First Time LC Owner - Thanks for all the advice!

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omarsky1980

Joined
Mar 26, 2026
Threads
2
Messages
5
Location
Chicago
Hi everybody! Long time lurker, first time owner...just pulled the trigger on a 2007 Land Cruiser with 240k miles (after a decade of should-I-shouldn't-I)... I got this to be the car my kids learn to drive on and to build memories on the trails while we can.

I've browsed the forums here for a few hours and while i have a lot of questions answered (thanks to the community!) I still have a few that are open:

1774646377947.webp


//// MAINTENANCE ////
This particular LC had the timing belt services 50k miles ago, and recently had the alternator and radiator replaced. There isn't a service record of the spark plugs, transmission fluid, differential or transfer case being services in the last 100k miles. Would y'all advise to handle those off the bat, or wait?

//// LIFT KIT ////
I've not building a rock crawler, but would like a little more capability for the moderate trails we hope to take on. I've priced out a 2" OME and Iron Man lift. WHAT IS Y'ALLs OPINION ON WHETHER IT IS ADVISABLE TO DO A DIFFERENTIAL DROP AND UPPRE CONTROL ARMS AS PART OF THE PACKAGE (for reference...I intend to run 33"s on this on 17" rims)

I'll also replace the bump stops (probably with Perry Parts. For the IronMan lift kit, there's a $500 difference between the Nitro and Foam Cell options. Is there a noticable difference between them for my modest off-road use case?

//// RIMS ////
I'm keeping my eye out for a set of Nomads, and hope to run 285/70/17s KO3s on them. The standard nomad I have seen has a 0 offset. Thoughts on running this width with 0 offset? Should I hunt for something with a +25? I don't mind a little poke but also don't want to look like a Bronco owner compensating for something...
 
aging fleet said:
Looks a lot like mine, the OEM wheels are 18s not 17s. This is simply 33s, 1.5" lift (OME 2865), and a t-bar crank. Good luck with it.

View attachment 4110792
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Beautiful truck!

I know the factory rims are 18s...but even though the frame is in fantastic condition, 3 of the 4 rims have a fair amount of corrosion. I figured there's a $60 difference between the KO3s 33s between 17 and 18 inch rims so I figured I'd replace them with 17s.
 
If you’re a first time owner and not a wheeler, I’d advise to spend your money on maintenance and some good tires, forget the lift and rims. Plugs and fluids are cheap maintenance and DIYing these jobs will get you a close look at other stuff. Tons of maintenance threads here, search “heater tees” for another item on your list. In stock form, 100s are amazing, no-drama off-roaders on moderate to technical roads.

Spend a season or two getting to know your truck and its limits. You already have a built-in lift with AHC, learn to use that. You’ll save a few thousand in mods that you can invest in … gas?

And lose the running boards - that’s basically a free 2” lift. See @aging fleet ’s picture.
 
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Also trans fluid change on the later years is a bit tougher because no dipstick on the 5-speed. If you’re DIYing, read up on how to do it properly.
 
I agree, keep it simple and only upgrade the suspension when the weight of what you are carrying and/or what is added to the vehicle, (like roof racks, bumpers, sliders, etc...) exceed what the stock suspension can handle. This thing will go more places than you can imagine with stock suspension and some sturdy good AT tires.

The best place to spend money as the "first mods" are in that gas tank and on maintenance, then some tires. Spend time using the vehicle and taking it out as it is, and make a list of whats working great and what could be improved on. Make a list of places you want to go with the vehicle, for example the national parks, Back Country Discovery Routes, or out to your favorite fishing spots... Only mod the vehicle if it is crucial to accomplish your list.

Otherwise, don't add unnecessary weight, spend money on vehicle maintenance and reliability, invest in you and your family's training of things like wilderness 1st aid BLS/CPR, 4x4 driving training/recovery, basic wilderness survival, preparedness, navigation. Those skills will outlast any vehicle, money better spent than on mods, and serve you all for the rest of your lives.

You got a great vehicle to start with, enjoy it and the memories it will create with your family.

Hope this helps! :)
 
@CMiller makes a really good point above. A lift without a proven use case isn’t much of an improvement. Extra weight, worse center of gravity and handling, etc. Uncle T designed hundies to meet the need 80% of the time.
 
Hello omarsky1980,
Does your 2007 Land Cruiser have AHC (Active Height Control)?
This is the Hydraulic Suspension system that many 2006 and 2007 Land Cruisers got.
If you have a Button near the Automatic Transmission Gear Selector that says "Height Control" and if the height of your SUV changes by pressing the Up Arrow or Down Arrow, then you have AHC.
Note: The height will only change if all doors are shut...

If yours has AHC, I'd make sure you do the maintenance for it ASAP, as it's typically neglected.
Change Fluid, Check / Adjust Pressures, etc.
There are several threads that discuss AHC maintenance in detail.
If you are overwhelmed by the AHC threads and need a dumbed down maintenance guide for AHC, send me a PM.

If you have AHC (or even if you don't...), buy an old laptop with Windows 10 Pro, a cable off of Amazon, and install Techstream via this thread.

getco

FAQ Thread 'How-To: TechStream In 5 Minutes'

Getting Techstream up and running can be a bit of a pain. Hopefully this helps someone get started quickly.

Step 1: Purchase an OBD-II / Mini-VCI interface.
- I have sold out of my cables and supply chains are back in order, so no reason to purchase more. Anything like this will work: Mini-VCI cable on eBay

Step 2: Download Hypervisor
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You'll need it to maintain your AHC and for many other items.

Welcome to 100 Series Ownership!

Enjoy.
Tom
 
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