LX470 Newb Checking In

[nutter]

Hey guys, just recently purchased a 2001 LX470 with 135K miles on it. I read up a lot on this site before striking on this unit and just wanted to say hi and thanks to all for creating this great resource. I originally was planning to purchase an FJZ80 because of the better wheeling capability, but I thought I should at least test drive a hundy to make sure I was doing due diligence in my search. I had a HUGE grin on my face after driving my first LX470--the ride, comfort, and refinement was at a whole 'nother level. After doing some auto soul-searching, I figured that most of my time would be on the pavement, and the better ride was worth the trade-off in wheeling prowess. Also, low mileage well kept 80s in the Bay Area, even without lockers, are basically going for the same as what I paid for the LX470--$10.5K. Anyways, am very happy with the purchase, and I still have a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

The truck is in overall really good shape, but going to start out doing some PM on it:
* Timing belt, water pump, coolant flush - DONE
* Engine, tranny, transfer case, diff oil changes
* Air, fuel, oil, and cabin filters
* New lift supports for hood and rear hatch
* AHC fluid flush
* Replace spark plugs and a compression test
* It's missing the plastic jack cover in the cargo area. Lexus quoted me $71 for the part. Hate to pay that much for a piece of plastic? What's the chance I could get that somewhere else?
* 3rd row cloth speaker cover is torn. Need to figure out how to replace that.
* There is also a clunking noise when it's cold when I first startup the truck and put it in gear. It goes away after about a minute and then runs super smooth after that. I asked my mechanic about it and he said maybe something in the tranny, but probably not worth messing with unless it gets worse. May post to see if others have same issue.

After the PM, hope to do some mods, in rough order:
* Running board delete
* 33's -- not sure whether to go 285/75r16 or 255/85r16…
* Sliders
* Rear bumper (I already know that tow hitch is going to be dragging everywhere off-road)
* Lockers
* Front bumper
* Winch
* RTT
* At that point, not sure whether I'll need to ditch the AHC for an OME given the extra weight. I do like the AHC ride and adjustability, so I'm in no hurry to remove it.

Anyways, if there are other 100 owners in the Bay Area who like to wheel, I'd love to meet up!

 

[Wilsil]

Welcome and you surely bought the right car.
Enjoy.

 

[smoothcruiser]

Howdy, I just wanted to check in and say Congratulations to the OP on your 2001 LX470! Coincidentally, last Sunday I drove right by Walnut Creek en route from Oakland to Elk Grove, where soon thereafter I bought my first LC/LX, the same year and model as yours with just a few thousand more miles! Now I'm back home in Montana, loving my new 100 series.

I'm hoping I can have an exhaust manifold leak welded rather than replaced. I've learned this is usually doable on 4runners, not sure about these LX470s. Also need to have CV boots looked at and perhaps rear shocks replaced. Could be pricey, I realize. There's no Lexus dealer here, but there is a Toyota dealer. I would prefer to identify a reliable local mechanic that has expertise with these.

 

[nutter]

Congrats to you too then! Had to fly all the way out here from Montana to find a decent cruiser?

I also went w/ a local mechanic for the timing belt that was overdue for replacement. After reading Yelp reviews of my local Lexus dealer I didn't have much confidence in them.

 

[Traskew3]

Nice LX !! I recently got one too!! Def removal of the running boards is the best 1st mod!! I also removed , sanded and painted black the Lexus badge in the front. I myself am not a fan of the gold trim and will be removing it from the back of mine.

 

[Kross]

From one newb to another, welcome!

 

[nutter]

I also don't like the gold trim much, but not sure if I will go the black out route. What are you planning to do for the rear, also blackout?

Removed the running boards 2 weekends ago. Also did tranny, transfer case, and engine oil changes, fuel filter, spark plugs, lift supports, and a compression test. All cylinders checked in at about 190, so good there. Did front diff oil but rear bolt is being a b*tch--worried I'll round it off so will probably take to my mechanic.

Here's updated pic w/o running boards next to my 4runner. Definitely makes me more manly when I'm with the kids at the mall.

