dougjohn2

Oh...goodness... What you have are the coveted Locking Differentials. I say coveted because if you plan on doing any kind of serious off-road traveling in your 450, you'll want those. The link in the previous post should provde sufficient information about locking differentials, but if you have any questions, please post them. Also - if you register your LX 450 on the www.lexus.com page in the owners section, Lexus will send you an owner's manual free of charge. You'll need to enter your VIN to register.

Naw...I haven't banged those rims on anything for about 6 or 7 months. I banged them on Moab slickrock last year...and some Rubicon granite before that. Not really trying to pawn them off on anyone...but scooter wants to see pics...

Sure, I'll snap a few pics, but I REALLY don't think you'll be interested. When I say they're banged up...they're beat up pretty bad. Sorry for the delay...I was in Moab, UT for a few days...bouncing the rig off some rocks. :D

Sounds like the LS430 is better for you than the LX 470. Maintenance costs will be higher with the 470 because it is Fulltime 4WD. If you don't need the extra room and you don't plan on taking it off-road, don't waste your time with the 470. Don't get me wrong...the LX 470 is very nice...but it doesn't sound like the best fit for you. Have you considered the sportier GS 430?

I have a set, but they're banged up from off-road use. Not likely something you'd want.

Do they have to be LX 450 wheels or would Land Cruiser wheels work? 1995-1997 Land Cruiser wheels would fit, but wouldn't have the same look as the LX 450 wheels. By chrome, do you mean the polished chromed version of the standard LX 450 wheels? Should I assume that you want wheels in good condition without nicks and/or scrapes? Do you want the lug nuts too? These wheels require the use of the correct lug nuts (96/97 LX 450 or 95-97 Land Cruser lug nuts).

I took a snapshot this morning...there are more replies now, but here's what it was as of 8:00AM PDT: 17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO (BFG AT KO) 2 BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM (BFG MT KM) 5 Bridgestone Dueller AT Revo 1 Dunlop Grandtrek 1 Firestone Destination M/T 1 Goodyear Wrangler MT 11 GoodYear Wrangler MT/R 8 Interco Swamper/SuperSwamper/etc. 1 Les Schwab Wild Country Radial TXR 1 Michelin Arctic Alpin 6 Michelin LTX 1 Michelin XZL 3 Nitto Terra Grappler 1 Pirelli Scorpion Hi-Performance Asimmetrico 2 ProComp X-Terrain 2 Yokohama Geo MT 1 Yokohama Geolander AT-II + 1 Yokohama IT ice radial :D The BFG ATs are good. I used to run them and was very pleased. The Bridgestones, I'm told are good too, but you already know of the reputation of the Revos. I really didn't mean for it to come across as a flame. Cheers.

the 100 series pads are the same ones used on 98+ Land Cruisers and LX 470s. If you're going to a Toyota dealership, ask for a set for a 1998 Land Cruiser (same if you're at a Lexus dealership -- a 1998 LX 470...but why spend the extra cash at Lexus?). The main advantage is that they are MUCH thicker than the LX 450 (80 series) pads. The only thing you need to do when installing the pads is to NOT install the anti-squeel shims. Due to the thickness of the pads, the shims will not fit. These are the pair of metal shims that rest between each brake pad and the brake caliper pistons. Simply do not use the shims. The pads will fit easily -- the installation process is identical for both 80 series and 100 series pad installation. Another reported advantage is better stopping power. This is fairly subjective however. What I did notice when comparing the 80 series vs. the 100 series pads is that the 100 series pads are both thicker (longer life) and larger/wider (possibly better braking due to more surface area contact) than the 80 series pads. Make sure to ask for 1998 or 1999 Land Cruiser (LX 470) brake pads. There was a change to the brakes/pads on later model years.

I wonder if it's ever worked for you? Has it? If Rookie's suggestion doesn't work, you might try to reprogram it. You can find instructions on how to reprogram your remote on the tech section of the www.sleeoffroad.com web site.

rust on the sliding windows is something I've heard about...been a long time though. I don't know if there's info on the IH8MUD board or on the 80scool email list. Let me dig around and see if I can find something about it. You might need to remove the sliding windows and fix the rust. Another place to check is the around the glass on the rear cargo hatch. Check the lower left side for signs of rust -- for some reason it tends to hit there first.

Really? Maybe someone's just curious...hmmm...now who would be so bold as to simply ask what tire everyone runs? Just thought I'd get some info from those willing to play along :D BTW, thanks for playing along over there.

