Considering this LX450. Let me know what you guys think.

[98LtdT4R]

Thanks J, that was really good and informative info and his build thread is inspiring (as was for his 3rd gen!) seeing the "Tom Cruiser" makes me want this LX even more, that's for sure!

 

[Brian757]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION]: Holy crap... Sexy...

 

[98LtdT4R]

Bump for more responses.

 

[98LtdT4R]

I figured I would also add, if I keep the 4Runner, I have just over $1,500 I can put towards building it more, which is making the decision even harder.

 

[dirtbike250x]

I've read through most of the posts and it seems most things I came up with have been covered. But I'll still put in my two cents...

I have a friend who is building an 80 series and I help with most of the maintenance related and custom fab work, and the main thing I see him going through with the truck is how expensive it is to keep it going, compared to the 4Runner. Everything that makes up the truck is bigger, resulting in more costly parts. And that would be in addition to the other points made by the others here (gas mileage and what not). So just be prepared for big parts with a big price tag.

The rig in the link looks great to me, very well kept. However, that oiling issue would have me concerned. That problem will only get worse as mileage climbs and that will tie into the cost concern I just talked about.

Yet I can see it's totally worth it on the trail. The rig is so capable with the F/R lockers and SA up front, its a tank and will crawl on anything.

So I'm not sure if I helped much on making the decision any easier or harder. But here are a few pics of the 80 I was talking about...

 

[rickashay]

He said it burns 1/2 a quart every 800 miles. it may need a motor sooner than later but from the pics it sure is clean. I have had a soft spot for those as well.

Good luck.

I think it's fairly common for these motors to use a bit of oil. Every person I've ever known with one ads oil, including myself. Mine has 135K miles and the motor is literally MINT beyond belief. Even with the valve covers off, it's spotless, and I still ad like 1/2L between oil changes.

Can't go wrong with an 80-series as long as you don't mind 12-16mpg. I considered one and looked at a few to replace my rolled 4runner, but ultimately decided the truck wasn't for me because:

1) can't get a manual (in the US)
2) not as nimble to drive, larger turn radius

2) I disagree, my 80 has a tighter turning radius than my 4Runner did.

No manual is kind of a bummer too, but not a deal breaker for most, or myself at least. I like wheeling the autos personally.

I just went from a third gen to an 80. Here are my thoughts:

1. I had to have a third-row seat and that's why I did it. 80 is the perfect size for that.

2. Gas mileage is a huge factor. I spend a lot more on dead dinasours now.

3. Mine is a 97 with lockers. It had 125,000 miles, OME lift, sliders, 33 inch KM2s. It set me back $10,000 even.

4. The truck you are looking at has a lot more stuff than mine did and is in better shape. The new leather interior is HUGE and just the leather and install would be worth quite a bit. The bumper and winch on this truck would be over $1,500. I think it is a great deal at $13,000.

5. My truck burns about a quart of oil every 1500 miles.

6. My check engine light is always on. I'm slowly working through that with the stealership, but i dont really plan on it ever going off...

If you have any questions about making the leap, PM me.

Great points here. That new leather is AWESOME. Mine needs to be done and I know that those kits are about $1000 for the leather plus professional installation.

I'll post this on behalf of [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] and I. We had a discussion last month on IH8MUD about going from a T4R to LX450/LC80 when I became interested in trading for one. Here's our convo.

For those interested you can follow Rick's LX450 build HERE

Thanks for posting this [MENTION=58830]JWaldz[/MENTION]

To the OP:

Depends on your uses I think. Like I said above, as a DD, I honestly was more comfortable driving the 4Runner than the 80. I actually hate the seats in my LX too (working on a seat swap soon...). Gas mileage is slightly worse for sure but my experience with my built 4Runner was 14-17MPG. IMO, 12-16 isn't that much different. Really depends if you plan on DD'ing the LX. If you can't afford your gas, you really shouldn't be out wheeling and breaking stuff on the trail. lol Bad gas mileage comes with the territory and you gotta pay to play! I still stand beside my comments posted above regarding the washboard driving comfort and the fact that it "feels" older. Considering my particular situation (the fact I have a DD) would I do it over again knowing what I know now? Absolutely. I loved my 4Runner, and will probably buy another one for my fiance in the future for mild wheeling and winter driving, but for me the LX is king of my garage. I honestly will probably build something else up in the future but I plan on keeping my 80 until I can one day pass it on to my children. It's just going to keep getting "cooler" with age.

Regarding this specific truck, I think it looks SUPER clean and well done. Jump in that truck and wheel the Rubicon and go anywhere pretty much. 200K miles is getting up there but these motors are known to last forever if maintained properly. The only really big issue is the HG. If you buy it just start throwing money away to eventually rebuild the motor when the HG goes. Plus these motors are pretty much like a BIG n/a 2JZ... they like boost once the HG is addressed. A guy on MUD has a turbo setup from EMS and is making 450 awhp @ 10-12 psi (if I recall). Thing is a monster! Just a testament to what is possible.

