Dual Battery Systems in the LX470?

[Moody]

I'm set on selling my 4Runner and getting into another land cruiser, this time in the 100 series flavor. I like the additional goodies found on the LX470's, but I am concerned about fitting an auxiliary battery under the hood with the AHC jive in the way. I plan on removing it all to add an OME lift. Is it possible to do if I rip all of the AHC business from under the hood?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hoser]

Yes, many have done exactly that.

 

[RobRed]

Slee has done an install with 2 grp 34's in the stock location. If you plan to rip out the AHC why not start with a land cruiser?

 

[Moody]

I'm not only looking at the LX's but also at the Landcruisers. I'm content with either one.

 

[hoser]

Slee has done an install with 2 grp 34's in the stock location. If you plan to rip out the AHC why not start with a land cruiser?

I know you know but for anybody else reading, there are many differences between the LX and LC besides AHC, especially in the 98-02 years. Some useful and some not.

Some of the useful ones are memory seats, standard rear AC, home link (i.e. garage door opener.), push button fold-in mirrors (great on trail), Auto-dim mirrors, better quality leather, projector headlamps, std cabin filter... and generally from what I've seen, the Lexus's were generally maintained better (mechanically and appearance) with most taking it to the dealer for servicing. They also had an extra year of warranty.

 

[RobRed]

Good points hoser. I would have certainly welcomed some of them (features) when I purchased my LC but I choose not to hassle with the AHC coming off my allroad which had adj height suspension. I wouldn't mind your input on a grid i put together about the differences in the LC versus the LX if you ever get a few minutes.

http://forum.tlcfaq.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=162

 

[Sempertoy]

Moody, stoked to see see you getting back in a cruiser!

 

[hoser]

I wouldn't mind your input on a grid i put together about the differences in the LC versus the LX if you ever get a few minutes.

Rob, I signed up for your site but it looks like I have to wait till you approve the account. I'll just post a few more differences here and you can update.

In Japan, the Cygnus Land Cruiser was the luxury model of the Land Cruiser with most all the bells and whistles. The US market Lexus LX470 is basically the Cygnus but rebadged with the Lexus label. In the US, in '98, the LC started off much different than the LX. But as the years went on, the LC and LX became more similar. So I'll just name differences between the '98 LX and the '98 LC in addition to what I said above... (memory seats, standard rear AC, home link (i.e. garage door opener.), push button fold-in mirrors (great on trail), Auto-dim mirrors, better quality leather, projector headlamps, std cabin filter).

-LX had full 'auto' windows for all windows. LC, only driver's side
-carpet is different, not necessarily better but different. In fact, I wish my LX carpet with darker to hide the dirt better
-LX had AHC vs LC std suspension
-Most 98-02 LX's didn't come with the rear window dust reflector
-LX key is different... and better, I'd say. Most keys wear on the outside edges while in your pocket or just outside the ignition. The LX key is flat on outside edges and the key is cut on inside
-LX had lower body cladding while only some LC's had cladding. I don't see this as advantage or disadvantage.
-LX has auto climate control... with a sensor that detects the quality of air. If bad air, HVAC goes into recirc mode, with filter. Not a big deal.
-Possibly in 2000, the LX went a roof rack that was smaller and positioned further back for less noise.
-LX has alam chirp, LC not
-LX instrument cluster is nicer for pre '03 models. After that, similar.
-'98-'99 had LSD rear differential. This part retails for much more than LC's option rear diff lock but I'd much rather have the diff lock. However, most Canadian 98-99 LX's had rear diff lock rather than LSD.-
-In addition to different leather seats, the LC has "netting" for pockets while the LX has solid faced pockets. LC being more business (you can see what is in pockets at all times) while the LX, a bit more elegant as it hides all that crap.
-LX had real wood dash panels that don't typically delaminate. The LC looks good w/o any wood but the faux wood that typically came with LC was terrible
-LX stereo was better... but not a big deal since most people change it out.
-In addition to auto dimming mirrors, the LX had an reverse auto-mirror down feature.
-
I'm sure there is more but these are the differences I've noticed.
-

 

[RobRed]

It looks like you are all set on TLCFAQ - if you cant logon let me know and I'll force it.

Some of the items I already have on the list a couple of them I don't - Great help sir, thank you.

According to the data sheets from Lexus the smog recirc was 2003+... does your 98 do that?

 

[hoser]

Yes, auto recirc starting in '98.

To add to the original topic, sourcing an Australian or GCC spec cyclonic airbox will also allow room for a 2nd battery on the passenger side. Note in the picture the presence of the AHC reservoir (PS near firewall). Remove the pump and you'll have room for 3 batteries. This is Siglo's (from Ih8mud), GCC spec LC.

 

[RobRed]

An AGM battery can be located in the cabin if push came to shove.


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Moody]

Thanks for the info guys, makes the hunt a bit easier.

 

[Anthony.L]

Just adding a couple notes of mine. I think some of this info is different one 98-02 vs. 03-07.

-LX had full 'auto' windows for all windows. LC, only driver's side

My 2004 LC has full auto on all windows, might be a 2003+ difference. Ok, I know for a fact it has it on both front windows and I will double check the rear tomorrow.

-LX had AHC vs LC std suspension

Around 2005-2006 AHC became basically standard equipment on the LC. You will be hard pressed to find a late model 100 LC without AHC.

-LX key is different... and better, I'd say. Most keys wear on the outside edges while in your pocket or just outside the ignition. The LX key is flat on outside edges and the key is cut on inside

Yup, however one key (no pun intended) advantage to the LC key is any locksmith can cut a new one. I believe only the dealer can cut Lexus keys, but could be wrong. I know you can buy both LC and LX blank shells from China cheap on eBay.

-LX had real wood dash panels that don't typically delaminate. The LC looks good w/o any wood but the faux wood that typically came with LC was terrible

The LC faux wood is double sticked covers over that stock panels which are installed at the port as a dealer option. The LX panels are built as faux wood (much higher quality) at the Toyota factory in Japan. Personal preference obviously, but for me this is a huge advantage to the LC that the faux wood comes off easily. The matte black panels underneath look way better IMHO.

 

[RobRed]

Anthony Thanks for the details - I have those changes in the grid. Take a look at it and PM me if you have any thing to add or subtract. I dont want to derail this thread more than I already have.

 

[hoser]

Anthony, Yes, as the years went on, the LC and LX became more similar. However, I don't think even the '07 LC has memory seats. The special keys can be cut by even Ace Hardware. As far as interior, the special edition LX bird's eye maple wood looks the best by a large margin, it's a toss up between the LX regular wood and LC matte black. I wouldn't pay extra for the LX wood but it does hide scratches nicely. The stick-on LC stuff looks cheap. The LX panels are not faux wood but rather real wood.