Toyota Land Cruiser

mikean

Thanks Idaho Doug and Brian.

I bought a grease gun last week.
Gave the rear propeller shaft a few squirts
of grease and it took care of the clunking.

mike

george62

Idahodoug,

Great advice. I will be towing at night and long enough distances to justify the installation of the AirLift and have an appointment next week to get it done. Originally thought I was going with the built in compressor, but then concluded it was really a great excuse to buy a 12 volt compressor and run of the AUX 12V line in the cargo bay. Now I will be able to "air up" when coming off the beach w/o limping around looking for a gas station & adjust the Air Lift.

Did you go with the built in compressor?

Thanks again,
George

hope9811

Does anybody out there own a 1997 Land Cruiser? I have found one I like and the research I have done shows this as a good vehicle. Very reliable and dependable. (Not bad to look at either!)

My question is what kind of gas mileage do these vehicles get? That seems to be the one area I can't find any info on. It seems the older models got like 13 mpg. What does yours get in town and on the road.

Have you had any mechanical problems with your 1997 Land Cruiser?

Thanks for any feedback.

steelcruiser

On my '94, pre lift and oversize tires, I got about 14.5 combined. 12 in and around town on occasion, and once got 18.5 on the road. After lift and bigger tires, lost about 1 mpg. A '97 should be about the same.

HTH

hope9811

HTH - How do you like your LC? Would you recommend it? I am looking for a really reliable long lasting vehicle that I can have for 8-10 years. The two I am looking at (one lx 450 and one LC, both 97's) have 65,000 and the other 77000 miles. Did you have any problems with yours? I can't find any recall informatin for either of these which is good. I am assuming (but couldn't find) that they crash test well. Do you know anything about crash test results in these?

I have two small children and am looking for an SUV with the third seats. What did you like about your LC and what did you dislike? Just fishing for info from people who have owned them. :-)

Thanks!

steelcruiser

Oh, definitely liked it. No real problems to speak of. New starter at 84K, brakes are generally an "issue" in the 80 series. I also replaced a couple of heater hoses but other than that, nothing beyond usual maintenance per the manual. (145K on it whan I sold it)They're heavy and can go thru pads if you tend to drive them like a car (i.e.full throttle starts and waiting til the last minute to brake) I think you'll find most on this list are LC enthusiasts and love them "warts and all" I now have a 100 series.

Axle seals may also be a problem. You might want to read back through the threads here and see what others have to say about that. Generally, I don't know of any "weird" problems with the 80 series/LX450. The 3rd row seats are "all right" for kids, but don't offer much comfort for adults.

I'm not sure what your budget is and what you plan on using your LC for, but if you can afford a 100 series, you might want to consider one of them. In terms of on road manners, they're (IMHO) better than an 80, plus they have a V8 which is really nice. If on the other hand you really want to have a hard core off roader, the 80 may be a better choice.

Some feel that since it has IFS the 100 series is not a "real" LC. Either way, you'll be getting a very solidly built, high quality vehicle.

I've been driving LCs for a long time and think they're the best built vehicles I've ever owned. Owned quite a few BMWs and I think the LC is much better made.

I'm sure you'll get some other responses here to help you decide.

steelcruiser

Oh, definitely liked it. No real problems to speak of. New starter at 84K, brakes are generally an "issue" in the 80 series. I also replaced a couple of heater hoses but other than that, nothing beyond usual maintenance per the manual. (145K on it when I sold it) They're heavy and can go thru pads if you tend to drive them like a car (i.e.full throttle starts and waiting til the last minute to brake) I think you'll find most on this list are LC enthusiasts and love them "warts and all" I now have a 100 series.

Axle seals may also be a problem. You might want to read back through the threads here and see what others have to say about that. Generally, I don't know of any "weird" problems with the 80 series/LX450. The 3rd row seats are "all right" for kids, but don't offer much comfort for adults.

