98-99 Lc?

[lurker]

I hate to ask this question, but what features are desirable on this generation? Desirable = to a 80 owner.

I saw one with rear lockers, what else should I look for, and what door codes would that be?


Too bad there's not a sticky like in the 80 section.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

2000+ best. Traction-control equipped (offers many advantages) and ARB lockable. Best of all worlds. You can search for other threads on this. J

 

[uzj100]

Desirable Options

1998 - Rear Locker - Rear AC is NOT available
1999 - Rear Locker and Rear AC are options (front diff is a weaker version)
2000 - Traction Control and stronger front Diff, Rear AC is standard
2001 - Navigation
2002 - Nothing to speak of over the 2001
2003 - 5 Speed Auto Tranny, Bluetooth
2004 - Rear Backup Camera

That is all I can think of at this point.

uzj100

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Good job UZJ100!

 

[lurker]

1998 - Rear Locker - Rear AC is NOT available
1999 - Rear Locker and Rear AC are options (front diff is a weaker version)
2000 - Traction Control and stronger front Diff, Rear AC is standard
2001 - Navigation
2002 - Nothing to speak of over the 2001
2003 - 5 Speed Auto Tranny, Bluetooth
2004 - Rear Backup Camera

That is all I can think of at this point.

uzj100

You the man!

So from this I can assume 98-99 are the same as far as an 80 owner is concerned.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Except an 80 could have a front locker of course.

 

[lurker]

Is it true that there a bunch of suspension options?

Adjustable ride, anti skid, ect... or are these models >1999 ?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Nope. Not true.

LX470 models have self height and ride firmness selection (they also have traction and skid control though not sure if it was added also in 2000+ years)
100 models add traction and skid control on models 2000+ (though don't offer the LX suspension)

 

[mtycruiser]

I hate to ask this question, but what features are desirable on this generation? Desirable = to a 80 owner.

Desirable features:
More room inside, particularly first and second row.
More powa!!! v8 rules!!! it even uses less gas !!!
More highway/city comfort without loosing off road ability for 90% of situations

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

And to add to MTYCRUISER....the 100 even ADDS some off-road ability over even a locked 80 in slippery conditions (if you opt for a 2000+ ActiveTrac/ASC equipped model) like wet, ice and snow.

 

[lurker]

Everyone is giving me great information and I'm set on adding a 100 to my LC collection.

I just need to know about the options part of the equation here.

I would hate to settle on a particular LC only to find out later that
I should of looked for the valuable option x.

Again I don't care about the frills of dvd, or multi cd changers. I'm just interested in factory mechanical options i.e. lockers, superchargers, 17" wheels, ABS, best transmissions, ect.

If any of these are factory set and not options, I'd like to strike them off the list, I'll get them no mater what so it's not an option issue.

Again only 98 and 99 years apply.

If anyone wants to make a trade PM me. < That might be junk "the monitor" proof?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

98 and 99 due to cost lurker?

 

[dclee]

2003 gets five more hp with the new 5-speed... Oooh, ahhh...

Also gets 17" wheels, though most will have the newly optional 18 inchers. Revised dash, grill, optional side and curtain airbags, steering wheel audio controls, rear audio system, does not require premium fuel (not sure what year that changed). Probably a few other things.

John is right, you can add lockers to this truck, and still have traction/skid control when on the rain-slick freeway (where lockers do you no good). With a 98-99 you still have to add one locker, and don't get all the other electronic goodies. Might as well get a 97 80 Series with factory lockers and use the money you save to supercharge it, it'll run circles around any V8 100 Series. And you'll still have money for suspension, armor, etc.

My $.02,

 

[Jim_Chow]

2003 gets five more hp with the new 5-speed... Oooh, ahhh...

Also gets 17" wheels, though most will have the newly optional 18 inchers. Revised dash, grill, optional side and curtain airbags, steering wheel audio controls, rear audio system, does not require premium fuel (not sure what year that changed). Probably a few other things.

John is right, you can add lockers to this truck, and still have traction/skid control when on the rain-slick freeway (where lockers do you no good). With a 98-99 you still have to add one locker, and don't get all the other electronic goodies. Might as well get a 97 80 Series with factory lockers and use the money you save to supercharge it, it'll run circles around any V8 100 Series. And you'll still have money for suspension, armor, etc.

