Need Advice Before Purchase

[OG 91 LC]

Ok fellas. I'm looking to purchase another LC. If I end up buying this truck it will be my fourth LC I've purchased. And even though I have purchased four LCs I always feel like I always miss something and find out later.

This truck is a '97. It comes equipped with OME 2.5 lift. It has front and rear ARB air lockers. ARB front bumper. Sliders and armor on the underside. Tires are 35s and it has been re-geared to 4.88s.

I recently read that the proper re-gearing for 35s is 4.88 to make it feel more like factory settings.

My concerns about this truck is that I'm not familiar with a 2.5 lift (not sure if I should be concerned with lift), ARB lockers, and re-gearing.

I feel pretty comfortable with looking at other parts of the truck such as HG, PHH, Milky stuff in coolant and engine oil, electrical, and common sense stuff to name a few.

Please help me compile a list of items for me to consider as I look at this truck.

Thanks very much fellas.

 

[4G63 POWER]

You run a carfax?

 

[OG 91 LC]

I have not. Def will consider

 

[4G63 POWER]

send me the vin i can run one.

 

[Mighty690]

If you've got a week or so to keep the deal open, I would do an oil sample. Yep. It can tell you so much more than the condition of the HG.
Just like getting a blood test before getting married: you really never know until then.

 

[OG 91 LC]

4G63 POWER. Thanks so much for the offer. I will get vin# and send you a pm. BIG BIG THANKS!!!

If the seller allows me to send oil off and have it checked that would be awesome. If not I will check other components and areas of the truck for possible HG issues.

Thanks fellas. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Mighty690]

4G63 POWER. Thanks so much for the offer. I will get vin# and send you a pm. BIG BIG THANKS!!!

If there seller allows me to send oil off and have it checked that would be awesome. If not I will check other components and areas of the truck for possible HG issues.

Thanks fellas. Keep 'em coming.

Smart. I've said it before on here, but my family's life may have been saved by Blackstone oil analysis (aircraft engine crank counterweight problem identified early) and they identified my HG issue before other typical signs. SO, I will do it on any used vehicle I purchase, preferably before I buy it, and particularly if it's a 1FZ!

 

[NLXTACY]

Just like getting a blood test before getting married: you really never know until then.

He's in CA not FL

 

[NLXTACY]

Smart. I've said it before on here, but my family's life may have been saved by Blackstone oil analysis (aircraft engine crank counterweight problem identified early) and they identified my HG issue before other typical signs.

I hate to ask...

 

[Mighty690]

He's in CA not FL

What???

 

[OG 91 LC]

Anything that I should particularly look at with ARB lockers that may be a potential issue???
Or the re-gearing??? That's all internal axle 3rd member stuff???? I'm not too knowledgable of these components.

 

[NLXTACY]

Just leaking from the copper line, fittings or nylon lines. Seems to happen every so often. Not a lot of complaints or issues with the lockers themselves from what I've read or know about.

 

[tmoore41]

Great forum site! I've been reading a ton of information on several different items over the last week, and feel much better about making a purchase now. I do have a question/dilemma and curious if you guys have a minute to offer some more free advice:

I'm looking for LC or LX470 (I really want an 80 LC but can only find 100s and LX470s that are remotely near my price range and mileage). Also like the other post have said the LX is consistently less expensive than the LC. I could care less about the Lexus name and had never heard of the LX470 until starting to look for LCs. The truck will primarily be a daily driver for my girlfriend. We use 4WD on regular basis but do not do much in the way of true rock or mud. I have owned a 93 Wrangler and a 95 4runner and loved both - especially the 4runner. I've always wanted an LC and I am finally in a position to get one. Is it realistic to get a 100 or LX470 for around 10K. Then invest another 3K to 4K and have a reliable vehicle for another 100K miles or so. Assuming the vehicle has clear title, good carfax, and good maint records. Most of the vehicles I have come across have between 130 and 160 miles and are in the 2000 to 2001 model year.

The truth is that she wants an SUV with leather and a sunroof. I want to a badass 4WD that will last for years to come. The LC or LX seems to be the best of both worlds. I also want to get all my toys in the garage before getting engaged to her later this year - I've already got my 68 mustang 90% done and this may be my last chance to get the 4WD I want before everything shifts to rings, kids, wedding, etc. Totally different scenario - but she found a decked out new 2015 Nissan Pro4X Xterra at a dealership for about 31K including TTL. The Xterra is cool but its definitely not even in the same world as an LC. Plus with kids in mind in the next 2 years I would rather her be getting 13MPG and driving around a tank in the LC for safety. So basically do ya'll think 14K or 15K total buys me a very dependable LC or LX? I would much rather spend that kind of cash than be locked into a 30K new SUV. (I will say that Pro4X is a surprisingly cool vehicle). Finally this link may give you an idea what I am looking at. They have lots of 100s and LX470s on the lot. So it is kind of a cool webiste to browse. Other than the timing chain replacement is there any other major's to look at in the service records (ACH on the LX, Birfs)?

http://www.eautogroups.com/2000_Lexus_LX 470_Dallas_TX_228314756.veh#

Thanks for the help and sorry for the long post.

 

[tmoore41]

I realize I should have posted this in the 100 section - not the 80. I will post it there - but still interested in any advice. Thanks