LC verses LX on air suspension question

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41togo

41togo

Joined
Jun 22, 2022
Threads
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94
Location
Los Angeles
So I’ve owned my 02 LC for almost a decade now, from 130k to now 190k miles. I love the LC, all the suspensions been refreshed from shocks, bushings, etc. all OEM. Recently I felt the truck got some rattles when I hit a pothole or on rough roads.
I saw a few low mileage LX although all have gone up still reasonable for mid $20k 130k mi or so. I would not consider LX before now I’m thinking may be trade for a low mileage LX with better sounds, navigation, and air suspension. Those with air suspension appears loving it and few would de-mod to standard suspension. So air rides pro / con? Thanks
 
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RKRUGER said:
:popcorn:

This will likely drive some interesting opinions. One thing tho, the Lexus and AHC equipped LC models have a hydraulic suspension system with accumulators and such. It is not a “Range Rover-esque” air suspension.
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Beat me to it.

Stock vs stock its much nicer.
Cost to maintain is much more. The big thing is like most vics is to maintain, not replace AFTER the part has failed.
 
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To be clear, you want to trade a 2002 LC for another vehicle because you hear a rattle... while expecting another 20+ year old LX to not have any rattle that can't be fixed. ?
 
BullElk said:
To be clear, you want to trade a 2002 LC for another vehicle because you hear a rattle... while expecting another 20+ year old LX to not have any rattle that can't be fixed. ?
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Agree with this assessment.

"Better navigation" is also... interesting. Does anyone use the factory Navigon system anymore?

I am assuming since you live in LA, you have a rust free truck. Spend a few bucks to figure out the rattles and motor on, vs buying something new that will likely have the same or more rattles.
 
41togo said:
So I’ve owned my 02 LC for almost a decade now, from 130k to now 190k miles. I love the LC, all the suspensions been refreshed from shocks, bushings, etc. all OEM. Recently I felt the truck got some rattles when I hit a pothole or on rough roads.
I saw a few low mileage LX although all have gone up still reasonable for mid $20k 130k mi or so. I would not consider LX before now I’m thinking may be trade for a low mileage LX with better sounds, navigation, and air suspension. Those with air suspension appears loving it and few would de-mod to standard suspension. So air rides pro / con? Thanks
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The LX470 doesn't have air suspension, the GX70 does have airbags in the rear.

The LX has hydraulic suspension known as AHC or Active Height Control.

My opinion would be to not get rid of your land cruiser, you know where its been and have maintained it. Your probably due for timing belt and other big maintenance items as your approach 200k but it will be worth it.

That being said, the LX is pretty much the same vehicle with the exception of sound proofing , trim, and the AHC. A few other stupid little things. AHC is an impressive system but may need some money dumped into it to keep it all good.

When it comes to comparing the two, the vehicle with the least amount of rust and the most amount of maintenance will be your best pick
 
Coin said:
Why do you believe this?
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Looked into it WAY more. I was wrong entirely.
TLDR; at bottom

Fluid flushes/part replacement. (Rams/Globes)
Not even factoring in the rust that I'm trying to avoid ever happening in MI. Truck is from GA and is for the most part rust free right now.

But actually been thinking about it more, would keeping the system working and maintaining it properly compared to a static actually cost more or less.

(assume a 25 year period)
Stock vs stock? The static one would probably be more expensive.
Springs/Torsions will probably have to be replaced just once. (same on the AHC one so it breaks even there).
The shocks/struts maybe like 3-4 times. $2,400 ($600x4)
USA Avg 13,600 per year. Call it 340,000 miles over 25 years' that's 5-6 flushes.
The big one for the AHC system is the fluid. 60k(or 72 months) between flushes. $900 ($150x6)
(This is unless you get the stuff on sale which isn't hard. Nearly half that from Serra Decatur right now.)

The (I assume, less the fluid) original AHC stuff is showing its age. I'm currently replacing most of it. (Rams/Fluid/Globes/Springs/Torsions) The springs and torsions are upgraded ones for the weight I'm going to be adding.)
I'm about at the cost of a lift kit.

