Another newbies new ride 01 LX470

[jjdc]

After a couple of month of hanging out and researching the site, I bit the bullet and purchased my first 100. I debated for the longest time 80 vs 100, and found both that were within budget but finally decided on (obviously) the 100. While I do enjoy a Starbucks coffee every once in a while, growing a beard is not optional with my lineage it just kind of happens, showers are definitely on a daily basis and am pretty sure I’ve never had a Tommy Bahama shirt or played even one round of golf. The 80s that I could find were just more rough around the edges with leaks, the interiors were pretty rough and the high mileage on these was getting scary 250 to 290k and still at 6 or 7k.

This one popped up on the web 2 days before I purchased it. It’s been a local (Houston area) truck since purchase with I think 43 records on Carfax. Did a little further research calling the last service center (listed on Carfax) and checking the vin with them (timing belt@154,000). The service manager confirmed updated maintenance records and all recommended services performed by the PO. The service manager was familiar with the vehicle and PO saying this vehicle was very well taken care of. Slight sight of relief after dumping 8k on it.

Everything on this rigs worked except for the hood struts, speakers and I’m now discovering a weak driver side door lock actuator. I’ve purchased new heater Ts and a new cabin air filter to help remove some of the dog hair, tons of it but I have a dog who will be riding too. As of today I’ll have the new radio and speakers installed (if anyone is looking for a ML head unit let me know).

I have grand intentions for this rig but dang all of the good stuff adds up quick. Still trying to decide the order I want/should proceed in for suspension, tires, bumper and racks/maybe drawers. The end result hopefully being something that can haul my kayak trailer and hit the beach or launch while also being something that’s an adequate off roader to maybe join some local clubs and such.

If anyone has suggestions of how to proceed with the mods or an order that the installs should follow please feel free to comment. All will take time and funds to accomplish but these are the mods I am looking at currently.

OME 2.5 heavy lift

New 18x9 wheels (any suggestions, I would like an offset but can’t seem to find many similar rigs with offset, I’m guessing possible a rubbing issue)

Bf Goodrich ta/ko 2s (I’m leaning towards 33s but would like 35s. I’ve seen it’s possible but there does appear to be sacrifices)

Winch bumper up front (suggestions ? Arb is expensive)

Bumper and tire carrier on back (again any suggestions ? Arb is high)

 

[jjdc]

A couple of more pics. I don’t have any of the CV joints but they are clean and not slinging any grease.

 

[geanes]

Congrats on the rig. 33" tends to be the best tire size for these rigs. 34" works. But, above that, you might need to consider regearing. I have a 98 LX running on 33" KO2s and love it. I run the 18x9 Vision Rockers with a 12mm offset. No rubbing at all.....once I hammered the pinch weld flat and used a heat gun to "re-mold" the fender liner. About to put a 2.5" ToughDog lift on mine. Mine came with 285/65/18 Terra Grapplers. Otherwise, the KO2s would have been my first upgrade. Quality tires are the most critical upgrade IMO. My TerraGrapplers got a screw in the sidewall that ruined one of the tires. Since they were 60% tread left, I bit the bullet and upgraded at that time. Here is the order my upgrades proceeded (tires would have been first had I not bought a rig with quality AT tires).

Sliders (OPOR from MetalTech)
Roof Rack (Gamiviti)
ScanGauge II OBD reader
Front Bullbar (Ironman Commercial Deluxe....wanted the added protection of a bullbar because whitetail deer are EVERYWHERE in Central TX)
BFG KO2 (275/70/18 = 33" tire)
ARB Breather Kit
WeatherTec floor mats front and 2nd row
KISS Drawer System
Vision Rocker (18x9.5 Anthracite finish....tired of seeing all black wheels...wanted something a little different)

Coming soon in the following order.....
eBay snorkel
ToughDog 2.5 lift with 53mm Ralph fronts/45mm adjustable rears with dual rate TourFlex coils and ToughDog TBs
BIOR rear bumper
NAPA Legend75 Group49 battery
Winch (Smittybilt X20 12k synthetic)
Auxiliary fuel tank (located in undercarriage spare well)
Skid plates (want the Dissent aluminums real BAAAAAAD)
Cooper ST Pro (295/70/18 = 34" tire)
MetalTech Rear upper and lower control arms
ToughDog adjustable panhard bar (if even necessary)

Aside from the upgrades listed above, I have also baselined all fluids, replaced both CV axles and associated hardware, new steering rack bushings, new front rotors/pads, replaced serpentine belt and tensioner, added a bunch of offroad LED lights, replaced both front and rear u-joints and replaced the parking brake assembly. Timing Belt/Water Pump job coming up next.

Your upgrade path will likely differ and may not involve as much.

 

[jjdc]

Thanks, it sounds like I’m heading down an expensive path. I’m researching baselining at the moment while taking in my first lesson of Lexus ownership. Went to the dealer yesterday to get a 2nd key/fob and was quoted $330 for the key and programming. Nearly choked when she gave me the number with a straight face. Anyways I found the uncut non oem key on EBay for $79 and with the help of some threads I’ve looked up here, I think I can program them once cut (hoping Ace can still cut the key). I think I’ve been able to identify the one key/fob I got with the rig is a master and the other key is a sub.

On another topic does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find an oem subwoofer enclosure for a 2001 LX470 ? It appears the PO just removed sub, box and all after the sub went out.

Also any suggestion where to find some decent prices on new wheels ?