Toyota Land Cruiser

cliffy1

If it is a family truckster you need, the Sequoia gets the nod. There is something esoteric about the LC that is missing form the Sequoia. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, but the LC just feels better. For size and features, the Sequoia has it.

joeeblow1

Everything you need to know is right here:

"but my wife prefers Seq.(The SUV will be for her.)"

idahodoug

Dana,

No, it is not easy or cheap to add a factory locker to a vehicle built without it. Some of the wiring is there behind the dash, but that's about it. You'd be talking a couple thousand dollars to add a rear locker to a '98 after the fact. You might find it cheaper to put an aftermarket locker in from ARB at that point, though frankly either strategy would be unwise versus finding a used vehicle with the factory option. The price for a used locker'd vehicle is no different than without it, as the market does not generally value this feature at all.

IdahoDoug

ddw78

IdahoDoug,

Again, thanks for the information on the locker. After checking out 6 TLC's, '97s '8s & 9s, I decided the V8/suspension was worth a little price difference, to me at least.

I found a pretty good '98 with 68,000 miles and most of the available options, including the rear locker, sitting on a local Honda dealer's used car lot. He spec. bought it from a Mercedes dealer trade-in, and couldn't sell it for 6 weeks.

Settled on $26,434 for it after a real circus of negotiation, including being asked to leave the lot, for insulting swine-like sales manager. (We had a somewhat lively debate about the veracity of the "cost" number that he insisted on showing me.) I enjoy the game, but this guy was the most obnoxious dealer guy I have met in 25 years. Oh well, got a great truck for what seems like ok money.

Missed a '99 up in LA that sold from a private party at $25,000 even, with 83,000 miles on it.

The info on this board was incredibly helpful in picking a used truck with the options I wanted. Thanks again.

Cheers,

Dana

idahodoug

Good decision, and great vehicle. If you're going to keep this one till it wears out, be advised this will be somewhere north of 300k miles. To that end, I advise changing all fluids (both diffs, tranny, center diff) and getting the chassis grease fittings greased. I'm not sure how many the 100 series has, but likely 3 on each drive shaft for starters. Many owners and dealers neglect this most basic of services. One tip: If you can figure out what Toyota Dealer serviced it from service stickers on door jambs, glovebox evidence etc, they'll print out the entire service history for you if you ask them nicely.

IdahoDoug

erinsquared

I am in the market for a TLC and I am trying to decide whether to pay the premium for a '00 model to get the VSC and TRAC and would like to hear your opinions. 95% of my driving will be on-road, but I want good performance off-road in deep mud & sand in addition to towing a small boat. Additionally, I am interested in the on-road stability of VSC if it does not compromise off-road capabilities. I understand the differences between the traditional 4wd system on the '98-'99 model versus the electronics on the '00. I plan to keep this a long time and want to know what the long term maintenance/reliability issues may be.

The '00 open diffs front and rear may be stronger and more reliable long-term than traditional lsd/locker. Do open diffs require less fluid service? How many additional electronic components are added to the vehicle? Does TRAC use the traditional ABS system and an additional VSC/TRAC "brain" or does it consist of many additional hydraulic plumbing and components to support this system. This could get really expensive if something fails and needs replacement. If all four wheels are spinning in the mud, will this overheat the brakes or will the TRAC sense that no wheel has traction and allow them to spin without automatically retarding the throttle. This style of free-wheeling helps in deep sand/mud when using appropriately designed tires.

Any comments on advantages and disadvantages of the new vs. old 4wd systems are appreciated.

tek4x4

I have been monitoring the various technical comments on this message board recently and have found them to be very informative. Since this an active board, I would like to share some of my issues and also try to find out if anyone else has had similar problems (and as a result, some kind of acknowledgment from Toyota).

My 2000 TLC has experienced quite a few of the problems already mentioned on this message board. Accelerator Position Sensor failures (twice), Transmission failure, dashboard noise, seat heater stops working after a set time, rear brakes thumping when applying brakes under load, rear brakes squealing, transmission high-frequency pitch and transmission vibration. The first two problems (2 Accelerator Position Sensor failures and the transmission failure) left me stranded on the road 3 times. Of course the Toyota dealer fixes (or attempts to fix) any of these failures by simply replacing the malfunctioning part. Needless to say that the dealers testing of any repair is essentially non-existant. Hence, repairs are often followed by more repairs. Who benefits from this? You got it - the dealer.
I am quite disappointed with the overall quality of my vehicle and am considering going for arbitration as part of the Lemon Law. Anyone have any thoughts/experience with Toyota in that area? Incidently, I did call the Toyota 800 number for customer service. The rep basically said that all he can offer is to find me a dealer that will fix (or continue to fix) the vehicle. In addition, he offered to sell me extended warranty for the vehicle. I think that the latter offer raised a flag for me.

