New LX450 Owner

[livetoride]

My very first car was an '86 FJ60 and I wish I never sold it. The thing was immaculate, the interior looked like show room and the rig had zero rust. Long story short I sold it and have regretted it ever since. Since then I have owned a tacoma, 3 4runners and a tundra. FINALLY I am back on the horse, I just bought a '97 locked LX450 with 125K on it. I bought it in Ohio and I am having one **** of a time finding a truck to bring it out to Utah. That being said I am a newbie when it comes to working on my trucks so I am seeing if there is anyone in Salt Lake City who could help me baseline my truck or go through some of the basics? I am wanting to learn so I thought a baseline would be great place to start. My son was just born 4 months early weighing in at a whopping 1.5 lbs, but he is fighting hard. That being said I can't afford much right now, which is why I want to do most of the MODs and PM myself. So if someone can help I will provide a 12 pack and can guarantee a great time. Thanks and looking forward to the addiction once again!

MODS to come immediately upon arrival:
OME 2.5"
Slee short bus front bumper
LED inside lighting
Baja utility rack
Safari snorkel
Wheel and Tires (goodyear duratrac 285 75 16)

 

[KC Cruiser]

Congrats on the truck and the new baby! Check IH8MUD for their frequently asked questions or SLEE offroad, both very informative and helped me greatly when I bought my 80. Baselining the truck is a great way to become familiar with it, especially when on the trail.

Post up some picks and hopefully someone in your area will lend a hand!

 

[pcut]

I've got a couple of weeks before ski season starts and would be willing to drive it back to SLC for you if you want to pay the costs- 1 way plane ticket plus gas. I love road trips! PM me if you're interested.

 

[Schattenjager]

Can't you drive it out?

If you have the time, U-Haul might be an option.

 

[livetoride]

Can't you drive it out?

If you have the time, U-Haul might be an option.

My buddy is a pilot for delta so I was looking into flying out there on a buddy pass and driving home, but it's 1700 miles. I have been quoted 700 from trucking companies, which I think is well worth it. After flying out there, gas and miles on the truck I am thinking the 700 is good. However, they are having a heard time filling up a truck to bring it out here.

 

[Schattenjager]

My buddy is a pilot for delta so I was looking into flying out there on a buddy pass and driving home, but it's 1700 miles. I have been quoted 700 from trucking companies, which I think is well worth it. After flying out there, gas and miles on the truck I am thinking the 700 is good. However, they are having a heard time filling up a truck to bring it out here.

Why are you fearful of 1700? Should be a walk in the park unless the rig has issues.

I'm about to drive 4500 out of Alaska with 150K on the clock. No worries at all.

 

[phsycle]

It ain't your car until the first road trip. Might as well make it the first drive, and do some sightseeing on the way. Sorry to hear about your kid. Hope he pulls through.

 

[livetoride]

You're right. I'll probably just fly out and drive it back. Then I'll be able to really assess if there are any problems.

 

[fjrohrs]

I just drove my new to me lx450 back 1287 miles. No issues to report but I was worried just like you.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Drive it home dude!

I drove home an old FJ60 I bought sight unseen from Moab. Granted its more like 250 miles but it was running so well by the time I hit the Swell I spent the rest of the weekend rallying a bone stock FJ60 all over my favorite haunts

Can't wait to see it, let me know if you need any help with the baseline. We have a very active local Cruiser community, hook up with the Wasatch Cruisers.

 

[livetoride]

Looks like I am arranging a flight to go get her! I'll shoot some pics on the way home. Probably won't be for another week or so till I get out there.

 

[Schattenjager]

Have you had a local mechanic / stealership check it out? Might be money well spent (prior to your arrival) for the peace of mind of knowing everything like oil, coolant, tranny transfer case and diff fluids are up to snuff. Plugs, rotor, cap and wires are cheap and eliminate some worries.

80s are insanely reliable. Even heavily abused examples are easily resurrected to proper glory. Parts are everywhere too. I take a lot of long road trips and the peaceful easy feeling of knowing everything is looked after in the 80 makes the journey the focus, not the rig. Big difference!

Enjoy the trip! Hows the little guy doing?

 

[livetoride]

I'm planning on leaving two weeks from this Tuesday so I can be around for Thanksgiving. In the meantime ill have a local mechanic give her a quick run through but I'm sure it's fine.
The little one is doing awesome. A fighter for sure. He spent 5 months in the NICU, but he is home and doing well. He almost hit $2MM dollars at the hospital so thank God for insurance.

 

[mph]

Wow...Great to hear your son is doing well. I am sure you are looking forward to a little father/son road trip in your cruiser one day soon

I'm planning on leaving two weeks from this Tuesday so I can be around for Thanksgiving. In the meantime ill have a local mechanic give her a quick run through but I'm sure it's fine.
The little one is doing awesome. A fighter for sure. He spent 5 months in the NICU, but he is home and doing well. He almost hit $2MM dollars at the hospital so thank God for insurance.

 

[Schattenjager]

... so thank God(!)

:26_7_2: