Intro: New to the Land Cruiser World

[Nightfall]

First, as a forum veteran, but many years ago, it seems weird to post an intro in the tech section....but here goes...if the wrong please, please feel free to move/admonish as necessary.

Picked up a (hopeful) deal for a 2004 LC with 262k miles on it and, as I did with my Cobra when I bought it, looked to forums for details and what to do.

I didn't check too thoroughly for rust, but I have a trusted mechanic who will do that and baseline everything for me.

Picked it up with new exhaust manifolds, new fluids (radiator, transmission and oil - no diff and not sure about transfer case), new suspension wear parts (struts/shocks) and brakes. Bought from a guy who runs a fleet mechanic's shop and fixes DHL trucks for a living. It already has the Tesla style radio in it.

Initial priorities:

• Fix two initial problems that I knew about when buying it
  • Needs new multi function switch for lights - ordered
  • Needs new clock spring for airbag - ordered
• Get it baselined with new fluids where necessary
• Get more keys (it has one and I'm not sure if it's a master, I can't find the security light that ppl talk about)
• Make sure any rust issues are taken care of - the guy promised no real rust on the frame but I had to take his word for it.
• Fix intermittent noise in the blower (looks easy based on the thread I already read)

Then I'll look at some fun stuff to mod. I don't really plan on offroading much. I bought the vehicle primarily as a secondary family vehicle and to be able to get to some friends who live on land, one of which has a chronic illness. They are pretty much stuck in the winter when there is snow with 2 miles of hilly gravel/rock roads.

A couple of pics because that's the best part. I plan on doing a ton of reading before I ask any questions....but there are a few things I haven't found the answer to yet, so I will probably be back

 

[Couvi]

Congrats, you bought the best year — and it looks like someone did a big upgrade on the head unit. This forum is a great resource!

 

[Nightfall]

Thanks! I didn't know 04's were the best, but I'm glad to have it. A few small things wrong but very driveable and the head unit is pretty neat! I really need to figure out how to use it though.

I agree that the forum is a great resource. I'm a voracious reader (I'm the guy who actually reads the manufacturer's manual they put in the glover compartment) and I'm learning a ton.

 

[Couvi]

The 03-05 models occupy a sweet spot in the 100 series lineup where you get the upgraded interior and 5 speed trans, but don't have the slightly more complicated secondary air (VVTi) system. Some people love the simplicity of the 1998-02's less integrated HVAC/Head unit. But I've said this before, you can't go wrong with any model 100 that's been maintained. You sound like the perfect land cruiser owner – I've been through my manual a time or two in the last 7 years as well! Just rolled over 200k in mine.

 

[Kabanstva]

Thanks! I didn't know 04's were the best, but I'm glad to have it.

They’re not. They’re all the same.

 

[Mike NXP]

They’re not. They’re all the same.

Well....that's not true at all but I guess I know what your going for.