New guy, hopefully I've done my research right, ?'s on 98/99 LC/Lexus

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rickyjunker

10 Year
Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Threads
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Hello all, new guy here with a couple of questions. First off I do not yet have the Land Cruiser/Lexus, this is the beginning of my research into which one we'll be getting for our camping/DD/remote access vehicle. I've done plenty of remote camping and off road running in my 89 4runner but it's time to sell her and get something with a few more creature comforts. With that said my lady and I are looking for a 98-99 LC 100/Lexus 470. We're looking in that year range because they still have the option of a rear locker (question on that here in a few) and I'd rather go that route than an ARB due to $$.

Ok here is what I know from reading through a pile of threads (primarily SchottsUZJ100's).
1) I can fit 285/75/16's with no lift at all. I will not be going with a larger tire than that.
2) The ARB 1036 kit will be ok when I go with larger bumpers.
3) I am planning on the Slee Blue Berry front bumper, Slee sliders and a rear bumper although I'm unsure which one yet. Suggestions?
4) I'll be transferring my roof rack from my 4runner onto the LC until we can afford a roof top tent. We have an extensive camping set up and we have provisions to sleep in the back of the vehicle.
5) There is an N74L shock mod that I want to do for added stability on in the rear, picking a tire is not my favorite thing to do, but I'm unsure if it's still the best idea out there.
6) The WWO lower control arms are probably going to be added later on since I like the added clearance and larger diameter.

Okey Dokey here are the questions.

1) Do you see anything wrong with the above set up? Something I should change or look into?
2) How weak is the front 2 pinion diff really? I'm not doing any serious rock crawling anymore so upgrading the diff (buying a newer year model) shouldn't be a requirement.
3) If I do need to upgrade the front I'm guessing I can swap one in from a 2000+ year model correct?
4) The rear locker..... is it actually a locker or is it some sort of limited slip garbage?
5) Any serious differences between the Lex and LC? Any reason to chose one over the other?


Thank you for your time. I'll go get back to researching so I'll have fewer questions tomorrow. ;)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
1) setup for armor looks nice. You will have a problem if you do not upgrade your torsion bars and rear springs with all the armor though. You will be forced to upgrade the front torsion bars and springs after adding F/R bumpers and sliders.
2)front diff argument is beat to death. Upgrade the stock diff to ARB and call it a day. Better safe than sorry, don't waste your money on the 4-pin open diff.
3) just put a locker in there.
4) rear locker is a real locker. No LSD, it's 100% open or 100% locked
5) LC is simpler, but less creature comforts. LX has more creature comforts but comes with a small premium and AHC (which can be great or not so great).


I run N74L's in the rear and simply love them. I use the 80 Series hardware and it works great. Also, where are you located? Lots of members all over the place, I'm sure a few of them would be happy to show you their setup.
 
rickyjunker said:
Hello all, new guy here with a couple of questions. First off I do not yet have the Land Cruiser/Lexus, this is the beginning of my research into which one we'll be getting for our camping/DD/remote access vehicle. I've done plenty of remote camping and off road running in my 89 4runner but it's time to sell her and get something with a few more creature comforts. With that said my lady and I are looking for a 98-99 LC 100/Lexus 470. We're looking in that year range because they still have the option of a rear locker (question on that here in a few) and I'd rather go that route than an ARB due to $$.

Ok here is what I know from reading through a pile of threads (primarily SchottsUZJ100's).
1) I can fit 285/75/16's with no lift at all. I will not be going with a larger tire than that.
2) The ARB 1036 kit will be ok when I go with larger bumpers.
3) I am planning on the Slee Blue Berry front bumper, Slee sliders and a rear bumper although I'm unsure which one yet. Suggestions?
4) I'll be transferring my roof rack from my 4runner onto the LC until we can afford a roof top tent. We have an extensive camping set up and we have provisions to sleep in the back of the vehicle.
5) There is an N74L shock mod that I want to do for added stability on in the rear, picking a tire is not my favorite thing to do, but I'm unsure if it's still the best idea out there.
6) The WWO lower control arms are probably going to be added later on since I like the added clearance and larger diameter.

Okey Dokey here are the questions.

1) Do you see anything wrong with the above set up? Something I should change or look into?
2) How weak is the front 2 pinion diff really? I'm not doing any serious rock crawling anymore so upgrading the diff (buying a newer year model) shouldn't be a requirement.
3) If I do need to upgrade the front I'm guessing I can swap one in from a 2000+ year model correct?
4) The rear locker..... is it actually a locker or is it some sort of limited slip garbage?
5) Any serious differences between the Lex and LC? Any reason to chose one over the other?


Thank you for your time. I'll go get back to researching so I'll have fewer questions tomorrow. ;)
Click to expand...

