In search of 100 Series

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Haring Bagsik

Haring Bagsik

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Threads
111
Messages
1,099
Location
ELK GROVE, CA
Hi ya'll 100 peeps! I'm currently in search of a hundy and own a '95 80 series. I know what to look for in an 80 when purchasing one, but have no clue on a 100 aside from asking for maintenance records, timing belt service done or looking for any obvious leaks.

What should I look for when checking out a rig and maintenance that should've been done. If there are any threads already associated to my question, does anyone have the link for it?

Looking forward to finding a 100 soon and chit chatting with you great folks of the 100 forum
 
I'm in the same boat. Slee has a great write up on the 80 series stuff on their website but I find their 100 series write up more generic. Most common thing I have found to look out for is for IFS related components, cv boots, ball joints and steering rack. Yes timing belt maint is key as well.
 
I just went threw this when I bought my 2000 100 series. I made an observation. Land cruisers are expensive and people who bought them new are rich. In turn anyone who could afford one also can afford the maintenance on them. So in my search almost every one I looked at was maintained properly and by a dealer. I ended up buying one that had lots of scratches and debts but had every single maintaince record since new. I also noticed that since they are so expensive they rarely had more than two owners
 
Things I have found that I am looking for is something with the rear locker which appears to be 98 and 99 (correct me if it goes up to 2000). I don't want navigation which looks like it came in 03 and was standard in 04 (once again correct me if I am wrong). The problem with nav is that if the unit goes out you loose your nav system, radio and HVAC controls. There looks to be some who have converted away from it but it is a sizeable job. I need to look into what transmissions were available through the years, I know a 5 speed auto was available but off the top of my head I don't know what year. I will come back to this post to edit as info comes in.

EDIT: 06 and 07 have the VVTI which is a very nice system and gives a few more ponies under the hood.
 
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I just picked up a 98 after much of the same debate you are going through - for me a real rear locker and the ability to nuke the factory radio & install a newer stereo + a CB were the deciding factors. I would've loved a 5 speed, didn't care about the VVT (more to go wrong;), and sure didn't want the AHC. I am also buying a Galaxy Tab 8" and mounting on the big flat dash as my nav & multimedia tool - this will be an expedition rig.

So far I am thrilled with my purchase & plan. Of course YMMV!
 
Seems like there are a lot of these pre-00 vs post-00 threads mostly for the rear locker. But since these early models also come with the weaker 2 pin front diff, I'm wondering which is more costly: replacing the front diff with the 4 pin or putting an ARB locker in the rear?
 
I'm wondering which is more costly: replacing the front diff with the 4 pin or putting an ARB locker in the rear?

The ARB install , it just has more to the install and the need for a compressor , wiring and dash switch install. More $$$$. Not to mention that the locker it self is more cost and you might be able to pick up a used 4 pin front diff from some one who went locker in the front.

I would not shy away from ATRAC the 2000 and up land cruisers. If you watch someone who knows how to work the system it is very good in most conditions. but the 2 pin breaking is over rated and any pin can break with enough bounce and big tires...

Enjoy the 100s hunt !!
 
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Some things to look for:

- These windshields can be tricky to replace so if it's had a replacement look for evidence of rust around the pillars.
- CV Boots are known to tear, but if you have an 80 servicing the front end of a 100 is similar.
- Heater Tees are a known weak point.
- If ABS light is on dash, it's usually a broken sensor wire under the driver's seat.
- If there's rust around the upper clam shell handle, there's a lot more where you can't see.
- In '06+, the VVTi motors had some issues with secondary air pumps - costly $$ fix.
- Some years (don't recall) had some issues with brake booster - do a search.
- Almost all of them have failed power antennas - oem replacements are cheap and easy DIY.
- Water Pumps tend to leak out the weep hole and should be replaced with timing belt service.
- Door lock actuators have some history of failure.
- Door speaker covers get torn - easy fix is to pull the fabric off and paint them.
- If you go LX or '06+ LC, read up on AHC.

Probably forgetting some stuff. Good luck in your search.
 
I'd consider the compressor and related install parts for it a wash since arguably anyone that needs a locker will need a compressor for airing back up. It comes down to the cost of a 4 pin diff and install vs locker and install. But yes, you are more likely get a deal on a used front diff than a locker.
 
@Simplespirit good point on the front diff - since I was building mainly an expedition rig & not really planning much hardcore crawlin I'm placing my faith in the Toyota engineers - but for some that might be really worth thinking about...
 
Good info RDN1. I have cussed my passenger door lock actuator once or twice. Haha only time it sticks is when somebody is with me. lol
 
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