My 2008

[bludool]

What an honor it is to finally be in the 200 section of Mud, I've glanced here with envy for a long time. I've had a 2005 GX470 the last 10 years, and built it up from bone stock and really enjoyed the ride, however I always wanted a real cruiser. This summer I decided that I wanted to sell it, but at the same time, made a rash and very impulse purchase on a built 100 series. Suddenly I found myself with two built rigs, and and a wife getting really annoyed with which one I should keep (sadly keeping both was not an option) I decided to sell both and fund a 200 series. I am on the pavement 99% of the time now, with my adventures being delivering a lot of kids to and from school on a daily basis, so I began my search for 200 series, and quickly realized old and stock was all that I could afford.

I searched for a while and found at the time, what looked to be the cheapest 200 series in in the country sitting at a used car dealership in Denver. It was a 2008 two owner magnetic gray metallic that spent its life in Colorado with 212k miles. After several calls, photos, and videos with the dealership, I purchased and eagerly awaited its arrival across the country.

Upon delivery I discovered this thing was what mostly what I expected, no rust underneath, no major dings or dints, but it was missing more interior and exterior trim pieces than I thought....and worse of all-previous owner was a smoker, the interior reeked.

Over the last few months I have replaced dry rotted window trim, PCV valve, all 4 brake rotors and pads, polished the headlights, and missing interior trim pieces.

I've been attacking the smoke smell with an "O Zone" machine from Amazon with great success, these things really work!

Future plans for the truck are the OEM front spacer and some larger rubber on bronze aftermarket wheels and I believe that will be all for me. I do believe it may have the cam tower weep on the passenger side and valley plate leak....no wonder this thing was "cheap". I've been watching oil and coolant levels closely and there has been no drop in levels since I have taken ownership, so I will tackle those down the road.

Having driven built up rigs the last 10 years, going back to bone stock is an adjustment and I am already fighting the urge to start throwing parts it. Sometimes in its stock form with slight front rake, it looks like a 2nd gen Honda Pilot. I do regret selling the 100 series, but I keep telling myself daily driving a 26 year old vehicle that struggled to maintain 65mph on the interstate wasn't the most practical thing in the world at this stage in my life. The 200 series easily maintains 80 mph on the interstate, and drives very smooth and is very comfortable. I also enjoying getting to that wonderful split tailgate without swinging a 35 out of the way every time. I am enjoying the 200 more and more every day and keep looking at all the builds here for inspiration. Cheers.

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I also recently picked up a 2008, got a smoking deal from a buddy. It has 193k. Perfect interior and body. A lot of maintenance done. However, it may have a transmission issue. Slipping a bit when cold. Fine when warm. Anyone else experience this? Have not checked fluids level. Dealer want absolutely stupid money to do a drain and fill. I can’t find any maintenance on trans in documentation that I received. It currently is not throwing any codes.

 

[TeCKis300]

I also recently picked up a 2008, got a smoking deal from a buddy. It has 193k. Perfect interior and body. A lot of maintenance done. However, it may have a transmission issue. Slipping a bit when cold. Fine when warm. Anyone else experience this? Have not checked fluids level. Dealer want absolutely stupid money to do a drain and fill. I can’t find any maintenance on trans in documentation that I received. It currently is not throwing any codes.

It could be something as simple as fluid being low. A drain and fill service would be a great place to start.

 

[bludool]

I am pretty good mechanically, but a bit unsure on best way to do this service. Dealer wants insane money to do a drain and fill. $700?!?!

 

[GrouchyTech]

I am pretty good mechanically, but a bit unsure on best way to do this service. Dealer wants insane money to do a drain and fill. $700?!?!

It’s very simple. You’ll need a little hand pump to fill it— about $5 at Harbor Freight.

The drain/fill/level check procedure is probably able to be found via search.

 

[bludool]

I found it, but it speaks to checking fluid level when trans gets to specific temp. I don’t have scan tool that does that.

 

[CONGESTEDHIPPO]

I found it, but it speaks to checking fluid level when trans gets to specific temp. I don’t have scan tool that does that.

This video has some screenshots from the factory service manual. You can jump two of the pins on the OBD port, and the car will let you know when it is at the right temp to be checked.

 

[mtwilly87]

Small update-I have recently added the Toyota OEM front spacer to level it out some, and found some used 275/70r18 KO2s for cheap. I'm pretty happy with the look now, much less Honda Pilot and more proper Land Cruiser. I am liking the 200 more every day.

 

[CONGESTEDHIPPO]

Small update-I have recently added the Toyota OEM front spacer to level it out some, and found some used 275/70r18 KO2s for cheap. I'm pretty happy with the look now, much less Honda Pilot and more proper Land Cruiser. I am liking the 200 more every day.

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Very nice! Love how the KO2s look on these (and shockingly mine have been pretty decent in the snow so far). The spacer should have come on it stock.

 

[mtwilly87]

Fluid baseline is almost complete, just have diff fluids left, and I hope to take care of those in the next few weeks. I snagged some 1'' Bora wheel spacers and I really like the stance now.