My "new" Alaska '97 LX 450

[Devils Paw 80]

Posted this already in registry but figured it might be worthwhile having it in a thread that can be added to and commented on.
After owning an '89 FJ62 since 2003 I've decided to sell the trusty 60 series this summer before rust becomes more of an issue than I want to deal with.
The climate here isn't great for old iron, with abundant rainfall year 'round and occasional use of road salts in winter due to snow/ice.
So, finding a rust free 80 originally from California in a nearby (by ferry ride) community should allow me many good years with the new ride.
For awhile I was thinking of 100 series but decided against the look, size and lack of the classic cruiser attributes of SFA and inline 6 engine.
Price was also an important consideration. For $5500 it seemed like a good bet- a running Land Cruiser with no rust-but time will be the judge of that.
It will be an all purpose vehicle, for family too but mostly just my use. There's no off roading here to speak of and it WILL remain stock. Now, a couple photos.
Tires are new since purchase. On sale at Costco, 265/75r/16. They were cheaper than stock size with about 1/2 inch more height and 1/2 less width.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

No offroading in Alaska?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

No offroading in Alaska?

Some parts of the state there certainly is. Check out Mark Whatley's "Alaska Cruiser Trek" threads sometime. Not around here though, in my particular SE AK town.
Did I say stock? Running boards have been removed because I don't like them. Have also put seat covers over the bottoms due to typical leather seat wear.

 

[WannaCruise]

You stole that if you got it for $5500!

(Assuming the car doesn't look like swiss cheese underneath, of course)

 

[Dirt Ferguson]

Mileage?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Thanks for reminding me to update. Mileage is 201,000. I ran Carfax, it came to Alaska in 2012 with 176,000.
So far I've changed all the fluids, rotor, cap, plugs, wires and radiator hoses. They needed it. Parts have been all Toyota when possible. Driver's window wasn't working at all. Switch doctor master switch fixed that problem.

Thanks to local Mud member Advent's excellent tools and skills the oxygen sensors have also been replaced. Check engine light indicated they were faulty. The PS pump is leaking, so that's next on the list.

The beast has a newer radiator but other than that I see no evidence of maintenance or repairs on Carfax or elsewhere.
I like the ride, springs and shocks seem OK, so don't plan on any suspension modifications. Knuckles look OK. From the engine back underneath I swear the thing looks practically brand new. Really amazingly clean for an Alaskan rig.

 

[BTP]

Clean rig. Was that the one that was in Valdez?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Clean rig. Was that the one that was in Valdez?

It came from Haines. There are a lot of Cruisers there for such a small town. Not sure why someone there didn't pick it up, maybe because the guy never actually listed it FS.

 

[SpenserAK]

Is that up evergreen? If so, I live here too - the house directly across from your cruisers is the one my aunt & uncle recently sold after nearly 40 years. I always admired that red 60 when we were there. I have the same LX with similar mileage, in similar condition, bought a year ago.

Bit of a bummer we don’t have any offroading here. Planning to take it up to Haines eventually for their mild “overlanding,” but perpetually ballin’ on a budget, and who knows what’s up with the ferry at a given time.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Yes, you're right about my location. Was your LX picked up locally? There was a mechanic working at the auto shop in Douglas selling a lifted, black 80 about a year ago.
However, I thought it was an LC rather than LX and it didn't have the quarter panel decal. Cruiser wheels on your LX is a nice touch. A friend of mine who doesn't own a LC finds these wheels to be the most attractive of any vehicle he's seen. I tend to agree and am always dumbfounded when others deface them with paint or replace with aftermarket.
For sure, ferry travel is kinda risky these days with such a limited fleet. With no option to travel into Canada I'm not planning for any road trips this summer. My 62 has made many trips into the interior and Whitehorse via the "Golden Loop".

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I dupe posted so will fill this in with photo taken before running board removal and new tires.

 

[SpenserAK]

Yep, that’s the one. I’ve changed the exterior badges since that picture, and made the fuel door decal, hah.

I’ve known him for a number of years. Said he intended to keep it, but eventually admitted to needing a pickup, and I happened to be looking at the time. Don’t know why it has cruiser wheels, and they are mismatched from different years... two take acorn lugs and the others take shank style I agree they’re a fantastic looking wheel.

The drive through Canada is my favorite. I’ve done it a handful of times in other yotas, including during the heart of winter.. looking forward to when we get to do it again.

 

[Broski]

Did you have a shot gun, because you stole that Rig. NICE RIG

 

[SpenserAK]

.

 

[60 toy ota]

Nice addition! always liked seeing the red 62 around town, you gonna keep it?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Nice addition! always liked seeing the red 62 around town, you gonna keep it?

Thanks. Planning to sell the 62 locally.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

The D light works, that’s a big deal right?

Power steering pump on the operating table.

 

[JEH97LX]

I'm often in Haines and there are quite a few 80-series running around town. Definitely looks like a good find for the price/mileage.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Replaced the outside gear in driver’s seat today. It’s nice to have the back and forth working again, not that I will ever move it. Gotta be all the way back for me. Haven’t committed to seat extension though it’s probably a future project.
On paper the 80 has just as much legroom as my ‘90 4Runner but it doesn’t quite feel that way. Perhaps it’s due to seat height creating a different leg angle?
4Runner manual seats seem to sit lower to the floor than the LX power seats.

 

[WannaCruise]

How did the PS Pump repair go @89GASHOG ?

Did you buy new, or rebuild the original?