But AHC vs Lift Kit seems to be way different.
I expect me essentially zeroing the AHC will make it last another 25 years.
Would something like a Ironman last that long? The shocks/struts being the part I'd assume would wear out.
Nitro's are rated for 60-100k(roughly 37,000 to 62,000 miles), the foams are 100-150k(62,000 to 93,000 miles) before they have to be rebuilt/replaced.
This was apparently before 2022, the now have a "unlimited" km/mileage on their suspension products.

So new those vs fluid flush's vs the shock replacement cost over the 25 years I think would be what you would compare in this case.

TLDR;
Over 25 years
AHC - $900 - $2000(Just fluid flushes) Maybe replace the globes once?
Stock - $1800 - $2400 (Just new shocks/struts)
Lift Kit Now - ???
If using the old rated system.
Nitro's - $2000 - $2800 (Gotta buy new ones everytime)
Foam - $500 (Rebuild yourself Rebuild kits/Oil/Service tool) Only need to buy the tool once) - $4800 (Buying new shocks every time)

This is also assuming non sale pricing and doing the work yourself.
 
Thanks for all the input! I’ve mistakenly thinking the hydraulic ride height is the same as air ride suspension. So much for that silly me 😝I do love my LC just occasionally I get frustrated as she aged if it’s not this it’s that. Having saids I’m not unfamiliar with expensive car maintenance as I have a SC, 996, and e39 M5. As I’m getting older my go to car is often the LC. The LC although not cheap but will outlast all those aforementioned. Just curious so I check my maintenance under my ownership, really normal stuff nothing super out of place or expensive except the brake booster, still got the original steering rack feels fine. So next on my list is to fix the leaking inoper sunroof, perform a Blackstone oil analysis, and see if the body rattles is from aging or engine mounts.

8/2016 144k:
New old LC passed Smog check, oil/filter change, replaced all 4 door lock actuators, new re-program factory key, titanium key fob
9/2017 149k:
New NAPA battery, Oil/filter change, installed new rear view mirror,
Replaced interior brown wood trim with synthetic gray wood trim. Respray rear bumper and panels. Replaced with OEM rebuild radio/CD unit.
6/2018 157k:
Smog check and oil/filter change
10/2018 159k:
Timing belt OEM, water pump tensioner bearing, idler bearing, hydraulic tensioner, drive belt, thermostat, cam seals, crank seal, spark plugs, flush coolants.
Replaced front brake pads, service front rotors, replaced parking brake cable, replaced spare tire drop cable, replaced front L/R calipers. Flush brake system. Oil/ filter transmission fluid change.
11/2018 160k:
4 New Michelin LTX 275/70/16, new strong arm hood stunts
3/2019 163k:
Oil/filter change, replace with SS exhaust system including all new hardwares down pipes, new cats, pre/ post Borla stainless steel pre/post mufflers. New O2 sensors.
Replaced F/R new OEM shocks and hardwares
5/2019 166k:
Replaced rear brake pads, service rotors, repacked F/R bearings. Oil/ filter change, transmission fluid change, F/R differential transfer case oil change, new battery cable.
7/2019 167k:
Replaced starter with rebuild unit. Flush brake system, replace flush coolant and replace heater hoses and plastic tees.
8/2019 168k:
Replaced new ABS booster master cylinder unit due to code, flush brake system.
4/2020 169k:
Oil/filter change, transmission fluid change
12/2020 170k:
Replaced interstate battery, replaced with new Fuse box due to intermittent starting, installed F/R dash cameras.
1/2021 172k:
Replaced L/R valve cover gaskets, spark plug tubes, oil/filter change, transmission fluid change
1/2022 175k:
Oil and filter change, air filter change
11/2022 177k:
Oil and filter change, brake fluid change
4/2023 180k:
Oil and filter change, new OEM radiator replaced, new upper and lower hoses, flush coolant.
11/2023 183k:
Oil and filter change, Mobil 1 transmission fluid flush, Mobil 1 grease gun 7 u joints and couplings, differential and transfer case Mobil 1 synth 75w/90.
8/2024 185k:
Oil and filter change, air filter
Repack front wheel bearings, new OEM rotors & pads
3/2025 188k:
Oil and filter change, in
8/2025 190k:
Weld new sway-bar bracket passenger side ( rusted due to AC drainage), new front OEM sway bar bushings, new rear sway bar bushings, wheel alignment
10/2025 191k:
New OEM rear lower and upper control arms, front & rear differential mount, transmission mount, OEM new fuel tank shield, re check wheel alignment
11/2025 192k:
New Kicker subwoofer
 
