What do I want in a 100?

[bhicks]

I currently have a built 80 (LX450) and am looking to move on to a 100 series. I love my 80 but the rockcrawin days are getting really far and between. I spend more of my time camping and exploring the back country roads then climbin over boulders. The 100 would just suit my changing needs better. I made sure when looking for my 80 that it had the factory lockers. That was really the only offroad option you could get. My 80 is on 315's and fully armored. It's my dual purpose trail rig and daily driver. I want a 100 to do the same. Maybe not 315's and no rock crawli. The 100 will be less on the rocks on more of an expedition type rig. What options do I WANT on the 100 and what do I want to avoid? Were front and rear lockers even an option on any 100 series. What years seem to be the most desireable? Why? I have about a 15-20k budget so take that into consideration with your suggestions. An 06 with 30k on the odometer is not in the cards with my budget.

 

[El Cid]

Hot chicks.

Wait, was this a rhetorical question?

 

[TXLX100]

Rear locker came in the first couple years of LC100. Good opportunity to buy a built one, those seem pretty tempting v buying all the add-ons later.

And yeah, if u can get a couple of hot chicks in a 100, they ride better.

 

[sdnative]

Check out the slee buyers guide and spend some time searching this forum. Between these, you'll get more unfo than you need. But yea, based on your intended usage the 100 is a great truck.

 

[sdnative]

And I think there was someone wanting to trade his build 100 for an 80. Check the classifieds.

 

[bhicks]

And I think there was someone wanting to trade his build 100 for an 80. Check the classifieds.

I jumped on that add but I don't think it is going to work out. He was thinking his rig was in the 26k price range. My 97 LX450 build with 98k original miles is on the high end of the 80's price range but no where close to 26k and I don't have the cash to make up the difference. It's exactly what I want minus the price tag. If it was in the 17-20k range then I will be all over it.

 

[bhicks]

Rear locker came in the first couple years of LC100. Good opportunity to buy a built one, those seem pretty tempting v buying all the add-ons later.

And yeah, if u can get a couple of hot chicks in a 100, they ride better.

After the first couple years what type of traction control/diff set ups did yota/lexus offer? What specific years had the rear locker option? What was the front diff option?

 

[yotasavg]

Rear locker option was only in 98/99 (On LC's, not LX's). In 2000 the trucks got ATRAC instead, and the front diff was changed from a weak 2 pinion design to a stronger 4 pinion. The last part doesn't matter if you're considering a front air locker at some point.

 

[Ole Colony]

Slee buyers guide has the answers you are looking for

 

[Kigiin]

You want..... no rust.

 

[bhicks]

Rear locker option was only in 98/99 (On LC's, not LX's). In 2000 the trucks got ATRAC instead, and the front diff was changed from a weak 2 pinion design to a stronger 4 pinion. The last part doesn't matter if you're considering a front air locker at some point.

I found a super clean no rust low miles 2003 LX470 about an hour from me right in the middle of my price range. The guy stated it had a rear locker. So apparently that is not possible in the factory configuration, correct? So is ATRAC for front AND rear? Is the usual open diff system everyone uses with an electronically controlled breaking system that stops wheel spin and the individual tire? Is it any good?

 

[spressomon]

Regardless what year 100/470 you opt for plan to install a front locker. There are a gajillion posts about this...but figure this into your budget (less $ before you break it).

The only two years for 100-Series in North America with a rear locker option was 1998 and 1999. Unless aftermarket locker(s) have been added to model year 2000-2007 you get ATRAC/traction control.

Per above: Go look through Slee's excellent 100-Series guide for MY details...

 

[yeti in ga]

Dont be worried about ATRAC , it works really well , when you know how to work it. But the 99 is the best year , rear locker and rear air. All I am missing is the front locker or should I say was missing...

 

[bhicks]

Anything I should worry about or be aware of with a 2003? The timing belt and water pump were done at 95,000 miles. Currently 105,000 on odometer. Dealer maintained. Any parts or systems that prone to issues that I should be looking for when I go look at it?

