most reliable shocks for adventure rig

[backwoodsjack]

I am actively looking to buy a 470/100. I have been spending all my extra time on BAT or cars& bids. I still haven't found the one at my price. My intention is to build a truck for hunting/camping, but still capable of long range driving, to Alaska form MN. My question is, what shocks are the most reliable? I am thinking a 1.5 or 2'' lift, and will have prolonged driving on minimum maintenance roads. I am not looking to install shocks that need to be rebuilt often, or will experience valving failures. Of course ride quality is important, but reliability is king. Please recommend from experience.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[AlpineAccess]

Literally the stock land cruiser at stock ride height is the perfect vehicle for what you described - stock shocks and stock height. Best ride quality and soaks up rough roads well with the extra down travel from not lifting.

The factory Tokicos are like $50 a piece and in terms of reliability are unbelievable.

The problem is many folks put expensive shocks on these (myself included) trying to get the best ride quality. And when it doesn't make it better than stock we start replacing all the other 20 year old rubber bits in the drivetrain and suspension.

For your use, I'd spend the money on replacing all of that old rubber, do factory shocks, and put some nice wheels and ATs on it

 

[backwoodsjack]

Literally the stock land cruiser at stock ride height is the perfect vehicle for what you described.

Stock shocks and stock height. Best ride quality and soaks up rough roads well with the extra down travel from not lifting.

The factory Tokicos are like $50 a piece and in terms of reliability are unbelievable.

Ok thanks, that certainly is the cheapest and most supportable option. I would definitely drive the stock truck to evaluate before modifying.
It may be all that I need.

 

[nissanh]

There is a 2001 LC with 250K miles for 9K on carsandbids. Yeah OEM shocks are very cheap, improved ride quality and lasts for a long time. When I bought the Tokicos ( the oem toyota shock) each was about 35 + tax. I recommend you to avoid year 2000 as it has an issue with the transmission. My 2000 and many other 2000 owners have experienced a catastrophic transmission failures! It is only on 2000 so 2001 and up or 98 and 99 are good.

 

[97 AZ LC]

I recommend you to avoid year 2000 as it has an issue with the transmission. My 2000 and many other 2000 owners have experienced a catastrophic transmission failures! It is only on 2000 so 2001 and up or 98 and 99 are good.

There's been a lot 2001 transmission failures as well. It's not as noticeable because they sold only about half as many 01s because the Sequoia came out that year. The 2000 transmission was reworked to the point that it calls for a different rebuild kit than 1995 to 1999. The 1995 to 1999 4 speeds are very solid.

 

[nissanh]

Good to know. I finally ended up fully rebuilding the transmission in my 2000.

 

[backwoodsjack]

There is a 2001 LC with 250K miles for 9K on carsandbids. Yeah OEM shocks are very cheap, improved ride quality and lasts for a long time. When I bought the Tokicos ( the oem toyota shock) each was about 35 + tax. I recommend you to avoid year 2000 as it has an issue with the transmission. My 2000 and many other 2000 owners have experienced a catastrophic transmission failures! It is only on 2000 so 2001 and up or 98 and 99 are good.

I looked for the 2001 LC, I only see 1 LC it is a 2018.

 

[AlpineAccess]

I think looking exclusively at these premium auction sites is going to steer you the wrong direction - there are a lot of nice cruisers out there and just about no one on this site would buy their cruiser off BaT or Cars and Bids.

 

[backwoodsjack]

I think looking exclusively at these premium auction sites is going to steer you the wrong direction - there are a lot of nice cruisers out there and just about no one on this site would buy their cruiser off BaT or Cars and Bids.

Ok, well how about clueing me in to where I can find a 100 series with good service history?

Ok, well how about clueing me in to where I can find a 100 series with good service history?

I have been through the Facebook craigslist deal. Nothing was trustworthy. I have spent at least 6 months chasing leads, but can't fly around the US looking at truck's. Nothing within 500 miles of my home will be free of corrosion.
It is not as simple as it looks.

I think looking exclusively at these premium auction sites is going to steer you the wrong direction - there are a lot of nice cruisers out there and just about no one on this site would buy their cruiser off BaT or Cars and Bids.