874runner

Looking to replace my ' 87 4Runner (stolen and stripped this year--boo-hoo!) with either 1999 or 2000 Landcruiser. Without a doubt, it's a great rig either year. Side airbags a plus for the 2000--I'm big on safety and airbags. One of the points to consider in the purchase is the difference in 4WD systems. The question is: is the 4WD ActiveTrak/VSC system on the 2000 model a significant enough improvement over the older system to tip the decision towards the 2000? We're on-road >off-road. Would appreciate advice on this. Thanks!
(This question was also posted on the discussion of Toyota 4WD)

a1gregg

Can anyone tell me what the current revision is for the TLC DVD Nav System?

I am having lots of problems with my 2002 nav. The local dealers and the Toyota help line are not with the program. I have 2000 V.1 and am hoping that an upgrade will solve my problems, but the dealer tells me I have the latest version.

larrs

I would greatly appreciate advice on repairing the rear window defroster on my 96 LX450.
Its only faintly defrosting some small patches. The local autoparts store suggested I look for breaks in the heating elements on the window. I carefully inspected those and failed to find any breaks.

Could it be the relay ?
Where is the relay located ?
Can I troubleshoot the source of the problem with a Fluke meter ?

nippononly

just wear out over time? Every time you run something over the inside of the glass top clean it, you wipe away a little more of that heating element, until eventually it is not doing much defrosting of anything. I doubt it is the relay if you are getting some defrosting, and probably the most sure-fire way to fix this problem is to replace the window glass with one that has a new heating element on it - this will be close to $200 for some glass, but the new one will work just like it did the first day you drove that truck out of the dealer's lot.

ddw78

Well, have had the '98 TLC for a week. I am quite pleased with it. Took it out and played in the sand a little this afternoon. Seems to do better than my former '95 Jeep Wrangler, that I had set up with a locking rear diff. What a blast.

Question 1: Anyone using a car cover that they like? Toyota has one for $120. Pep Boys has a substantially cheesier one for $60. Any thing else out there to consider on an internet delivery sale? Unfortuately, my garage is full, and I park under some sappy pines.

Question 2: I have two of the programmed transponder keys + a valet key. However one of the transponder keys has the back cover missing. Toyota could not help, except with a new $271 key, and an additional $74 to program it. Does anyone make an aftermarket blank that I could swap my transponder from the broken key into? Or at least switch the cover off of? If anyone has an extra key you'd like to part with, with a bum transponder, please drop me a note at wentwo@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dana

saupe130

Dana,

Sears will sell you a chainsaw for about $125....

hicaira

Doesn't it bother you that Toy saw fit to put the lowest quality plastic ever made on the most expensive key ever made? The plastic back on one of my keys is already broken from simple use - no abuse. If there is somewhere that could only sell me the blank housing to the key, I have yet to find it. My guess is that there is probably a greater demand than supply for such an item.

Wonder what a machinist would charge to mill one out of aluminum?

HiC

cadrien

have a 97 with 108k on it. my power windows seem to take forever to power up or down. What could this issue be? Second, was the 97 40th anniversary available with keyless entry? if so, is it expensive to get new fobs as I did not receive any when i purchased the vehicle used. thanks

curranj

I'm thinking of purchasing a 97 TLC and was looking for advice on what to watch out for when checking one out. Is there a list of recalls, TSBs, or simple common problems that a consumer should be aware of.
Thanks,
CJ

idahodoug

Spray some white lithium grease in the felt like glass channels around the window frame - sides only. The seals tend to swell and harden over time and the lube will help greatly.

No real issues on the 80 series LandCruiser regarding recalls and such. You might check the NHTSA website for minor stuff, but this generation swept the awards for the highest quality and most durable SUV in its class.

I'd want to see that the vehicle was properly maintained with records of regular maintenance of the running gear (3 differentials, 2 driveshafts, tranny, engine, hubs). Also, the cooling system should have been flushed and changed regularly. If records show good maintenance, I wouldn't even be concerned about a high mile (150,000 or more) vehicle. Good luck.

Yes, the 40th had remote entry available. People often lose the remotes, so buying used it's frequent they're gone.

