Hey everyone,
I just purchased my first LC, a 2000 with 247k miles. I originally started looking at 4x4 Toyotas with the 2UZ, like the 4Runner and Sequoias in the 2000s, but I was keeping the search open to 100-series Cruisers too. I am in Maine, and we have plenty of rust up here. After searching and checking frame after frame, I ended up with this truck under budget.
This is by no means a super clean 100 series - it does need some work (mostly related to rust on the body), but at least it gets me into and familiar with the 100s. Maybe in the future I'll end up getting a cleaner one and keeping this for parts.
The Good:
My Use Case and Upgrades
This would probably spend 90% of it's time on paved roads, with the other being a mix of dirt roads and mild off-roading. I also make trips into the North Woods in Maine (3.5 million acres of wilderness and lumber land), and wanted something to handle washboard heavy gravel roads and camping trips.
Upcoming Upgrades & Repairs:
I have been reading a ton on the forums but I am open to any suggestions on maintenance items or common issues.
Glad to be part of the community!
I just purchased my first LC, a 2000 with 247k miles. I originally started looking at 4x4 Toyotas with the 2UZ, like the 4Runner and Sequoias in the 2000s, but I was keeping the search open to 100-series Cruisers too. I am in Maine, and we have plenty of rust up here. After searching and checking frame after frame, I ended up with this truck under budget.
This is by no means a super clean 100 series - it does need some work (mostly related to rust on the body), but at least it gets me into and familiar with the 100s. Maybe in the future I'll end up getting a cleaner one and keeping this for parts.
The Good:
- Timing Belt + Water Pump already done (not sure about tensioner, which makes me a bit nervous)
- Heater T's already replaced
- New Steering Rack
- New Fuel Tank (maybe good, not sure if this is a common issue)
- Pioneer head unit (includes the original factory unit)
- Rust - the frame has surface rust all over as expected in New England, and will need to be treated. Rockers and fenders have some rust spots starting.
- Alternator needs replacing (possibly wiring related, have not verified this yet) - 11.5v at the battery
- Rear shocks are doing nothing - super bouncy
- Rear springs are a bit pitted - I've broken coil springs before so I am planning on replacing these
- Missing skid plates and splash guards
My Use Case and Upgrades
This would probably spend 90% of it's time on paved roads, with the other being a mix of dirt roads and mild off-roading. I also make trips into the North Woods in Maine (3.5 million acres of wilderness and lumber land), and wanted something to handle washboard heavy gravel roads and camping trips.
Upcoming Upgrades & Repairs:
- Baseline Maintenance - fluid changes, filters, etc.
- OME 1.5" Rear springs (865) - I spent way too much time reading about springs and settled on this. I was not originally planning on lifting but it's more cost-effective than OEM Toyota springs.
- New Tires - Still deciding between 265/75R16 and 285/75R16
- New OEM shocks
- POR-15 Rust Treatment or something else for the frame, to help it last a bit longer
- Rocker/Fender Rust repairs - Still looking into this, it is mostly cosmetic but may be required for passing safety inspection in Maine
- Replacing/adding skid plates and missing splash guards
I have been reading a ton on the forums but I am open to any suggestions on maintenance items or common issues.
Glad to be part of the community!