Recommendations for Refurbish my 04 LC

[Chrisek]

Thank you RND1 and great looking 100! As far as I know toyota does not sell the bushings separate and you have to get the arm. Same with the rear axle links. Having said that, getting a fresh start (rust proofing new arms/links before install) might be a good way to go? Also, I believe other bushing manufacturers do sell the bushings separate.
Yes, I hear what you are saying about the fuel tank. I have found myself more than a few times hitting a rest area to relieve myself and having to stop for gas in another 50-100 miles. That is frustrating on road trips. Our other vehicles have the longer range and Ithe overall trip much more relaxing when options are available. As I am heading out on another lap of the country early August, this mod can’t come soon enough.
Nice to know another happy customer with OME stuff, looking forward to trying it myself.

 

[Chrisek]

As a follow up to the obviously better situation with the fuel filter, the gas pedal is just more responsive overall. Not saying it is more powerful, just the speed comes easier even at freeway speeds. On this next lap of the country definitely going to remap the mpg vs speed at 70, 75, and 80 and see if there are any changes as I should be spending significant miles at each speed limit.

 

[gray rider]

If it’s original, it ain’t good after 18 years.

But...but what if it's a Land Cruiser?

 

[Chrisek]

Lol

 

[RND1]

Thank you RND1 and great looking 100! As far as I know toyota does not sell the bushings separate and you have to get the arm. Same with the rear axle links. Having said that, getting a fresh start (rust proofing new arms/links before install) might be a good way to go? Also, I believe other bushing manufacturers do sell the bushings separate.
Yes, I hear what you are saying about the fuel tank. I have found myself more than a few times hitting a rest area to relieve myself and having to stop for gas in another 50-100 miles. That is frustrating on road trips. Our other vehicles have the longer range and Ithe overall trip much more relaxing when options are available. As I am heading out on another lap of the country early August, this mod can’t come soon enough.
Nice to know another happy customer with OME stuff, looking forward to trying it myself.

I corrected my original post - 80 miles per quarter tank got me 240 miles before fill up (w 1/4 tank left). I had my 12 yr old with me on that trip so we would hit the road around 8am with a full tank. 240 miles later was typically ~4 hrs of driving so that would put us at lunch time where we'd fill up again and grab a bite. Then we'd head out around 1pm and pull into our final destination for the day around 5pm. The only day we stretched it was going across Iowa - it was 90 degrees and we had a cabin reserved at a KOA, but we decided to push on to Colorado so I treated my kiddo with a hotel that night. It was a really great trip with lifelong memories.

 

[Chrisek]

Today was a good day, minor road trip to Alabama with friends. Just 100 miles each way, no big deal.
For those unfamiliar with southern TN and northern AL it has a lot of pretty rolling hills. Big enough where slower cars may need to downshift here and there. Today. The Land Cruiser downshifted a lot less than normal.

BBQ on the lake.

Definitely suggest to any LC100 owner with over 150k miles, if you do not have proof that the fuel filter has been changed, just change it.

 

[Chrisek]

Just to speak on my Suspension. The rear shocks are only about 60k miles, why do I need to replace them considering they are Toyota parts? Summer ‘22 I knowingly overloaded the LC on multiple occasions not thinking much of it. So this is all self inflicted and does not represent OEM parts when used correctly. on yesterday’s trip the front still felt good and could probably just replace rear shocks and springs and be good to go. Been hearing so much good stuff about OME suspension for so long it is a good time for me to try it.
Hope this explains this own goal situation, just looking to make the most of it. Again, down the road can always go back to OEM knowing I like it.

 

[gray rider]

"It was a really great trip with lifelong memories."

PRICELESS!

 

[Chrisek]

Out on another lap, currently in Northern California

Got to enjoy the LC for sure. Regarding fuel mileage now between breathing better with new cats and flowing more fuel with the fresh fuel filter I would say an overall improvement of 1/4 to 1/2 mpg. It is funny and somber that that is a noticeable increment, oh the life of a Land Cruiser, lol.
How did it drive? Really different. Again, came out on the 80 to compare with last two runs, and yesterday was a 1300+ mile day. Noticeably hotter 92-99F even at altitude and night time low around 48F. Between the better breathing and more fuel it just downshifted less, a lot less. Able to remain in gear even while climbing to the continental divide and the Sierra Nevadas. It still changes gears more trying to hold 80mph, I’m guessing the aero load still overcomes power improvements. But even then I still got 15mpg. Could never get above 14mpg before (at 80mph). And driving at 75mph the LC never dropped below 15mpg and hit 17mpg more often. It still prefers 75mph which is OK by me.
Different weird things on this trip, 3 gas stops in a row (starting in Utah) huge amounts of pressure in fuel tank and hot air coming out when refilling. At altitude, over 95F. Once back at sea level, zero issues. No gas smell in vehicle.
Guessing the coolant was not fully burped. Pulled radiator cap today and coolant lowered a little in reservoir. Will do this again over next couple of drives. Started reading up on that thread about gas tank pressure and overheating fuel etc. We’ll see how the trip home goes

 

[Chrisek]

Got back Tuesday (8/22), and have to say, surprising results. It ended up taking 3 days to get back to TN and I rode the heat wave the entire time. On two different tanks that were overall flat travel the LC got 18mpg!! That was a first. That 1/4 to 1/2 mpg bump looks correct overall. Unfortunately started having evaporator issues with A/C (hopefully the drain is just clogged), and the moisture on the circuit board knocked the A/C out until it dried then A/C would come back. Dropped it off at my local dealer waiting to hear back. This unfortunately bumped my Slee appointment. A little frustrating no doubt.

