Newbie 100 Owner, Pics, Questions: Upgrades, Maintenance, Etc.

[2ManyRides]

Hi all! As of today I'm a proud new owner of a 1999 LC, 129,000 miles, w/ Diff Lock. Went with a '99 b/c I didn't want any Nav. I wanted simplicity...somewhat. Bought in Tacoma, WA. It spent the majority of it's life in Santa Cruz, CA. I'm relocating it to Rhode Island, where I am now.

It is in very shape. Recent new Timing Belt replacement and Water Pump service. Other than that, it seems to have a good service history. The undercarriage is very clean. All stock, except for the Toyo A/T Open Country tires. One small scuff on the rear right bumper. Leather inside looks good.

Will be used to go skiing, camping, and some mild off road excursions (no rock crawling) in the NE before I relocate back west in a few years time. Rhode Island also has some really bad roads, so bouncing around here on the road is normal and can be adventurous.

My initial plan:
1. Fluid Film the undercarriage as soon as it arrives off the truck. Have a shop that is standing by.
2. Service it at Toyota.
3. Ditch the running boards. Possibly getting Slee Sliders.

HERE IS WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP:
1. What do I need to look out for with a 1999 LC 100? What would you recommend I upgrade/replace, based on what I have stated? Any issues to look out for with a '99? What am I missing? So far I've read the Slee 100 Series Newbie Guide and surfed some threads here in ih8mud.
2. Suspension: What should I replace the stock suspension with? Not sure if I want to lift it? I've had a Tundra and Tacoma, both TRD Offroad, and I really enjoyed the "mildly/minimally" upgraded suspension capability. I want a better ride, better handling, and maybe a bit more capability.
3. If I don't lift it, what is the biggest size tire I can fit?
4. Any good 100 series LC shops/mechanics in the RI/CT/MA area?

Thanks for any help, in advance.

 

[2ManyRides]

Any recommendations on where to order suspension parts and accessories would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks again!!!

 

[Kofoed]

That thing is clean. Mine is the same, even an SoCal car all of its life.

 

[El Cid]

seach for Beno for OEM parts. He's been a superstar for many of us.

 

[RND1]

For suspension, I have Bilsteins on my '03, but I think they're harsh for our pot hole ridden, frost heave filled roads. People here seem to really like OME suspension with or without a lift. I will likely be going back to OEM Toyota struts front and rear.

I am not aware of any LC mechanics in RI / CT / MA. Most seem to just go to the dealer or have a competent local indie work on it.

 

[oftpiste]

do a search for 'baselining' and you should find the laundry list of stuff to do off the bat if it hasn't been done already.

 

[Traskew3]

Looks Nice!! Enjoy!

 

[Wandl]

great find with such low mileage! As RND1 mentioned, check out a couple independents (maybe those who work on some Tundra/Sequoia or even a Lexus LX) via yelp or something and hopefully you'll find a good indie. Else I'd figure most Toyota dealers should be up to the task...

 

[Spanktron9]

Go with an ARB front diff locker now. The OEM front diff is the biggest weak point on the 99. I have one, love it, but swap out that Diff. Also Search Heater Ts.

 

[myvanisbetter]

I've been watching that rig on the local CL for a while, glad it went to a good home!

 

[2ManyRides]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciated the help. Unfortunately I don't yet have a clear picture of the the PO did. Weather hasn't been good up here, and my garage is packed.

Fluid Filming the undercarraige this week. I'm also getting ready to do my "general" baseline (Engine/drivetrain/brake fluids, Heater Ts, wheel bearings, check the CV boots leaks, etc.) Got all my fluids, just need parts now.

Wow, the ARB Front Diff Locker is expensive. ARB Air Lockers ARB1056 ~$1042.00, correct? Any reason to do the rear at the same time?

I guess I'll have to wait to do the rest of the "pricey" in pieces:
1. ARB Front Differential Locker
2. Slee 1.5” Medium Lift Kit.

Any reason to replace the control arms (Upper Adjustable and Lower Rear), front control Arms w/bushings, adjustable panhard rods?