Toyota Land Cruiser

mobiweld · April 2004

Did you install the BFG 285/75/16 as well?

hank14 · April 2004

I never measured the mileage before installing the larger tires. It had stock Michelin M/S on it, but htey were worn, so I replaced them shortly after purchasing. I'll try upping the pressures some.

steelcruiser · April 2004

mobi- yes

borderboy · April 2004

I am looking for 1997 - 2001 TLC. Most interested in the '97 edition because of bodystyle, look, and obviously cheaper cost. I have been doing some research on the '97 model so I know some general info, but I would like more detail about the key maintenance issues and associated costs. Most '97 models I have looked have at least 80K miles and up to 130K miles. Any answers to the following questions are much appreciated:

1) What major maintenance costs should I expect for TLC '97 with over 80K miles?
2) Any major equipment on the '97 model that have failed?
3) Any personal comments about the '97 model are appreciated?

This is my first time to post on this website. I appreciate any feedback anyone can provide me.

steelcruiser · April 2004

BB-

In no particular order:
Brakes-pads/rotors
Birfields (axles)
Startter contacts
Small heater hose near fire wall (really hard to get to)

Above items apply to 80 series LCs in general. With the mileage ranges you're looking at, I think these might be areas you'd be most interested in.

Just my .02 based on my own 80 series and some inputs from others with 80s as well. I'm sure others will post things for you to consider as well.

tlcman · April 2004

A 1994 model with the same body style. My only replacements I have had to make on my rig was Brakes Pads and one fan belt. Yes thats it. Although now it is heavily upgraded with about 109,000 miles on it its runing very well. Not every TLC has these problems but any car will have their own little problems but one thing I have noticed about Toyotas in general is that they are built with quality in mind. They last and still look good!

ruking1 · April 2004

On my 94 TLC I had exactly the same issues, which are really not issues only wear items. 80's series have been known to eat brakes. I used to get 60k on my 60 series pads, but the most I can get out of the 80 series pads is 45k.

tlcman · April 2004

TRD makes upgraded pads for the fj's and I've gotten over 65k out of them and I belive theres a bit left.

ruking1 · April 2004

Yes, the TRD pads I believe are made by Performance Friction!? I have had three sets of front TRD pads. They are just great! It is almost amazing how they stop being as rotor friendly as they are! But I do share the trucks with my lead brake foot family of girls and employees

I did put on a set of Ferodo's Spectra One's on one TLC just to A/B test them. So far I like them and they seem to stop a tad more aggressively. Not too sure about how rotor friendly they are, but obviously will find out down the road.

The vendor says they are very rotor friendly.

e9999 · April 2004

Hi Dick, thanks much for the info on the brake controller connector some time back. Excellent to know that the Tundra one will work!
Will get one and get to work to see if I can find the mistery connector...
thanks again
Eric

tlcman · April 2004

This saddens me greatly, I let my sister drive my Land Cruiser to the high school that she attends. (and I was coming along with her) She was going about 55mph (the speed limit) on a county road and went into a turn, and when the turn stopped turning she kept turning. And went off the road on the right then instead of slowing and getting back on the road, she cranked the wheel to the left. And we did a side ways slide on a county road going across the road, (we didnt flip?!?! thanks to the solid axle config) But we went off the other side of the road and rolled over...

(((( it wasnt a hard or fast roll over and my land cruiser saved our lives...and Im glad that shes ok, but she also destroyed my ultimate off roading machine which I have dumped alot of money into....It was worth well over 12,000 dollars that morning, and now that might be the cost of repairs god forbid my frame isnt bent! So I regret to say I might be stepping out of the Land Cruiser Owners club....I know that theres no such thing but im kinda sad....Wish my car luck!

coupedncal · April 2004

Really sorry to hear about your mishap. You should absolutely be grateful to primarily the Higher Being and also a bit to this well made machine to protect your lives. In the big picture, it is still just a machine and can be replaced. Don't even sweat over it.

tlcman · April 2004

I know exactly where you are coming from, there must have been angles holding my TLC from flipping over on the road. I thank the man upstairs for watching over us. And I know that it can be replaced and Im glad that it was the TLC not my sister. I will hear back from the Toy shop soon... about the one hospitalized patient!

steenh1 · April 2004

In the course of 2 weeks I had the same problem with my 2 LC's. The antenna on both seems to have come loose from the moter. In both cases, the motor runs when the radio is turned on or off, but the antenna doesn't move... can be manually raised and lowered though not quite all the way down. Never seen anyone comment on this, but it's kind of strange to have it happen twice?

