New owner of old LC 150 2013, 3.0 D4D

[Leeloo26]

Hello.
I live in Luxembourg, Europe .
Many years ago I owned the previous model , the LC 120. I loved that thing, but moving with work , I had an opportunity to get something new, so I sold it. Bad decision.
I like to do camping trips and get to nice places ( that means some offroading is required), I also go pretty far in my holidays, so it needs to have nice on road manners and be comfortable on long highway drives.
Nothing fits the bill like a Landcruiser.
I had many other vehicles, a Hilux, an LR Disco 4, the new plug in hybrid Wrangler, but I had to come back to this.
The Hilux was ok, but still a truck , with a horrible engine in Europe, the 2.4 D. The Disco 4 was wonderful when it was working, nice v6 diesel , but most of the time id did not, so I said, I will get a new vehicle, got the Wrangler how died after less than a year on the highway with no explanation or diagnostic, a horrible experience..
So here I am brothers and sisters. I was lost but now I see the light...
The one I found that ticked all boxes was pretty far from me, but luckily I have a friend in the area who went and check it out, he just picked it up for me.

So here it is, a 2013 LC 150 3.0 D4D, executive ( the top trim at the time) 190 HP, 420 NM ) Some pictures from the add,

 

[Leeloo26]

The service history is pretty good. recently serviced most fluids, it has new shocks, all maintenances done at the dealer, with invoices, etc.. It has all the bells, the rear air suspensions, rear diff locker, MTS, etc.. The 3.0 D4D is pretty reliable, 2 things to watch for :
1. Clean the intake, EGR from time to time ( I would say every 100k ) .
2. Pull the injectors and redo the injectors seats, o-rings around the same interval,
Add to this regular oil and fluid changes, and you will have a happy engine + gearbox pushing 700k easy.

The new 2.8 diesel from Toyota was pretty horrible, I think aussies had a class action suit against Toyota ,( I heard the last iteration solved some of the issues ) and I wanted something without DEF/ Adblue, and more tolerant with high sulphur/ lower quality Diesel fuel since I plan a trip in Morocco for example..
Next week it will go in to shop for this, I will do a preventive respray of the frame, at least here in Europe, rust is the no1. killer of Japanese cars.

The car will stay mostly bone stock,
You get almost nowhere modifying a IFS. You gain some some height, go more than 1.5 inches and you loose a lot of downwards suspension travel. I prefer to scrape the skid plates,
In general I do a lot better in many situations than similar IFS vehicles heavily lifted. To many compromised things, starting with road manners, horrible fuel economy, noise etc.. Plus I don't search for the most difficult trail, just a trail to get me to a nice spot. A high lift can be done better, the cost skyrockets above a certain level.
I plan to remove the 3'rd row seats, those thins are like 50 kg, and make a platform , Win - win lose some weight - gain some storage space.
Add some protection, rocksliders.
I have already an ecoflow with a solar panel, fridge, it will all go in the back easy.
I will get some roof bars, mostly to keep the maxtrax and have an anchor point of r an awning, AT tires, and that is about it.
Will come back with some pics when it gets here ( might take a while, most likely have to fly over and drive it back, it is abut 2300 km.. )

 

[r2m]

Awesome! Welcome to the forum!
We have some U.S. folks on the this forum that love the Prado's and did conversions of their (U.S.) Lexus GX460 to Prado, meaning, changing the front and back fascia, lights, badging and everything to look just like an EU or Japan Prado. So it still had ALL the Lexus drive train, interior and everything else, but just looked like a Prado from the exterior.
So I guess it begs the question, any thoughts of transforming yours into a Lexus GX460?
Anyways, You've got a great looking rig.
As I tell many who are new to the forum, get a cup, mug, glass, whatever of your favorite beverage, and spend a little time going through the "sticky" posts on the top of the main GX460 forum page. Lots of great info, albeit, most of it relates to North America, but still... good stuff.
Question: Do you have thought/plans for mods to make it more overland, camping, off road capable??
We'd love to hear about it AND see the pictures as you get it done!

