Good to know! I would have spent a lot of time covering. Saw the Georgia drive out tag from when you bought it and assumed. Keep up the good work and thanks for the help!
Builds Lexie/Land Bruiser Restoration Thread
- Thread starter dwh13
- Start date
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Thanks for showing your progress!
It appears my '99 started off in similar condition to yours, though my interior's a bit more ratty. I did not know that was the AHC tank by the firewall on DS. Mine is filthy black and I thought it was going to be either brake or power steering fluid, but obviously hadn't done any research into it yet. I'm having a slight issue with AHC that I'm going to look at addressing soon: front end drops to Low position if sitting off for more than a couple hours, but pumps right back up on start-up.
Did cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body help with your MPG? I'm only getting 10-11 around-town right now, but it appears most people on here are at least 13, and I've been trying to drive a bit gingerly to see if it makes any difference.
It appears my '99 started off in similar condition to yours, though my interior's a bit more ratty. I did not know that was the AHC tank by the firewall on DS. Mine is filthy black and I thought it was going to be either brake or power steering fluid, but obviously hadn't done any research into it yet. I'm having a slight issue with AHC that I'm going to look at addressing soon: front end drops to Low position if sitting off for more than a couple hours, but pumps right back up on start-up.
Did cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body help with your MPG? I'm only getting 10-11 around-town right now, but it appears most people on here are at least 13, and I've been trying to drive a bit gingerly to see if it makes any difference.
- Thread starter
- #23
Hmm, are you sure it's in low? They auto-level themselves, so when I park in my sloped driveway, the front drops down to level with the back.
As far as MPGs, I cleaned the MAF and TB at the same time I upsized my tires, so I can't really say if it helped or not. The highest I've ever gotten out of the truck is 15 mpg on flat highway though. I just try not to think about it
It does not register as being in "Low", but the front end is lowered sometimes, but it is inconsistent, and only when sitting for an extended period. When it does drop it while off and parked in a level spot, it raises up when running to normal height.
Thanks for the carpet/ vent tip. Fixed!
Sweet little thread! It's always refreshing to see more of a "clean up/rejuvenation" of a Cruiser as opposed to a full on build. Definitely gives me some good ideas of little things to fix up/replace/change that still make a big difference.
- Thread starter
- #27
Come to think about it, mine has a similar issue when off-roading sometimes...I'll put it in Hi, the truck will raise up, but the indicator will move back to N, even though the truck doesn't. If I restart, the light is back at Hi.
Let me know if you ever need a wrenching partner since we're neighbors!
CloudCity
LuxCruisers
This. Is. Awesome. We are probably about the same experience-wise and I also have really enjoyed digging into this truck. I have done a few of the same things, and did the EXACT same setup with my Grom Aux by putting it in where the old lighter used to be. Perfect eh? Even keeps the little light ring around it! Speaker re-foam is great, the sound system rivals that on many modern cars if you just get the speakers fixed like you did. I think people are wasting money getting aftermarket systems.
Just did my MAF yesterday to try and get higher than my perpetual 11.6 MPG city driving on a bone stock car w mild AT tires.
Genius idea on the seatbelts!!!!!! I've been putting that off.
What symptoms were you experiencing that led you to getting a new clock spring? I ask because my steering wheel has a weird bit of play at dead center when not moving and not sure what that is, worn steering shaft, bushings, can't tell really but it reminds me of the feeling of a u-joint going out with a bit of slop if that makes sense.
I'm about to reseal my evaporator box and replace my blower fan w a new unit, both simple projects. Thanks for this, super informative and right up my alley!
Just did my MAF yesterday to try and get higher than my perpetual 11.6 MPG city driving on a bone stock car w mild AT tires.
Genius idea on the seatbelts!!!!!! I've been putting that off.
What symptoms were you experiencing that led you to getting a new clock spring? I ask because my steering wheel has a weird bit of play at dead center when not moving and not sure what that is, worn steering shaft, bushings, can't tell really but it reminds me of the feeling of a u-joint going out with a bit of slop if that makes sense.
I'm about to reseal my evaporator box and replace my blower fan w a new unit, both simple projects. Thanks for this, super informative and right up my alley!
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- Thread starter
- #29
Since it's been a while, and I've ordered parts from two awesome guys here on Mud, here's my latest update on Lexie...
Thanks @Raj Singh for hooking me up with the bumper! Awesome guy to work with.
Thanks @Raj Singh for hooking me up with the bumper! Awesome guy to work with.
- Thread starter
- #30
I KNOW, y'all are having a spasm at hooking up a garden hose to the cooling system, but it was in there for maybe 30 seconds, and was immediately flushed with a gallon of coolant. She's withstood much worse abuse
By the way, I used this video from ChrisFix to flush it. Awesome step by step video for novice wrenchers like me.
Thanks @CloudCity for the grille! Another awesome Mudder to work with if y'all get the chance!
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How did you update your maps/GPS? Was it a disk or whole new unit? Also with that many miles your ahc seemed to hold up pretty well. I think its definitely worth preserving. I just hit 150k with regular Lexus service on mine. Just awesome system to keep
- Thread starter
- #32
I updated the whole unit and the maps too with a gen 4 unit out of a newer LX. Direct plug and play, the only downside is you lose voice commands, which were never really that helpful anyway.
Amd don’t be fooled, the AHC holds up pretty well because the pump and 4 globes have all been replaced this year haha.
- Thread starter
- #33
Relax, you just can't see the jack stands!
- Thread starter
- #34
CloudCity
LuxCruisers
This is next on my list also, want to be sure all the bulbs match in intensity if possible. Saw an old thread where people used a Radio Shack unit but those are hard to find today. Did you just use the dealer bulb that comes on the base already?
I didn't even know that the AHC controls lit up. Now I have another project to do 
- Thread starter
- #38
Part no. 8499910310 for the AHC bulb. If all yours are out, it takes 3 I believe.
Side note - anyone have the part number for the hazard bulb? I pulled it apart and only found one long bulb that seemed like it lit up the hazard, antenna and CDL switches. Now none of them light up...
I KNOW, y'all are having a spasm at hooking up a garden hose to the cooling system, but it was in there for maybe 30 seconds, and was immediately flushed with a gallon of coolant. She's withstood much worse abuse
By the way, I used this video from ChrisFix to flush it. Awesome step by step video for novice wrenchers like me.
Thanks @CloudCity for the grille! Another awesome Mudder to work with if y'all get the chance!
I thought the 2002 & 2007 grills couldn’t work without modifying the surrounds.... so it just bolted up with ZERO modifications and it sits flush with fit/finish oem?
Also good write ups...
