Hello and JustinLXTX LX470 Build (1 Viewer)

[JustinLXTX]

Hello everyone, just wanted to say hello and show off the new ride! I previously owned a 96 LX450 and loved it so much, I knew at some point I would be purchasing an LX470, TODAY WAS THE DAY! The plan is to start an overland build, it will have some good progress over the next 2 months, then be shelved for 8 months while I am abroad, my sister will get to keep it rolling in my absence.

I wasted no time making the first mod

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Also got her right before she goes over 200k, I didn't earn the miles, but I will still celebrate it haha

 

[Brentok]

Congrats, good luck!

 

[JustinLXTX]

The previous owner left me with some badly worn tires and bad alignment. I was able to score some 2020 Tundra steelies and 255 70 R18 Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II tires with 300 miles on them from a fellow Toyota lover in Houston. I plan to keep these as a heavier option down the road, ultimately buying some lighter 18s with a more aggressive tire for Overlanding in the future.

It of course started with hammering a 19mm socket on to remove the wheel locks, the PO had lost it. Luckily I had 2 19mm, because of course one was lost to the gutter

I had to throw them on in order to get the alignment today, but would love everyone's feedback on whether I should spray the wheels, if so what color?!

 

[JustinLXTX]

Well here goes nothing

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Dove right in and went for the drivers side exhaust manifold today, took me a good 6 hours to get all the nuts off and the manifold out. While jacking up the engine for access I broke the heater hose T, I was going to address this next anyway haha glad it happened when it did.

I will be cleaning the manifold up tomorrow and welding the insides of the tubes, more pics tomorrow!

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[JustinLXTX]

As suspected, the crack was on the drivers' side front pipe. I went ahead and welded all the inner tubes to prevent them from cracking in the future (not the prettiest, but was concerned more of burning through the material).

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After an hour of welding nuts on the exhaust studs, heating the area with a torch, and even drilling small holes in the studs from the other side they would not come out. The studs themselves snapped inside the plate. So I drilled out some snug holes and bolted the exhaust up with grade 8 3/8 hardware. I learned a lot from the project, and best of all.... NO EXHAUST LEAK!

 

[beachedwhale]

Hello from Houston!

Congrats on the new lx... what side of town are you on?

 

[Tres Toys]

Thanks for the pictures of the cracked exhaust manifold. I was under the false impression that the cracks occurred in a cast piece that was not readily weldable. Looks like that is not the case. Good info to know, and job well done!

 

[JustinLXTX]

Hello from Houston!

Congrats on the new lx... what side of town are you on?

Thanks for the welcome! I am located in the Spring/Woodlands area, what about yourself??

 

[JustinLXTX]

Thanks for the pictures of the cracked exhaust manifold. I was under the false impression that the cracks occurred in a cast piece that was not readily weldable. Looks like that is not the case. Good info to know, and job well done!

No problem! I was honestly surprised how loud the ticking was with just that crack. It's unbelievable how quiet the truck runs now! Are you anticipating doing the same repair soon?

 

[Tres Toys]

I just have an occasional tic from my LX that seems to quickly go away after start up and hasn't gotten worse over the past couple years. I really hope to avoid having to dig into the manifolds, but I am glad to see there is a feasible repair instead of having to shell out $$$ for new exhaust manifolds or headers. However, I do have a TIG welder in the corner of the garage in case that day comes.

 

[JustinLXTX]

I just have an occasional tic from my LX that seems to quickly go away after start up and hasn't gotten worse over the past couple years. I really hope to avoid having to dig into the manifolds, but I am glad to see there is a feasible repair instead of having to shell out $$$ for new exhaust manifolds or headers. However, I do have a TIG welder in the corner of the garage in case that day comes.

Ahh yeah, that sounds exactly like what was going on with mine but was very loud on acceleration. If yours is minor the crack shouldn't be too terrible. I went ahead and bought 16 studs, 24 nuts, 2 exhaust manifold gaskets, 2 exhaust gaskets, 2 o2 sensors. I was lucky on the driver side, as I only needed to put 1 new stud into the block. Definitely going to wait on the passenger side since it is quiet for now, but nice to already have the parts for the future.

 

[JustinLXTX]

After some initial mechanical repairs, I got to spend the day doing some fun mods while I wait for my new fan clutch to arrive Tuesday.

I had a can of Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze laying around from a previous project. I started with one wheel to see if I dug the color, I ended up getting three more cans and using one per wheel. I love that it looks black at night, but is reflective in the sunlight, would love to hear others thoughts.

 

[JustinLXTX]

Followed up the wheel painting with some de-badging of the rear. I got the bulk off but could use some advice about removing the faint outline of the letters. Also, you should notice something funny about the remaining badge (later removed). The PO had damaged the old badge and they put the new badge on incorrectly.

Followed up the fun with a fresh K&N filter and Mobile 1!

 

[beachedwhale]

Thanks for the welcome! I am located in the Spring/Woodlands area, what about yourself??

Humble area

 

[JustinLXTX]

A bit of recent baseline work and mods:

• swapped out the fan clutch, flushed the coolant system, and cleaned out the reservoir
• Replaced the old heater hose Ts with OEM
• Added some Lucas oil seal leak for the rack and pinion, I will be replacing it in the next month. That said I have noticed a noticeable improvement since adding the stop leak
• Found a cheap magnetic mount at Walmart for $5, drilled a single hole, hammered a nut inside the mount, and threaded it into place for my Ultraguage mount.

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[JustinLXTX]

I was back at it today. My antenna came in from Antenna Source. I am impressed with the kit, and the customer service was great! I also went ahead and drained/replaced the transfer case fluid to Lucas Oil LS 75W-90, was happy to see no shavings, put some Lexas washers on of course

 

[JustinLXTX]

Did a quick and cheap rear matt. I have used the material before, this was a precut 1/2" x 3' x 4' from tractor supply for $25, great product for the price! I have a secret project in the works for rear storage

 

[JustinLXTX]

A few updates! I got a locally build box for Christmas, I stained it and started cutting mats for the top. Also started adding stickers from the first trip.

Also got a bluetooth receiver, I have to say in combination with my new antenna I won't be needing a new stereo anytime soon!

 

[JustinLXTX]

I think I finally fixed my steering issues! I never found any evidence the rack was leaking, and my power steering pump started to have issues. I put new hoses and broke the reservoir when I was taking everything apart. After calling Toyota and being quoted 250 with a 2 week wait period, I went with a Dorman.

 

[JustinLXTX]

Got some cheap mats off Amazon, I am loving the fit so far, and for $50 you can't beat them! I saw these on someones build thread, but can't remember who for the shout out haha

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