Summer

I AM LOOKING FOR THE INFO ABOUT A MONTH AGO IN WHICH SOMEONE POSTED WHERE TO BUY THE PADS AND BOLTS TO GO UNDER THE FEET OF THE ROOF RACK. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER?

Again, you might check over at IH8MUD.com. There's a lot more LC and LX-450 guys there, and a better chance of finding someone in your area. Most of us do our own maitenance though. ← THANKS I WILL ASK.

THANKS I WILL DO THAT. LET ME KNOW IF YOU GET ANY MORE INFO.

I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK A MONTH OR SO AND IT NEVER WORK BUT I WILL TRY BOTH OF THE SUGGESTIONS. THANKS

I WENT TO A WEB SITE THAT GIVES YOU THE RESULTS OF THE TEST DRIVE ON THESE TRUCKS WHEN THEY ARE NEW AND THEY DID REPORT THE SWAYING/ROCKING PROBLEM AND REFERRED TO IT AS ANNOYING UNLIKE THE LANDCRUISERS MORE STABLE RIDE. ← I don't think anyone would dispute that the LC's have a stiffer suspension setup, and hence a more stable ride. I'm just saying that when I had my OEM setup, I never felt there was a lack of instability, above anything I would expect out of a 5500 lb SUV with a c.g. as high as these vehicles. Regardless, none of this is solving your problem. Have you gone back to the place that you got your shocks and tried to clarify with them that you did not want a replacement shock that was comperable to the OEM suspension that you were not happy with? If you are certain that the shocks are much stiffer than OEM, then the next step IMO would be stiffer springs. I would highly recommend that you call and talk to the guys at Sleeoffroad. Landcruisers (and LX450's) are all they work on, and vehicle suspension is one of there main gigs. I think they could give very helpful advise to you. Rookie ← THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S HELP ON THIS TOPIC. IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND I HAVE A FEW OTHER TOPICS I HAVE ENTERED AND NEED ANSWERS ON. THEY ARE WATER LEAKS, DEALER INFO AND REMOTE PROBLEMS. ALL OF WHICH ARE POSTED ON THE FORUM.

I WENT TO A WEB SITE THAT GIVES YOU THE RESULTS OF THE TEST DRIVE ON THESE TRUCKS WHEN THEY ARE NEW AND THEY DID REPORT THE SWAYING/ROCKING PROBLEM AND REFERRED TO IT AS ANNOYING UNLIKE THE LANDCRUISERS MORE STABLE RIDE.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE TIRES WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I THOUGHT (ACCORDING TO WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME ON THIS SITE) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LX 450 AND THE LANCRUISER WAS THE SHOCKS. IF THIS IS CORRECT THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED A LANDCRUISER WITH NO SPECIAL KIND OF TIRE AND HAD NO SWAYING PROBLEM.

What is the lagest size tire you can fit under the truck after you put the 2.5" lift on it. Who did you buy the lift from and did you install it yourself? Did you shop around or did someone recommend the best place to get the new suspension?

That is what I was wondering but a mechanic told me when an after market shock company makes shocks they can also fit other vehicles of the same weight and application. Knowing this, I am not sure it is the shocks because any other vehicle you put them on should have the same problem. It could be the springs. If so I wonder if the after market spring would be equal to the Landcruiser spring. Do you know what it cost your friends to purchase and install the ARB air lockers?

I have already changed out the shocks with a non toyota part. The truck still sways, just as bad as before. I think I am going to have to change out the springs to Landcruiser springs or some other kind. I understand that Lexus would want a smoother and softer ride with the LX than the Landcruiser but this problem should have been fixed. It is also stupid that they still would put the smushy shocks and springs on the truck today if you go to them for the replacement. Does anyone know if you buy an aftermarket shock for a certain vehicle if the shock also fits other vehicles and it is not made exactly like the one you would get at a Lexus dealer?

Yes and that did not work. I always try the cheapest thing first. ;)

Are there any NON DEALER LX 450 specialists in the Tidewater Area?

I second that. The first time I took my pre-owned 97 LX450 out on the highway, I noticed it. Everyone on the landcruiser forums new exactly what I was talking about. The easy fix is to replace with landcruiser shocks. I suggest what I want to do. Replace the stock shocks and springs with the OME shocks and springs. It is pricey, but everyone that has done it swears by it. They say the ride is SO much better. ← I am having the same problem and have replaced the shock and the truck still sways. I have been told the LX 450 does this and the landcruisers do not, also because I have owned a landcruiser. My mechanic is recommending i change out the linkage on the sway bar to something stiffer.

I have a 1997 LX 450. I have heard the factory roof racks leak on these trucks, is this true? My rear sliding windows have rust on the metal around them and water/rust marks on the head liner above them. Does anyone know why this happens and how to fix it?

I have heard folks complain about the ride stability before and typically that can be helped with replacing the cooshy factory shocks with something stiffer. Personally, I never felt that it was an unstable ride, but then again, I replaced my shocks a couple of weeks after buying the vehicle to make it a little stiffer. What shocks did you use? Adding OEM E-lockers to an unlocked rig I think would get pricey if you had the dealer do it. The existing axle/diff housing can be adapted/modified to accomodate locking diffs (which I thing run about $800 to $1000 each new), then you have to add the locker ECU, wiring harness (which unless you build yourself, is mucho dollars new), replace right rear axle shaft, and install the rotary switch. Obviously much cheaper if you buy them locked. If getting one with lockers is a big deal for you, you might want to consider saling yours and buying one with. If you can find them, typically the price difference is not substantial, because most folks don't even know what they're for. Rookie ← I used Gabriel shocks that go to my specific truck. I have a friend who said I could change the linkage out on my sway bar to something stiffer, but he was not sure that would do the trick. He said since I already replaced the shocks the sway bar was a place to start. Or I have heard replace the springs.