looking at a 96 LX450 to buy need advice

[raynyc]

hello people,
newbie here getting ready to buy a an LX450 , 1996 in NYC.
i need some advice , below is the list of Pros and Cons

Pros:
• fully loaded with no Navigation
• paint looks mint except for one scratch
• new tires
• new front brakes
• it looks like its had a recent tune up , with new cap, wires, plugs, new oil filter that i can see.
• everything works
• less than 100k miles
• motor is totally quiet when running , i was able to start it from cold and no smoke, the valves did chatter for about 2 seconds right at start up .
• when i drove the truck it felt totally tight and steered straight


the cons:
• the trans pan looked i like it was leaking a
• the front diff was seeping
• the front axles were crusty with grease and oil
• the rear axle diff was seeping
• if you face the motor to the right below the oil filter it seems to be leaking some sort of oil, maybe transmission lines? 2 small steel lines.
• check engine light ( i don't have a code reader)
• rusted out tow hitch
• the running boards are rusted out
• surface rust forming on the bottom of the frame rails. none of it was flaking.
• when i was driving the truck if i applied the breaks in a firm aggressive manor they would almost goto the floor and anti-lock system would kick in , i looked at the rear brakes and they looked like they were toast but the front look new. the brake reservoir was full.
• the front driver seat is ripped and not repairable
• the passenger seat should be redone also , its not ripped but it doesn't look perfect.

Mods i would want to do as soon as i got it:
• steel bumpers and running boards (slee maybe?)
• old man emu suspension lift (around 3 inches)
• new wheels and tires (black, i am thinking 33's)
• detail it out , it needs to be cleaned.

i am trying to get a guestimate on what it would cost to get it mechanically sound before i do the mods and if anyone knows a good landcruiser guy in NYC, BK, Queens, or NJ even that could do any or all of the work.

thanks in advance
Ray
•

 

[fjrohrs]

Comments are below, YMMV.

the cons:
• the trans pan looked i like it was leaking a - This is likely due to the rear main leaking.
• the front diff was seeping - Where was this happening? If at the birfs it's normal but see next reply.
• the front axles were crusty with grease and oil - Probably needs a rebuild sooner than later ~200 per side plus labor and mess.
• the rear axle diff was seeping - Where? Rear might need a rebuild as well.
• if you face the motor to the right below the oil filter it seems to be leaking some sort of oil, maybe transmission lines? 2 small steel lines. - Could be power steering or the oil filter isn't on right so it's leaking.
• check engine light ( i don't have a code reader) - Usually Cats or O2 sensors.
• rusted out tow hitch - IH8rust
• the running boards are rusted out - You'll remove them anyway
• surface rust forming on the bottom of the frame rails. none of it was flaking. Some rust is ok but an East Coast vehicle is usually in worse shape than a southern or sothwest car.
• when i was driving the truck if i applied the breaks in a firm aggressive manor they would almost goto the floor and anti-lock system would kick in , i looked at the rear brakes and they looked like they were toast but the front look new. the brake reservoir was full. - Don't know this one but could be bleeding process if they did the fronts.
• the front driver seat is ripped and not repairable - Pretty normal, mine is the same way. Replacements are available or seat covers.
• the passenger seat should be redone also , its not ripped but it doesn't look perfect.

Mods i would want to do as soon as i got it: - Take care of your powertrain and axle issues prior to doing the mods, otherwise you'll have a good looking rig that doesn't run.
• steel bumpers and running boards (slee maybe?)
• old man emu suspension lift (around 3 inches)
• new wheels and tires (black, i am thinking 33's)
• detail it out , it needs to be cleaned.

 

[raynyc]

thanks for all the insight!
the seeping from the differentials are from the bottom of the pumpkin. i guess in hindsight i should have taken pix , i was with the truck for an hour.
when you say to rebuild the axles does this mean replace them or just do the seals and bearings?
thanks again , i pick the truck up wednesday.