 

[Live to Ski]

Got back Tuesday (8/22), and have to say, surprising results. It ended up taking 3 days to get back to TN and I rode the heat wave the entire time. On two different tanks that were overall flat travel the LC got 18mpg!! That was a first. That 1/4 to 1/2 mpg bump looks correct overall. Unfortunately started having evaporator issues with A/C (hopefully the drain is just clogged), and the moisture on the circuit board knocked the A/C out until it dried then A/C would come back. Dropped it off at my local dealer waiting to hear back. This unfortunately bumped my Slee appointment. A little frustrating no doubt.

congrats on the mpg! That tops my unofficial unverified 17+ mpg i tracked on my latest highway long drive. granted a) no wind, b) held 60 mph, c) all a long downhill from krammers corner (famous 395 gas up spot on route to/back from mammoth ski area CA) to capo beach, d) AC on. e) 33 in tires, f) lifted and loaded for bear...well overisting...well ovelanding....well car camping.

that's not my story and i'm not sticking to it

 

[Chrisek]

I know 395 very well (used to live in Carson City). 18 (hand calculated) seems a little out there, makes me think the fuel pump is on the out. Got a new one to go in with the larger tank.

 

[NE Snowman]

Fwiw my computer tells me I average 16.9-17.2, original exhaust, stock wheels/tires/suspension. Now you got me wondering if my pumps going out.

Fresh spark plugs, about to have all coil packs fresh once they show up.

 

[Chrisek]

Fwiw my computer tells me I average 16.9-17.2, original exhaust, stock wheels/tires/suspension. Now you got me wondering if my pumps going out.

Fresh spark plugs, about to have all coil packs fresh once they show up.

I would regularly get 16 - 17mpg tanks prior to this. I have never had an 18mpg tank before this last trip. Unless you are getting that in the Rockies (or climbing and descending in the Sierra Nevadas) I believe yours is good. Mine is also completely stock with OE sized wheels and tires.

Having said all that, if there is anything on your 100 that you are thinking about, I would suggest doing it. They are all 15+ years old, and by doing the things you are thinking about you might find stuff that also needs your attention but not critical yet. I’m personally trying to take advantage of OEM parts while still available.

 

[Chrisek]

Having said that I just picked mine up from the dealer, was correct that the drain was painfully clogged. A/C now great again.
Now for the cool news. It turns out Toyota USA still had headlights and grilles, so I got ‘em.

Looks amazing. Will have to figure something out for the fog lights. Driver side corner is cracked as well.
Also, had the plugs and coils replaced, I am switching over to the 60k interval (same as other countries) on the plugs. Will switch again (early) at 360k and continue every 60k on the odo. Made a huge difference!!! Coils were original:

I can’t begin to say what difference this made on light/partial throttle. Really surprised.

 

[Chrisek]

Just a quick update. Took the car out on my last lap of the country and was gone for about 5 weeks. Coming back and jumping int the LC100 is just so nice. Got a plan going in with the wheels so I put the original 18” rims on and put new tires on them.

I have 3 wheel caps, but couldn’t find them. Need to get more in general. Quick question: I can purchase 4 perfect wheel cap centers online for $170 OR I can purchase 4 wheels with center caps for $200 from a wrecker. I predominately us the 16” rims, so these extra wheels would really be of no practical use for me. Thoughts?

 

[Chrisek]

Got back last Monday from my latest lap. Super quick at only 7 days. Once again just a great vehicle. Took it in for service when I got back, no recommendations.

The oil pressure had “that” issue where it just locks in at the 1/4 mark even when I climbed the continental divide. Once I was comfortable that the oil pump was fine and it is either the pressure sensor or the gauge I continued on. It was dead for about 2000 miles.

Of course it started working normally again about 1000 miles from home so my dealer had nothing to check out . Either way fortunately it is a minor issue.

 

[Chrisek]

Yesterday I did the 1250 mile pilgrimage to Slee . Trip went well and timed the trip to come in a few hours after the storm (first snow of the year for Denver) came and went so the sun could clear the roads. Put the Blizzaks on the day before. Happy about that choice.
Dropped it off at Slee for the gas tank (40 gallon main replacement) and OME install.



While there, they told me about their ARB 2019 LC200 for sale and let me climb all over it

Wonder if it rides as well as my LC100? Those are 34” tires on 17’s. And OME BP51’s. Any thoughts on if this would be a comfortable replacement as my main? I would remove the roof stuff and the rear storage cabinets and add a 40 gallon aux tank.

 

[Chrisek]

Forgot to mention, this last lap started getting the hot air coming out of the fuel tank again impeding fill up. A little extra time made a huge difference. Just opening the fuel cap before I start paying at the pump (vs after) made all the difference and no more issues.

Yesterday on the way to Denver I started getting winter gas (saw 12-14mpg) and had no codes like I did last winter. Hope the cats fixed those issues from last winter

 

[Chrisek]

Well, just picked it up.

This is the OME nitrocharger sport shocks front and rear. Coils in the back are the OME 2866 and the front torsion bar is OME 303001. Meant to be a 1/2-1” lift, but my old stuff was sagged out. Tires are overinflated right now (50F, it was 9F when I dropped it off). But I’m in love all over again! Cannot wait to get tire pressures adjusted.
And the tank. Filled it up by the shop, looking forward to what a difference that will make on the drive home.
Visual inspection: slight sweating on P/S line. Slight drive/reverse clunk. I might come back after that clunk, we’ll see. In any case, big day tomorrow, looking forward to it.