 

[SmoothLC]

I wouldn't think so - the 2003 got 235HP, the A750F 5 speed, 4.1 gear ratio, 18" wheels as an option, etc.

Just try to find the best maintained 100 for your $ and go from there.

 

[r2m]

To answer the original post: Why WOULDN'T you want a 100???

Rear locker came in the first couple years of LC100.

Yea, but you could also get FRONT AND REAR lockers in the 80's!

 

[VtaTom]

I'd say you want to read the FAQ for the variations through years, ATRAC, problems to look for, etc. but the short answer is that with the 100 you have a solid platform for expedition build and you can build to a certain point without altering the character of the cruiser. You probably don't want to go over 2" lift and depending on what tire thread you read you'll probably be happy with 285's no problem but 315's are doable depending on brand and how much you want to get into messing with front sheet metal, spacers and upper arms. Get the picture.

Read some build threads and you'll get a feel for where the line is between expo and rock crawler.

There are a few ATRAC videos on YouTube. It's slow and steady wins the hill but it can overheat on very long sketchy runs. It'll beep at you before it bypasses itself to cool down. You can put F/R lockers and they don't conflict. Pretty sure CDL switch will disengage ATRAC and skid control.

I lurked the 80's section for years, then about the time I figured out what I was going to get for a cruiser we had a baby and I realized the 100 was going be better for "family" trips. So I just read the FAQ for 100's and I don't regret getting a 100.

98-99 has optional rear lockers
2000-2003 has 4speed and ATRAC
2004-2007 has 5speed, Adjustable height control, are more costly to buy and most have navigation head units.

Avoid rust, poorly maintained and interiors with funky smells. Make sure you have master keys.

Good luck!

 

[bhicks]

speaking of a baby and going with the 100; my baby girl comes home today. Our family of 4 is now a family of 5. Getting two kids into car seats on a lifted 80 on 315's is VERY difficult for my 5' 2" wife. Getting 3 kids into our 80 is just about impossible. I lOVE my 80 but it has to go for my wifes sake. I will be commuting in it until we find a 100 and she will drive my commuter car with the 3 kids. Our fuel cost is going to get insane so a vehcile change needs to happen sooner than later.

 

[sdnative]

I'd say you want to read the FAQ for the variations through years, ATRAC, problems to look for, etc. but the short answer is that with the 100 you have a solid platform for expedition build and you can build to a certain point without altering the character of the cruiser. You probably don't want to go over 2" lift and depending on what tire thread you read you'll probably be happy with 285's no problem but 315's are doable depending on brand and how much you want to get into messing with front sheet metal, spacers and upper arms. Get the picture.

Read some build threads and you'll get a feel for where the line is between expo and rock crawler.

There are a few ATRAC videos on YouTube. It's slow and steady wins the hill but it can overheat on very long sketchy runs. It'll beep at you before it bypasses itself to cool down. You can put F/R lockers and they don't conflict. Pretty sure CDL switch will disengage ATRAC and skid control.

I lurked the 80's section for years, then about the time I figured out what I was going to get for a cruiser we had a baby and I realized the 100 was going be better for "family" trips. So I just read the FAQ for 100's and I don't regret getting a 100.

98-99 has optional rear lockers
2000-2003 has 4speed and ATRAC
2004-2007 has 5speed, Adjustable height control, are more costly to buy and most have navigation head units.

Avoid rust, poorly maintained and interiors with funky smells. Make sure you have master keys.

Good luck!

Quite a few errors in that.

Why would CDL disengage ATRAC?
2003 has the 5 speed
All LX470 (I believe) have AHC, optional (basically standard) on 2006+ LC

 

[r2m]

Our fuel cost is going to get insane so a vehcile change needs to happen sooner than later.

Don't count on fuel costs to be any less with a 100 series especially if you start lifting and upgrading tire size. I get 12.5 MPG (average) from my 98 LC with 2.5" suspension lift, 1.75" body lift and BFG 35" MT's.