 

[smoothcruiser]

Congrats to you too then! Had to fly all the way out here from Montana to find a decent cruiser?

Yea, choices were pretty slim around here and priced high. Supply and demand I guess. Now that the dust has settled from my NoCal journey, I feel real lucky to have found and purchased the rig I bought at the price I got. Sometimes I wonder if an 80-series would fit my needs and dreams better but this thing rides SO smooth. One of each, an 80 and a 100, would be sweet! I haven't tested this LX in any way yet. Truth is, I have never been behind the wheel of an 80. That's how slim the pickins' have been here. But I discovered that a neighbor owns one and we agreed last night as I was walking the dog by his house that we need to trade rigs for test drives. Looking forward to that.

You guys' rigs look great, much more serious without running boards and surely more practical for off road. My petite wife actually uses those things to jump in, so not sure when they're coming off. I have a question about removing them: is the electrical to the light a simple un-plug and tuck job?

I like those blackened badges, mine has chrome lettering but I'd prefer black or better yet, graphite color. Just a matter of sanding and painting? Sounds easy enough.

I've got an appointment in a couple weeks at the Lexus shop in Spokane. Planning to flush AHC and other fluids changed. Let the mechanic(s) there inspect things and see what they say. The thought of going to a Lexus dealer makes me cringe but I think it will be good to see where things are at. Before the purchase, it had an inspection at a Nissan dealer; leaks in rear shocks and CV boots were noticed. Figure I better let Lexus or somebody who knows the AHC system evaluate those. Still looking for such a mechanic in the Great Falls area.

 

[kev301]

Congrat on the purchase. You can do the ahc flush your self and save the funds for something else. Its easy with the diy guide on here and it takes about an hour to do the whole flush. The ride will be a lot better after the flush, just got done with mines.

 

[smoothcruiser]

Thanks kev301, I will check that out. I heard or read about somebody got air in the system during the flush and it wreaked big havoc. That makes me nervey-ous.

 

[kev301]

Smooth the reason why they got air in their system is because they let the reservoir go empty. Just take your time and remember to check the reservoir after each adjustment. It will definitely be cheaper for you to do it. Just make sure you buy two can of the ahc fluid

 

[nutter]

Smooth, I did test drive 3 80s first, then 3 100s, before buying my LX. The difference between an 80 and 100 in terms of comfort is night and day, and unless you're primarily wheeling the rig (i.e. 50% of time), I'd say the 100 is the right choice. 100 also has more room and better towing capacity, both of which I like. To be honest, I would like a rig I can take through the Rubicon, but I can pick up a ready-to-go crawler around here for $5000 which could walk through there much easier than either an 80 or 100, and I wouldn't be worried about crunching body panels on my beautiful Lexus. For me the 100 will be for camping with the family; I'll get something smaller and cheaper for hard-core wheeling.

I hear you on the running boards--my wife is pretty short too, so I had second thoughts about removing them. After much thought... I decided not to ask her and just remove them. I figure if she complains, I'll have ammunition to go spend $$$ on slider steps instead. The light can just be unplugged and the rest is just a few nuts to unscrew. Hardest part is lying on your back doing it.

On the AHC topic--I'm planning to go the DIY route there too. Check out this thread, it's pretty helpful: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/definitive-list-of-ahc-maintenance-items.604577/

I'm thinking of doing the AHC flush first, then doing the neutral pressure test. After that, I may go for a mild (1.5") AHC lift. At that point, not sure if I'll need to switch to OEM bars and coils to stay within AHC pressure specs or what. Will keep you posted on how it goes.

Crazy that you would drive all the way to Washington to see a Lexus dealer. I guess the trade-off for the beautiful scenery (and wheeling?) in Montana is lots of driving...

 

[brosama]

I like those blackened badges, mine has chrome lettering but I'd prefer black or better yet, graphite color. Just a matter of sanding and painting?

Plastidip - do a little masking, clean with alcohol, spray 3-4 coats, peel off, then clean up the detail work with a toothpick. If you don't like it it peels off. Fairly durable too.

