100 Series Beginner's Guide (Cruiser Patch version)

Introducing the definitive Cruiser Patch beginner's guide to the 100 Series Toyota Land Cruiser!

curated by Patch Agan

Section one: common, well-documented problems

Driveline "clunk"

  1. Front diff bushings (most noticeable shifting from D to R or upon acceleration if extremely worn out)
  2. Greasing all six (6x) zerk fittings on front and rear driveshafts (most noticeable when accelerating from a stop)
  3. CV axles and drive flanges (excessive wear can cause a "clunk" when shifting from D to R and vice versa)

Heater tees

  1. Factory service manual recommends 90,000 mile replacement
  2. OEM plastic tees are prone to crack. Some prefer upgrading to OEM brass tees or deleting the rear heater entirely (deletes heater tees).
  3. OEM constant tension clamps are highly recommended over worm-drive clamps as heat cycles and environmental temperature changes can cause leaks.

 

Section two: 100 Series through the years

1998-2002 (U.S. spec)

  • 4-speed A343F transmission
  • non-interference 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8
  • 98/99 optional rear locker (Toyota only)
  • differential gear ratios at 4.30
  • 2000+ front differential changed from 2-pinion to 4-pinion
  • 1999+ rear AC added as an option (equipped in all 98-07 LX470s)
  • 2000+ VSC and ATRAC added (vehicle skid control and active traction control)
  • 2000+ AHC system redesigned with larger ram inlets for increased fluid output/input (faster on-demand height changes)
  • 2001+ auto up & down function added to power windows

2003-2007 (U.S. spec)

  • 5-speed A750F transmission introduced (lower 1st gear than A343F)
  • differential gear ratios lowered to 4.10
  • facelift added, slight changes to body trim, etc.
  • side curtain airbags added
  • throttle position sensor changed to a contact-less design
  • power tilt and telescoping steering column added as standard equipment
  • charcoal canister moved to underbody (above spare tire)
  • front and rear driveshafts redesigned, stronger u-joints added
  • crank hold feature (AKA bump start) added
  • 2004+ power lumbar support added to passenger seat
  • 2004+ SLLC pink Toyota coolant added. Service interval changed to 50,000 miles after first change (Toyota Red interval at 30,000 miles or 2-years)
  • 2004+ transmission dipstick removed
  • 2006-2007 VVT-i added to 2UZ-FE for increased performance and reduced emissions

1998-2007 (all years of U.S. spec 100 Series)

  • HF2A full-time 4WD transfer case (sans viscous coupler as found in HF2AV from 80 series)
  • 9.5" rear differential and 8" front differential gears
  • rear axles are semi-float 32-spline design
  • wheel studs M14x1.5 thread pitch on a 5x150mm bolt pattern
  • stock wheels offset at +60mm

1998-2007 Lexus LX470 (U.S. spec)

  • power tilt & telescoping steering column standard in LX470
  • adaptive brightness rearview mirror and side mirrors standard in LX470
  • grille & headlights differ from Toyota Land Cruiser
  • body cladding/trim wrap the exterior of the Lexus LX470
  • AHC (active height control) and AVS (adaptive variable suspension) standard in LX470
  • 2003+ LX470 equipped with rain-sensing wiper system
  • 2003+ LX470 power windows and moon roof can be opened with key or transmitter
  • 2003+ LX470 night view system added as optional equipment (adds 500 horse power)

 

 

100 Series Land Cruiser & LX470

1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470

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