My $.02,

But don't forget that many used 80s have cooling system problems due to poor maintenance, you for 100% reliability, you'll need to repack the birfs, replace the 2-row core radiator w/ the 3-row core brass one from the earlier 90s, change the head gasket to the new, improved one. If you've followed the 80 forum, a number of 80s, some w/ only 60K miles on them, have blown HGs. So there goes all the money that would have gone to accessories. The one big advantage of the 80 over the 100 is , it's easier/cheaper to lift. Other than that, I've looked at a friend's LX450 and wasn't particularly impressed...big exterior, but not a very roomy interior for its size, and poor legroom for the driver (I'm 6'1"). As long as you don't do any super hardcore wheeling, the IFS w/ rear diff lock should be good enough for most situations you encounter. Beyond that, get a mountain bike or put on a pr of hiking boots.

Another option is the new V8 full-time 4WD 4runner. It doesn't look bad, though it could use a lift (and there don't seem to be any aftermarket accessories out yet...gotta wait a few yrs). I was looking at a Japanese car mag comparing the Prado w/ 4runner. Both rigs had the 2.7L I-4 engine! The "big" engine offered overseas is the 3.4L V6 used on '96-02 4runners/tacos, along w/ the I-4 turbo diesel. I think N. America is the only market that offers both the Prado (GX470) and 4runner/hilux surf w/ the 4.7L V8. It was only a year or two ago that one could buy a 100 in Japan or Oz (except for the LX470/LC Cygnus) w/ the V8. Otherwise, the only prior engine options were the 4.2L TD or 1FZ I-6. So in that respect, we can consider ourselves lucky (though i'd prefer a 4.2L TD).

--Jim

 

[uzj100]

between 98 and 99, i would suggest 99 because of the rear ac.

uzj100

 

[FirstToy]

Another option is the new V8 full-time 4WD 4runner. It doesn't look bad, though it could use a lift (and there don't seem to be any aftermarket accessories out yet...gotta wait a few yrs). --Jim

04 4Runner w/ 3" lift & 285's (not mine)

Lifts are available and a coilover too. There is a growing list of mods.

To be honest though if someone is looking for a LC, get an LC. The 4Runner is great, love it, wouldn't trade it for anything.
But I cringe a bit when you throw that in there as an alternative to a 100- the 4Runner is a great $30-40K suv, the best on offer imo. The 100 is a $50-60K ingot. I would call the 4Runner a "value-intense" alternative.

 

[dclee]

But don't forget that many used 80s have cooling system problems due to poor maintenance, you for 100% reliability, you'll need to repack the birfs, replace the 2-row core radiator w/ the 3-row core brass one from the earlier 90s, change the head gasket to the new, improved one. If you've followed the 80 forum, a number of 80s, some w/ only 60K miles on them, have blown HGs. So there goes all the money that would have gone to accessories. The one big advantage of the 80 over the 100 is , it's easier/cheaper to lift. Other than that, I've looked at a friend's LX450 and wasn't particularly impressed...big exterior, but not a very roomy interior for its size, and poor legroom for the driver (I'm 6'1"). As long as you don't do any super hardcore wheeling, the IFS w/ rear diff lock should be good enough for most situations you encounter. Beyond that, get a mountain bike or put on a pr of hiking boots.

Radiator - that's why I have a `94!

Yes, birfs are not sealed in the 80 as on the 100, but remember, there are FOUR on the 100 if you ever rip one of those boots, or run it dry for some other reason (actually, not positive if they're birfs or not, but there are four CV joints, which may or may not be birfs). Never a head gasket problem, I would say that is the exception, not the rule. Timing belt change on the 100 at 90K miles is $280 at my dealer.

Not only is the 80 easier to lift, but easier to maintain and work on yourself. As for size, the 80 is the same size externally as the new 4Runner/GX470, whereas the 100 is a big beast that simply won't fit in some places.

That said, I love our 100, but at least in our family, it has a different purpose than the 80. Even after it is retired from grocery delivery service, it will be modded into an expeditionary vehicle (like the 80 started out!), not a rock crawler.

 

[lurker]

Thanks for the input.

From what I'm reading get a 98 with the lowest miles w/rear lockers, it's the only mechinical option available.

 

[Pitbull]

Jim in the USA the GX470 and the 4runner V8 are the same vehicle except for the sheet metal. They are made in the same factory in Japan, Tahara and Hino.

 

[hoser]

If you are looking for an LX470, the Lexus site has detailed information on "pre-owned" vehicles including model year changes, interior/exterior colors and options.

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library.html