 

[Leeloo26]

Thank you for the welcome.
Will post some pics with the interior as well, when I finally get my hands on it.
Overlanding mods..
I am very interested in all kind of things related to camping mods, and here on this forum there is a plethora of good advice on a big range of things.
While the engines might differ, most other thing should fit .
I have been off roading for a decade now, in various vehicles..
I think one should prepare the vehicle considering needs and conditions where you travel.
First of all , in Europe you travel internationally, a lot. So you tend to take less risks when going on tough trails. In some countries offroading is forbidden completely, like Germany for example. Than, there is matter of language barriers.
When you are in your own region you might have some mates who can help if you get into trouble. There are services you can call . Not so much in a foreign country. ( you might be able to call, but there is a big fat chance nobody speaks anything on the other end . Between me and my wife we speak about 5 languages, it is not enough.. Ask me how I know.. )

My point is you tend to take less risks when you are offroading in a foreign country, alone. ( what I do most of the time, i think I had only 2 trips in a decade with someone else ). So less rock climbing and mud slinging and more scenic roads.
So while I like to be prepared, i don't plan to spend half of my week-end or holiday winching or digging on purpose.
For some it is fun, not for me.
I preffer to sit in a chair with a cold one in hand by a fire looking at some mountains or a beautifull beach.
For this reason, I will have no lift, stock is good enough. I have some recovery tools( brain, recovery boards, shovel, strap etc.. ),
I can barely find stock parts if I have a brake down , let alone custom mods. How long do you think will take to get a custom suspension part in Morroco or Montenegro for example ?
Some years ago i had an alternator dying, I was told 2 weeks for delvery in Albania, found a shop who did a rebuild on the spot.. I was back on the road in 2 h . Bigger tires - maybe in some capitals you find in stock.. otherwise..
Toyota kept stocks in all 179 countries where the Landcrusier is sold - ( this was in the 90\s.. ) After we got Right on time delivery , cost optimisation.. all the MBA bu**** speak for cost cuting - so not so much anymore. In Europe there is one maybe, 2 big distribution centers ( not an issue inside the European Union ) , same for Africa, good luck with the border crossing and customs...


Many people think that the moment you go off road on some fire road , you need a lift and an winch. You would be surprised what a KDSS bone stock LC can do with some decent tires.

So giving the condtions and the purpose - I will add some protection for sure( ski plates, rocksliders ) , and change the wheels. Now it has 18 inch with some Michelin Latitude tires . I will most likely get some 17" steelies with some Falken Wildepeak .
Why steel ? can be fixed by any local shop anywhere . ( the ones I found are even more expensive tha some alloys -- amazing ... )
For sure will get some roof bars and an awning. I have a Labarador so no RTT, at least for a while.
Fridge, solar- good to go..

some pics wit my previos LC 120, know in the us as GX 470, also a 3.0 D4D.

Albania 2019

Montenogro 2019

Some gravel road in Albanian mountains

my dog, king of the camp. He never stays on the ground. I have to carry an extra chair for him, It is the biggest. Now my vehcicle is an Outback, so me and my wife we have some small crappy cahirs, not enough room .

 

[r2m]

If you want any inspiration on builds you can go here:

GX460 / Prado150

Lexus GX460 and Toyota Prado 150 (J150)

forum.ih8mud.com

(my personal favorite build is this: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/ (ha-ha!)
You may want to look to Australia (ARB, EMU, etc.) for some of your mod's. Not sure if that'd be any cheaper or quicker than things coming from the U.S.
I absolutely agree with you about overlanding and trails. For my and my wife, it's not about how difficult of a trail we can conquer, but about finding the most awesome place to camp, and like you, to look at mountains, lakes or beaches. Although my rig is built for literally anything. If the "anything" (read: emergency) come up, I at least feel confident about my build to get us home safe.
I do suggest a small lift as it will help in a couple of areas.

1. The obvious... more ground clearance.
2. With all the armor, e.g.: skids, sliders, etc., your stock suspension will begin to sag, and that's not even beginning to load it up with camp gear!
3. A much smoother ride than stock when you're loaded down with gear.
4. When loaded down with gear, you won't bottom out your shocks on bumps.
5. If you ever have to work under it on a trail, it's way easier to crawl under than stock, unless you're realllllly skinny.
6. Better approach and departure angels, although that may not happen too often on your side of the planet.

