New member (2 Viewers)

[Nicky]

Hi all,

First of all I want to thank all of you for the huge amount of information shared on this forum! It helped me a lot in choosing the LC I bought last week after a search of more then a year.

I'm currently living in Oregon and found a 1998 LC100 with 250k miles on it. Newer ones are not affordable anymore in the current market and I figured I have to work on it anyway.

Last weekend I took it for a 800 mile trip and to be honest before I left I was concerned if we could make it back without issues but wow what a nice truck it is!

A few things I noticed:
- bit of an burned oil smell from right front side when it's hot. Disappears after 30 min cool down. Boots look dry, couldn't figure out the source yet. Might be the DS to center diff - this area looks a bit greasy
- steering is vague! Especially at higher speeds (50+) it sometimes goes her own way. From history it looks like no maintenance has been done yet on the steering rack at all. Could it also be due to the big tire/wheel size? (33x12.50)
- Head lights don't provide a lot of light in total darkness - might need an upgrade at some point
- Rear diff didn't lock (kept blinking), but I found yesterday a thread explaining that it has to be in L with center lock engaged. Need to try it out later if that works.
- few smaller things I need to look at (moon roof is leaking, auto antenna is doing weird when starting/stopping, probably more I can't think of now)

 

[AlpineAccess]

Hi all,

First of all I want to thank all of you for the huge amount of information shared on this forum! It helped me a lot in choosing the LC I bought last week after a search of more then a year.

I'm currently living in Oregon and found a 1998 LC100 with 250k miles on it. Newer ones are not affordable anymore in the current market and I figured I have to work on it anyway.

Last weekend I took it for a 800 mile trip and to be honest before I left I was concerned if we could make it back without issues but wow what a nice truck it is!

A few things I noticed:
- bit of an burned oil smell from right front side when it's hot. Disappears after 30 min cool down. Boots look dry, couldn't figure out the source yet. Might be the DS to center diff - this area looks a bit greasy
- steering is vague! Especially at higher speeds (50+) it sometimes goes her own way. From history it looks like no maintenance has been done yet on the steering rack at all. Could it also be due to the big tire/wheel size? (33x12.50)
- Head lights don't provide a lot of light in total darkness - might need an upgrade at some point
- Rear diff didn't lock (kept blinking), but I found yesterday a thread explaining that it has to be in L with center lock engaged. Need to try it out later if that works.
- few smaller things I need to look at (moon roof is leaking, auto antenna is doing weird when starting/stopping, probably more I can't think of now)

Welcome!

Oil smell is probably a leak from valve cover gaskets onto exhaust manifold. Can be addressed via tightening manifold screws sometimes, or replacing gaskets if not. Easy job and cheap parts.

Steering can be a few things. Probably rack bushings. Also check tie rod ends and ball joints. Lots of people here with 33s, myself included. No tracking issues, they are a good tire size for these.

Headlights were lacking IMO too. Quite a few options but would recommend the silver star bulbs if keeping the factory lamps, or doing a projector retrofit if modifying the housing.

When you go to 4lo the center diff will lock automatically, then you can add the diff lock. If it doesn't go right away, do some figure 8s forward and reverse until it clicks (on a loose road surface like gravel). Then turn it on and off a few times to get fluid into it. Maybe consider checking the diff fluid and the harness to the diff locker too.

These antennas are a pain in the a. Welcome to the quirky antenna club, most of us here are members!

 

[AlpineAccess]

Double posted for some reason.

 

[e9999]

Welcome!

 

[Lonegrasshopper]

Welcome!

 

[Bisho]

I had the oil smell and it was the front DS seal in the transfer case - it slings oil onto the exhaust. You have to pull the TC to replace that seal...I changed the oil and added AT-205, and it stopped leaking shortly thereafter. AT-205 is wonderful stuff for refreshing rubber seals.

 

[Nicky]

Welcome!

Oil smell is probably a leak from valve cover gaskets onto exhaust manifold. Can be addressed via tightening manifold screws sometimes, or replacing gaskets if not. Easy job and cheap parts.

Steering can be a few things. Probably rack bushings. Also check tie rod ends and ball joints. Lots of people here with 33s, myself included. No tracking issues, they are a good tire size for these.

Headlights were lacking IMO too. Quite a few options but would recommend the silver star bulbs if keeping the factory lamps, or doing a projector retrofit if modifying the housing.

When you go to 4lo the center diff will lock automatically, then you can add the diff lock. If it doesn't go right away, do some figure 8s forward and reverse until it clicks (on a loose road surface like gravel). Then turn it on and off a few times to get fluid into it. Maybe consider checking the diff fluid and the harness to the diff locker too.

These antennas are a pain in the a. Welcome to the quirky antenna club, most of us here are members!

Thanks for the reply and helpful information!

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Welcome. You just got yourself the best vehicle, bar none.

 

[100d ua]

Welcome and hope to see you around on the trails. A few of us are also located in Oregon.

 

[thebeedeegee]

Welcome man.

Mine has a slight oil smell from time to time as well. I think it's a very slight leak at the valve cover. Mine isn't bad enough to notice an oil level drop, but I would definitely check that out. It's a super easy fix. May just need to snug the bolts

Steering, my guess is tie rods and ball joints. Mine had 190k when I replaced them and they were definitely due. Jack the front wheel off the ground and see if you have any play when you pull and push with your hands at 9 and 3 o clock on the tire. This will show bearing play as well if you pull the tire I think at 12 and 6 o clock. It could also be your rack. Mine is getting close, I know my bushings are about shot at 195k miles.

Headlights are garbage. Good replacements are expensive, but probably worth it.

Yeah transfer case has to be in L to lock the rear. At least that's how my FJC is. Only have a center selectable locker in my 100.

For long road trip concerns check out the Immobilizer fix thread, carry are spare coil pack (or replace them all now) and SWAP OUT YOUR HEATER TEES