Toyota Land Cruiser

lisa54 · July 2001

I came back to my LC after a soccer game to find someone parked 4 inches from me - even though there was a whole pasture to park in. Anyway I didn't notice the "ding" in the door until I got home. Has anyone used the new paintless ding removal services I have seen advertised? Do they really work?

md2002 · July 2001

I haven't tried the service yet myself, BUT my wifes 2001 Solara needs this service. Someone parked up close and personal to her card and put a nice quarter sized dent into the passenger side and scratched the paint.

The dealership uses a company called Dent Wizzard, locally, and they swear by it, also they have a company who does airbrush paint work to color match stone chips.

I will see what the cost and time to repair is.

xerious · July 2001

Hi All,

I've been reading the messages this whole week from the beginning and would like to say that I learned quite a bit from all of you. I recently purchased a '98 Cruiser with 44k miles on it. It's a two tone white with all the options.

I just added the full Alpine navigation and video system similar to nota4re. It's funny that he owned the same year as mine. I also bypassed the security system to allow video to be played while I'm driving. The video is sent to the rear screen for the 2nd and 3rd bench (the kids). The video can also be sent to the front screen for the wife as well. My bypass was done via a switch that I mounted inside the center console. I have to hit the brake and switch it on/off 2x. I found out that the laws are very strict concerning displaying video while driving. In fact, the Alpine rep informed me that they were warned to make the bypass much more difficult to enable.

Anyway, I'm still debating on whether or not to use the TLC as a daily driver. I'm just a bit concerned about the gas consumption. Premium fuel is still not cheap. I was considering garaging it just for the weekend adventures.

The only thing that was missing from the car was the Owner's manual. Can anyone tell me when the next big service is? I'm assuming it's around 60k. What services need to be performed?

lc2000 · July 2001

lisa54. I've had several dings removed on both my Mercedes and Land Cruiser with the Paintless Dent Removal system. It's magic. If you go to a Toyota dealer to have it done (most of them job it out) you will pay about $65 per ding (ten bucks went to the dealer, the rest to the guy who did the job). Some places want to charge as much as a $100 but that is a rip off. The guy who did my LC gave me his card and told me next time I needed him he would come to my house and do the work for a flat $55 per ding (no minimum). When its done (through some kind electrical gizmo) you absolutely cannot tell the car was ever damaged.
Don't know where you live, but I'm near Orange County, CA. If you are in that area, let me know and I will give you a number to call.

Good Luck

mnbucky · July 2001

We had the same oil seal replaced on our 91. But it was done under warranty (at 45K). They did have to remove the transmission to complete the job. The reason I know this is because the mechanics were telling me how cumbersome it is to handle a 500 lb transmission. I don't know how long the job took because there was no charge to me.

ravick · August 2001

Fred, I live in South Orange County and would cirtainly appreciate the number for the ding repair guy for future reference.

eapplen · August 2001

I'm looking at a 1990 4x4 TLC and was wondering what sort of gas mileage I should expect, and what sort of monthly maintenance costs. I haven't found out how many miles it has yet; anything in particular I should know before buying it regarding peculiarties of the TLC?

stacy · August 2001

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, LAKEFOREST - DENTMASTERS. WE HAVE 99 BMW740I AND WANTED NO SHODDY JOB TO GET THIS DING OUT - THEY DID A PERFECT JOB. WE SAW WORK THEY DID ON OUR FRIENDS VOLVO AND IT ALSO LOOKS GREAT - GOOD LUCK

philg87 · August 2001

Looking to buy a 02 TLC because I can't find my color mahagony pearl in 01.Does anyone have a ideal of what the invoice price would be?Some tell me I should consider the LX470?Whats your opinion?

Phil

lc2000 · August 2001

Ravi: I live in East Whittier so we're not that far apart. I think my ding repairman will go to South Orange County. He's very good, so it should be worth a try. Call TAYLOR MOTOR SPORT (DEAN TAYLOR)for a free estimate at: 949-455-6919 or page him at: 949-633-5598. Good Luck.

rbdej · August 2001

has anyone replaced their headlights with hid lamps? what mfr/brand/model to get? i have an 01 tlc. recently, we used my parent's '00 rx300 to drive from la to vancouver; less gas expense. i noticed that the lc headlights are dim compared to the rx. thanks

joeeblow1 · August 2001

'90 FJ62 will get between 10 and 15MPG depending on its condition and how you drive. The fj6x was the beginning of the "modern" Cruiser in that it was the first USA TLC to get power windows, door locks, auto tranny, and fuel injection. '90 is the best of the fj62 as it's the last year it was made. It also has 3 point seat belts in the rear seats, which is a nice feature. These modern features mean that the rig can be more painful to maintain as you have to look after window motors, etc., but they are reliable rigs.