I wasn't necessarily flaming. It just seemed like you posted a blanket statement without much backing it up. I'm on that board quite a bit and know of the thread(s) you're referencing. It was the "everyone on the landcruiser site uses them" that caught my eye since I know that everyone doesn't use them :) They are somewhat popular with a subset of the group there. I have a set of Michelin LTXs on my wife's 450 -- they're LT rated. The set of Dunlops I have in my garage are LT rated too. As far as I know, the 450s came with Michelin LTXs or Dunlops. I haven't run the Dunlops, so I can't speak to the sidewalls on them, but the Michelins I had were quite stiff, IMO. That said, I really don't think the tires factored much into the swaying equation -- I'd bet it's due to the soft LX 450 shock rating. Since I switched my suspension, I've had not swaying or "floating" sensation while driving.

80 and 100 series pads are the same price, per my parts guy. You paid low 20s Rookie? I need to talk to you about getting parts ;) I recently received a set of brake pads -- about 4 weeks ago. IIRC, my discounted price was around $44 per set for front brake pads.

I have not heard of this being a problem with the LX 470. As for what changed...a whole lot changed! The 470 is nothing like the 450 mechanically. Different engine, different suspension, different frame, different body... It's too much of an apple vs. orange comparison to go further.

I agree. I don't think tires will affect swaying. The only tire-related aspect which might contribute would be how well they're inflated. That said, if the tires are at the correct, recommended pressure, it shouldn't be a factor at all.

Dang. I'd better get rid of my MT/Rs and pick up the Revos. How'd I miss that? Which landcruiser site would this be where everyone is using Bridgestones?

You can get 315/75 R16 on the 450 with a 2.5" OME lift. Most recommend against 315s since they'll likely rub under full articulation. Most go with 285/75 R16. www.sleeoffroad.com is a great place to get aftermarket suspension products for your 450. It's where I got most of my stuff from.

I say again, the only difference between the Land Cruiser suspension and that of the LX 450 are the shocks. The springs are the same between the two. If you asked for replacement shocks for a LX 450, you MAY have been given shocks with a dampening rate similar to the OEM LX 450 shocks, not the stiffer Land Cruiser shocks. As for what is or isn't stupid is subjective...not everyone has the swaying issue you're experiencing. Some do, not everyone however. My LX 450 has Old Man Emu suspension, which I think is superior to Toyota OEM and Lexus OEM suspension...I have no swaying. My wife's LX 450 has the stock Lexus springs and shocks...no swaying there either. How many miles do you have on your truck? It could be that it's time to replace the springs too...

I wouldn't mess with the swabars or linkage. Upgrade your suspension with Old Man Emu or get shocks rated for a 1995-1997 Land Cruiser. It could be the Gabriels you picked up are as soft as the factory LX 450 shocks. Rather than trying to retrofit OEM lockers -- as Rookie said, it's very expensive -- take a look at ARB air lockers. Many of my friends without factory lockers have installed ARBs and have been very satisifed with their performance.

The only difference between the LX 450 suspension and the Land Cruiser suspension are the shocks. Switching to OEM Toyota Land Cruiser shocks should help with the swaying issue. If you want to improve handling overall, for around $700 you can get new shocks and springs (installation will be extra -- about 1 to 2 hours shop time if you don't do it yourself, but the installation is fairly easy). You can get Old Man Emu springs and shocks at either a 2 1/2" lift or at a non-lift height which is almost the same as stock height from sleeoffroad.com. Cheers.

need more info. does the rate of knock remain the same? does it increase/decrease as you speed up/slow down? you can feel it knocking? anything loose under there?

Answers to the DVD/Nav question can be found by searching through a few threads on this site. I have a 1997 LX 450.

I doubt many here would have the info you seek. Take a look at this thread and decide if you want to tackle the job yourself or if you'd rather take it in...(click here)

Just a word of unrequested advice... I bought my LX 450 as a CPO as well, so I'm familiar with their policies. You might want to hold off on any changes to your DVD/Nav system that involves rewiring as it may void a portion of your CPO warranty. It would be a shame if the system went out -- through nothing that you did -- and Lexus refused to fix it due to the fact that you made a wiring change. Just my 2 cents...

No. They're nice to have but not a requirement. You can reuse the old ones if you still have them. They used to be included with the brake pads, but as I understand it, now must be ordered separately.