Builds COS80's 1997 LX 450 Build Thread

[COS80]

Yes, ABS was deleted by the PO. Initial bite is strong with the Greenstuffs, even when cold - perfect when you spend all day under 15mph, like today. They feel just as strong exiting the highway at 80 mph.

 

[COS80]

Dumped the boat anchor from the rear today. Now I'll have to repaint the rear bumper.

 

[COS80]

In a spur of the moment proposal, my friend @Goslow helped me fix my tire swingout. It was -4degrees, and is now +10 degrees. It looks so much better!

Before (as purchased)

After

The jack no longer digs into the tire, either, so now I don't have to make sure it gets removed immediately after every trail ride.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Nice

 

[COS80]

The older boys in the Colorado Land Cruisers club wouldn't stop picking on me for the ugly, steel battery adapter that came in my Lexus.

So I made this.

 

[COS80]

Completed sway bar upgrades today... swapped the extra HD Whiteline bar for stock, upgraded the bushings with factory replacements, replaced the mounting brackets on the axle (had to - broke one), and installed the LCP quick disconnect kit.

I also removed the fancy autodimming mirror from the PO and installed a factory unit.

 

[COS80]

Earlier this week, after coming across this thread, I checked my knuckle nuts and found them all to be loose; one was finger-tight. That same one snapped right off when I tried to torque it; therefore, I spent the rest of the week installing ARP knuckle studs. I also retensioned my accessory belts and replaced my heater valve (because it was blowing hot air through the vents, even on cool days).

 

[COS80]

Moved my Scangauge II from the shifter console, where it was hard to read, to the steering column, where it couldn't be easier.

Mine quit on me a bit ago, so I sent it in for a free repair, which is how this all got started. The little adapter/stand is from SolveFunction.

I have a terrific solution for the cable hole on the console. More on that soon.

 

[COS80]

Today I finished up the installation of a GMRS radio. Here's how I reused that hole:

 

[COS80]

Full interior recon almost wrapped up. I just need to buff down all the leather and vinyl after it drinks in all the conditioner it can swallow (might take a few days and a few coats).

1. Full clean & vac
2. Dressed all door seals with Nextzett Gummi Pflege
3. Washed all smooth surfaces with Meguiar's leather cleaner
4. Conditioned all smooth surfaces with Colourlock Elephant Leather Preserver
5. Shampooed carpets and pedals
6. Cleaned crud out of vents with one of those goop balls
7. Washed and treated floor mats with WeatherTech cleaner and protector
8. Greased door hinges

I hereby dedicate this full interior recon job to @LCPilot .

 

[COS80]

I mapped out my aux fuse box the hard way - I turned everything on and pulled the fuses, one by one, and wrote down what shut off, and then I made labels. This required genuine Dymo labels, because the cheap knockoffs were impossible to remove the backing. I'm not 100% happy with the different lengths, but I couldn't think of a way to get them all exact. At least they're labeled.

 

[COS80]

I like my new negative battery terminal so much, I made a positive to match. It looks great, but now I'm just a dropped wrench away from an "event", so I'll need to devise some sort of cover(s). I thought about melting some thin thermoplastic sheet over each side with a heat gun... other ideas?

 

[SoTexCruiserDoc]

Assume this is the actual terminal connection (haven’t seen this particular battery)?

If so, what do you do with the other terminal posts (where the alligators are attached in the photo)?

 

[COS80]

Assume this is the actual terminal connection (haven’t seen this particular battery)?

If so, what do you do with the other terminal posts (where the alligators are attached in the photo)?

Correct. I keep those covered with the plastic caps lying toward the middle. I bought with this battery already installed, and undoing it will require several new cables on the negative side.

 

[baldilocks]

I like my new negative battery terminal so much, I made a positive to match. It looks great, but now I'm just a dropped wrench away from an "event", so I'll need to devise some sort of cover(s). I thought about melting some thin thermoplastic sheet over each side with a heat gun... other ideas?

View attachment 3749219

I bought the same battery in 2021…. Maybe you could devise a cover for the entire battery top. Myself, I wouldn’t worry about it though because simply covering the battery with a rag while you are under the hood will stop any fireworks from happening due to a dropped tool.

 

[baldilocks]

I mapped out my aux fuse box the hard way - I turned everything on and pulled the fuses, one by one, and wrote down what shut off, and then I made labels. This required genuine Dymo labels, because the cheap knockoffs were impossible to remove the backing. I'm not 100% happy with the different lengths, but I couldn't think of a way to get them all exact. At least they're labeled.

View attachment 3725249

I’ll be installing one of those fuse boxes on my current build and wondering what gauge wire is feeding yours? I was thinking to use 6 gauge.

 

[COS80]

I bought the same battery in 2021…. Maybe you could devise a cover for the entire battery top. Myself, I wouldn’t worry about it though because simply covering the battery with a rag while you are under the hood will stop any fireworks from happening due to a dropped tool.

Good point.

 

[COS80]

I’ll be installing one of those fuse boxes on my current build and wondering what gauge wire is feeding yours? I was thinking to use 6 gauge.

I'll have to look, next time I have the seat out (PO installed it).

 

[COS80]

Some glamour shots from today's trail ride.

Those last two were the scariest moment I've had offroading yet. I thought I was going over.

 

[COS80]

One of my front wheels started squeaking after a water crossing, so this weekend I repacked my wheel bearings. I also replaced my starter contacts to remedy an intermittent click/no start condition.