1) I can fit 285/75/16's with no lift at all. I will not be going with a larger tire than that.
Great Tire size and good choice.
2) The ARB 1036 kit will be ok when I go with larger bumpers.
what is the ARB 1036 kit? cant find it on a google search.
3) I am planning on the Slee Blue Berry front bumper, Slee sliders and a rear bumper although I'm unsure which one yet. Suggestions?
Slee and BOIR (Bump it off road) would be at the top of my list. I have the BOIR.
4) I'll be transferring my roof rack from my 4runner onto the LC until we can afford a roof top tent. We have an extensive camping set up and we have provisions to sleep in the back of the vehicle.
Sounds good.
5) There is an N74L shock mod that I want to do for added stability on in the rear, picking a tire is not my favorite thing to do, but I'm unsure if it's still the best idea out there.
This is a highly debated mod to which I have never been able to shift through all the BS to determine if it is good or bad. However, it doesnt sound like from what you posted above you need to go this route. If you were into more rock crawling or technical trails, I would look at it more. I am not sure about "added stability" either. The purpose is supposed to be for added droop in the rear.
6) The WWO lower control arms are probably going to be added later on since I like the added clearance and larger diameter.
Spresso is making some now as well....

Okey Dokey here are the questions.

1) Do you see anything wrong with the above set up? Something I should change or look into?
Get the truck, throw on the tires and sliders and run the hell out of it. Figure out what mods you need as you go. Then do those. Dont plan too far ahead. Your needs may change or you may pay for something you dont really need.
2) How weak is the front 2 pinion diff really? I'm not doing any serious rock crawling anymore so upgrading the diff (buying a newer year model) shouldn't be a requirement.
Some have blown, but it isnt an epidemic. Depends on how you wheel and push the truck. I wouldnt worry about it personally.
3) If I do need to upgrade the front I'm guessing I can swap one in from a 2000+ year model correct?
No idea.
4) The rear locker..... is it actually a locker or is it some sort of limited slip garbage?
5) Any serious differences between the Lex and LC? Any reason to chose one over the other?
Not in my opinion. The difference you will see are the LX has a few more creature comforts and will more than likely to have lower miles/use. As long as it is clean and in good shape go for either. When I first started looking at mine 6-7 years ago.... it seemed there was speculation that the LX was a weaker rig. I could be remembering that wrong though.... either way it has been proven to be every bit as good as the LC and I would hesitate to look into one.
 
There has been a lot of debate about this, but it might be worth it to expand your search to include other years. The ATRAC in 2000+ works wonders and most on here don't see the need to add lockers. 2000UZJ does some crazy stuff in his with ATRAC and no lockers. It also means you get the stronger 4 pinion front diff.
 
I went with 2000 for the ATRAC and VSC. I've had e-locked Toyota's, but hardly ever used it. ATRAC works great and I like the VSC feature when the wife's driving. You can always add a rear locker on a 2000+, but can't add ATRAC/VSC on a 98-99 (without a ton of $$$$). I'd go 2000+, personally.
 
In the 98/99 Model years, there are probably over 50 differences between the LC and LX. However, none of the LX's came with the rear lockers except the ones from Canada.

I think the most notable/worthy creature comfort differences are:
Projector headlamps
Memory Seats
Homelink
Nicer instrument cluster
auto dim mirrors
 
petrotk40 said:
The ATRAC in 2000+ works wonders and most on here don't see the need to add lockers.
Click to expand...

So far, I have been one of those... The ATRAC just gets me everywhere I want to go. When it stops doing that..... well, I will look into lockers...for now... lockers remain at the bottom of my list.
 
rickyjunker said:
Hello all, new guy here with a couple of questions. First off I do not yet have the Land Cruiser/Lexus, this is the beginning of my research into which one we'll be getting for our camping/DD/remote access vehicle. I've done plenty of remote camping and off road running in my 89 4runner but it's time to sell her and get something with a few more creature comforts. With that said my lady and I are looking for a 98-99 LC 100/Lexus 470. We're looking in that year range because they still have the option of a rear locker (question on that here in a few) and I'd rather go that route than an ARB due to $$.

Ok here is what I know from reading through a pile of threads (primarily SchottsUZJ100's).
1) I can fit 285/75/16's with no lift at all. I will not be going with a larger tire than that.
Click to expand...

That is what we recommend for that truck for the uses you intend.

2) The ARB 1036 kit will be ok when I go with larger bumpers.
Click to expand...

Yes,

3) I am planning on the Slee Blue Berry front bumper, Slee sliders and a rear bumper although I'm unsure which one yet. Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Obviously I would recommend ours :)

4) I'll be transferring my roof rack from my 4runner onto the LC until we can afford a roof top tent. We have an extensive camping set up and we have provisions to sleep in the back of the vehicle.
Click to expand...

That all depends on your rack and how it mounts.

5) There is an N74L shock mod that I want to do for added stability on in the rear, picking a tire is not my favorite thing to do, but I'm unsure if it's still the best idea out there.
Click to expand...

Doesn't hurt, but I don't buy the stability. A drooped out tire with no weight on it does not equate to stability.

6) The WWO lower control arms are probably going to be added later on since I like the added clearance and larger diameter.
Click to expand...

Lower arms are the weak area of most of the Toyota rear coil sprung vehicles. Wheel it until you bend it. You might never get to that.

