AP's LX470 Build

[ap100]

Hi all! I'm new around here and figure I'll get a thread going to keep track of my LX470 journey. For some odd reason, I've always loved Land Cruisers (strange being that I'm mostly a sports car guy). Never really had a reason to own one, but now that my photography hobby takes me to national parks when possible (I'm in love with Death Valley), I figured it's finally time. Being impatient, my fairly short search had me settle on this 2004 LX with 165k miles. It's been in Southern California it's entire life, and according to Lexus' records had religiously been in for service at the dealership every 5k miles. Though, as expected, the truck's not perfect so I'll be addressing the issues and slipping in some fun along the way. Here she is as of today. Yes, the rear is about 3/4" too high and yes, those pitting chrome wheels have to go.

 

[D21FJ60]

Nice find! What tires and wheels you going with?

 

[ap100]

Nice find! What tires and wheels you going with?

Thanks! I was initially planning to go with 18" oem Tundra rims and powdercoating them dark grey or black. Then out of nowhere, a local guy was selling two sets of Rock Warriors. Went to check out the cleaner set and yeah, now they're cozy in my house waiting for Spidertrax spacers to show up. They have a serviceable set of KOs that should buy me enough time to figure out what I want to replace them with. Likely KO2s

 

[D21FJ60]

Awesome! You get 5 wheels so the spare matches or no?

 

[cmck]

Thanks! I was initially planning to go with 18" oem Tundra rims and powdercoating them dark grey or black. Then out of nowhere, a local guy was selling two sets of Rock Warriors. Went to check out the cleaner set and yeah, now they're cozy in my house waiting for Spidertrax spacers to show up. They have a serviceable set of KOs that should buy me enough time to figure out what I want to replace them with. Likely KO2s

Tires 1st and taking it "bit by bit" is a good approach.

 

[ap100]

Awesome! You get 5 wheels so the spare matches or no?

No 5th, but think I'm going to purchase one from a fellow forum member. In hindsight, I should have just purchased both sets... oh well!

 

[D21FJ60]

Hindsight is always 20/20....not bad though!

 

[ap100]

A sub that sounded more like a snare drum was the first item that had to be addressed. I was slightly disappointed when I pulled out the sub, as there were no obvious tears in the foam like in the photos I'd seen online. After a few taps on the outer edge, I realized the entire speaker edge had separated from the enclosure. Got out the hot glue gun and filled in the outer edge. The inner ring was intact but looked like a weak spot, so added a small layer there as well. Sounds great and you gotta love the free fixes!

 

[ap100]

Had quite a Rock Warriory weekend. Spent Saturday with a little desert road trip to pick up another full set at a killer price. Looks like they're in great shape, just simply need to be de-plastidipped. I intend to clean them up, keep two and sell the other two. Not ready yet, but if anyone's interested, feel free to contact me. Here they are in their current, quite unattractive state

Later on Saturday, UPS surprised me with an early delivery, making it possible to install the wheels on Sunday. Beating a dead horse here, but incredibly impressed with the quality of the Spidertrax spacers from Slee. Not cheap, but I believe very much worth peace of mind.

I'm floored by the look this setup gives the LX. Waaay more aggressive looking in person than the pictures show. Also surprised by the change in ride. The previous P rated Geolanders felt way cushy. I guess, good for a smooth ride, but a little too much give in turns (IMO). The KO's, while a harsher ride on crappy roads, feel far more solid in turns. One good (and bad) in installing the wheels, noticed my driver side CV boot has a slight leak on the narrow end. Disappointing knowing that CV boots were done only a year ago and boot still looks brand new, but fortunately doesn't look like it's lost much grease. Passenger side is bone dry. Now looking into hose clamps that seem to be working for many here. Also realized the original wheel lock nuts were not torqued down and scarily loose. yikes. Here she is getting a bath with the new shoes.

Plan for next weekend is new oil/fluids, CV boot hose clamp, and re-torque the spacers.