Any experiences and fixes?

Thanks,

TLCMAN, Glad to hear no serious injuries!
Steenh

hank14 · April 2004

Steenh1- When I bought my 99, the antenna cable was broken. Just like yours, the motor would run and the antenna could be manually raised and lowered part-way. I ordered the new antenna mast with the cable, but instead of just unscrewing the cap at the base of the antenna and replacing the cable and mast, I had to remove the antenna motor assembly from under the right front wheel well, dissasemble it, and retrieve the broken cable. It was difficult to access, but then I was able to replace the mast with a new one after re-installing everything. The only problem is, I did not rewire it properly and my reception is poor, so I need to correct that.

It's unusual that both of yours would do this in a short period of time. Do you think someone's screwing with your antenna? Just wondering.

Hank

mark2 · April 2004

Did you ever figure out the intermittent windshield rattle in front of the driver problem? I've got the same thing on my 2000 LC and am stumped. I need low outside temperatures generally to set it off though. - Mark in Ankara

mark2 · April 2004

IRONSIDE from your message 3500 -- what was the final diagnosis of your dashboard buzzing problem? I need to resolve the same issue that occurs exactly as you describe. -Mark in Ankara

steenh1 · April 2004

Hank,
Thanks for the info. Is it an hour or an afternoon fix?

Screwing with the antenna? To be so lucky!

hank14 · April 2004

I think I messed around with the antenna for about 2 hours. Like all my projects, about 1/2 way through, I thought I would load up and drive 40 miles to the dealer to let them fix it, but I figured it out anyway.

hic · April 2004

Toy automatic antenna's are one of the weak spots from the Toyota parts bin. I have never had a Toyota that did not have the antenna fail within 50-70,000 miles. Twice on the Avalon, twice on the 4-runner, and once (so far) on the LC. It is a $65 (for a new mast) annoyance that I have come to accept as a fact of life where Toyota power antennas are concerned. The problem seems to be one of incompatable materials: the mast is a flexible plastic with ridges that runs on metal cogs in the motor. Eventually, the stronger metal wears away the weaker plastic and the bottom of the mast (where contact is most frequent) strips away and the mast fails. Anyway, that's my take having replaced 5 of the things over the years. The hardest part of replacement is getting to the dang moter, BTW. The rest is easy - should take no more than two beers. Three, if your kids help.

HiC

ironside7 · April 2004

Mark:

I have not yet been able to fix or diagnose the dashboard buzzing. I'm currently trying to build up enough courage to start ripping apart the dash to find out what is causing it. My current plan is to try and first remove the instrument cluster to see if I can visualize the source of the noise that way. I'll let you know whatever I find out. Please do the same.

Ironside

borderboy · April 2004

tlcman:

Thanks for responding on the maintenance type issues on the TLC. I appreciate your feeback.

I am also very sorry to hear of your horrible accident. I am glad you and your sister are safe. I am sure you will be able to replace the TLC soon. Blessings to you and your sister.

Thanks again for your generous comments.

Scott

borderboy · April 2004

steelcruiser:

Thanks for the helpful guidance. This was the most detailed and direct information about what to potentially expect if we buy one.

I am wanting a TLC for safety, reliability, and style. Also, if we get one at a lower price due to age and mileage, we can save monthly payment dollars. I just want to make sure that the monthly savings compared to a BMW car payment, will not be offset by increased maintenance bills during the year.

Thanks,
Scott

steelcruiser · April 2004

BB-No problem. I've had my share of BMWs too and the LC is higher in quality (IMHO) than any one I ever had. To add a bit to the topic of repairs etc, axle jobs can be about $1000 + or -, complete brake rotor/pad replacements around $600+ or more. A rebuilt starter about $350 etc, etc,etc. These are just ball park estimates for you if these items are done by a dealer.

I suggest you get the Factory Service Manual and do as much maintenance as you can yourself because you can save a lot of money and pick up a new hobby in the process

)

But, get an LC and fix it up like you want it and I think you'll be ridin' high and enjoying life!

grantchstr · April 2004

What about the catalytic converter and assembly? This piece of equipment costs over $2,400, the question is what sort of mileage can you get from a Fj80 before the cat assembly needs replacing, and is there a cheaper alternative?

steenh1 · April 2004

HiC,
So, if I do the math right, I'm looking at $130 and 6 beers to do both antennas... the kid will certainly help! Thanks for the info.

Steenh

steelcruiser · April 2004

Good question! I don't know. I got 10 years and 150+K out of my 80 series and no problems.

Wonder what some place like Meineke would charge? Hopefully, there are some non OEM alternatives that would be easier on the wallet. Sorry I don't have any first hand info or suggestions for you.

ternes · April 2004

Three or four days ago my '04 LC started making a strange whistling noise shortly after starting when you put it in gear and move a few feet forward or back. It doesn't do it when cold but after running, turned off for a short time and restarted. After you get going it stops making the whistling sound. Sounds like it comes from the back of vehicle but am not sure. Sounds very much like a factory whistle blowing and is somewhat loud at times. It doesn't do it every time and of course did not do it when I took it to the dealership today. Any idea what could cause this? The dealer said there was nothing they could do without hearing it.
This is in no way a wind noise as it does it while setting still.

Thanks

coupedncal · April 2004

Could it be one of the belts making this noise ? I can't think of anything else under your rig that could be making this sound. You don't have air-suspension .. do you or was it just an LX feature ?

ternes · April 2004

No air-suspension on LCs.
One suggestion is the gas cap, as it has a vent and it could be faulty,will check it out the next time the whistling starts.

Thanks

albiv · April 2004

The gas cap on my '03 LC makes a funky noise after driving for a while and parking it. Almost sounds like a soft beating noise. Once I discovered the noise I opened up the cap while it was creating the noise and the noise stopped. I did notice pressure relief.

hic · April 2004

If you have the climate control in automatic mode it may be that when you first start up it is blowing more air than the rear vents can accomodate. Mine does this all the time if the interior of the car is warmer than the auto setting. The vents will whistle until the climate control settles down and starts to equalize the temp. You can test this easily by either cracking a window or turning the fan to the off position next time it happens. You can also switch the re-circ/vent setting to see if this makes has any impact. Also, make sure your rear vent windows are completely closed since if they are barely open, they will whistle when the fan runs on the higher settings.

HiC

tlcman · April 2004

Its just pressure relief, its like shaking up a gas can it create pressure so its nothing to be worried about

mobiweld · April 2004

Anyone running BFG A/T 295/75/R16 and if so, are there any clearance problems with a stock suspension?

Thanks,

Scott

tlcman · April 2004

are you off roading? you could get some rubbing on flares and and flaps but i ran 35's on my 94' lc and it had a 2.5 inch lift and i didnt have many problems

eastcar · April 2004

I have a new Toyota Land Crusier, any thoughts on using synthetic oil, does toyota reccomend it and which brand is best, I have heard Castrol?

steelcruiser · April 2004

Don't know of any "prohibitions" on synthetics from Toyota. I'm running synthetics ('02 LC) in crank case, TCase and diffs.

Owner's Handbook has Do It Yourself section and recommended change intervals, oil, gear lube specs etc.

I'm using Valvoline in the crank and Redline in the TCase and diffs.

To ease your mind a bit, you might check with your dealer

HTH

eastcar · May 2004

Thanks, will look into it.

loosebottles · May 2004

I posted a question here a few months ago about recommended transmission oil interval changes without any actual replies. I've called Toyota and asked them specifically about that and their reply was that it is a serviceless transmission if the oil is a clear red "as new" color. The rep stated that I can drive an unlimited # of miles as long as the transmission oil looks good. Otherwise a drain and fill when and if the oil gets dirty looking..I also asked about Synthetic oil and Toyota's statement was we don't recommend synthetics..

steelcruiser · May 2004

FWIW I drain (pan only) and refill about every 10K on my '02. A side by side comparison of the fluid color (new to old) shows a little less red than the new fluid.

Scheduled Maintenance Guide suggests inspect at 15K and replace at 30K for special operating conditions.

alatlc · May 2004

The steering wheel of my '99 TLC has started making an annoying creaking noise. The creak appears during very gradual maneuvers to the left (i.e. going around a slight curve or adjsuting while traveling down the road)when the steering wheel is between 10 and 11 o'clock. It doesn't happen on the right side, nor does it happen when making sharper low speed turns (i.e. a 90 degree left). The creak is coming from the area where the steering wheel attaches to the column, right behind the blinker stalks, etc. I can't figure out what it is, and I'm reluctant to starting squirting lubricants into that area. Has anyone else had this problem? Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks

eastcar · May 2004

Thanks.