As big and massive as my rig is, she drives better with my 3.5" suspension lift then stock!

 

[Leeloo26]

Since I have an air ride, I can lift the back when need it. I am considering changing the coils in front, At this age, I am sure they sag already a bit . right put a modest lift, maximum 1- 1.5 . I would like to keep the air suspension on the back, I love autoleveling feature. If it is anything like the previous model, if it will scrape, it will scrape there first.
Can standard shocks replace the electronic version bolt on ? Any programming required ? Issues with the KDSS?

 

[Washingtontaco]

Greetings! I have enjoyed traveling to Lux City back in the late 80's! I was staioned at Spangdaleh and lived in Trier.

Look into Kaon, table, MOLLE racks and overhead storage. They produce some very nice interior items to facilitate a good kitchen and storage.

Lexus GX460 Parts Finder | Kaon Auto Parts Australia

Want to enhance the touring features of your Lexus SUV? You’re in the right place. We have a variety of Lexus Gx460 accessories that fit your needs perfectly. Call us!

www.kaon.com.au

Shipping from Austarlia might be a bit much but if you buy a large quanity of product it would be worth it. I really like mine!

Builds - 2018 Premium 460 build

Regarding the resonator, last year when rock crawling a difficult section of trail, my backed my rig into a rock that pushed the tailpipe forward. This caused it to push the "hoop" that goes over the rear axle to be pinched off, read: no exhaust! Tried to cut the pinched section off but couldn't...

forum.ih8mud.com

The rear door space can be utilized well! Post #158

Builds - 2018 Premium 460 build

See pics of my Power Wagon with both at FWC and AT below. She was great truck, sometimes I wish I hadn't sold her then I remember what 10 mpg felt like lol. FWC = Four Wheel Camper AT Habitat = Adventure Trailers Habitat GFC = Go Fast Camper AT Habitat and GFC are very similar.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[r2m]

Since I have an air ride, I can lift the back when need it. I am considering changing the coils in front, At this age, I am sure they sag already a bit . right put a modest lift, maximum 1- 1.5 . I would like to keep the air suspension on the back, I love autoleveling feature. If it is anything like the previous model, if it will scrape, it will scrape there first.
Can standard shocks replace the electronic version bolt on ? Any programming required ? Issues with the KDSS?

Most all aftermarket performance shocks will work. If you'll be doing a lot of washboard roads, I'd suggest getting shocks with an external reservoir.
Also, and this is an important note: know what your end game will be, meaning, how do you eventually want to finish up your build. When you figure that out, THEN purchase the suspension that will work for the amount of weight you'll eventually end up with.
Yeah, you may have a stiff or bumpy rid for a while till you get the sliders, skids and whatever else you bolt on, but in the end you'll be glad you only had to purchase once!
re: KDSS: Nothing will mess with your KDSS unless you cut a wire or something. But just changing out is not an issue, nor is there an issue with R&R the rear shocks too, albeit, you already mentioned you like the air lift. After removing mine, I've never looked back. Just saying.
Here's a link to member here on MUD, Jake McCurdy's Youtube channel that has him changing from factory to Ironman shocks. Take a look!

 

[Leeloo26]

I got the car.
After a 2400 km trip to get to me, it had a fuel consumption of aprox 11.5l/100 km - 20.5 mpg. Mostly highway miles, at about 70 mph.
It is in good shape, a few mechanical issues. The front right bearing was shot, causing issues with breaking and steering as well. ( had to correct all the time and the brake pedal was very soft, grabbing only towards the bottom. )
This is something I can't do myself( I don't have a bearing press) , went to a Toyota dealer. ..
man things changed since the last time I went to one 4 years ago, when they handed me the estimate .. it hurt .
I need to find a decent shop for things I can't do myself. .. this will be a hard task
But now the Landcruiser drives much nicer.
I notice some kind of squeaking ( like something is rubbing ), only when I let off the gas, at certain speeds. I suspect something at one of the prop shafts.