I'm not sure what your budget is and what you plan on using your LC for, but if you can afford a 100 series, you might want to consider one of them. In terms of on road manners, they're (IMHO) better than an 80, plus they have a V8 which is really nice. If on the other hand you really want to have a hard core off roader, the 80 may be the better choice. Sounds like you're looking for a quality family vehicle and the off road capabilities may be less of a concern for you.

Some feel that since it has IFS the 100 series is not a "real" LC. Either way, you'll be getting a very solidly built, high quality vehicle.

I've been driving LCs for a long time and think they're the best built vehicles I've ever owned. Owned quite a few BMWs and I think the LC is much better made.

I'm sure you'll get some other responses here to help you decide. These are just my thoughts based on my personal experience, so others may not agree with all I've said.

idahodoug

Be sure they set up your airlift system so each air spring has its own filler valve (looks just like a tire valve and the kit comes with two). Some places will try to 'T' them together to save time and you end up with lean on curves because air exchanges from one side to the other.

I do not have the compressor option and have had 3 AirLift systems this way. Simple to fill with a bike pump (about 15 pumps from 0 to max pressure). I paid $90 for the kit, and it takes about 2 hours to install with simple hand tools and jacks/stands.

IdahoDoug

bryan28

Well I'm pleased with my 99 TLC, I hooked up my 2500lb trailer for the first time and it pulled it with ease and the rear end didn't sag beyond level. I do have two questions though...
1) I only have +/-2" of room left on by bump stops inside the springs, is that normal.
2)Should I drive in the PWR mode so shifting is done at higher RPM's? I'm going to pull it up a 8000' mountain this weekend. I will keep it out of overdrive.

Thanks for your help! Bryan

miakoda

My '98 TLC has had intermittent starter problems--sometimes starts fine, sometimes hiccups. They (local Toyota dealer) says my starter needs replacement. However, there is a discrepancy regarding the type of starter my 1998 V8 has. Some say it MAY be a Direct Drive type, others say it MAY be a Gear Reduction Type.

Anyone know for sure which starter type the 1998 V8 TLC has? Thanks.

luckylou

About ten days ago I had a problem with the computer that required some overhauled but we are back on line . Now a little story, on the way back from the dealer on May 7th my rear right tire blew up . While driving home on a narrow road and doing the speed limit of 35 mph I felt a thump and minutes later heavy smoke was billowing from the rear of the LC I thought the LC was on fire ,upon inspection of the SUV I notice the tire shrereded to pieces. My anger went toward the Brigestone Dualers tires and wanted the dealer to replaced all 5 of them with Michilin's . The dealer and I inspected the tire closely and notice a small piece of rock imbeded in between the threads , he used a pair of plairs and pulled and pulled and finally about 41/2 to 5 inches latter a piece of home floor tile in the shape of a knife was wedge deep inside and slowly leaking air . But while I pulled on the side of the road in a subdivision the sprinkle system came on with well water soaking the LC with thousands of water marks cooking in the hot sun for several hours . The tire incident was free the water marks cost me $220.00 to buffed them out . Now I riding without spare tire because the dealer says they don't have right now 18 inch tires.
Other than this incident, we loved the LC solid ride feels safe .
 Lou

ruking1

#2679

I have run the Duelers and the LTx's for a whole lot of miles and even though I prefer the LTX's, to be fair, if you had been running the Michelins, the exact same thing would have happened. I hope the rest of your miles are trouble free!

steelcruiser

Lou, this is a safety issue. I believe the tire warranties are separate from your car warranty. Check with a tire dealer to see about getting the tire replaced via warranty. You may have to pay a small amount--disposal fee, maybe mounting and balancing etc, but with a new tire the pro ration of the cost should be minimal. Don't let the LC dealer give you the run around.

fj100

http://fourwheeler.com/roadtests/27700/

This is a good article.