loosebottles · May 2004

Is there a specific volume you're adding when you do your drain/fill at 10K intervals? Are you using Toyota ATF fld? Thanks.

steelcruiser · May 2004

It's about 4 qts. Add about 3.5 qts (after draining the pan) via the fill tube ( after removing the dip stick) at rear of engine bay, near fire wall. Start engine and let idle in PARK. Check level via dip stick. Slowly add a bit of fluid until it's filled to proper level. (Careful removing and replacing the dip stick--it's long and thin--and notice the "clip" on one side that has to be pushed out of the way in order to remove and replace the dip stick)

There are 4 "notches" on the dip stick--two near the bottom and pretty close together, and two a bit further up the stick and with more space between them. If you look closely at these upper marks you'll see HOT etched in to one side of the stick. Fill with fluid until the level is at about the middle of these two marks. Again, this is done with the engine running so that you get the proper level.

I like to compare the color of the old fluid to that of the new by putting a bit of the old on a clean paper towel. If you do the pan drain and fill about every 10K, the color of the old fluid should be pretty close to the same red as the new fluid.

And, yes, I use Toy ATF.

HTH

seattlecruiser · May 2004

I have been looking into buying a LC for some time now, and am getting close to finally giving in. Not quite sure why, given current gas prices, but well...
I have a pretty basic question. I want to pick up a used 100 series and want to spend in the $25-30k range. It seems like I have a choice of older ('98/99) with lower mileage (<60k), or a '00/01 model with higher mileage (>85k). What is the accepted wisdom, is it preferable to go with lower mileage, higher age? I'm planning on keeping it for a loooong time, with minimal off-roading (so locking differentials, etc. isn't quite as important), but with lots of driving in the mountains in the snow. It appears that features that became standard in 2000 are usually also found in the earlier models, so that doesn't seem to be a differentiator. Any thoughts on which one would be the better buy as far as reliability and service/maintenance costs go? Thanks!

hank14 · May 2004

My opinion and what I used to decide on a newer model with higher mileage was that I was getting more "bang for my buck." Granted, I went from looking at an 84 FJ60 to a 90 FJ62 to a 92 FJ80 and eventually bought a 99 UZJ100 with the same amount of miles as the older ones, but many more features. The most important thing to me was the maintenance history and overall condition of the vehicle, which was excellent. It is worth taking extra time and finding the one that is "just right."

seattlecruiser · May 2004

Thanks for your thoughts. Of course, the features between the 98/99 models and the 00/01 models seem almost identical for practical purposes, given that the used earlier ones on the market pretty much all have the options that became standard with the 00 model year. I had the same considerations as you that made me decide to go with the 100 series over the 80. I guess my question is, does age impact reliability more or less than mileage? I may be overanalyzing this as I have seen LCs with well over 200k miles, and there also seem to be lots in excess of 20 years old still on the road. But if service history were identical, would it make more sense to go with an older vehicle, or a later model year that has more miles on it? Which one would be less likely to give me trouble in the long run?

tlc_utah · May 2004

Seattlecruiser,

I was in the same boat till yesterday. I picked up a 01 LC with nav + 4 tv screens in headrests and 69K miles for around $26K. This is my second LC. Earlier one was a '00 which I had bought it when it had 26K miles. Honestly, I cannot make out the difference in my 00 LC with 26K miles and this 01. In my case too I plan to keep it for a long time. One feature that you may want if you drive in mountains and especially in snow is Vehicle Skid Control (VSC). This was introduced only in 2000. This is a great feature to have while driving in snow. It totally controls the vehicle and does not let it skid. You would know what I am talking about if you are driving on ice in the middle of the night and come up on a stop sign. Instead of vehicle stopping it just skids thru the stop sign. I had a similiar situation and VSC immediately took over and brought the vehicle to a total stop without skidding.

Hope this helps.

Good Luck

seattlecruiser · May 2004

Thanks, TLC_Utah! This was very helpful.

steelcruiser · May 2004

As you've noted, LC "options" have a way of becoming "standard" as the model years progress. The newer model seems like a good option for you, given your intention to keep this for a long time. Obviously, the biggest depreciation hit has been absorbed by someone else.

If you'll be driving other vehicles or not putting on a lot of miles per year, the higher mileage doesn't seem like a big issue. It's very helpful if you can review the vehicle's service history.

Let us know when you get your "new" LC

Enjoy!

Toyota Land Cruiser

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles