Builds Doc Random LX450 Re-Build Thread (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Aug 1, 2005
Threads
3
Messages
144
Location
Chandler and Prescott, AZ
Got this '97 LX450, factory lockers, stock in 2002. Built it up, and then had a front end collision (other guy's fault) in the snow outside of Prescott, AZ in 2011. It was "built" and now "rebuilt".

Here are some "before the wreck" pictures.

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Here are pictures of "the wreck". Afternoon snow falling fast and the guy was coming downhill at us too fast. ARB and LandCruiser heft let us have less damage, but still "totaled" by insurance. He got the worst of it, but still bad. But I bought her back.

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So we rebuilt her. Dave Gore let us store her at his place for a while, and donated a frame (!!!) for the rebuild.
Joe Burdolski (semi-retired auto wizard) stitched her back together and gave her a paint job..

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Like a Phoenix from the ashes:

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Always wanted to do a couple things even before the wreck. One was the seat extension mod.

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Another improvement was for the sound system. Found some recommendations here on MUD and installed some better speakers.

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Another improvement was to do some sound insulation. Again, found some good resources on MUD. It was not that difficult and really adds to the enjoyment of driving.

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I had put headers on my '78 FJ40 over 25 years ago and had always lusted after them for the 80 series. Found them on line and ordered them. Did not realize they cut off the feed for the EGR, but found a way around that. Scottsdale Muffler in AZ is the bomb for custom exhaust work. Chris and crew are awesome. They got the exhaust over the frame behind the cats. I had 4 repairs on this section due to it hanging below the frame before. Greg's Japanese in Chandler helped me delete the rear heater and some I do not have to worry about melting the heater hoes above the frame where the exhaust now goes.

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I've had the Scan Gauge but wanted something bigger. I got the Samsung "Tab E" low cost tablet, Bluetooth dongle for the OBDII port, and the Torque App Pro. This let's you create different gauges and arrange them. It has speedometer calibration as well. And GPS with coordinates. You can also have other map Apps for way-finding loaded to switch to when off-road, such as topo maps.

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I was having some intermittent electrical issues. Again, MUD to the rescue. Redid the fuseable links and the battery terminals. Not shown, but also replaced the starter. On stop-and-go runs after the 3rd or 4th stop in the summer the starter would not crank. New start, and now no issues.

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Way tired of the driver's side floor mat sliding to the left and getting crunched up and deformed. I noted that later models had two hold points. Found some "tee nuts" that have spikes that could grab the carpet below the floor mat. Made it pretty by using brass grommets and fasteners. Very happy with the results.

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Nice work, you've been very busy. I was wondering; did you just replace the bent frame horns or??? You mentioned a donated frame but I saw no pics of anframe replacement.
 
Nice job! Looks amazing.

Make sure you get new molding below the slider windows and add some silicone to the plastic clips so water doesn't drip down on your amp.

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Baldilocks,
Passenger side frame horn was bent. Joe cut that off and replaced it with a section from the donor frame. Strengthened it with a piece welded on the inside of the horn to bridge the joint. It is a little clearer in this picture.

Bajaphile,
Thanks for the links! Will definitely look at those.

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True love!
 
Late model, OBD2, lockers,headers AND Supercharger?

What's NOT to love? Nice rig!
 

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