fj100

luckylou

Steelcruiser , this is the logo for Toyota of Melbourne the replacement tire is free . But we have to pay for the removal of the water marks $220.00 to buffed it out it was all over the LC.
Remember, a few post ago the issue about the Daylights Running Lights (DRL), well after purchasing the LC I told the dealer to have them remove they balk about being a safety issue but I kept saying the opposite, finally they told that for $126.00 they could remove from the computer in the LC now all the lights work even the HB.
As always thanks to everybody for their advice and keep them coming.
Yesterday I took the LC to the dealer for the 1000 miles check up , what they do is to see all fluids are are full, tire pressure is correct and wash the LC of course no charge was giving.
 Lou

steelcruiser

Lou, sorry your first LC experience has had some "glitches" to it. It seems the planets weren't aligned on the day you blew the tire and got the water spots. Those items are enough to ruin your day for sure!

Sounds like you're getting things taken care of and have started to "personalize" your vehicle to be just like you want it.

I imagine by this time next month you'll have about 10,000 more miles on it

idahodoug

Lou,

That's a good dealer that would honor warranty on aftermarket tires - unless all Australian Land Cruisers have 18" tires?? Also, why did you keep driving for "several minutes" after you heard the thump, rather than stopping to investigate?

IdahoDoug

steelcruiser

Doug the '03 LCs come with 17" wheels as standard this year, and the 18" ers are an option. So in that sense, I don't think they're after market like some of the Escalades you see running around with 24" ers and 40 series tires. (don't quite understand the fascination with them myself as a tire/wheel combo of this size wil set you back about $8K or more) I think one disadvantage to these 18 inch wheel/tire combos is a lack of sidwall flex. Take a 15 or 16 inch wheel with 33s and you get some nice flex from those doughnuts. I've taken some pretty heavy hits on mine--that I think would have caved in these lower aspect ratio tires that are fit to the larger wheels.

Of course you probably already know all of this, so if so, as Rosann Rosanna Dana would say "never mind"

luckylou

I thought I hit something , plus while driving at 35 mph I was followed by quite a long line of cars , was looking for a safe place to pulled over.
 The 18 inches tires came as an option.
  Lou

akv25

Hi Guys:

I am looking at a 94 LC w/ 140k miles on it. I have a couple of questions that I am hoping LC owners and enthusiasts could answer:

1. The brakes seem to be pulsating on application at all speeds. Dealer says that they can be turned around/resurfaced. If this is done, how long do you guys think that they will last?

2. There is a crack on the sunroof and dealer says that it does not leak. He doesn't know when it happened and says it should last a while. What do you guys think?

3. Asking price is $12k. Is that reasonable?

4. Any other problems that I should look for in the 94 models?

I'd really appreciate your input on this.

steelcruiser

I had a '94, which I just recently sold, as I have a 2002 now. Coincidently, I had about 140K on my ‘94 when I sold it. I’ll give you my personal opinions on things to look for, and there are lots of other frequent posters here that I’m sure will add more info for you. Brakes are a “problem” on an 80, and seem to require frequent attention, depending on how you drive the vehicle. I think that some drive them like cars—i.e. full throttle acceleration and late braking. It’s not uncommon to have to replace pads at 10K or less miles. I routinely got between 30 and 50K on pads because I coasted a lot and always allowed myself plenty of stopping distance. There are varying opinions on turning the rotors. The rears are a bit thinner than the fronts and some think it best to replace rather than having them turned. One turning on the fronts should be all right. There could be some other problem though, but it does sound like warped rotors. If you replace rotors and pads you’re probably looking at about $300 to $700+, depending on whether or not you by the parts and do it yourself or have it done for you. Axle seals should be checked too. Repairs there are more $$. If it hasn’t been replaced already, the starter might be suspect, and an odd hose here or there. Also, see what kind of shape the radiator is in. I had the in dash CD player and went through 4 of them before I got one that held up. I changed rotors all around once, pads 3 times—(I had good luck with TRD pads), starter motor, the battery, and a very small heater hose near the fire wall that was a (&%&^$% to get to. All belts and hoses once as well. I do wonder about the moon roof crack though. Finally, if the vehicle were in really primo condition $12K might be a good price, but given the items you’ve mentioned I’d be inclined to offer much less or keep shopping. Probably the latter over the former. My hunch is to really bring this up to snuff you may have to put a grand or two into it right away. These are great vehicles, but they do require maintenance, and with one that’s nearly 11 model years old, things will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