 

[WTITW]

If you’re still looking for camping mods, Bison Gear makes a great selection of tables, molle, cargo shelves etc. for 150’s. Very reasonably priced and shipped from Poland. Best camping upgrades I have made.

https://bison-gear.com/en/35-gx460

 

[Leeloo26]

For now I want to sort any mechanical issues first, ( the good news is that the noise I heard is gone. ) and need I replace the tires first ( has some Michelin Latitude all seaon ) .
Since I will only go maybe a few weeks /year during holidays only , on off road tracks, it will be a more on-road tire, just less prone to flats.
I am looking at Falken AT3W or Yokohama Geolandar G015 ( I had them on Toyota Hilux, and LC 120, I was pretty happy with them )

The ride in back is very bouncy, not compliant at all. I can't get over it, I really need to do something about it. Whoever chose these shocks over OEM did a a very poor choice. It has some KYB relatively new, they were put on this year.
It is my daily driver as well, so I would really like something softer. I did loaded, ( not a lot, just shopping bags and some tools ) it is a bit better, but most of the time the vehicle will be empty.

I can get here at a reasonable price some Fox shocks, called nitro shock Fox Performance 2.0 IFP . Fox shocks are not very big in Europe, so I don't know much about them. My first choice would be some Koni heavy track, the have possibility to adjust the rebound, but they are out of stock everywhere I look.
I am looking for a softer ride. Does anyone has the Fox 2.0 installed, are they happy with the comfort ?
( the airbags will stay in the back, no plan to remove them. I am very happy with the auto leveling feature, that means I don't really have to bother with load capacity of the springs, and for sure I will NOT go over GVM, it is quite generous anyway, at 700 + kg. )
Honestly I would even be willing to go to the OEM E-shocks ( I think they close 900 euro/USD for the pair ) if theya are softer, but I am not sure . I remember in 2021 I did a drive test with a new one, also with air springs, and it was pretty stiff. ( not so bad like mine is now tough )
So please give me some softer, more compliant shocks ideas..

 

[r2m]

For now I want to sort any mechanical issues first, ( the good news is that the noise I heard is gone. ) and need I replace the tires first ( has some Michelin Latitude all seaon ) .
Since I will only go maybe a few weeks /year during holidays only , on off road tracks, it will be a more on-road tire, just less prone to flats.
I am looking at Falken AT3W or Yokohama Geolandar G015 ( I had them on Toyota Hilux, and LC 120, I was pretty happy with them )

The ride in back is very bouncy, not compliant at all. I can't get over it, I really need to do something about it. Whoever chose these shocks over OEM did a a very poor choice. It has some KYB relatively new, they were put on this year.
It is my daily driver as well, so I would really like something softer. I did loaded, ( not a lot, just shopping bags and some tools ) it is a bit better, but most of the time the vehicle will be empty.

I can get here at a reasonable price some Fox shocks, called nitro shock Fox Performance 2.0 IFP . Fox shocks are not very big in Europe, so I don't know much about them. My first choice would be some Koni heavy track, the have possibility to adjust the rebound, but they are out of stock everywhere I look.
I am looking for a softer ride. Does anyone has the Fox 2.0 installed, are they happy with the comfort ?
( the airbags will stay in the back, no plan to remove them. I am very happy with the auto leveling feature, that means I don't really have to bother with load capacity of the springs, and for sure I will NOT go over GVM, it is quite generous anyway, at 700 + kg. )
Honestly I would even be willing to go to the OEM E-shocks ( I think they close 900 euro/USD for the pair ) if theya are softer, but I am not sure . I remember in 2021 I did a drive test with a new one, also with air springs, and it was pretty stiff. ( not so bad like mine is now tough )
So please give me some softer, more compliant shocks ideas..

Generally if you do your research and are realistic about how you'll load out your vehicle, which sounds like you are, you will probably get a much better ride than stock.
I know my rig, as heavy as it is (R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build ), rides awesome! But I spent the time, much like you are now, researching suspension and know what my end game would be.
I know it may cost you a few Euros, but maybe call up one of dedicated off road shops here in the U.S. and see what they say?
Here are a couple:
YotaMasters: Shop - https://www.yotamasters.com/
Off Road Warehous: Off Road Warehouse 4X4 Parts & Accessories - ORW - https://www.offroadwarehouse.com/

Along with shops that anyone else wants to chime in with.