* It's missing the plastic jack cover in the cargo area. Lexus quoted me $71 for the part. Hate to pay that much for a piece of plastic? What's the chance I could get that somewhere else?

I'd check ebay first, then search around online if you can't find it.

@nutter I'm over the hill from you in Mountain House. I usually get out wheelin' a few times a year, we should meet up at some point.

 

[brosama]

And congrats on the clean rig!

 

[nutter]

bro-sama, the plastidip blackout looks pretty sweet. Never heard of Mountain House before, but it looks like it's less than an hour away. Would love to meet up for wheelin' sometime--do you have any favorite spots nearby? Are you lifted on 285s?

 

[brosama]

Sounds good man. Not too much around here. Some mud pits and obstacles at Carnegie and hill climbs at Frank Raines. I usually head up HWY 4 near Arnold and Dorrington for some light trails and exploring/shooting. I'm on 285s with no lift, just stock AHC.

 

[smoothcruiser]

Smooth, I did test drive 3 80s first, then 3 100s, before buying my LX. The difference between an 80 and 100 in terms of comfort is night and day, and unless you're primarily wheeling the rig (i.e. 50% of time), I'd say the 100 is the right choice. 100 also has more room and better towing capacity, both of which I like. To be honest, I would like a rig I can take through the Rubicon, but I can pick up a ready-to-go crawler around here for $5000 which could walk through there much easier than either an 80 or 100, and I wouldn't be worried about crunching body panels on my beautiful Lexus. For me the 100 will be for camping with the family; I'll get something smaller and cheaper for hard-core wheeling.

I hear you on the running boards--my wife is pretty short too, so I had second thoughts about removing them. After much thought... I decided not to ask her and just remove them. I figure if she complains, I'll have ammunition to go spend $$$ on slider steps instead. The light can just be unplugged and the rest is just a few nuts to unscrew. Hardest part is lying on your back doing it.

On the AHC topic--I'm planning to go the DIY route there too. Check out this thread, it's pretty helpful: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/definitive-list-of-ahc-maintenance-items.604577/

I'm thinking of doing the AHC flush first, then doing the neutral pressure test. After that, I may go for a mild (1.5") AHC lift. At that point, not sure if I'll need to switch to OEM bars and coils to stay within AHC pressure specs or what. Will keep you posted on how it goes.

Crazy that you would drive all the way to Washington to see a Lexus dealer. I guess the trade-off for the beautiful scenery (and wheeling?) in Montana is lots of driving...

Nutter, thanks for the relief on the 80 100 comparison. Your purposes are pretty similar to mine it seems, although I'm past the family camping. (We do have a dog though.) After taking the rig up and back from the ski mountain today on real icy and snow packed roads, I am loving this rig even more. I said to my wife on the way down that we could get real spoiled with this thing. I don't know what else to call it, it's
not a car, not a truck, it's just an amazing "thing". I've never driven anything like it. And I pinch myself that it's parked in our carport.

I think your running boards story is hilarious. My wife would definitely notice them missing. I actually found them handy today for buckling the ski boots. Jury is still out there for me. Overall, I want them gone, including for driving in deep snow.

On the AHC topic--I'm planning to go the DIY route there too. Check out this thread, it's pretty helpful: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/definitive-list-of-ahc-maintenance-items.604577/

Took a look at this and other threads. Great info, thanks much Nutter and Kev. Now planning to do the AHC flush myself. Looking forward to my first DIY project!

 

[nutter]

@brosama Sounds good, let me know next time you head out for some wheeling. I also usually do foothills/Sierras or sometimes down to Hollister.

@smoothcruiser Glad you're loving the LX! i also just ordered the AHC fluid so will let you know how the flush goes. Sounds like from your description, you made the right choice w/ the 100 vs 80.

 

[Ok29445]

Congrats on finding a nice LX.

I'm a newbie here too. Just bought a garage kept 2000 LX with 208k on it for $8k. It was well maintained but is due for timing belt replacement. I'm converting my AHC suspension with stock LC rear coils and KYB shocks. Mine is a weekend tow vehicle so I didn't need the OME upgrade or lift. Welcome!