There's nothing really in particular to watch for on these rigs. No inherent flaws like the EFI relay on the early 80 series. Just look over the basics and budget some money for maintenance and part replacement.

Some folks say the fj62 is the last of the real Cruisers

. I disagree.

jrkight3 · August 2001

I have been researching as best as possible the purchase of a used LC. I currently have a 99 series 2 LandRover Disco...of which I'm a little concerned about the long haul (reliability, etc.). I have heard that the LC (80 model range) is a comparable vehicle for off road excursions, but is all the more reliable. I have been looking for a 95-97 year model with the center diff lock option. Was hoping I could get some good advice on things I should look for, or if this is the right direction to go...
I truly appreciate any time taken to provide a response...
Randy

joeeblow1 · August 2001

Randy, The center diff lock is not an option per se, unless you decide to mount the center diff lock switch on the dash as many have done. The center diff is locked automatically in low range, or with the switch it can be locked/unlocked in high or low range.

You can also consider the '93/'94 model years, but they have some differences with '95-'97 80 series rigs. Most rigs in the USA have leather and ABS. If no ABS, then rear drum brakes/SF rear end. With ABS you get 4 wheel disc brakes and a full floating rearend. The major offroad option is the differential lockers. I would find a rig with these. '97 has available auto climate control is that appeals to you.

Join the 80 series mailing list, but be prepared for some ribbing as a Disco driver .

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/80scool

ecc1 · August 2001

Which years had the manual locking front and rear differential?

joeeblow1 · August 2001

For the 80 series, '93 to '97 had optional locking differentials.

jrkight3 · August 2001

joyeeblow1...
Thanks for the info. I think I follow you. Having the ability to manually lock and unlock the diffs (I'm assuming front, center and rear) allows the driver to take the system out of defaulted locked diff mode even in low range? This I'm guessing is done under strick protocol based on certain circumstances. I'm currious, how do the newer LR Discos compare to the LC 80's build...i.e. axle size, frame size and thickness, overall strength and size of parts used...
Once again, thanks for the time and help.
Randy

caliking · August 2001

I am about to purchase a 1998 TLC for a great price, it is the top of the line. It is also the cheapest 1 that I've seen. I wanted to hear from owners if you have any problems with these vehicles. Also, it has 47K miles on it currently. How many miles do you think this vehicle can go realistically? Are repairs costly? 1 thing I don't like about the car is there is no A/C controls for the 3rd row, like in the '99 models. Please help, I have to decide by Friday. You can email me at harold_tracey@hotmail.com

joeeblow1 · August 2001

You've got the center diff lock option down correctly. Normal mode is fulltime 4wd in high range (1:1 in t-case). Low range is 2.488:1, and you can lock the center diff in high or low, so you can have the viscous coupling working in low range or locked in high, etc.

I've not gone through a Disco, especially a late model variety. Rovers are not known for stout transmission or axles, but perhaps that was recently changed. Toyota axles rarely break. Birfields (cv joints in front axle) were a weak spot in older rigs when running 35" tires and a locker up front, but the 80 series birfields are much larger.

fiery1 · August 2001

The main difference, color choices not withstanding, between the 2001 and 2002 LCs is that all 2002 will get NAV system. Much like the "BG" (3rd rear seat/rear air) package is an "option" but every single Landcruiser has it, same will go for the NAV system in the 2002. All '02 cars will have it in the USA. There are mahogany 2001 cars out there still. Definitely.

philg87 · August 2001

I'm looking to but one can you tell me where I can fine one?I know the last time they built mahogany LC was April and they built 5.

johnc1 · August 2001

TLC Utah - is there a reference # assigned to the TSB for the rear brakes. When I asked my dealers service rep about it, he said he didn't know. I'd like to get back to him with an actual tsb # to get their response.

