rwheelz Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I am the proud new owner of a 97 LX450, but it has 155k miles on it! I only paid $8k and it has the locking diffs. It runs like a champ, but I want to tune it up and be sure everything is in check. So I am creating of list of stuff I need from Toyota- Oil filter Fuel filter Belts (I think there are 3) thermostat plugs wires dist cap/rotor change tranny/diff fluids Anything else I should replace? I am only getting 10mpg which is rather frightening, I was considering ordering an O2 sensor as well. I did get a CEL one morning, but it went away before I could make it to the auto parts store! Something is rattling in my rear suspension, sounds like a swaybar link but I have never owned an SUV or anything even close, so it is hard to say. Overall it seems like a great vehicle, SUCH a cush ride in comparison to my cars (01 GTI, 89 MR2). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rookie Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I am the proud new owner of a 97 LX450, but it has 155k miles on it! I only paid $8k and it has the locking diffs. It runs like a champ, but I want to tune it up and be sure everything is in check. So I am creating of list of stuff I need from Toyota-Oil filter Fuel filter Belts (I think there are 3) thermostat plugs wires dist cap/rotor change tranny/diff fluids Anything else I should replace? I am only getting 10mpg which is rather frightening, I was considering ordering an O2 sensor as well. I did get a CEL one morning, but it went away before I could make it to the auto parts store! Something is rattling in my rear suspension, sounds like a swaybar link but I have never owned an SUV or anything even close, so it is hard to say. Overall it seems like a great vehicle, SUCH a cush ride in comparison to my cars (01 GTI, 89 MR2). ← Wow... 10 mpg is horrible. I'm consistantly around 15 in mixed driving. If you've got a failed inner axle seal and grease is getting into the front axle, that can have a pretty significant impact on gas mileage. If you pull the diff plug, and fluid is a fairly thick greenish/greyish/black, then you've got grease in the diff. I'd also look at running some fuel system cleaner through. I've used Redline's product, and I hear BG 44k is good for removing carbon buildup. You should still be able to pull the code. It should be stored in the ECU. But here's the best tip I can give you... try calling Dan Buesy at American Toyota for your OEM parts. 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8, tell him you're a new LX-450 owner, and you've been lurking around over at Ih8mud.com. Congrats on the new purchase. Rookie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwheelz Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 well, I guess I will find out when I change the diff fluid! What are the recommended fluids for these things for each diff/tranny etc? Any other suggestions on what I should replace as part of preventive maintenance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rookie Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 well, I guess I will find out when I change the diff fluid!What are the recommended fluids for these things for each diff/tranny etc? Any other suggestions on what I should replace as part of preventive maintenance? ← I bought a 5 gallon bucket of Chevron Delo for the diffs, Mobil 1 in the t-case, and Chevron Dex. III tranny fluid. Well if you really want to know... PM wise (assuming they haven't been done), you might want to start researching doing a front axle service (replace inner axle seals, trunion bearings, repack Birfield, repack or replace wheel bearings, new felt wiper seals) and a rear axle service (replace axle seals, repack/replace if needed bearings and races). Here are some other good PM items: new starter contacts and plunger, flush coolant every 12 to 18 months, replace PS fluid, replace brake fluid, replace the PHH (pesky heater hose), check the fan clutch for proper operation and replace if needed, replace radiator cap. You really want to make sure and keep the coolant system running perfectly. These vehicles have accumulated a bit of a blown head gasket reputation. You asked for it. That's most of the things that I and other folks that are into PM, have done. Only thing I can think of I'd like to do that I haven't, is check the valve clearances, but I'm taking a break for a little while. If you don't have one, get an FSM. Money well spent. Rookie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwheelz Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 right on, thanks for all the info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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