I went back and read my reply. I probably sound like a dick . That was not my intent. I will spend time reviewing the vehicles for sale on this site and see what it may hold. Thanks

 

[uHu]

I am actively looking to buy a 470/100. I have been spending all my extra time on BAT or cars& bids. I still haven't found the one at my price. My intention is to build a truck for hunting/camping, but still capable of long range driving, to Alaska form MN. My question is, what shocks are the most reliable? I am thinking a 1.5 or 2'' lift, and will have prolonged driving on minimum maintenance roads. I am not looking to install shocks that need to be rebuilt often, or will experience valving failures. Of course ride quality is important, but reliability is king. Please recommend from experience.
Thanks, Joe

Get one with AHC. Shocks last for life, nearly, or until rust take'em. Remote reservoir with cooling fins on the damping unit. Superb ride. Washboard cancelling. Built in 2" lift on tap. Both manual and automatic adjustable.

 

[backwoodsjack]

Get one with AHC. Shocks last for life, nearly, or until rust take'em. Remote reservoir with cooling fins on the damping unit. Superb ride. Washboard cancelling. Built in 2" lift on tap. Both manual and automatic adjustable.

Thanks, that seems to be the popular opinion. Keep the AHC maintained and functional.

 

[AlpineAccess]

Ok, well how about clueing me in to where I can find a 100 series with good service history?

My comment on the auction sites to be specific is because of the cost premium - they are typically $5k + above market (a few in the last few years were tens of thousands high). I do agree fully that the inspections and quality photos are nice.

Id think a few purchase inspections and a fly and drive ticket/rental/gas, you could save quite a bit and get a nice vehicle.

I found mine randomly on Autotrader in Scottsdale, AZ. There are a LOT of them that go up for sale here on the front range; and folks on the forum (including myself) who can take a peek at something local to us for you.

Auto tempest is pretty slick as you can have it search almost all the auto sites as well as craigslist by area.

A lot of auto shops also are standardizing on this digital inspection software - if you find something you like and can get a shop who does digital inspection reports you can get really good mechanical detail out of it, and ask the shop to take extra exterior photos.

There are a few other spots you might find something too including the regional cruiser clubs. Local to Denver is Rising Sun, and 100s do pop up occasionally.

Just some ideas to throw out there.

 

[OffRoadRN]

Check Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. You are likely to find a better deal there than in the auction sites. Also, the Lexus variants are usually a better value compared to their LC badged counterparts.

 

[Land Shark]

Decent option for ya​

​

VA- 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser - Factory rear locker​

 

[Pucker5]

I have been through the Facebook craigslist deal. Nothing was trustworthy. I have spent at least 6 months chasing leads, but can't fly around the US looking at truck's. Nothing within 500 miles of my home will be free of corrosion.
It is not as simple as it looks.

Get an lx - there’s a good amount of wealthier/older folks out there with well maintained 470’s. Market price is still high right now but seems to be cooling in my area. There’s a significant number of them near me that are well upgraded being sold by enthusiasts and some might call me a dick but it’s wild that dudes are trying to get full if not full+ payback on mods they’ve done to their rigs en route to 250-300k. If you can’t find an upgraded one from someone with realistic resale expectations buy one that hasn’t been touched and build it yourself.

 

[backwoodsjack]

My comment on the auction sites to be specific is because of the cost premium - they are typically $5k + above market (a few in the last few years were tens of thousands high). I do agree fully that the inspections and quality photos are nice.

Id think a few purchase inspections and a fly and drive ticket/rental/gas, you could save quite a bit and get a nice vehicle.

I found mine randomly on Autotrader in Scottsdale, AZ. There are a LOT of them that go up for sale here on the front range; and folks on the forum (including myself) who can take a peek at something local to us for you.

Auto tempest is pretty slick as you can have it search almost all the auto sites as well as craigslist by area.

A lot of auto shops also are standardizing on this digital inspection software - if you find something you like and can get a shop who does digital inspection reports you can get really good mechanical detail out of it, and ask the shop to take extra exterior photos.

There are a few other spots you might find something too including the regional cruiser clubs. Local to Denver is Rising Sun, and 100s do pop up occasionally.

Just some ideas to throw out there.

Ok, noted. i have found a few, but the good ones sell basically same day. The others require someone local to inspect. That is the hook, I am looking 750 to 1500 miles from home to find a solid rust free truck. I agree that the auction sites can be steep. I am not looking at high priced trucks. I would like to stay under 20k. I realize that there is considerable cost to baseline and risk-proof tht will be included on top of the sale price. I have watched the prices come down quite a bit in the last year. and the LX seems to net about a 10% to 15% savings over the 100.
One thing the auctions sites do deliver is a comprehensive view of the vehicle (i.e. service, undercarriage, paint and body, interior) as well as a better background to the seller and the exchange.

Get an lx - there’s a good amount of wealthier/older folks out there with well maintained 470’s. Market price is still high right now but seems to be cooling in my area. There’s a significant number of them near me that are well upgraded being sold by enthusiasts and some might call me a dick but it’s wild that dudes are trying to get full if not full+ payback on mods they’ve done to their rigs en route to 250-300k. If you can’t find an upgraded one from someone with realistic resale expectations buy one that hasn’t been touched and build it yourself.

Ok, 10-4. I have been watching the LX. I agree, I have seen absurd asking prices for modified trucks. Someone must be paying it though. There are still many out there who believe a lift, tires and wheels add 10k to the already inflated price they are asking. Ideally, I would find a 1st or second owner of an LX with a unmodified 470 in a dry state.
Thanks for the info.

 

[MountaineerLC]

Get an lx - there’s a good amount of wealthier/older folks out there with well maintained 470’s. Market price is still high right now but seems to be cooling in my area. There’s a significant number of them near me that are well upgraded being sold by enthusiasts and some might call me a dick but it’s wild that dudes are trying to get full if not full+ payback on mods they’ve done to their rigs en route to 250-300k. If you can’t find an upgraded one from someone with realistic resale expectations buy one that hasn’t been touched and build it yourself.

Not to mention you don't know the quality of the mods/workmanship when buying a truck already built. Half the fun is restoring and building your truck yourself anyway, IMO.

100 series prices are crazy right now, IMO. They're awesome vehicles, but let's take off the rose colored glasses. They're not magical and ageless. They still require maintenance and replacement of old and workout parts. If mine were to be totaled tomorrow I'd look hard at the GX. You can get a lot of vehicle for you money with those right now. They're are a lot more of them out there too. Just food for though, unless the OP is set on a 100.

 

[Rhetoric]

Where in Central MN are you? I'm down in the TC. Found my 07 LX completely by chance when I was visiting family in Raleigh in 2021.

Keep your eyes peeled and be ready with cash. Grab VINs and dump them into lexus.com/drivers to try and get a rough idea of service history.

 

[AlpineAccess]

Ok, noted. i have found a few, but the good ones sell basically same day. The others require someone local to inspect. That is the hook, I am looking 750 to 1500 miles from home to find a solid rust free truck. I agree that the auction sites can be steep. I am not looking at high priced trucks. I would like to stay under 20k. I realize that there is considerable cost to baseline and risk-proof tht will be included on top of the sale price. I have watched the prices come down quite a bit in the last year. and the LX seems to net about a 10% to 15% savings over the 100.
One thing the auctions sites do deliver is a comprehensive view of the vehicle (i.e. service, undercarriage, paint and body, interior) as well as a better background to the seller and the exchange.


Ok, 10-4. I have been watching the LX. I agree, I have seen absurd asking prices for modified trucks. Someone must be paying it though. There are still many out there who believe a lift, tires and wheels add 10k to the already inflated price they are asking. Ideally, I would find a 1st or second owner of an LX with a unmodified 470 in a dry state.
Thanks for the info.

Here are a few

2006 Toyota Land Cruiser - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle...

With a heavy heart I am putting up my Land Cruiser for sale. I have owned this for 5 years and has been an amazing vehicle but we have to part ways due to move to NYC. Considering that it was our go...

denver.craigslist.org

Land Cruiser 100 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

Selling my 1999 Landcruiser LC 100 series SUV 2 Tone White/Grey Tan leather Interior Heated Seats Heated Mirrors 3rd Row Seats 2nd gear Start capability Brand new Tires 2 speed transfer case Triple...

denver.craigslist.org

Paint job isn't my thing but if Paul has gone through it (@2001LC here) it is solid.

2001 LX 470 LandCruiser FJ 100 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle...

Every record since new. 155k miles 2001 LX 470/Toyota Landcruiser. This is a great platform to either keep building, or enjoy as is. Quick Over View: Paul Davis' shop took two months to go through...

rockies.craigslist.org

Speaking of which, you could probably pay Paul to go over anything you find out here for an inspection, and then if you buy it pay him to get it up to snuff for a fly and drive.

These are just the ones on Denver CL at the moment that came up in a 1 minute review; it is a weekly rotation. I hear there are third party sites that will email you when something is posted to CL that matches your criteria as well so you get first crack at something.

 

[AlpineAccess]

Sold - 2003 Lexus LX470. 205K miles , TJM bumper. No rust. price drop 16000

For sale : 2003 Lexus LX470. 205 K. miles All original , just install TJM front bumper. Clean and Clear title in my name. Very good condition. No rust , all body panels original. never been painted. But has few dents and scratches. Runs and drives very good. Everything working correctly. New...

risingsun4x4club.org