As I said these are my opinions based on my own experience with owning a ’94. Proceed with caution. Happy hunting!

grantchstr

Just to report that I just returned from a long 4 day trip, many hundreds of miles each way, FULLY loaded and had no axel noise and no problems. It was this anticipated trip that had me worried.

joeeblow1

My rig is a '93 with 143K miles on it, which is very similar to the '94. My answers to your questions:

1. Turning the rotors is not effective on the 80 series. Replace the rotors. I've found aftermarket rotors for ~$35 each, and they are working fine on my rig. Do brake work yourself if possible as it's easy and saves you a ton of money. The e-brake requires periodic adjustment.

2. Dunno about the sunroof. Something to be considered in the price you're paying. You could get the dealer to replace it or not worry about it.

3. Hard to say about the price. It strongly depends on the market. Check your local paper. I would try to get it for a little less given the problems it has.

4. As mentioned above, all the 80 series CD players eventually go bad. CDs skip. Replace with aftermarket unit when needed.

No real problems with the '94 fzj80. It's my favorite year. Front pads are typically replaced often. For belts, use OEM matched pair for the alternator.

idahodoug

Steelcruiser/Lou,

Wow, am I out of touch with the current Cruisers. 18" wheel option - I had no idea, actually. Bet they look nice, but I tend to prefer the larger sidewall as well. Thanks for the clarification guys.

On the 94, that's no bargain on price. Also well stated that on the 80s, it's not worth having the rotors turned. Tried this once on mine and they warped again soon after. I'd tell the dealer that you'll buy it if they:

-replace the sunroof ($$$)
-replace all 4 rotors and pads with Toyota factory parts ($$)
-replace all hoses and belts with Toyota factory parts ($$).

Then it would be a good deal, depending on other condition issues. He'll probably turn this deal down as the 80s sell well and someone else less observant than you will walk in and buy it soon. This he knows.

IdahoDoug

steelcruiser

They didn't have air bags, hence no front bumper impact sensors. I think this makes for an easier switch to after market bumpers if you like. Kinda partial to the '94s myself. Plus I was able to get mine with out leather. And I like the black rather than silver dust cap covers too.

rleong

Someone on ebay is selling repair manuals on cd for Land Cruisers. It's only $30. Does it sound like a good deal?

steelcruiser

IF, if being the operative word here, they are the FACTORY manuals for each model year, that's a great deal. Even with some sort of dealer "discount" they're about $100 or so.

stever

Check the seller's other auctions. I've seen some sellers on eBay that have an auction for CD manuals for every vehicle out there. That would be an indication that it's likely not a factory manual.

Steve, Host

steelcruiser

Good point, Steve. But they might sound good in your CD player )

joeeblow1

No, the $30 CD-ROM manuals suck.

ruking1

I have a 94 TLC. It has ap 100k. The only issues in that time for this particular one has been brake pad replacement app 40-45k miles. Other than that it has been fairly bullet proof.

One of the things that contribute to warped rotors is the use of the impact gun. If you can get the folks who do your tires to use the recommended torque, I think it will cut down on your car needing rotors more often due to warping.

I like the fact that this model came without leather.