On another related note - does anybody out there have the problem of rusting rear wheel covers. The alloy rims on the 99 LC don't obscure the rusty wheel covers. Is this typical?

fiery1 · August 2001

There are mahogany cars available in the USA. I promise.

caliking · August 2001

I'm looking into getting a '98 TLC, I wanted to know if 2 features were offered on the '98 model
1. outside temperature display
2. auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror
with compass

If not offered on the '98 can these be added?

lc2000 · August 2001

No, the auto dimming mirror and outside temp display were not offered in the '98. And yes, the mirror (which includes a compass) can be added. The Jentex auto dimming mirror can be ordered from your dealer's parts department. Price is right at $250.00 plus another $100.00 to install. As for the outside temp display, you might be able to find a Jentex mirror that has both the temp and the compass.

mark156 · August 2001

Hey Guys, just a question... Can you get a Landcruiser that has the bottom half painted all the way around. Most of the LC's I see have a different color front/rear bumper compared to the rest of the body. It looks a little awkward to me. Then I saw a LC that was completely painted on the bottom below the side molding. Is it an option? Thanks, Mark

nota4re · August 2001

ALL 1998 TLC's have the outside temperature display but it is down near the AC controls and not on the rear view mirror. Hope this helps.

fiery1 · August 2001

There are "packages" offered by many aftermarket companies who do this sort of thing for dealerships and folks who like to play around with their cars a little to make them look different. It's been done also for Camrys, Avalons, and other models for years. :>

92dawg · August 2001

I'm looking at this model year and am new to the world of TLC. It seems like the only ones I find are either high miles with no verifiable maintenance history or ultra low miles with big price tags. I'm looking at a 97 with 37K miles, all services done at Toyota, but dealer wants $29,900 and won't move much on price. Is this what I can expect accross the board? I've also looked at a 97 with 62K in pretty good shape for $25,900. Can't verify that 30K mile service was done, and of course it it time for 60K service which is no cheapy.

I guess the $94 question is, could I expect a 97 to still be running great after 3 to 4 years when I get any loan paid off? What are the things that typically fail on these trucks?

Thanks in advance for replies.

caliking · August 2001

Yesterday I got my wife a 1998 TLC with 47K miles. Fully loaded, without rear air. I wanted to find out from other owners what is the best way to care for this vehicle? From reading these boards I get the impression that it's not much more than scheduled oil changes and routine things such as breaks, tires, etc.

What's the best oil to use for each oil change?
What's the best fuel to run, we have used 87 octane in our other 2 suv's?
We live in West Covina, CA anybody know of a good mechanic in this area or within 25 miles of here that you use and trust?
Anybody know of a place where I can get a Borla Cat-back exhaust installed inexpensively?
Is the Borla worth the cost or is just a nice shiny exhaust?
If you can answer all or any of these questions please do. Only driven the beast 1 day and felt like I was riding in the "lap of luxury". It was reading these boards which convinced me on buying the Landcruiser.
Thanks for your help!

tlc_utah · August 2001

I think the dealer is asking a little too much
for a '97 TLC ( $30K ). If you spend $31-32K you can get a 98 TLC with around 40K miles. I would rather go for a 98 TLC than a 97 TLC if I were spending that kind of money.

97_tlc_4dave · August 2001

hi everyone,

i have been reading your very helpful message board for sometime now; however, this is only the first time i will fully participate. anyway, i am a proud owner of a 1997 TLC. just today, i was cruising up the 'Grapevine' on I-5 (road conditions: 5% or more uphill grade, near 100degree temp) at 70mph, with A/C on low when suddenly i noticed the temperature gauge go all the way up to the 'red' portion. this prompted me to immediately pull over to the side and let the vehicle cool down for 30 mins. after the rest period, i proceeded (with A/C turned off) the rest of the way with no problems.

in retrospect, about a month ago i brought the vehicle to a mechanic for a major tune-up which included a coolant flush/replacement. what i noticed in today's incident after looking under the hood is that the color of the radiator coolant is reddish. this struck me as odd as i am familiar with the 'greenish' and 'orangy' variety, but the not 'reddish'. i can not remember what color the radiator coolant was in my vehicle before i brought it in to the mechanic. is this 'reddish' type of coolant in your vehicles? could this coolant be what's causing the temp to go all the way to the red? i don't think i was taxing the engine that much as the vehicle had only 2 passengers and 2 suitcases. i have never had this type of temp trouble before having the coolant replaced. your input is greatly appreciated!

97TLC4dave

joeeblow1 · August 2001

That depends. If it's stock toyota coolant, the color is red. If it's green coolant with red transmission fluid mixed in, it will be brown

.

Was the vehicle actually overheating?

97_tlc_4dave · August 2001

thanks for the reply joeeblow1. no, the vehicle did not actually overheat although the coolant reservoir level had gone up pretty high (for whatever that's worth). any chance it could be a faulty thermostat?

joeeblow1 · August 2001

My point was that perhaps it didn't really overheat. Maybe the sensor or gauge is faulty. Anyway, the cooling system components are the motor, radiator, water pump, thermostat, and fan clutch.

Thermostat is easy to check to see if it's working by putting it on the stove and see if it opens in boiling water. Check to see if the water pump shaft is wobbly. Check for a clogged radiator by looking for cool spots on the rad or no pressure in the return hose. Check the hoses, too.

hicaira · August 2001

I can only answer one of you questions: re the Borla.

I love mine. More than a shiny exhaust tip it is a sweet sounding beauty that actually makes the V8 sound like a V8 - a very refined one at that. Not so much louder, but deeper. As for power, it helps only at the highest RPM's (like for passing). If you like to spend time in the 4000+ side of the tach, you will be happy with the Borla.

As for the install, I did it myself. Took about an hour and did not need to jack the car. I'm not a mechanic and only needed a basic set of socket and open end wrenches. If you prefer, any muffler shop could install it easily and will probably charge you for 1 hour labor.

HiC

ironside7 · August 2001

I agree with HiC. The Borla really makes the V8 purr and the rear end looks so much more complete with the stainless steel exhaust tip.

sammytx · August 2001

Is it possible to replace the straight six in the fj80 (earlier model) with a chevy short block v8 or something similar?

Has anyone done it?

joeeblow1 · August 2001

Yes. It's been done.

caliking · August 2001

On www.borla.com the cat-back is $629.00. Is that a good price to pay? Does that include everything needed to install? Thanks for your help!

sammytx · August 2001

are there huge compatibility problems? How much is performance enhanced? Is it worth doing?

joeeblow1 · August 2001

I'm not sure what you mean by compatability problems. You're swapping a chevy motor into a toyota, which requires an adapter to the transmission, new motor mounts, wiring adaptation, etc. I have not personally done the swap. Several folks on the 80 series list have done it. Here's a link to one:

http://www.geocities.com/~jjjoutside/chevmenu.html

hicaira · August 2001

They are $524 at Performance Products in Van Nuys.

HiC

mustang5o · August 2001

Recently purchased a '97 LX450 and plan on towing a 5K lbs. travel trailer with it. Has anyone used their Land cruiser to tow? Any advise as to which gear I should use and if the overdrive should be left on? I am very confident that the LC will tow my trailer as I used to tow with my aging trooper.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.
-Max

lpc68 · August 2001

hi,

can anyone recommend a mechanic that specializes in LCs in the LA area.

thanks in advance

raybear · August 2001

there may be one or two at your local Toyota dealer!

joeeblow1 · August 2001

You can always try TLC in Van Nuys. Jonathan can at least point you in the right direction.

http://www.tlc4x4.com/2000/home.htm

jcutter · August 2001

I haven't checked the forum for a while, but I recall there used to be a nice woman who worked at a California TLC dealership that was giving the best deals going on new LCs (as well as lots of advice). Is she still around? Is she still giving good deals?

mark156 · August 2001

Hi folks, I went SUV shopping yesterday and it amazes me how salesman do not know about their product. Just by reading a little, I know twice as much as they do! Anyway, my question is regarding the LC air conditioner for the rear. Does it have a separate air conditioner compressor for the rear? I know it has separate fan controls. There is a vented cover at the right rear cargo area that the salesman could not explain. Also, how many discs does it take for the Navigational system to cover the US? (Mercedes uses 7 I think)

Thanks, Mark

raybear · August 2001

You mean Dianne? I can forward her email to you if you like.

Toyota Land Cruiser

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