Okey Dokey here are the questions.

1) Do you see anything wrong with the above set up? Something I should change or look into?

2) How weak is the front 2 pinion diff really? I'm not doing any serious rock crawling anymore so upgrading the diff (buying a newer year model) shouldn't be a requirement.
Click to expand...

If you are going to wheel it or use for overlanding, put an ARB in.

3) If I do need to upgrade the front I'm guessing I can swap one in from a 2000+ year model correct?
Click to expand...

4 pinion vs 2 pinion is not the whole story. Again stick an ARB in there.
4) The rear locker..... is it actually a locker or is it some sort of limited slip garbage?
Click to expand...

LX actually had a limited slip. LC locker is true locker.

5) Any serious differences between the Lex and LC? Any reason to chose one over the other?
Click to expand...

A lot of interior stuff. See our newbie guide.
 
Personally, I have owned a 2000, a 2007, and now a 2004 - all Land Cruisers.

My post is in reference to the Land Cruisers, but also somewhat apply to the LXs of similar years as well.

I prefer the 2003-2005 series for several reasons.

  • A750 5-Speed Trans vs. A343 4-Speed
  • Improved Interior Layout/Design
  • Full-Auto Up/Down Windows for every seat
  • ATRAC/VSC
  • JBL Sound System
  • Cost/Availability

Why those?

The A343 has had a few issues. The A750 has a better quality record, lower first gear, better overall acceleration, and better fuel economy. Only available on 2003+.

The "better" layout is subjective. Some like manual AC/Heat controls via knobs. I don't.

Full Auto Up/Down windows at all 4 doors is a VERY nice creature comfort. ATRAC/VSC will get you to 99.9% of the places that a rear locker will plus a whole lot a places that having just a rear locker will let you down. On an expedition vehicle, you will be WAY better off with VSC and occasionally using the ATRAC than with just a push-button rear locker.

JBL? Well, it's GREAT compared to the stock system in the 1998-2002 trucks. Those were suckalicious.

Cost? Well, the 2004 I have is exactly like the 2007 I owned, but it has 30k more miles, slightly different headlights, grill, and tail lights, and 30 less horsepower. However, it gets the same fuel economy, feels like the same acceleration, and cost about $13k less. The 2000 I had was great (and WAY 'cheaper' due to depreciation and age), but it was a little more dated with the older interior and not as nice on the highway due to the 4-speed transmission.

Availability? The most prevalent Land Cruisers are the 1999-2002 as they had MUCH higher production numbers. There are plenty of very nice 2003-2005's to go around. There were less than 1500 total 2007's imported to the US. You get the point...
 
No doubt, the 03-05 are way nicer than the 98-99's but they are also over 2x in price. Sounds to me the OP is looking for $10-12k vehicle.
 
Not necessarily. I've seen 98/99 LX's going in the low to upper teens. I've seen 140k mile 2003 LC's going for upper teens... It all depends on budget.
 
All the cosmetic upgrades aside, i would highly recommend a truck with ATRAC. It works wonders on the trail. Point and shoot for someone at my level (slighly above novice). My LC will go places that I wouldn't have ever imagined driving before, and all i have are tires and sliders.
 
I love my 99 LC. I paid $12.5k for it over a year ago and that left me with lots of money for upgrades.
I sold a 97 80 series for the hundy. Once I put in my ARB's front and back, I don't think I will ever care about Atrac but that is IMHO.

The 5spd tranny would be great but I don't think it makes enough difference to jump $5-10K in price.
Also, you might want to avoid the AHC in the LX as it usually has to be torn out when you get the itch and want to put a lift on. These trucks are such low riders that you will want any 1 or 2" in extra height that you can find.

Beware as this vehicle creates an addiction. I once stated that my truck would remain stock.:steer:

Also, welcome. Here's your sign:flipoff2:
 
Thanks for all the replies folks. I'll try to clear up some of this.

1) My statement about the N74L shock mod being more "stable" might have been a tad off the mark. I just feel more stable in my rig when I don't have a tire in the air.

So in doing some more reading, both on this thread and in the forum in general, I'd be better off going with a 03-05 LC due to transmission/atrac/vsc and some other things. That does help narrow down the list. So the ATRAC is better than a single locker huh? I'll take your word for it since I have zero knowledge on the ATRAC system yet. Will do some research on it though.

With just around 15K to spend on this it sounds like the best bet so far from you folks is to buy a Land Cruiser in that year range, put the tires on it, put sliders on it and wheel it just like it is? Can do. In fact that will make my lady happier since we're not dropping a pile of money into it within the first week of owning it which is what the plan was. I can add a lift in a month later and then the bumpers after that unless there is a better progression I should take?

Oh the rack I have is a 48"x60"x4" wilderness sport rack. It mounted to the top of my 4runner with rails that I had to hard mount to the fiberglass top. My lady refuses to let me drill holes in the LC top so I'll have to figure out how to mount the cargo rack to the factory roof rails.

Thank you again folks! Now back to vehicle searching.
 
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