New 2003 100 Series Owner

[thetoyotaman]

I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 LC. After having 40s, a 55, 60, & 62 it was time for a change. I needed something big enough for the kids. So last night we took delivery of a Thunder Cloud LC.

Today I removed the dealer stickers on the back and am going over it. I ordered some hood struts from Mr. Lou I saw recommended on this forum as well as a Fumoto Oil Drain Valve. I have a bunch of old school FJ40 oil filters that I read will fit the V8. The drivers door woofer appears to be blown as well and the oil pressure sending unit may be bad.

Funny what PO's do to there rigs. My rig came with 265/70/17 tires which are smaller than stock (slightly) as well as a small 36R battery. Go figure.

Otherwise, runs great. It drives smooth and solid and the first LC I've ever had with no play in the steering!

I'm looking for a set FSM's and the best way to go about getting another key.

It also came with a 2005 Navigation Manual and I'm not sure why yet.

I'm sure I'll be learning a lot on this forum in the days to come. As soon as the weather warms and I can get the LC cleaned up, I'll try to post some pics.

 

[hoser]

Welcome and congrats! The 17" stock wheels are a bit rare and actually the size you mentioned is taller than stock. The official stock sized battery is 27F is not a common size that most battery shops will carry. Fortunately, the space allotted can accommodate much larger batteries but might need mods for cables and tie downs to work.

There is a 2004 Electronic FSM floating around that can be found with a search.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Here's the link to the 2004 FSM. https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/527487-factory-service-manual-fsm.html

Congrats on the new truck.

 

[paflytyer]

Welcome! Slee offers a Group 31 battery tray if you want to go huge. You might as well get the 2nd battery tray while you're at it. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_battery.htm

And how bout some pics of the new ride??

 

[thetoyotaman]

Welcome and congrats! The 17" stock wheels are a bit rare and actually the size you mentioned is taller than stock. The official stock sized battery is 27F is not a common size that most battery shops will carry. Fortunately, the space allotted can accommodate much larger batteries but might need mods for cables and tie downs to work.

There is a 2004 Electronic FSM floating around that can be found with a search.

Thanks for the link. I had trouble with it the other day, but it is working now. That will be a big help.

I saw a tire chart that showed my tire as a 30.7 but then looked at others and it is 31.7. The spare tire is a Dunlop AT20 275/65/17. I couldn't find any specs on it. It looks like a mild all terrain tire. I wasn't aware that the 17's were somewhat rare. A tire store told me that the stock size is unique to Land Cruisers. I don't know if that's true or not.

We'll see about pics when the weather improves.

 

[paflytyer]

2003 came with either 17 or 18 inch wheels, but you don't see the 17's very often.


Here is a good list of the major changes from year to year on the 100
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[thetoyotaman]

Pulled the tires tonite to rotate and inspect the brakes. Those rims did not want to come loose. I cleaned the bores up with some steel wheel. Brakes at about 50%. I heard brakes are the only real issue with these.

 

[College Cruiser]

2003 came with either 17 or 18 inch wheels, but you don't see the 17's very often.

Here is a good list of the major changes from year to year on the 100
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

On a side note, almost all of the things listed for the 2001 changes are on my 2000. Why would that be the case?

 

[hoser]

Completely possible.... I'd imagine your build date to be close to 8/2000.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Does Toyota put a drivetrain code on the placard to show if it has a limited slip?

 

[OregonLC]

Completely possible.... I'd imagine your build date to be close to 8/2000.

Or the PO did some upgrades. On mine the PO put an 01 mirror in at one point.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Here are some pics.

 

[thetoyotaman]

A couple more.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Mr. Lou's hood struts came in and are now installed. They are very nice and made in the USA.

I tried to program the HomeLink with no luck. It acts like it is programmed but then will not work.

Buffing the paint today. Also, ordering parts for maintenance. I'm getting a timing belt kit, plugs, air filter, oil pressure switch, thermostat, etc.

 

[paflytyer]

Is that your drift boat parked out front?

 

[thetoyotaman]

Nah, but it would look good behind the cruiser woulldn't it?

 

[paflytyer]

Nah, but it would look good behind the cruiser woulldn't it?

The only thing better than having a drift boat is having a neighbor who has one! Somebody's got to row.......

 

[thetoyotaman]

Tonite I changed the rear diff oil and the transfer case oil. I think I may be missing a undercover or 2. Need to find out what is supposed to be there. Also had to change a front parking lamp. Kind of cool you can program maintenance items in the computer for time and/or mileage. I also inspected the timing belt and it looks great along with the radiator. So, I will hold off and that stuff for now. Timing covers have been previously removed so I think it has been done at some point. Also cleaned the MAF sensor, throttle body, and installed a new Denso Air Filter. Why is it so fun to work on Cruisers?

 

[thetoyotaman]

Found a used OEM DVD for the kids and cable as well as ordered the underbody cover for the oil drain. The Fumoto came in and I will be doing an oil change in the next week or 2 to add the Fumoto, the new oil pressure sending unit and try the FJ40 oil filters.

Took the Cruiser on a trip and seem to be averaging 15-16 mpg on the highway. Love the V8 power.

 

[Rigger]

Glad you're liking the Hundy. It looks great!


I agree w you on the V8. It's sweet.