IdahoDoug

curranj

Thanks, IdahoDoug.
I was hoping that you'd chime in with some advice. I think that I'm going to be out of luck with the maintenance records on the 97 that I'm looking at. It's on a dealer lot and the sales folk don't seem too knowledgeable.
Any advice on after market toys?

idahodoug

If the vehicle was serviced at a Toyota dealership, then that dealership will have a complete record in their computer system. (I used to work for Toyota HQ). From any scrap in the truck, a logo on the tailgate, an oil sticker on the door jamb, or having the selling dealer find out which dealer sold it new you may be able to figure out the dealer. Call them and ask nicely.

IdahoDoug

cadrien

Thanks IdahoDoug, I will try the white lithium grease. Do you know if I can buy replacement remotes for the keyless entry?

idahodoug

Yes, but very pricey. Not sure if a salvage yard unit or a generic unit can be programmed to work with your car. Comments?

IdahoDoug

erinsquared

Have not purchased any, but I have seen car remotes available for sale on ebay from anywhere $6-20. I think that some manufacturer's remotes are configurable, but it will be up to you to research it. Let us know if this works out for you.

luvboxrs

Hello, I'm very excited about the 03 LC we picked up last night....does anyone know of a good online source for accessories??

Thanks!

ddw78

Luvoxrs,

Here are a few suppliers. JC Whitney can be kind of a schlock outfit, but if you stay with the branded items they can be cost effective.

http://www.autoanything.com

http://www.calcarcover.com

http://www.jcwhitney.com

marsha7

yesterday, no test drive, and it seemed much larger than my 2000 Mercury Sable (like night and day)...I also asked about the Land Cruiser, and was told by a (new) salesman that the LC weighed about 1000 pounds more then the Runner...does the LC weigh more because it is bigger (and how much bigger, major size increase or an inch or two wider) or is it because I was told it had full time 4WD, whereas the Runner I sat in had 2WD...i.e. does it weigh more due to size, or is the undercarriage heavier because of tranny and differential weight of full time 4WD...how close in size are the Runner and TLC (2000 and up)...thanks... while I was dreaming of a possible Runner, I also could not help but think that a used 2000 or 2001 TLC may also do the trick, but not able to compare at the time, and I am not sure if salesguy knew much more than I did...no insult to car salespeople (Cliffy), as you all know I respect them deeply, but this gentleman, while certainly attempting to learn so he will be better in the future, was not REALLY as much help to me as he might have been...

Bob

toyotaken

here's some comparision info on both. The L/C is ALOT!!! bigger than the 4Runner, so that's why the extra weight.

curb weight:
4Runner - V8 Limited (to compare apples to apples)4wd -4,420lbs
L/C - 5,390lbs

height:
4Runner - 71.6in
L/C - 73.2in

width:
4Runner - 73.8in
L/C - 76.4in

Length:
4Runner - 189.0in
L/C - 192.5

Payload:
4Runner - 1,090lbs
L/C - 1,470lbs

Towing capacity:
4Runner - 5,000lbs
L/C - 6,500lbs

Cargo capacity:
4Runner - 72.4cu/ft
L/C - 90.8cu/ft

The L/C also comes with a 3rd seat which adds to weight along with alot more heft in the suspension and framing members.

Hope this helps. Mostly, teh 4Runner is a mid-sized SUV while the L/C is full-sized.

ace10

just saw a '94 TLC in apparently good/excellent condition. 85K miles. toyota dealership asking $16,900. color was red. i'm not very familiar with the older gens... how has the 1994 vintage been. what should i look for? body/chassis rot, tranny leaks... any quick pass/fail tests for the test drive?

thanks,
ace

cadrien

FYI, I solved the problem easily by visiting www.keylessride.com they were able to find me a refurbished toyota remote for my 40th anniversary TLC for $60 including programming instructions. Very easy, and very fast. I highly recommend them for people who have lost or otherwise do not have the remotes for their vehicles.

doudoudid

this is a cool site! thanks
but i have a question, are they genuine toyota made? i went to the site and try to find a remote keyless for my 02 sequoia. it didn't show the picture. this is too good to be, cos the dealer told me toyota didn't make a remote keyless for accessery.... are they taken from the old car? and how easy is that to install it yourself?

