1997 Lexus LX450 Build Thread

[Northern_Productions]

Well, here goes:

I've been keeping my eyes on ExPo for quite some time now. I originally got into 4wd trucks a few years ago when I managed to get an absolute steal on a 1994 Toyota Pickup. The pickup has served me well, and I intend to keep it to haul firewood/kayaks and use it as a daily driver, but for as long as I can remember an 80 series cruiser was always my dream rig.

Fortunately a few months ago I stumbled upon what, in my opinion, was a pretty well priced LX450 and I decided to pick it up and use it as the base for a new overland/weekend camping rig.

A little bit about the truck:
-1997 Lexus LX450 @370K KM
-Factory triple locked
-305/70R16 K02's

First plans for the truck are just maintenance. Being that it's nearly 25 years old, and a fairly high kilometer vehicle, I want to get it to a place where I'm comfortable putting a few thousand KM on it over a week long expedition. Additionally, I've been working on a set of rear sliding drawers (not quite done yet), and have a RTT on order (in the process of setting up a functional roof rack system).

I have a feeling that with the additional ~200lbs from the drawers, ~200lbs from the roof rack and RTT and the weight from camping gear that the truck will be in need of some new suspension in the near future. I haven't quite figured out if I want to go with OME or Dobinson yet, but I think I've narrowed it down to those.

Here are a few photos of the truck from the first 2 trips out to the woods, and the current progress of the drawers.

 

[lumpskie]

Beautiful rig and beautiful shots. With more gear, you'll definitely need a fresh suspension setup. Out of curiosity, why did you narrow down to OME and Dobinson? They are good but Icon, Tough Dog, Autocraft (Slinky) all make great suspensions as well. I've been running the Slinky setup for a couple years, and it's been the most comfortable and best performing suspension I've ever had.

 

[Northern_Productions]

I've narrowed it down to old man emu just because I've run it on my pickup with great success, albeit a slightly stiffer ride than I'd like (I'll blame that on torsion bars and leaf springs though). As for Dobinson, I've heard lots of good reviews from the land cruiser guys in my local 4WD clubs.

Minus Icon, I honestly haven't heard much about the other two you mentioned. Definitely something I'll look into more now though.

 

[Northern_Productions]

Quick update on the LX. I haven't gotten around to as much maintenance as I've wanted to over the winter, we've had a fairly wet and snowy winter even by Vancouver standards. I should hopefully have everything I need ordered in the next two weeks and then spend a few weekends early March powering through the maintenance.

As for modifications, I ended up pulling the trigger on a Bowfin Cruiser rack for the LX. I built it up in the garage last night and I must say it went together so effortlessly. Took me about 45 minutes to get everything snugged up and square and I'll be mounting it Saturday or Sunday!

 

[Northern_Productions]

A few weeks ago (prior to putting on the roof rack) myself and one of my friends decided to go take advantage of some of the snowfall we were getting in and around Vancouver, so we ventured out past to Stave Lake and beyond to do some snow wheeling.

Unfortunately, he day started out with a few "speed bumps". I went to start up the truck in the morning only to find out that the battery was completely dead (my stupid self didn't close the passenger door tightly enough, so the cabin lights remained on for 2 days or so). After sorting out the dead battery I went to close the hood and the hood wouldn't fully latch. At the time I was running late, a little flustered and figured the mechanism had probably iced up from the sub freezing temps we were getting. So I tried to let the truck run for a few minutes to see if I could build some heat and thaw out the mechanism...but that didn't seem to work, so I went for plan B which was a good old fashion bungee cord to keep the hood latched.

Minus the few set backs we managed to have a pretty successful day playing in the snow. Both of us got stuck a few times but were able to get out with a shovel and tow strap.

Here's a few photos and a video of a quick hillclimb.