Hello!
Just wanted to introduce mysef! After lurking on the board for a year or so, I finally picked up a mint condition white 97 LX450. It's got 93k miles, never been used for towing, no rust (CA car), or off roading. Always garaged and the paint has a mirror smooth finish. plus LOCKING F/R DIFF! And it's got a full service history from Lexus too! I saw it online on Fri, stopped by on Monday to take a look it at it (great luck that it was only 18 mi away) and bought it on the spot! I think I paid a premium for it, but considering the condition and history, and compared to some of the other ones I saw (with usually considerably more miles and horrible condition--which knowing me I would have felt compelled to refurbish), this HAD to be the one!
The surprise was that it came with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. The PO must have complained about the ride (the classis floaty LX due to softer springs issue), so Lexus did the TSB on it and opted for this aftermarket solution.
I've been offroading for about 13 years, but took a bit of a hiatus. I started off with my Dad's 94 2WD 4Runner (got stuck in it numerous times, but it certainly taught me some skills), a 95 4Runner 4WD (great truck, great ground clearance, but I always wished it wasn't an open diff. I did replace the rear springs and added RS9000 shocks to correct the sagging issue), then sold it after a while. Then after about 3 years, I picked up a 98 Limited 4Runner with Locking rear--I sold this one to a friend, and still occasionally go offroading with him.
Well, during new years, I went with him and some other friends to Big Bear on a trail run. We had a 07 Limited V8 4Runner and a Pathfinder and my old 98 4Runner and all had a great time... it also brought up some interesting discussions of locked vs. Traction control. Anyway, once we did this, the bug bit me again!
I took the LX to Gorman on Wednesday and it performed great, EXCEPT for the departure angle which was HORRIBLE. I suppose it's to be expected since it's got softer springs (vs. the LC) and has probably sagged over the years, PLUS it's got a hitch which also kills some of the D-Angle. I was used to the 4Runners whose arrival and departure angles I rarely had to worry about. Though I am impressed with the mileage, I'm getting about 14-16 (though it's still stock, but I did want to get a baseline feel for it before putting on the mods).
I did notice the dreaded moonroof rattle, and it was particularly bad because there was some horrible wind noise too. I come to find out that the moonroof glass was sitting 1/2 inch below the roofline and that the seal was dry and dirty. I did some adjustments to it and it's now 90% quieter (100% with the sunshade closed), so I'll prep a writeup for that in case it can help someone else.
So far, I've got the CDL switch to install and the Pin 7 Mod to do and the cupholder is on order. I'll be doing the 90k service soon as well as the Driver's Auto up Mod. I'll also be installing some 4300k HID headlights (I'm a bit sensitive to driving at night, and all my other cars have had them for the past 7 years, so I'm really used to it, hopefully, with the LX's particular headlight design, it will work OK).
It does have what seems to be the RMS leak, but we're talking about the size of a pinhead (no drip, just a stain.. and this was 2 days after cleaning that whole area where I noticed the stain). I spoke w/ a lexus SA and he mentioned that's normal and not to bother doing anything with it unless it gets really bad. I'll probably up the oil weight a bit and see if that stops it. Though after a week in the garage, the floor is still bone dry. I recall one member posting about LCs, "if it doesn't leak, it's empty!" haha... that's funny, but seems like it's true.
I'd like to add the sleeoffroad sliders, OME 2.5" lift kit (which hopefully corrects the D-Angle problem), BFG TA KO (it's got newer michelins on it now, but I've never liked them for off-road. I'd also like to go up a size, 285/75R16s, I believe.). But this will have to wait a bit, hehe.
I always thought this was a great board made even better by the knowledgable and helpful members and I'm glad to be its next "newbie" Sorry for the long post.
Looking forward to getting to know you!
-Alex (LockedLex)
Just wanted to introduce mysef! After lurking on the board for a year or so, I finally picked up a mint condition white 97 LX450. It's got 93k miles, never been used for towing, no rust (CA car), or off roading. Always garaged and the paint has a mirror smooth finish. plus LOCKING F/R DIFF! And it's got a full service history from Lexus too! I saw it online on Fri, stopped by on Monday to take a look it at it (great luck that it was only 18 mi away) and bought it on the spot! I think I paid a premium for it, but considering the condition and history, and compared to some of the other ones I saw (with usually considerably more miles and horrible condition--which knowing me I would have felt compelled to refurbish), this HAD to be the one!
The surprise was that it came with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. The PO must have complained about the ride (the classis floaty LX due to softer springs issue), so Lexus did the TSB on it and opted for this aftermarket solution.
I've been offroading for about 13 years, but took a bit of a hiatus. I started off with my Dad's 94 2WD 4Runner (got stuck in it numerous times, but it certainly taught me some skills), a 95 4Runner 4WD (great truck, great ground clearance, but I always wished it wasn't an open diff. I did replace the rear springs and added RS9000 shocks to correct the sagging issue), then sold it after a while. Then after about 3 years, I picked up a 98 Limited 4Runner with Locking rear--I sold this one to a friend, and still occasionally go offroading with him.
Well, during new years, I went with him and some other friends to Big Bear on a trail run. We had a 07 Limited V8 4Runner and a Pathfinder and my old 98 4Runner and all had a great time... it also brought up some interesting discussions of locked vs. Traction control. Anyway, once we did this, the bug bit me again!
I took the LX to Gorman on Wednesday and it performed great, EXCEPT for the departure angle which was HORRIBLE. I suppose it's to be expected since it's got softer springs (vs. the LC) and has probably sagged over the years, PLUS it's got a hitch which also kills some of the D-Angle. I was used to the 4Runners whose arrival and departure angles I rarely had to worry about. Though I am impressed with the mileage, I'm getting about 14-16 (though it's still stock, but I did want to get a baseline feel for it before putting on the mods).
I did notice the dreaded moonroof rattle, and it was particularly bad because there was some horrible wind noise too. I come to find out that the moonroof glass was sitting 1/2 inch below the roofline and that the seal was dry and dirty. I did some adjustments to it and it's now 90% quieter (100% with the sunshade closed), so I'll prep a writeup for that in case it can help someone else.
So far, I've got the CDL switch to install and the Pin 7 Mod to do and the cupholder is on order. I'll be doing the 90k service soon as well as the Driver's Auto up Mod. I'll also be installing some 4300k HID headlights (I'm a bit sensitive to driving at night, and all my other cars have had them for the past 7 years, so I'm really used to it, hopefully, with the LX's particular headlight design, it will work OK).
It does have what seems to be the RMS leak, but we're talking about the size of a pinhead (no drip, just a stain.. and this was 2 days after cleaning that whole area where I noticed the stain). I spoke w/ a lexus SA and he mentioned that's normal and not to bother doing anything with it unless it gets really bad. I'll probably up the oil weight a bit and see if that stops it. Though after a week in the garage, the floor is still bone dry. I recall one member posting about LCs, "if it doesn't leak, it's empty!" haha... that's funny, but seems like it's true.
I'd like to add the sleeoffroad sliders, OME 2.5" lift kit (which hopefully corrects the D-Angle problem), BFG TA KO (it's got newer michelins on it now, but I've never liked them for off-road. I'd also like to go up a size, 285/75R16s, I believe.). But this will have to wait a bit, hehe.
I always thought this was a great board made even better by the knowledgable and helpful members and I'm glad to be its next "newbie" Sorry for the long post.
Looking forward to getting to know you!
-Alex (LockedLex)
. Great bunch over there who will bend over backwards to help you out.
out of the dirt!
