Just picked up a Series 80

[Stecz]

I just picked a '97 LX450 w/lockers

I looked for a long time and looked at some pretty rough vehicles, but I finally came across this with pretty high miles (223,000), but it's in fantastic shape.

No door dings, no paint issues, no paint work, no rips or tears on the interior, everything works.

The previous owner was pretty fanatical.

The only non-stock item is that it has Toyota springs and shocks rather than the softer Lexus parts. (He had the Lexus dealer swap them very early on because he didn't like the super-soft ride).

The only issues it has are:
"D" doesn't light up on the dash when in drive
Brake pedal is soft. The owner had the master cylinder replaced, but I doubt his mechanic truly flushed the brakes, so that's on the agenda for this weekend.

Anything tricky on flushing the brakes?

Couple of assumptions based on what I've read on the forum I should plan on rebuilding the Birfs, but other than that, I think it's good.

I'm also going to replace the gear lube in the transfer case and rear diff.

Anything else I need to think about?

My plan is to put a mild lift on it (2.5"), front and rear bumpers and slider steps, slightly bigger tires. Probably some other smaller stuff as well.

This forum looks like a great resource to keep my LX on the road.

 

[Unoman]

Congrats on the new acquisition. While you're at it, why not baseline all fluids instead of just the rear diff and transfer case?

 

[Stecz]

Based on the receipts, which he handed to me in chronological order, I'm not too worried about the others. I'll just wait for the oil/ filter change when it's due.

but you are correct, I should probably think about power steering fluid swap and I'll check the receipts on the cooling system.

One thing I forgot to mention, is that I've already driven it on a reasonably long trip (5 highway hours in one day) and it ran great, but I did notice that the oil pressure gauge was not as high as I'm used to seeing, but I've read enough now that I'm not so worried. It's almost to the second line at hot idle and anything over idle, it's 2/3rd scale or so.

John

 

[musthave]

Post some pictures, sounds like a great 450!

 

[walktheline]

Nice. Sounds like a great find!

 

[Duiser Offroad]

Congrats post some pictures!

 

[thespecialone]

I just picked a '97 LX450 w/lockers

I looked for a long time and looked at some pretty rough vehicles, but I finally came across this with pretty high miles (223,000), but it's in fantastic shape.

No door dings, no paint issues, no paint work, no rips or tears on the interior, everything works.

The previous owner was pretty fanatical.

The only non-stock item is that it has Toyota springs and shocks rather than the softer Lexus parts. (He had the Lexus dealer swap them very early on because he didn't like the super-soft ride).

The only issues it has are:
"D" doesn't light up on the dash when in drive
Brake pedal is soft. The owner had the master cylinder replaced, but I doubt his mechanic truly flushed the brakes, so that's on the agenda for this weekend.

Anything tricky on flushing the brakes?

Couple of assumptions based on what I've read on the forum I should plan on rebuilding the Birfs, but other than that, I think it's good.

I'm also going to replace the gear lube in the transfer case and rear diff.

Anything else I need to think about?

My plan is to put a mild lift on it (2.5"), front and rear bumpers and slider steps, slightly bigger tires. Probably some other smaller stuff as well.

This forum looks like a great resource to keep my LX on the road.

Welcome! I just picked up a TLC with slightly higher mileage but also in freakishly fantastic condition (my "build" thread coming soon...). The no light for "D" is very common, no worries...I also have the brake pedal issue - feels soft and mushy. I am scheduled for service Friday and will report back the issue...could be calipers, hoses old and not pumping fluid properly or air in lines.

 

[084runnerltd]

I just picked a '97 LX450 w/lockers I looked for a long time and looked at some pretty rough vehicles, but I finally came across this with pretty high miles (223,000), but it's in fantastic shape. No door dings, no paint issues, no paint work, no rips or tears on the interior, everything works. The previous owner was pretty fanatical. The only non-stock item is that it has Toyota springs and shocks rather than the softer Lexus parts. (He had the Lexus dealer swap them very early on because he didn't like the super-soft ride). The only issues it has are: "D" doesn't light up on the dash when in drive Brake pedal is soft. The owner had the master cylinder replaced, but I doubt his mechanic truly flushed the brakes, so that's on the agenda for this weekend. Anything tricky on flushing the brakes? Couple of assumptions based on what I've read on the forum I should plan on rebuilding the Birfs, but other than that, I think it's good. I'm also going to replace the gear lube in the transfer case and rear diff. Anything else I need to think about? My plan is to put a mild lift on it (2.5"), front and rear bumpers and slider steps, slightly bigger tires. Probably some other smaller stuff as well. This forum looks like a great resource to keep my LX on the road.

Don't forget to bleed the LSPV.

 

[scrowley]

Sounds nice. Pics?

 

[Stevesnj]

 

[yodaTEQ]

Give the people what they want UPLOAD THOSE PICS
Congrats and welcome to the world of 80s