School me on 100 series Land Cruisers, Oppo.

"Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!!" (eurylokhos) 02/01/2019 at 20:36 • Filed to: None

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Sold the E46 wagon, so on to the next toy. I think I need the vehicle of choice for the Red Cross, UN, and countless rebel factions across the globe, a Land Cruiser. Looking at the different generations, I’m leaning towards a 100 series for a few different reasons. Price, towing ability, capability, comfort, and features. Probably a 1998 or 1999 since they all have locking rear and center diffs.

I know that frame rust is an issue, as it seems to be on every body on frame Toyota vehicle. I’ve read a bit and saw a great video on what to look for on these, so I think I’ m prepared to shop.

Anyone have any first hand knowledge? Things to look for, things I want for sure, things to avoid? I’d prefer a stock truck with stock wheels, not something lifted.

Input? I’ve decided that if I’m buying a Toyota SUV I may as well go for the granddaddy instead of a 4 Runner for the greater capability, size, towing and just the coolness of a LandCruiser VS 4Runner.

dogisbadob > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 20:50

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Toyota makes the best cars and trucks. Nothing beats a Tuff Toyota!

Don’t forget about the LX470, which takes the already-awesome Land Cruiser and adds some more luxury and prestige!

Find a Krown or Corrosion Free place

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 20:53

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If you can find one, buy it. No one has ever regretted a Land Cruiser. Things to ponder:

* Save some $$ for a timing belt service

* Rear seats kinda get in the way

* Pre-01 doesn’t have LATCH if you have a kid

* Toyota SUV brakes are more like a general idea than a real braking system. Like “I’m pressing them, right?”

* Honestly, you probably want a GX470. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 20:55

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Actually, I think a 4th gen V8 4Runner has a higher towing capacity vs for LandBoi, but I agree otherwise.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > dogisbadob 02/01/2019 at 21:03

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I’m considering an LX470, but damn is that front end ugly. Plus, most people will think I’m just in a Toyota and won’t think anything of the LC, where the Lexus is a luxury brand. I prefer to be more low key. But mostly it’s ugly.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:19

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The LX is the cheap LC ironically 

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 02/01/2019 at 21:20

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GX might be the answer 

vicali > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:29

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Never heard of them.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 02/01/2019 at 21:30

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I’ve noticed that. Trade off is height adjustable suspension in the LX  vs rear locker in LC. I’d rather have simpler suspension and a locker. 

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/01/2019 at 21:33

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Timing belt really isn’t bad. Full kit from Continental with tensioner, pulleys, water pump and seals is only $175. Budget another $220 for “while I’m in there” parts plus misc stuff and that’s still only $400. I’m used to German parts prices. Toyota’s are cheeeeeeeap in comparison.

No thanks on the GX470. I do not want that side swinging door on the back. I like the tailgate on the LC plus the larger size. 

HammerheadFistpunch > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:34

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skip the locker and get a later year with the 5 speed and better engine and axle ratio.

dogisbadob > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:35

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Do you have friends? Because they will be impressed by the luxury and prestige of Lexus. They see that L and think ooooooooooooooooo you’re somebody :p

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > dogisbadob 02/01/2019 at 21:36

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Eh. I’d rather not. I prefer anonymity. 

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:41

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Big truck. Me have V8. Me smash miles. Just add food. Keep oil clean. 

HammerheadFistpunch > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:51

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http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 21:53

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The adjustable suspension is replace for cheaper than the price of a LC over a LX. Even with Old Man Emu stuff

bshappy > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/01/2019 at 22:03

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtWYX_sZmHk

Classy Jalopy > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 01:05

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I used to own an e39 manual wagon and now own a 98 lx470. LX version have wa y better interior, are much quieter and the AHC suspension is robust and provides an instant l ift when needed.

98/99 LC. had rear locker

98/99 lx had rear LSD

2000+ lc and LX had ATRAC which limits wheel spin and is generally very useful in slippery conditions. They also got traction control (a must have if you see snow or ice on regular basis)

2003+ got 5 speed transmission and upgraded interior.

These trucks are getting older and you would find many examples we ll over 300k miles on original engine and transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles they have propensity to rust, so make sure you check for that.

Parts can be Toyota cheap ($40 a corner for OEM shocks) to somewhat expensive ($250 for a control arm) to batshit crazy ($3000 for brake booster assembly)

These trucks are thirsty beasts! 13 city and 16 highway can mean a lot of coin if you daily drive one.

IH8MUD.com has a wealth of information but be careful, there a lot of high dollar built rigs over there and before you know it you will be bitten by the upgrade bug!

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 01:56

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2005 and newer is the sweet spot. I have an 05 with 210k on it and no issues.