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Looks like you've done a bunch of big maintenance items on your cruiser which is a plus if you decide to sell. Moving to the LX isn't a move to be done to save money in the long run, in my opinion both of these vehicles should be considered in the same category as far as long term cost to keep road worthy

>> If you're looking to switch it up, you'll find your 100 series sells for more than a new LX will cost you so that's a win . The LX will also most likely ride much nicer ( generally speaking )
>> If you are thinking about a new vehicle, don't neglect the GX470.... They have the 2UZ motor, ride very nicely, and usually can be found for a good price from a dealer maintained previous owner. Plenty of power at highway speeds, I pull a camper with mine, and can still drop into low and lock up center diff and climb a mountain if needed. Suspension is a bit different than both the 100 series and LX470 but all around solid vehicle.


That being said, if all you're worried about is the 100 series rattles and its getting older / up there in mileage , that can all be solved. If u post more details about the rattle maybe mud world can help narrow it down. Could be something simple.
 
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Mike NXP said:
>> If you're looking to switch it up, you'll find your 100 series sells for more than a new LX will cost you so that's a win . The LX will also most likely ride much nicer ( generally speaking )
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Year for year, I'd say you're correct. But an '03+ LX is probably going to cost a bit more on average than an unlocked pre '02 LC. Not a huge difference though, and if it's a vehicle that gets driven a lot the 5 speed is a pretty big improvement and could make it worth it.
 
GTV said:
Year for year, I'd say you're correct. But an '03+ LX is probably going to cost a bit more on average than an unlocked pre '02 LC. Not a huge difference though, and if it's a vehicle that gets driven a lot the 5 speed is a pretty big improvement and could make it worth it.
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The ‘03+ has rear curtain airbags too which is nice of you have kids back there.
 
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One thing to consider for 'rattles and bumps', is engine mounts. I replaced mine (not a difficult job) and it's like a new car again.
 
achris said:
One thing to consider for 'rattles and bumps', is engine mounts. I replaced mine (not a difficult job) and it's like a new car again.
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For others wondering , this can be checked sorta easily too.

Hood open with someone standing safely off to the side, looking into engine bay...
Someone else will apply full brake, put it into drive, and give a quick throttle tap.

You'll know right away if mounts are bad. A little flex is fine... Clunks , bangs , and other scary sounding things are no good...
 
Everyone knows that the LX is superior! The parts at the factory are hand selected and only assembled Tuesday-Thursday. The LC gets what's left over and mainly built by tired workers. Even the cows for the leather in the LX are hand picked for superior hides!



JK! I love my LX but if I had a LC that I'd be taking good care of, no way would I look at getting rid of it for an LX. Better to stick with the devil you know!
 
shane431 said:
Everyone knows that the LX is superior! The parts at the factory are hand selected and only assembled Tuesday-Thursday. The LC gets what's left over and mainly built by tired workers. Even the cows for the leather in the LX are hand picked for superior hides!



JK! I love my LX but if I had a LC that I'd be taking good care of, no way would I look at getting rid of it for an LX. Better to stick with the devil you know!
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When I ordered my LX new, I was able to buy/cook/eat the Wagyu beef from the EXACT cows that provided the leather for my seats!

Full circle experience.
 
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