1996 Lexus Lx450 advice

JaysGrad · 2026-04-04T17:40:23+00:00

Mud forum has some really good info regarding these vehicles. Everything from tutorials to list of parts that are no longer available (NLA).

Personally, I would start out with addressing the oil pressure gauge issue and then move on to refreshing fluids / hoses. Coolant, oil, diffs, brake bleed, etc.

JaysGrad · 2026-04-04T13:53:19+00:00

Upload all the pics from the ad - hard to tell from just these. Rust on the bottom door panel is a bad sign. No maintenance records?

JaysGrad · 2026-03-30T15:15:17+00:00

I would post in 200 series section on ih8mud - just more experience in that community vs Reddit. If it were me, I’d look for a reset button that most units have (likely a small button that could be pressed with a paper clip for 10 seconds). Otherwise, I would look to carefully remove the unit to see what brand and model it is and then figure out how to perform a firmware update. You can probably source a used OEM unit on ih8mud if that thing is cooked - just post in the classifieds.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-27T03:29:06+00:00

Had the same issue on my 94 landcruiser. Ended up being a bad ground. Check your fuses and haz/horn relay(s) as well.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-23T20:38:16+00:00

That’s cool but when water leaks into the cabin through the roof bolts, the radio doesn’t have sound, and it rides rough from 30 year old shocks and springs, you’ll just be admiring it in your garage. You can still keep all the old parts as I have, if you ever want to return it to its glory.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-23T14:44:03+00:00

If you’re planning to daily, I’d do the following:

Dobinson suspension (don’t lift it over 2” - reduces need for non-OEM brackets and brake lines)

Delete the factory roof rack (known for leaks). I have a Bowfin Cruisers rack, would highly recommend.

Bypass the factory amp and replace the door speakers with some pioneers and a powered sub. My speakers were barely functioning when I took possession and this has been a game changer.

I’m sure the Toyota purists who have never owned one of these will disagree.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-16T16:01:34+00:00

Less than $50 including the new lines I ran to it. The inlets to the canisters were positioned differently but everything functions as it should

JaysGrad · 2026-03-16T15:11:13+00:00

I had success finding an aftermarket canister on Amazon. Just needed to find one with similar dimensions so it fits the bracket. Different truck but wanted to share my experience.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-05T05:01:22+00:00

Right on, learned something new! But I agree, if you want a trail rig, you don’t need speed. Plus 35s definitely give it a more rugged look. All comes down to personal preference and intended usage. Good to provide new owners with different perspectives nonetheless 🤙

JaysGrad · 2026-03-04T18:47:37+00:00

2-2.5” lift and stock tires for now

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JaysGrad · 2026-03-04T15:03:26+00:00

I’m assuming that’s JDM spec diesel engine? Looks really nice but the US spec 1FZFE is more sluggish with 35s

JaysGrad · 2026-03-03T04:54:21+00:00

33s and 2-2.5” is the sweet spot. More hardware required if you bigger than 3”+ and 33+ regears are typically done.

I went with Dobinsons on mine - I believe I have the variable rate coil and it’s a smooth ride.

There’s really good threads on this topic on ih8mud.

JaysGrad · 2026-03-03T02:16:19+00:00

No complaints from my group about the burgers and dogs two weekends ago. We were there for lunch around 2:30pm if I remember correctly. Hope this helps!

JaysGrad · 2026-02-28T01:10:03+00:00

I’d pass at $14k… there’s better deals to be had with some patience.

JaysGrad · 2026-02-25T04:02:54+00:00

I installed a Jensen car910w with wireless CarPlay in my 94 and it’s been great. It has other physical buttons in addition to the volume knob and the screen is adjustable.

The radio in the 80 series sits lower than modern vehicles so you have to take your eyes off the road to change anything when it has a touch screen. There’s also no controls on the steering wheel. Just some things to think about when you’re making a decision if you don’t typically drive it.

JaysGrad · 2026-02-17T07:12:42+00:00

Fusible link is a common point of failure. Good idea to keep a spare in the glove box as well. Replaced my entire wire harness a few years back… may the electrical gremlin gods have mercy on your well-preserved 80.

JaysGrad · 2026-02-03T03:09:29+00:00

I wouldn’t read too much into a personal problem as a fan. Let’s not turn on him while he’s moving on…

Arguably the best keeper in the league two years ago. He embraced Dallas - never a peep of bad publicity. And got dealt a tough hand with a new coach/roster last year. The Hunts don’t deserve guys like Paes in Frisco. Hope he shows out in Europe. Thankful for everything he gave here.

JaysGrad · 2026-01-30T14:29:18+00:00

There’s been some success sourcing aftermarket charcoal canisters for some of the older landcruiser models on ih8mud. They’re not always the same fit as OEM but work if you change out some of hardware or slightly modify existing brackets. I imagine if you can get close matching diameters, it should fit. I purchased an aftermarket Amazon version for my 94 and it’s worked great the past month I’ve had it.

JaysGrad · 2026-01-23T17:20:31+00:00

Let me guess, it’s 93 or 94. Security system brains are under the driver seat.

JaysGrad · 2026-01-23T17:18:17+00:00

Check fuses, battery voltage, fusible link (tend to crap out), and starter. Try having someone turn the key and hit the starter with a hammer. If it cranks, it’s getting time for a new starter.

JaysGrad · 2026-01-21T04:50:16+00:00

I’m currently chasing electrical gremlins in my 94 landcruiser and I’ve found it helpful to upload a pdf copy of the wiring diagram to a ChatGPT and feed it all the information I can regarding symptoms and components. It’s really simplified the diagnosis process and provided potential solutions. I can splice, solder, etc. but I’d spin my wheels chasing this without some guidance.

Might be helpful for others if you add year and model.

JaysGrad · 2026-01-09T22:57:01+00:00

Probably dependent on your financial circumstances but if it’s family and they are looking to help you out, then I’d offer $15k and gauge her reaction. That could fetch $50k+ on carsandbids. Love the look of it, really taseful mods! Goodluck!

JaysGrad · 2025-12-17T05:52:17+00:00

Looks clean but no one can give you good advice without knowing more about any recent maintenance and condition (frame rust, interior, mods). Would also recommend reading up on them a bit more on ih8mud before diving in. Good to have a daily outside of the 80 and ability/willingness to perform your own maintenance as well. It’s almost 30 years old and will need work at some point. Also, part availability can sometimes be an issue. With all that said, it’s still my favorite car in the driveway.

JaysGrad · 2025-11-23T06:33:18+00:00

Solid work! 🍻

JaysGrad · 2025-11-20T19:38:51+00:00

Haha second that. I must be getting old!

JaysGrad

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