Do advise replacing your heater tees upon purchase and lubing the driveline every oil change.

Nibby > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 08:34

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only real downside is gas mileage but that goes for almost any body on frame large 4WD SUV

FordoLC > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 10:49

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ONLY USE OEM parts in the engine bay... Except for the heater Ts (look them up) which should be replaced with brass  or stainless steel. And do that ASAP because if they break, and they will, your engine will most likely be shot. Outside of that... It's indestructible.

Deuce driver > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 11:15

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Grest choice, have 128,000 miles c hange fluids every 30000 miles,Mobil 1 at 7500 miles. Went to Dubai and did dunebashing. They o nly use LC’s. Love tail gate and has great towing abilty. Mine is a 200 1

Uzj1001999 > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 11:20

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I have an 01 lx and a 99 lc, they’re awesome. My 99 has 330,000 miles on the original engine and transmission and is doing great. Slee Off-road has an excellent primer on the differences between model years and what to look for on a pre buy. The only thing I added with the 99 was having a compression check done to make sure the engine was in great shape still. And be sure to check the locking differentials.

Probably not your main concern, but f rom   a safety perfective, the Land C ruiser is a fantastic choice. I t had great results in the Australian crash t esting (equivalent of good rating on the IIHS moderate offset) and had really low injury rates with all that mass (iihs injury rates tend to decrease about 19% per thousand pounds of curb weight ). Plus, once Toyota introduced ESC (I think with the 2000 model LC), the driver death rate on their SUVs plummeted. Having said all that, if I was buying one just for safety, I’d get an 03+ with ESC and side curtain airbags.

Mogwaidtd > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 11:51

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Sweet spot for a 100 series is 06/07 especially if you want to tow. Don't discount the LX, nicer all around, and you can rip out AHC easily. All that said, if you can afford it get a high mile 08 or 09 200 series. It's the truck the 100 series should have been, and gives you real towing capacity.

Mogwaidtd > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 11:52

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Oh and check out ih8mud.com for all things Land Cruisers.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > bshappy 02/02/2019 at 11:58

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Thanks, I saw that video a couple days ago. He covers a lot of stuff. I especially like his test for the brake booster.

OmerCarrothers333 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/02/2019 at 17:55

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How is the Lexus better than the Toyota?

functionoverfashion > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 19:51

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Sold the E46, I hope it went to a good home!

It’s funny, the Land Cruiser is one of a few vehicles I’d consider as a big family hauler to replace my E46. We have a Volvo wagon which is fine except it can’t tow. I figure if you’re gonna go big, go all-in and get an LC or a Suburban. I had an ‘01 suburban for a while and it’s totally anonymous and totally gigantic. It was trouble-free for the time I owned it, and towed great because it’s basically a 1/2 ton pickup. Clearly a different beast than an LC but it served me well. The next owner had 220,000 on it when I last checked. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > OmerCarrothers333 02/02/2019 at 21:53

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It’s not “better” per se, just cheaper, easier to find, a more comfortable size, and otherwise basically as tough. 

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > functionoverfashion 02/02/2019 at 22:01

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The E46 is up in Conway now. A guy with an E30 and E90 bought it. It went to a good home. 

bshappy > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/02/2019 at 23:48

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Ryan is the man! 

functionoverfashion > Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! 02/04/2019 at 09:11

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Excellent! Now he needs an E36 obviously.

Classy Jalopy > OmerCarrothers333 02/04/2019 at 15:04

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Better interior materials, More sound deadening, better sound system (if it is still working), Automatic Height Control (AHC) which is a very capable and mostly reliable system when maintained properly.

Classy Jalopy > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/04/2019 at 15:06

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100 series land cruisers (and LX470) have electronic booster pump assembly. They are nothing like your old 80 series brakes. The pump is electronic so continues to work even if the engine cuts out. The boost stores about 40 brake pumps even when the battery gives up ghost!!

And the brake pedal is uniform and reassuring and does an excellent job of stopping the heavy beast. You should drive a properly sorted example before dumping on it.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Classy Jalopy 02/04/2019 at 19:09

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Uhh, I never said anything about an 80 series LC...in fact I’ve never been inside an 80 series.

Anyway, yes I’ve driven both the LC/LX and GX in  100, 120, 150, and 200 series formats.  The brakes sucked on all of them. Squish squish squish squish GRAB. 

Classy Jalopy > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/05/2019 at 10:23

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I am not familiar with GX and 200 series brakes but the new 4Runner (a Toyota version of GX) we rented last year had pretty decent brakes. AS for 100 series, a lot of those brakes can be hugely improved by rebuilding the master cylinder and adjusting the length of clavicle that connects brake pedal to the master cylinder piston. You will be surprised by a properly sorted 100 series brakes!