Questions on tires / performance / stereo!

[Cathar_Knight]

Hello all!

Thanks in advance for reading my post and for responding if you have input. I am actually going to ask advice on three separate issues and hope to hear back from people that have experience in all these areas. Oh, and yes, I know some of these may have been answered before – so before I am flamed about that point let me clarify that I am asking the questions today – fully recognizing that things change (new tread designs and such) so …. There flame away. LOL

Thanks again! Here are my 3 questions:

1) I am looking for a set of 4 new tires. I live in Colorado and regularily drive long distances on the highway BUT over a pass that frequently gets heavy snow in the winter. I also do some casual off-road travel (about 10% of time). I like and aggressive – rugged tire look. I have stock rims. I currently have Michellin LTX M/S but am considering the BF Goodrich LT 265 and the Nitto Terragrapler. I have been warned about increased road noise, and want to hear (no pun intended) how bad it is. Also any comments from people who have switched either way would be appreciated.

2) I have always felt the LC is a bit underpowered (especially in CO – after moving from TX). I have been told that the special KN performance air kit helps. Or a new “chip’ would also work. I am concerned about performance and mileage but also not wanting to damage the engine or transmission. Any comments?

3) Finally, I have the stock (2001) JBL stereo system in my LC. I have never been that impressed with the sound (always felt to bass heavy). Over the years I have started to wonder if I have a defective amplifier because:
A) it runs very hot under passenger seat
B) I have gone through two pairs of front speakers (yes I listen at normal adult levels)
C) I recently lost the subwoofer. So – has anyone else had similar issues? Any ideas for a newer stereo that might have a jack for n iPod etc. that wouldn’t require a major rework to get into my LC?

Thanks all!

Mark

 

[CappyKD]

1) No valid input as I run E rated LTX2 M/S tires.

2) Stay away from the K&N and get DT headers instead.

3) Sounds like it's time to tear the whole thing out and start over.

Do a search on each item, you will find recent threads. Post up more info as well, such as your budget for each area of concern. HTH

 

[pfran42]

Change your font...it hurts!

Also, if you have three separate issues, it probably would be best to start three separate threads (after you have used the search function and not found any answers). If you have three different conversations weaving in and out of a thread, imagine how hard it will be for the next person with a similar issue, to follow the part of your thread that is relevant to his/her question.

1. This is covered in about 4512 threads on this forum. Use the search function...it is your friend! Both of those tires will be just enough louder to discern but not loud enough to annoy.

2. I agree with Cappy on this one. I don't like the idea of an oiled air filter combined with a highly capable off road vehicle that loves getting dirty but you will find others that run them with no reported issues.

3. If you have a non-factory nav vehicle, then it is fairly easy to take out the OEM components and replace them with something up-to-date. There are quite a few good threads out there that deal with stereo installs.

Oh and....Welcome to the forum Mark!....(EDIT: after being a member since 2008...Duh)

 

[lexi4darin]

Change your font...it hurts!

Thank you Paul.

 

[patrickfinley]

1. If you are mostly on road, you can upgrade to the Michelin M/S 2, good improvement over the M/S.

2. KN air filters aren't good in cold weather and they really don't do anything for the LC anyway, Skip it! There's nothing you can really do to boost performance unless you spend thousands on a Supercharger. Over time you'll be comfortable with just Cruising.

 

[Romer]

AT's are pretty quiet on the highway from my experiance. I have driven both the BFG AT KO and NT Terra Grappler and have been happy with them for road, snow and even Ice performance. They do have thinner sidewalls then MT's like the Toyo's which is only a concern if you wheel in terrain thats a concern. MT's are louder

I put AT's on my wifes 4runner to give her a good reliable tire for Colorado. She does not go offroad, only up the highway to Central City

There is an mod to replace the header pipes that provide about a 10% performance improvement. See the threads on DT headers in this section

Based on your post, I assume you have a 2001 (year makes a difference with these questions). There are a few threads here on aftermarket stereo's. Sometimes you can get a big boost in performance by changing the speakers though.

 

[marshotel]

1. The Michelins are great tires. If you are happy with them, then get the same ones again. (BFGs and Nittos are also fine)

2. Don't bother with the K&N air filter or the chip.
The 2UZFE was not built for maximum power.
Drive it, love it, change the oil every 5000 miles.
The K&N air filter is a gimmic and a superchip will probably kill your fuel mileage depending on how it is programmed. The guys at the Toyota factory knew what they they were doing (for the most part). Don't mess with it unless its broken.

3. The factory stereo systems, on the other hand, were apparently designed by autistic monkeys from outer space. Throw away your stock stereo speakers, amp, and head unit, and go get new ones.

 

[TheFuzz]

Drive it, love it, run a good synthetic and change the oil every 10000 miles.

Fixed.

 

[CappyKD]

1. If you are mostly on road, you can upgrade to the Michelin M/S 2, good improvement over the M/S.

2. KN air filters aren't good in cold weather and they really don't do anything for the LC anyway, Skip it! There's nothing you can really do to boost performance unless you spend thousands on a Supercharger. Over time you'll be comfortable with just Cruising.

Not to start a Debate, but part of your response to question 2 is incorrect. The DT headers make a huge difference, just ask anybody who has them or go look at the Dyno thread.

 

[OregonLC]

Not to start a Debate, but part of your response to question 2 is incorrect. The DT headers make a huge difference, just ask anybody who has them or go look at the Dyno thread.

In case anyone is looking for data, here's a great thread Rob did a while back... https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/514381-dt-headers-dyno-result-thread.html#post6911941