Bill V

I run a Bridgestone Revo in 285x75x16 with all stock suspension. Great tire. Not cheap but really well worth it for snow, offroad and highway use. Rides a little firmer but still like them.

Thanks for the info, mine should be here any day now but if this falls thru I'll give them a try.

Pictures are here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...9&viewitem=

Congratulations! Remarkable find! Could the change in mileage consumption be due to ethanol in the fuel? I had a similar experience driving north from Miami (10% ethanol for sure) up where the fuel seemed ethanol-free and mileage/gallon increased. The exact mileage upon purchase was 7,949 miles and upon arrival home was 10,222. This mileage, when I purchased, was verified by the Lexus dealer where it was serviced and by the emission testing compliance requirements of Illinois as well as a Car Fax and an eBay history check. Upon driving it home I now believe the fuel mileage increase was twofold. One was, as you said, the change to ethanol-free fuel and two being a more complete break-in of the engine and drivetrain.

I've been reading in previous posts about the Center Differential Lock switch that is available on LX470's and non US versions of the LX450's. Have I got this correct? Can this be purchased from Toyota. What is part number? Where is wiring for this located? Can 285's be installed on stock suspension and have enough clearance? On Edit: Found what I was looking for from MAN-A-FRE on the net. They had the switch I needed.

I flew into Chicago and picked up my new to me 97 LX450 and drove it home 2300 miles with not a problem. Interesting thing, fuel mileage was 13.56 on first tank cruising at 65, next tank went to 14.5 cruising at 70, followed by another at almost 15.5 with the last couple tanks at 16-16.5 cruising at 75 across Washington. Looks like the "girl" likes the west coast air. Gotta say, she is sure comfortable and in nice shape at 7,949miles and getting home at 10, 222miles on her now. Just can't figure out why the fuel mileage was so low back east. The wife loves it and now she wants to sell her Volvo S60T and take over the "my" truck. Looks like I may be stuck driving the 4Runner even longer. Such is life.

I'm new to this forum and I'm the one that did the "buy it now" for $19.9k for the 7,949 mileage 97 LX450. I'm picking it up this week and driving it home. Will let you know how all this turns out. I wanted either a LC or 450 with lockers for the past 6 months and hopefully my searches have paid off.