luckylou

Now that I finally own the 03' TLC I would like to outfitted with a supercharger. Does anyone have an opinion on the subject ? . The dealer where we purchased the LC said that a TRD Supercharger would cost around $6000.00 installed . But if I can find a better priced they would install it for $900.00 . The TRD has a lifetime warranty. Since buying the LC I feel like a little kid and want to personalized the rig. Today I finally got the spare tire since it blew up on May 7th didn't pay a dime.
 Thank you for all the good help.
 Lou

steelcruiser

Lou, I have an opinion, and probably some (many) may disagree with me. Don't do it. A LC is not a sports sedan and a sports sedan is not a LC. The suprerchager may have a lifetime warranty, but .......... Just my .02, not worth anything, opinion. You've got a great rig as it is. Buy a plasma TV instead

luckylou

Exactly what I was hoping for , for someone to tell us the truth. An employee of the dealer mention the supercharger to improve power, but I was not sold on that idea and wanted to run it by the knowledgeable guys of Edmunds like Cliffy, Idahodoug, Steelcruiser ,SteveHost and quite a few more that can't remember their names. The reason that we purchased the LC was because of all you guys.
Thanks again .
 Lou

ruking1

I think a supercharger addition is GREAT ! The one small caveat is it is wise to learn EVERYTHING you didn't really want to know about your Landcruiser's innards! Essentially it is one more BIG thing to go wrong. Another is once you change one parameter it REALLY effects the others.

scifi

I think that most who own a LC don't think it is underpowered. But relative to the other large SUVs out there, it is. On the other hand, I don't think any of us would complain if Toyota decides to put a 5.4L engine in a LC.

Drive your LC around. If you need the additional power and you have the $$$$$ (it sounds like you do), go for it.

Keep in mind the supercharger will emit a "whine" which may or may not be noticable within the cabin. If it is noticable, you can upgrade your soundproofing. Your gas mileage will suffer as well. So, your overall costs of the supercharger will be higher than just the cost of unit + installation.

I personally like my 1998 LC the way it is - stock (except for the stereo:)

luckylou

Thanks for you opinions I didn't think about the loss in MPG nor about what could this addition would affect the presently smooth as silk and efficient vehicle. You guys are right it runs great but could use a tad of extra power.
 I guess we all have to wait and see what Toyota will do next with the LC.
 My wife and I love the LC , strong , safe , good looking, agile and smooth transmission shifting.
  No go for supercharger.
 Thanks again.
  Lou

c_williams

I saw a few posts on this again so I thought I'd share where I am with this issue.

My 2000 LC developed the vibration at 1800 RPMs when it had ~10K miles on the odometer. Since then it's been in the shop six or seven times where Toyota mechanics have tried different things to solve the problem (padding the accelerator cable, greasing the driveshaft, tightening things, etc). Most people don't notice the vibration since it is subtle. But once you've driven a LC without it, the vibration is very obvious. It comes through the gas pedal and the floorboard.

I've finally given up trying to get it fixed. Others have had the problem, but no one has had it resolved. One guy off this board even sold his 2000 because the vibration drove him nuts.

There was a TSB that mentioned a tranny whine but when the dealer looked at it it referred to an audible whine - something I don't have.

I've all but given up. I've reached the end of my 3yr warranty. To celebrate, I'm going to write a letter to Toyota and include all the posts on this board that mentioned the problem.

I love my LC, except for the vibration and the Toyota service department. About half the people acknowledge the problem, the other half (who drive trucks where vibration is the norm) think the ride is so good in the LC that a little vibration is acceptable. The Toyota regional service rep said it felt smoother than his 4Runner (duh) and didn't think the vibration was an issue.

caidw

I have 2000 Landcruiser. I tried to tow my 19 ft boat trailer and found no brake light, and running light becomes right turn/brake light on the trailer. So I assumed tail light converter problem. When I try to replace converter, I found no brake signal even before converter. I also found very strange wiring and suspected maybe defective wiring or wrong wiring by Toyota. Does any one have similar problem? This wiring drive me crazy.

Thanks

Don

coachanderson

I am looking for a used SUV and I am considering the LC or LX450, but have noticed many with over 150,000 miles, is this too many?

All of them have been claimed to have been well maintained.

How many miles should I expect either to go?

What about timing chain, drive train, etc.?

Thanks

CA

stever

Thanks, but I think you have me confused with the "tech" guys here, like Cliffy, Idahodoug, 0patience, et. al. I found Edmunds to find ways to learn how to get a good deal, but I'm not much on wrench turning.

