MoabRefugee
Observer
Decided on a Gen 3 after much research on building a Gen2/2.5. Needed to work well here in Moab (no small feat), and still not require "suffering" to get to the trail. The Gen 3 has proven an extremely capable and comfortable highway partner.
2001 Limited with 136k.
Sourced it from a dealer in Rigby, ID, who was happy to have it pass into my hands. The disco dash (CEL/4wd Indicator Lights) and ticking from the valvetrain convinced him he was in a bit deep. Trans had just been serviced by a local shop with BG Full Synthetic, Rear Main Seal replaced and the Transfer case had been refilled with Mobil 1, though unfortunately GL4 would have been the correct call for that. I had the Repair Order, and after speaking with them regarding BG vs. Mitsu Diamond fluid, I felt comfortable(ish).
In retrospect, I should have walked away, but it was low miles and I thought "perfection is the enemy of good enough". I planned to do the "Laundry List" of service no matter the history, so I took it.
I would like to extend my thanks to all of the Diamond Heads here on the Portal, 4x4wire, etc. If you took the time to share your thoughts and experiences, much less preparing detailed posts, I am in your debt.
My family put 385,000 miles on a 1990 RS LWB galavanting around the West, so I know that they are the thinking man's /DIYer's Toyota.
I chose the '01 specifically due to the "Hyblid LSD".
As good as it is, I will pass on the Traction Control. I have a rally background, and as a result, spend plenty of time with feet on both gas and brake, so Traction/Stability control and fly-by-wire throttles are a deal breaker, even with a wheel speed sensor disable switch.
Much to come...
2001 Limited with 136k.
Sourced it from a dealer in Rigby, ID, who was happy to have it pass into my hands. The disco dash (CEL/4wd Indicator Lights) and ticking from the valvetrain convinced him he was in a bit deep. Trans had just been serviced by a local shop with BG Full Synthetic, Rear Main Seal replaced and the Transfer case had been refilled with Mobil 1, though unfortunately GL4 would have been the correct call for that. I had the Repair Order, and after speaking with them regarding BG vs. Mitsu Diamond fluid, I felt comfortable(ish).
In retrospect, I should have walked away, but it was low miles and I thought "perfection is the enemy of good enough". I planned to do the "Laundry List" of service no matter the history, so I took it.
I would like to extend my thanks to all of the Diamond Heads here on the Portal, 4x4wire, etc. If you took the time to share your thoughts and experiences, much less preparing detailed posts, I am in your debt.
My family put 385,000 miles on a 1990 RS LWB galavanting around the West, so I know that they are the thinking man's /DIYer's Toyota.
I chose the '01 specifically due to the "Hyblid LSD".
As good as it is, I will pass on the Traction Control. I have a rally background, and as a result, spend plenty of time with feet on both gas and brake, so Traction/Stability control and fly-by-wire throttles are a deal breaker, even with a wheel speed sensor disable switch.
Much to come...
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