Build Thread: On the Hunt

[azcromntic]

This is my build thread. Please don't delete it.

I had started a thread to get some technical information to help determine which vehicle I wanted to buy: https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/772261-fence.html

I sold my 80 Series on Friday and now I'm on the hunt for an LX470. Probably a 2000 - 2003, dark green (like almost black). Hopefully it has the grey interior. It'd be nice if it had rear A/C and DVD but, no biggie if it doesn't. I'm trying to stay under like 160K miles. I'd buy a Land Cruiser if it had a lift.

I decided on the 2000 or newer because it has the ATRAC and I wouldn't need to fork over $1500 for a locker right away. For now the ATRAC will suffice. Also, the LX has the AHC which means I would have a small amount of lift and wouldn't have to put money into that right away either (assuming the AHC holds up).

The first mod I have in mind is to put the Firestone Destination MT's on it that came off my 80 Series. Assuming the LX has the 16" rims. Then I'll begin the process of baselining.

That brings up a few tech questions:

Best place to get FSM?
Where do I get one of the tools to check pressure in AHC?

 

[azcromntic]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php?p=2107948&postcount=5

I thought that thread and in particular that post was very informative...

 

[revoked]

Pretty sure all the LXs had 18s?

EDIT:

Never mind, added in '03. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[OGBeno]

Best place to get FSM?
Where do I get one of the tools to check pressure in AHC?

If you want a paper version of the FSM:

www.helminc.com

If you want/can deal with .pdf versions:

www.techinfo.toyota.com

 

[phatairman]

Is there a volume 1 and 2 FSM for 100 series?

 

[kennyao30]

Is there a volume 1 and 2 FSM for 100 series?

Yes there is. You can find it in PDF form as well

 

[azcromntic]

Two volumes! One is for detailed electrical or is that a separate manual?

 

[azcromntic]

Note to self: The green colors that I like are Midnight Pine (6S6) or Imperial Jade (6Q7). Of course the name changes between the years for the same paint code. 6S6 is Dark Green in some years and called Midnight Pine in others. 6Q7 is called Dark Green in some years and is Imperial Jade in others.

 

[philthyphil]

Two volumes! One is for detailed electrical or is that a separate manual?

That is corect, volume 1 is for detailed electrical, the other is the one we all want and can't find. At least I can't, at the link above or anywhere else, but I have a '99.

 

[azcromntic]

Anyone in Washington can check out a vehicle for me?

http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/2000_Lexus_LX+470_205237725_95

Also, in the pictures, the picture of the shifter, what are the two buttons to the left. They say PWR and 2nd.???

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If you need someone to check a vehicle, chat or the local clubhouse is the place to ask, not tech. The buttons are the same ones that are in an 80 (if you had a newer one).

 

[hankinid]

Is there a volume 1 and 2 FSM for 100 series?

It may depend on model year...my '01 LX has a 2 volume shop manual...Vol. 1 is diagnostics, Vol. 2 is how to take it apart and reassemble. The wiring diagram book is a third volume

Two volumes! One is for detailed electrical or is that a separate manual?

See above.

Also, in the pictures, the picture of the shifter, what are the two buttons to the left. They say PWR and 2nd.???

PWR changes the tranny shift settings for more scoot and maybe a bit fewer mpg's.

2ND tells the tranny to start in 2nd gear...snowy or icy conditions.

I'd definitely emphasize searching for an '03...5-speed tranny instead of 4 speeds.

I found my '01 FSM set on Ebay...$150 for the 3 books, delivered. MORE than paid for itself the first time I did a bit of wrenching.

Good luck.

Steve

 

[Junglejack]

Hello,
I would not categorically remove 98-99's because of the 2 pinion differential. There are a large number of folks here who wheel with those years and while many did add a front locker, it really seems that the addition of ATRAC somewhat necessitated the diff upgrade. That is it does seem that a number of > 2000's have also had this happen.

I really think you will be quite happy with an LX. Best of luck in your search and I look forward to seeing what you do with one.
Best.
Jack

 

[azcromntic]

I eliminated 98 and 99 because an LX will not have a locker. The flip side is that a 98/99 LC will not have AHC. So, to get some flavor of both and stay in my price range I'd have to go with 2000 to 2003 LX. Correct me if I am missing something.

Unless of couse the 98/99 LC had a lift and a locker or the 98/99 LX had aftermarket locker in it.

 

[Bismarck]

I eliminated 98 and 99 because an LX will not have a locker. The flip side is that a 98/99 LC will not have AHC. So, to get some flavor of both and stay in my price range I'd have to go with 2000 to 2003 LX. Correct me if I am missing something.

Unless of couse the 98/99 LC had a lift and a locker or the 98/99 LX had aftermarket locker in it.

I don't believe that any LXs had the rear locker option, just the 98-99 LCs. They should have the center diff lock though.

 

[azcromntic]

Okay, this one made me ponder trying for a bit newer rig. I have a question about it though: what the heck are foam cell shocks?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/uzj100-lx470/745024-2004-land-cruiser-black-grey-leather-arizona.html

Also, what could be wrong with a steering rack at 88K?

 

[bamachem]

That's pretty high for an 04. Here's an 03 (identical inside and out to 04 and 05), but with a lot more stuff for the same price range. Even so, the price on the 03 is still a bit high, IMO.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/uzj100-lx470/774532-built-2003-land-cruiser.html

 

[azcromntic]

Yeah, I calculate the 04, with NEW addons, is probably closer to 22 or 23 thousand. Base truck price the 04 will be about 1100 more just for the year newer and about 1000 more for the lower mileage. Plus the 03 wants full value for the addons as if they were brand new. 03 in my opinion is about 7500 too high. 04 is probably 5000 too high.

What could have gone wrong with the steering rack on the 04 I wonder?

 

[azcromntic]

So I went and looked at another LX today. It is kindof in shambles. Right next to it was a 2005 Gx470 120 series. I took it for a spin. The VVTI engine was strikingly more powerful and I'd guess the Gx is lighter than an LX so that probably added to the contrast in power.

I saw the Gx had the hill desent, 2nd gera start, and something called RASC. I also noted lower prices than LX with lower miles too.

So what's the difference? Same 4x4 features on a Gx as Lx?

 

[Elijah]

So I went and looked at another LX today. It is kindof in shambles. Right next to it was a 2005 Gx470 120 series. I took it for a spin. The VVTI engine was strikingly more powerful and I'd guess the Gx is lighter than an LX so that probably added to the contrast in power.

I saw the Gx had the hill desent, 2nd gera start, and something called RASC. I also noted lower prices than LX with lower miles too.

So what's the difference? Same 4x4 features on a Gx as Lx?

Difference is the same as 4runner vs. Land Cruiser.