This may as well be titled "The LX that 'Mud Built" because without the Mud community support of YotaMD this would not exist. So I offer an upfront and sincere "Thank You!" to you awesome folks that support your community vendors like YotaMD.
Now, let's dive into the fun stuff.
2006 LX470 in Cypress Pearl.
As Received
-216k miles as of Jan 2020
-AirTop RTT on factory rails
-Budget drawers
-Solar Panel, charger and battery
-Otherwise all OEM
The Good
-Airbags
Requirement. In 2003, the 100 series got optional side and curtain airbags. This 06 has all the airbags available in the 100 series to my knowledge.
-5 Speed
Requirement.
-VVTI
Requirement.
-AHC
Requirement. The system is complete and functional. I'm a fan of the benefits the system offers and complex troubleshooting is more like a fun adventure than a pain for me.
-Clean and Stock
This rig is a good starting point for a build. Previous service includes AHC accumulator replacement and a full 100k Slee service at 200k. The things that aren't clean on this rig are relatively easily "undone" or repaired.
What's Wrong?
-No YotaMD Key
Need I say more?
-AHC Pressures
Springs/bars are likely original and need to be replaced/upgraded/adjusted to correct neutral pressures.
-Coolant Leak
Appears to be the rear water bypass. Takes some labor, but overall should be a cheap fix.
-Oil leak
Previous mechanics told the PO the valve cover and power steering pump were leaking. I agree on the valve cover, can't verify the pump yet.
-Aux Battery and Wiring
I think the PO wired this up in an afternoon and was anxious to hit the trails. It's ugly. Rat's nest is an appropriate description. For something that's going to be stored in my house where my family sleeps, I need to take this all out. I like the idea so I may redo it, but for now it just needs to come out for my own peace of mind.
-Solar Panel Adhered to Roof
Similar to the wiring, the panel seems to have been rushed. It's a flexible panel that was glued or siliconed to the roof. Why? Why would you silicone a flexible panel to the roof of a nice LX470?
-Tailgate Garnish Loose
The garnish piece in the LX has clips and inset studs that hold the plastic garnish piece to the tailgate. Mine are mostly broken and the result is that the garnish piece rattles when you close the tailgate and hatch. VERY annoying and sounds very cheap/broken.
-Roof Top Tent
While I love the idea of an RTT, I want to store the LX in my garage.
-Drawers
After living with SS1 system I can't use these budget drawers. Once filled they take more strength to move than my wife can easily muster, they don't lock in or out, they come all the way off the rails if you pull them too far, they look less refined than I'd like and they are too low profile to store most of what I want to store. I co-own Air Down Gear Up so an SS1 system is basically a requirement.
-Audio
I finally got my audio dialed in on my '99 LC (Morel Virtus components, DSP amp, dual 10" Focal subs). Going back to OEM audio is dreary to put it nicely. I'll likely start with a V-line from Grom and see how the audio is with a good clean signal. I know the Mark Levinson system can be pretty good, but I'm sure the speakers all need a revamp and the best value is probably to rip them all out and replace with aftermarket. I'm not sure I deserve an "audiophile" title, but I pay a lot of attention to audio quality and have enjoyed using measurement mics and DSPs to really dial in audio systems.
The Plan
Reliability
Leak fixes are first. Followed by AHC tuning. There's also a broken stud in a rear wheel. That obviously needs to be repaired.
Driveability
Many rubber parts in the chassis are worn. I'll replace as many bushings as I can as I go.
Tint
My 99 has 35% up front and 20% in the rear on top of the OEM tint. In the summer that tint makes a world of difference for comfort and it also helps protect the interior and occupants from UV. I'll potentially do 35% all around on the LX.
Steering Wheel
I had my Supra wheel redone by Dallas Custom Steering Wheel and it's a work of art. I'll send this LX wheel off to them to get some much needed new life in that leather.
Armor - Sliders
Slee Slider Steps are wonderful. I have them on my 99 and plan to add them to this LX.
Armor - Skid Plates
Protecting the underbelly will be worthwhile peace of mind for occasional trail events/outings.
Armor - Front and Rear Bumpers
I like the Dissent bumpers/skids quite a bit. I wonder if @benc will offer up a deal if I go all out on aluminum Dissent gear at once?
Wheels/Tires
The rig comes with fresh Cooper AT3 tires, but they're 32". I like 33's for summer highway and trail driving. 17" wheels would also be better for trails. I'm not in love with the Lexus wheel's style and would prefer something with a slightly more flush offset. The Alpha Command wheels have my eye and come in a variety of offsets.