I'm also of an age to remember when superchargers and turbos didn't last much beyond 50,000 miles, and that also means I'm no longer interested in paying a premium for extra performance off the line. Ah, truthfully, I never did care much about "performance" driving.

I don't know about superchargers, but I wouldn't have the patience to let a turbo wind down for a minute every time I shut it off either. Luckily, there are enthusiasts like you who would appreciate the extra oomph. Life's short - go for it!

Steve, Host

mobiweld

There was a TSB about trailer wiring and faulty modules.

caidw

Thanks Mobiweld for the info. I only found 99 Landcruiser / Tundra recalled due to faulty trailer wiring/tail light converter. Where can I find TBS info? Here is what I found on this rainy weekend. From 4 wires (should be right turn, left turn, running light and brake light (missing power here) behind bumper near tail pike connected and routes to tail light converter via 5 wires. One extra wire here is white color, should be ground. Instead, white ground wire connected to left turn wire. I am surprised my truck left turn light is still working
due to this faulty connection.

hope9811

I'm not expert on this by any means, but I recently was looking into purchasing a LX 450 or a 96-98 LandCruiser myself. I just purchased, two weeks ago, a 97 Landcruiser with 65,500 miles on it. I also found several LX 450 with around 60-70,000 miles sooo.....my opionion for what it is worth (laugh) is that you can find one with less miles. (I even found a 96 LX 450 with 42,000 original miles which I was able to verify from the service department the couple had used.) I also found two or three 97 LX450 with between 50 and 55,000. So.....This of course might be to where I live ecetra but....they are out there.

However, from listening to everyone's info around here it appears they will go forever if maintained well. Guess it depends on the price and how you feel about it. Personally, I wanted lower miles because I plan on keeping mine forever! (I only average around 10,000 miles a year so the difference to me meant 5 to 6 years for the ones with higher miles. Personal thing...)

So far I LOVE it! Good luck in your shopping. (On a side note, interestingly enough, I found typically that the LX 450's had less miles used than the LandCruiser in the same years. Go figure. When I found mine with only 65,500 and in good shape, I snapped it up! I also got it for $17,500 ($2500 below book!)

Good luck!

hope9811

Hi. I also am in Idaho (assuming you are from your user name, but could be wrong....) and recently purchased a 97 LC. You seem to know all the answers about the LC so I have to ask where are you located and who is your mechanic? I am asking in hopes that your mechanic is close enough that if I ever need a mechanic, I can use one that "knows" about the LC and how to really service one. Thanks! If you don't mind sharing, I would really appreciate it or if you would prefer my email for this, it is live4scrappin@hotmail.com.

Thanks!
Heidi

joeeblow1

Doug is in northern Idaho. I'm in southern Idaho. I don't have any mechanic recommendations in the treasure valley, but I can help you work on your own rig. I'm sure Doug would do the same.

fj100

1. The supercharger for the LC is way less than $6k installed. I think you can find it for $3900. Then $900 for install. http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/4.7_V8_supercharger.htm

2. You will get less gas mileage because of nailing the gas all the time. A SC'd LC driven normally will increase mpg by 1 or 2 mpg.

3. Many, many people are running sc's on '93 to '97 LCs and they are having no problems. The only problem is keeping their foot out of the go pedal.

4. The increase in power is significant. http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/4.7_V8_supercharger.htm

Regards,

fj100

scifi

"A SC'd LC driven normally..."

Isn't that an oxymoron?:)

mobiweld

I would also take into consideration the longevity of the engine when attaching a super-charger. I'm not an engineer, but I know enough about engineering to realize that there is a trade-off to any modification one might make. Better horsepower will cause a trade-off, which may be greater heat which will yield shorter engine life. Like I said, I have no idea, but I suspect one might compromise the durability of the engine when making a change like that.

luckylou

Thank you for your advice referring to SC 4 LC .
Right now I am running cold toward getting the SC . This new engine is working very smoothly. And as the old adage says , " if is not broken don't fix it ."
 Thanks again.
  Lou