payson

Just to update you on our situation, Our 93 LC has finally been fixed.(We hope)I posted on this board in sept. about a possible transmission problem. It was shifting from first into third, and coming in and out of o/d.The toyota service dept. we took it to advised we needed a new transmission @ $5,000. We followed the advice Idahodoug offered (still not fixed, but learned some more things re: the engine),researched on the internet, and talked to as many people as we could who knew something about the LC engine.All agreed that it was probably not the transmission, but an electronics problem. We changed out the throttle control sensor, and the computer shift lock.(still not fixed) Finally found a Toyota service dept. 60 miles away that seemed to know what they were doing. They diagnosed it, replaced #2 solenoid for $350, and now it runs great.Since we live in rural south Georgia (2 hours away from a major city)this is why it took so long to find competant service.LC's are scarce in these parts. Anyway we are happy to drive our LC again after going without for 3 long months.

cadrien

The remote I got is genuine Toyota. Has the little emblem on it and all:) It is used/refrubished. I was told this is the case because they are rare. I ordered on a thursday, had the remote in less than a week. Once in my hands, it took all of 5 minutes to program. If your car has either the factory keyless entry or port/dealer installed keyless, these guys are great! Dealer wanted several hundred for a remote and another 100 to program it. Keylessride got it done for $60. Good Luck.

cadrien

got in my 97 this am after some fairly heave rain overnight. Found a very wet spot on the dirverside floorboard, just about where my left foot would rest. Wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or suggestions on where it may have come from. I checked windows and moonroof.

lisa54

Cadrien,

Does your LC have a rack on top? If so, the gaskets where the rack is attached may have dried out. Years ago, we had large rock fall on the roof of our 92 LC. The body shop replaced the roof, but about a year later (after it had sat in one place during a rainstorm) water dripped down the front pillar to the floor as we started to move. The leak didn't happen often, I could go through a car wash, drive through rain storms, etc. But if it sat in one place during heavy rain, the water would collect.

Anyway, the explanation from the body shop was the gasket issue. They replaced the gaskets, and it was fine until we traded it in for a 95.

cadrien

lisa54 thanks for the info. I do have a rack but it starts behind the moonroof, over the rear door. Was the 92 the same? Also, was your floor the only place you noticed water. Nothing running down the inside of the front pillar? Any way to tell if this might be my issue?

lisa54

The 92 had a moonroof, so the rack had to be mounted behind it. The floor would get the wettest, but the front pillar did get damp. For us it was obvious that it had to be the moonroof or the roof rack, since the roof had to be replaced, but I'm not sure if this is ever usually an issue.

Good luck.

joeeblow1

In all likelihood the problem is a clogged moonroof drain.

idahodoug

Payson,

Thanks for the followup - it's nice to get the feedback that people are following sound advice and benefitting from it. Well done.

On the leak - both the 'story' from the body shop and the wet floor, Joe's on it. Remove the plug at the bottom of the rocker panel (I think there's one directly under the front doors) and water should flow out. If so, your rocker panel's thin "slit drains" are plugged with dust. Normally, water from the moonroof drains comes out here, but if they're plugged the rockers fill and then the drain hose also does.

If no water comes out, there may be a blockage in the tube (s) on the way down to the rockers. IF this is the case (not likely) gently run a thin wire down into the drain holes at edges of open sunroof recessed areas. Don't get aggressive with this or you'll dislodge the tube and have major headaches.

IdahoDoug

cadrien

thanks for all the good info. Although I do believe it is the moonroof, how is this possible when the roof is shut and appears to be sealed? Any details on how any of you would troubleshoot the issue are much appreciated as I am new to the TLC. Best, cadrien

pfestus1

Hello wise and experienced Land Cruiser owners. Maybe you can help me decide if I should bite on an opportunity to bid on a repo'd 1994 TLC. It looks good, though I have not yet set in it. It is pretty well decked out with accessories, and has 159000 miles on it. It is up for bid at a local credit union. Nada says "low retail: $12525, high retail: $15800". I will be replacing a worn 1990 Cherokee. I put around 18000/year on a vehicle. Any advise on a TLC with that milage, and a reasonable bid amount, and any other info on this vehicle would be appreciated. Thanks, Hank in Copper Hill Virginia.

ace10

i picked up a creampuff '94 LTC just this past weekend, from a good local toyota dealer. it was a trade-in from earlier in the week. 85K miles, leather, double din stereo, lockers, alarm, new michelin ltx tires, and the tow package (never used). Wash DC Area.

final sales price was $15,200. i was surprised at the overall condition. the leather of the seats isn't cracked, the stereo works, the windows are strong, tranny shifts reasonably smoothly, carpets are perfect, and the red paint is in great condition.

i would adjust your price accordingly. unfortunately, there just aren't many good examples of these things out there right now. another couple was came in as were signing the papers AND as i was getting in t drive off, yet another guy showed up to buy the rig, or so it appeared.

good luck.
ace

ironside7

I was just quoted $ 474 for new front brake pads and $309.50 for rears (both including turning the rotors) for my 1998 TLC. I have the following questions:

1. Are these typical prices for brake jobs?
2. Why are the fronts more expensive than the rears?
3. I only have 50,000 miles on the rig, is it necessary to turn the rotors?
4. Is it difficult to change the brake pads yourself? I've changed brakes on other cars in the past with no problems, but never on a TLC.

