Slick Rock, Deer Valley, Barrett Lake, and Billy Bob all before the summer ends. Hopefully it will all work out! Any leads would be appreciated.