Hello BBC: Been here 15 years, finally got my first LC, a '97. Need to find somebody in town who I can trust to do completely drain all fluids and replace with synthetics. Want to start out with a clean slate. Will also then need mechanic for build/maintenance in time. Sliders and mud tires go on tomorrow, so I won't be able to hear the stock "stereo." Can you recommend anyone to do a complete upgrade? Many thanks, Gary.
New guy: can you recommend mechanic?
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gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
You in Reno or Carson area? Think most of the guys will respond for you to do it yourself and honestly I haven't taken my truck to a mechanic since I bought it and guy we used to take our vehicles to is no longer around.
YEUP!!
Most of us are of the DIY variety.
I'm sure someone will post up w/ a recommendation.
There has been talk of some guys taking their rigs to sunshine automotive over the years.
Most of us are of the DIY variety.
I'm sure someone will post up w/ a recommendation.
There has been talk of some guys taking their rigs to sunshine automotive over the years.
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Thanks gregnash & chicago:
I'm in Reno. Got a recommend for a Toyota master mechanic, Charlie Struve (Struve Automotive) in South Shore. But I'm in Reno.
I've been to Sunshine Auto with my car before (this is my first LC, but I've ridden shotgun in friends' LC's a fair bit). I get the (good) impression that they're "mature" mechanics, guys who grew up fixing what's there instead of replacing modules.
I don't trust my meager mechanical skills to fix stuff and then drive 50 miles out into the desert. (But I'll bet that's a really good way to learn...).
Charlie Struve is on vacation and I couldn't wait so... (and please, never tell anyone this)... I actually went to the stealership. They suggested that to fix the front electric seats they would procure two junked seats for $500 and install them for $500. I searched Mud and found the $40 Gamiviti fix (replace the 2 nylon gears & 2 stop screws) and dodged that bullet.
I'll see you out there: white '97 LC. So far just 33" MTR/K's and Slee sliders. And a stereo loud enough to hear over the mud tires to be installed by the Geek Squad soon.
Again, I really appreciate your response. (Will send this response to you via PM, as I don't know enough about this site to be sure you'll get this response.)
--Gary....................ps. chicago: is that blue truck for real???
First thing you should do is download the '96 TLC manual. Then take a look at a few YouTube videos to get a feel for what's required. Any Jiffy Lube can do the basic fluid replacement.
As far as mechanicals go, depends on what you need done. What do you need done?
As far as mechanicals go, depends on what you need done. What do you need done?
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Iceaxe: I think I have it dialed in pretty well for now. Got my neighbor to take a peek at it and pronounced 'er fit (an old NASCAR mechanic for Billy Bob somebody or other...). So for now I'm just going to toss on a spare tire leveler kit that also raises it several inches, and then put the tow bar back on, as I've read it's good to have something else take the hit instead of a stock bumper. Thanks for the heads-up on downloading the manual. Hmm, when all else fails, read the manual, huh? Thanks for chiming in. Gary
Most of us are dyi, there are several of us with 80 series, I have had one since 1999, and at one time had 3,
on a 97 the main things are headgasket, radiator and keep the trans fluid clean, swap to the 100 series brake pads, (80's go thru brakes) egr clogging or vacuum valve going bad (code 401) run toyota or napa gold oil filters(drain back valve)
the other issues that pop up are
grease in the spindles getting dry, (search)
fuel filters once in a blue moon,
Rear wheel bearing seals,
belts and hoses every 5 years or so.. check the ones for the rear heater..they are usually missed..
Thats all i can think of right now,
80's are a great rig as long as they have been maintained.. and are very dyi friendly..
Good luck...
on a 97 the main things are headgasket, radiator and keep the trans fluid clean, swap to the 100 series brake pads, (80's go thru brakes) egr clogging or vacuum valve going bad (code 401) run toyota or napa gold oil filters(drain back valve)
the other issues that pop up are
grease in the spindles getting dry, (search)
fuel filters once in a blue moon,
Rear wheel bearing seals,
belts and hoses every 5 years or so.. check the ones for the rear heater..they are usually missed..
Thats all i can think of right now,
80's are a great rig as long as they have been maintained.. and are very dyi friendly..
Good luck...
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
With regards to the FSMs look for a post by Trollhole (marshall) in the vendor section. It is called something like "manuals at a great price" and he has just about every conceivable manual there for free download.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
For a mechanic in town I'd go to Martins Auto Service
(775) 954-2027
I had them do the 100K maint on my 98 and they knew exactly what it would take without my input. I've used them for years when I had a job that I didn't have time to do myself.
Martin is also active in Hills Angles and very Pro Offroad in a mature way.
For "build" stuff good luck. The only guy I've paid to do any work was kind of expensive but did a good job, that would be Dr Smash.
(775) 954-2027
I had them do the 100K maint on my 98 and they knew exactly what it would take without my input. I've used them for years when I had a job that I didn't have time to do myself.
Martin is also active in Hills Angles and very Pro Offroad in a mature way.
For "build" stuff good luck. The only guy I've paid to do any work was kind of expensive but did a good job, that would be Dr Smash.