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redman333

10 Year
Joined
Aug 11, 2015
Threads
8
Messages
286
Location
Wilmington, NC
I am looking for a 2003+ black LX470. Personal preference as I just like the Lexus a little more. mainly the headlight design. I am on the fence about the AHC though. At first I figured I'd get rid of it and go coils but then I've seen some posts that will allow the system to be raised up almost 4" over stock which would allow a decent size tire. I like the idea of the system due to the self leveling. So that I can drive it around town unloaded at the same ride quality and height as when I'm loaded down. I'd also like to run 35's or pretty close to it. If anyone as any insite as to how to lift the AHC to fit 35s and if it can be done reliably.

I will update this as I find vehicles and probably see what you guys think before perchase. Of course I'll post pics once I have it. Right now I'm driving a very clean 2000 land rover discovery 2. I will be selling that and that will be whats paying for the first round of mods. mostly at least.
What I want

2003+ Black LX470
under 150k miles
options don't matter

First things will be go over the whole vehicle once purchased and take care of maintenance items.

Planned upgrades once I have it

Lift-not sure what route I will go with this yet
tires-35" tires don't know what brand yet
Wheels-most likely stockers with spacers.
roof rack-brand?
rear tire carrier-slee offroad
front bumper and winch-not sure yet-
diff drop-slee offroad.

Future

Lockers front and rear-arb
onboard air
water storage
rear drawer system, may be homebuilt or bought not sure yet
upgraded interior to leds lights.
update exterior light
upgade stereo a bit
 
Oh intended use of this vehicle will be primarily a camping rig and extra vehicle in case my other one needs repairs. Mostly camping and exploration though. It will be mostly within one state away but I would like to take it to Utah and Colorado.
 
can't offer much advice on the lift but I'm glad your getting rid of that ^^^^ I hate those things.....

I wouldn't want the AHC system for heavy offroad, and 35's seem big for what it sounds like you will be doing. If it were me I would stick with a 33'' tire.
 
cwwfj60 said:
can't offer much advice on the lift but I'm glad your getting rid of that ^^^^ I hate those things.....

I wouldn't want the AHC system for heavy offroad, and 35's seem big for what it sounds like you will be doing. If it were me I would stick with a 33'' tire.
Click to expand...
I've been going back and forth on the tire size. I'm hoping I can get to meet a few others with this vehicle at some meets and see what they look like in person with bigger tires.

Yeah I have had this for only a few months and it does great off-road but I constantly have to fix things. Nothing major but gets annoying after awhile.
 
I'm going to be going with a 34inch tire instead of the 35. I currently have 33inch on TRD RW. My advice... I got the LX470 cause I thought it looked better. But the longer I've been around. The more I've started to like the LC. Also, if you get an LC it'll most likely be without AHC. Which costs more money then its worth to just remove and replace with standard suspension. I took mine to Slee and did a OME 2.5inch lift with Upper Control Arms and full skid plates. If I could do it all over again. I would have saved the money it costs to rip out the AHC and just get Icon Dual Res Shocks.
 
So my understanding is that the removal costs about $2k or so. Which like you say that can pay for icons which I would for sure go with if I did the OME 2.5" lift. I'd do the HD springs and then the icon shocks to improve ride quality and performance. Now the removal costs that much because of labor correct?
 
I think it cost something like $700. I can't remember and I can't find my receipt.

If you just must have a LX over the LC. Go with a 2004 + model. Better options and I wish I had my reverse camera. But then again. Mine is a daily driver.
 
I've been looking for a 2003 due to slee's info saying what was added and the refresh for that year. The only thing I saw that was added in 04 that'd be nice was the backup sensors. Although I may not keep them anyways so not sure if I care. Backup cam would be nice to have but I can always add that later if need be.
 

Any idea as to what the tire set button does. This is on an 07 model. I know it's for the tire pressure monitors but I've never seen one that said "set" before.
 
Also does anyone know if in the models that have the tpms if you can read the individual tire pressures from inside the vehicle at all. And if it can be programmed for different pressures. This may be what the set button does but I wouldn't think so.
 
My insight on any purchase of these vehicles is you make sure you and others properly look at every and all aspects of the vehicles. Make sure electrical has not been tampered with. I would even go as far as taking it to a car wash or dowsing water and checking for leaks. If the windshield has been replaced, that's a potential leaking spot. I say this to my students, but when you find THAT vehicle that you envisioned the potential purchase gets so emotional that you tend to forget to look through it properly. So when you find that LX check it well.
 
OG 91 LC said:
My insight on any purchase of these vehicles is you make sure you and others properly look at every and all aspects of the vehicles. Make sure electrical has not been tampered with. I would even go as far as taking it to a car wash or dowsing water and checking for leaks. If the windshield has been replaced, that's a potential leaking spot. I say this to my students, but when you find THAT vehicle that you envisioned the potential purchase gets so emotional that you tend to forget to look through it properly. So when you find that LX check it well.
Click to expand...
I've been guilty of that before. That's a good idea to run it through a car wash though. I may try and do that.
 
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