Now, let's dive into the fun stuff.
2006 LX470 in Cypress Pearl.
As Received
-216k miles as of Jan 2020
-AirTop RTT on factory rails
-Budget drawers
-Solar Panel, charger and battery
-Otherwise all OEM
The Good
-Airbags
Requirement. In 2003, the 100 series got optional side and curtain airbags. This 06 has all the airbags available in the 100 series to my knowledge.
-5 Speed
Requirement.
-VVTI
Requirement.
-AHC
Requirement. The system is complete and functional. I'm a fan of the benefits the system offers and complex troubleshooting is more like a fun adventure than a pain for me.
-Clean and Stock
This rig is a good starting point for a build. Previous service includes AHC accumulator replacement and a full 100k Slee service at 200k. The things that aren't clean on this rig are relatively easily "undone" or repaired.
What's Wrong?
-No YotaMD Key
Need I say more?
-AHC Pressures
Springs/bars are likely original and need to be replaced/upgraded/adjusted to correct neutral pressures.
-Coolant Leak
Appears to be the rear water bypass. Takes some labor, but overall should be a cheap fix.
-Oil leak
Previous mechanics told the PO the valve cover and power steering pump were leaking. I agree on the valve cover, can't verify the pump yet.
-Aux Battery and Wiring
I think the PO wired this up in an afternoon and was anxious to hit the trails. It's ugly. Rat's nest is an appropriate description. For something that's going to be stored in my house where my family sleeps, I need to take this all out. I like the idea so I may redo it, but for now it just needs to come out for my own peace of mind.
-Solar Panel Adhered to Roof
Similar to the wiring, the panel seems to have been rushed. It's a flexible panel that was glued or siliconed to the roof. Why? Why would you silicone a flexible panel to the roof of a nice LX470?
-Tailgate Garnish Loose
The garnish piece in the LX has clips and inset studs that hold the plastic garnish piece to the tailgate. Mine are mostly broken and the result is that the garnish piece rattles when you close the tailgate and hatch. VERY annoying and sounds very cheap/broken.
-Roof Top Tent
While I love the idea of an RTT, I want to store the LX in my garage.
-Drawers
After living with SS1 system I can't use these budget drawers. Once filled they take more strength to move than my wife can easily muster, they don't lock in or out, they come all the way off the rails if you pull them too far, they look less refined than I'd like and they are too low profile to store most of what I want to store. I co-own Air Down Gear Up so an SS1 system is basically a requirement.
-Audio
I finally got my audio dialed in on my '99 LC (Morel Virtus components, DSP amp, dual 10" Focal subs). Going back to OEM audio is dreary to put it nicely. I'll likely start with a V-line from Grom and see how the audio is with a good clean signal. I know the Mark Levinson system can be pretty good, but I'm sure the speakers all need a revamp and the best value is probably to rip them all out and replace with aftermarket. I'm not sure I deserve an "audiophile" title, but I pay a lot of attention to audio quality and have enjoyed using measurement mics and DSPs to really dial in audio systems.
The Plan
Reliability
Leak fixes are first. Followed by AHC tuning. There's also a broken stud in a rear wheel. That obviously needs to be repaired.
Driveability
Many rubber parts in the chassis are worn. I'll replace as many bushings as I can as I go.
Tint
My 99 has 35% up front and 20% in the rear on top of the OEM tint. In the summer that tint makes a world of difference for comfort and it also helps protect the interior and occupants from UV. I'll potentially do 35% all around on the LX.
Steering Wheel
I had my Supra wheel redone by Dallas Custom Steering Wheel and it's a work of art. I'll send this LX wheel off to them to get some much needed new life in that leather.
Armor - Sliders
Slee Slider Steps are wonderful. I have them on my 99 and plan to add them to this LX.
Armor - Skid Plates
Protecting the underbelly will be worthwhile peace of mind for occasional trail events/outings.
Armor - Front and Rear Bumpers
I like the Dissent bumpers/skids quite a bit. I wonder if @benc will offer up a deal if I go all out on aluminum Dissent gear at once?
Wheels/Tires
The rig comes with fresh Cooper AT3 tires, but they're 32". I like 33's for summer highway and trail driving. 17" wheels would also be better for trails. I'm not in love with the Lexus wheel's style and would prefer something with a slightly more flush offset. The Alpha Command wheels have my eye and come in a variety of offsets.