Thanks.

joeeblow1

Brakes are easy to do for the average DIYer. Not sure why the fronts are more expensive. I wonder if the rear axle is semi-floating; thus having the wheel bearings lubed by gear oil?

Anyway, just changing the pads is very easy, especially on a TLC. All you really need to do is put the rig on jack stands and pull the wheels to get access to the pads. However, I would recommend re-packing the wheel bearings. I never turn rotors on my 80 series TLC as they quickly warp, but uzj100 rotors may be thicker from the factory. I wouldn't turn them unless they are warped (pulsing brake pedal), but some folks like to turn them every time. It's your call.

If you want to do all the work yourself, you'll need 2 hub seals for the front end and a set of brake pads. You can pull the rotors and take them to any machine shop or brake shop to be turned for $10 or less each. Not sure how the rear end is setup, but if it's full-floating, you'll need 2 hub seals for it, too. Just like the front. A bearing packer from Sears works well, but cleaning the bearings and packing by hand is fine, too. Pick up a Haynes or factory manual to get torque values.

For tools, you'll need a hub socket and possibly c-clip pliers. A torque wrench is helpful. To just do the pads, no special tools are needed.

At 50K miles, I would flush the brake fluid.

ironside7

Joeeblow1:

Thanks very much for the fast, detailed and informative response. I can always count on this board for good info.

hotdogonastick

first of all i would like to say hello. i am new to this message board. i have learned alot reading and bookmarking posts from this forum. now i need your input: i am considering a 2000 tlc or a 2003 V8 4runner sport. this won't be a daily driver but a weekend suv. purpose: trips to the mountains (mild off roading till i get more experience): dirt, gravel, mud, snow + long driving vacations. i know the capabilities of both but i have to decide based on the price range. i would love a new tlc but can't afford the 53000+ sticker. the avg milage for many 2000 lc i've seen are pretty high for the same price of an 03 4runner. i still have lots of time to decide. thanks for your response in advance.

intmed99

I know that it used to have a problem with the subwoofer being too aggressive. Other than that, how does the system sound?? As good as the Mark Levinson system in the Lexus LX470??

Thanks.

miakoda

How do I adjust the headlamps (angle up/down) on my 1998 TLC? My truck's right lamp points lower than the left lamp. THANKS.

idahodoug

This procedure is carefully detailed in the owner's manual in your glovebox. I'm away from mine at the moment or I'd post it here.

IdahoDoug

mitris

Repo with high milage @ 50,000. Everything seems to check out and I think that I can get it for around 30K. Needs tires. Any thoughts anyone?

fj100

The LC is a bigger and wider vehicle. I am biased, I am on my 5th LC. I have a '99 with 65k miles. I would not even consider trading my '99 for a '03 4Runner because I like the size of the LC. The LC is also heavier which makes it a better highway vehicle and you have a third row seat option. The materials (plastics, etc) inside the LC are also of higher quality. The frame is beefier and for heavens sakes, it is a Land Cruiser.

The negatives
The LC is used. It gets worst gas mileage especially since the new 4runner has the 5 speed automatic and weights less.

I would still go for the LC. Try to find a used one that is Toyota Certified and that will cover the major compenents (engine, drivetrain, etc.) for 6 years, 100k miles.

Also, try to find a used LC on a Toyota lot and compare it side by side to a '03 4Runner and you will discover which one is ultimately right you and your family. I mean get the keys to both and park them side by side with the doors open and you will see what I mean.

Of course, I would still choose the LC.

Good Luck!

Andrew
Raleigh, NC
'99 LC, ARB Winch Bar, OME Lift Kit, BFG'd ATs 285/75 R 16's

ace10

just a quick report about the previously lauded keylessride.com. i have a '94 with a dealer-installed toyota security system in need of an additional remote. the good folks at keylessride sent a refurbed "like-new" fob with easy-to-follow instruction for $60, incl. shipping. Not too bad at all. It took all of 2 minutes to locate the black box and get everything in order.

excellent business concept... i hope they make it!

ace