 

[98LtdT4R]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION]: Thanks so much for getting back to me. After re-reading everyone's responses including yours, and through much deliberation, I have decided to pass on this LX, due to the fact that I won't have much (if any) funds left over to fix the HG or do any other possible maintenance work which may arise for quite some time. The LX would also have been my DD, which might have been fun at first, but would likely prove tiresome after some time. Addison, I have looked through your 3rd gen build thread time and time again and decided that while I was in lust with this LX, I am definitely in love with my 3rd gen...knowing its entire history is comforting. I am going to focus my funds on further building my 3rd gen, drawing much inspiration from your 3rd gen in particular and many others on this forum. While the 3rd gen may not be quite as capable as the LX, it is (and will be) plenty capable for my needs for the time being. Hopefully this LX finds a good home and maybe in the future once I have more money put away, I can get behind the wheel of an LC80/LX450.

Thanks to all of you for your help and input, I couldn't have made the decision without you guys!

 

[rickashay]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION]: Thanks so much for getting back to me. After re-reading everyone's responses including yours, and through much deliberation, I have decided to pass on this LX, due to the fact that I won't have much (if any) funds left over to fix the HG or do any other possible maintenance work which may arise for quite some time. The LX would also have been my DD, which might have been fun at first, but would likely prove tiresome after some time. Addison, I have looked through your 3rd gen build thread time and time again and decided that while I was in lust with this LX, I am definitely in love with my 3rd gen...knowing its entire history is comforting. I am going to focus my funds on further building my 3rd gen, drawing much inspiration from your 3rd gen in particular and many others on this forum. While the 3rd gen may not be quite as capable as the LX, it is (and will be) plenty capable for my needs for the time being. Hopefully this LX finds a good home and maybe in the future once I have more money put away, I can get behind the wheel of an LC80/LX450.

Thanks to all of you for your help and input, I couldn't have made the decision without you guys!

No problem, glad to help! It's funny how we often get wrapped up in what we "want" and really don't think about how the decision can actually affect us. I've made stupid purchase decisions in the past, and it's just so important to weigh all the factors, despite your lust for an object.

FWIW, I think the 4Runner when built right, is just as capable as the 80 in realistic terms. Sure a LX/80 on 37's will have a ton of ground clearance and might do better in BIG rocks. But even then, BIG rocks are not the strong suite of the 80 due to it's BIG size. 35s vs. 35s I'd say that are pretty even with both having different pros and cons. The 4Runner being smaller and more nimble, the 80 have a more stout drivetrain and the SFA.

Mod-on my friend! haha

 

[BlazeRunner]

2) I disagree, my 80 has a tighter turning radius than my 4Runner did.

Opinions are opinions, and that is for the OP to decide, but this is false.

I think the numbers will disagree.
LX450: curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.4
4Runner: Turning circle: 37.4 ft.

LX also has longer wheelbase and wider stance. I think it might feel that way (tighter turning) because you're in a larger vehicle.

 

[IanB]

Opinions are opinions, and that is for the OP to decide, but this is false.

I think the numbers will disagree.
LX450: curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.4
4Runner: Turning circle: 37.4 ft.

LX also has longer wheelbase and wider stance. I think it might feel that way (tighter turning) because you're in a larger vehicle.

I can tell you for sure that my Surf had a tighter turning radius than my Land Cruiser did, no contest.

 

[rickashay]

Opinions are opinions, and that is for the OP to decide, but this is false.

I think the numbers will disagree.
LX450: curb to curb turning circle (feet): 40.4
4Runner: Turning circle: 37.4 ft.

LX also has longer wheelbase and wider stance. I think it might feel that way (tighter turning) because you're in a larger vehicle.

I guess I should also mention that I would rub @ full lock on my 4Runner front mud flaps if I didnt slow right down (as the suspension compressed on the outward side of the turn). I definitely adjusted my driving habits in the 4Runner to negate that small amount of rub and that's probably part of why the turning radius felt like it was more than the Cruiser. In the 80 I turn full lock with way more speed and don't rub, so I'm probably just using the effective turning radius more efficiently. It still feels like the 80 has a tighter radius to me regardless of the above turning circle radius' #'s. Your probably right on the size comparison making the difference. I digress.

 

[stevesnj]

It still feels like the 80 has a tighter radius to me regardless of the above turning circle radius' #'s..

Owning the LC in dirtbike250x's post my LC turns tight enough for my needs but usually I'll keep on turning as I'm running over curbs, and jeeps, in the path of my turn are of no concern to me. :lookout: