Quick question for ya'll. Recently started looking at a used 100 series, I've never been an owner of toyotas before, however had many friends with multiple land cruisers, 4runners, and FJs. And for the most part I always hear good news. Currently I'm thinking about switching from the jeep side of the road to land cruiser. I've got a 2014 wrangler 2 door that's paid off with 32,000 miles. I'm at a bit of a loss because the towing capacity is 2,000lbs and it's a 2 door, which really sucks sometimes for obvious reason (not being able to haul a lot, I.e. Skis, other long items.) And switching to a LC has obvious attributes, #1: V8 baby!!
#2 LC reliability (if maintained properly)
The LC I'm looking at is a 2001 with 170,000 miles but it's also loaded down with ARB everything (front and rear bumper, fenders and side steps, roof racks, 2 ARB lockers not installed), and when I asked him if he ever wheeled with it or took on camping adventures, etc he said it was "just for looks." Everything cosmetic about it is fantastic, for being 15 years old, minus some electric window issue, minor deficiency. However, when driving it, starting at 50mph you get a slight vibration in the whole front end when you start touching the gas pedal. When you take your foot off or start cruising at speed it goes away, but once you touch the gas it starts again. I have some theories (bearings need repacked, uneven tread, unbalanced tires, that's about all I could think of.) he said he called the shop that replaced his rotors for him and the mechanic said there was a bushing/mount for the front axle that looked in bad shape that they didn't replace that could be causing it. But I have no idea what bushing/mount they would be talking about, because that's all the details he gave me. So I found out about Alamo Auto Doctors and I was debating whether or not to ask him if he would kindly take a look at it for me and troubleshoot some stuff on it to see what it might be. ANYWAYS! I know I said quick question, just don't get mad at me if my description was too long what are your theories? Have you seen this before? Is it worth getting looked at? Is it worth trading a jeep in for? Is Alamo Auto Doctors a reliable shop to ask for something like this?
All answers are greatly appreciated, especially if you took time to read that book.
