The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[carmellajade]

Hello to you all!!

I used to own a VX 80 series just over 1.5 yrs ago and miss it dearly! Am now looking to come back to Toyota after a stint with Mitsubishi and am going to look at a 1999 4.2 GX Amazon this weekend.  

Are there any weaknesses to look out for or any advice you can give prior to us looking at the vehicle?

The seller has said that its got the self levelling suspension but having read some other posts, it appears that this is only on the VX. IS this correct?

It's being sold by a dealer so I would have thought they would know (or maybe not!!).

any help would be much appreicated

CJ

[Google]

[jvoelcker]

As you will see from the forums the key things are to make sure that the suspension works at all levels and also that the electrics on the seats, windows, steering column, etc all works.
_________________
Cheers,

Julian
1994 HDJ80, with loads of mods without looking too obscene
1997 KZJ95 - Gilly's - plain black and muddy on BFG ATs.

[Nor]

If it is an auto...
converters pre june 5, 2001, have a problem with releasing the LU when decelerating. (There's a TSB on this. Was changed on factory warranty if discovered in time)

If AHC...
Spheres (gas springs) will last only a limited time, up to 200,000 km.  Height sensors (3) prone to leakage and corrosion.

Otherwise:
Maintenance. E.g. They do require lubing; 5 different oils to change; and checking, tightening and repacking of front hub bearings.
_________________
2004 HDJ100 AHC Auto 160'km, ex 2000 HDJ100, ex 1997 HZJ80GX Africa edition.

[carmellajade]

thanks for your advice!

[Wandering Willy]

I don't think the self leveling suspension was standard on the GX (I've got a 2002 GX) but might have been an option. The GX also lacks the electric sunroof (leaks?), and the electric drive for the front seats and the steering column. This sets their position and stores them for 2 drivers. The motor in the steering column seems to give problems in later life and is expensive (£200?) for a little tiny motor.

A basic check on the suspension is to start the engine, then set the suspension control to high. Wait for the car to rise, then set it to low. In each case the suspension should respond evenly keeping the car level and within a few seconds. If it takes 30 seconds to respond and/or the car rises one corner at a time, there are probably expensive problems.

By the way, the GX still has air conditioning, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and cruise control (may be only on the automatics) so it is not too basic.

The Land Cruisers all need a certain amount of attention/maintenance to keep them working well. They are built to last but only if treated reasonably. They are fairly easy to maintain and most of the problems (and their solutions) are described here somewhere. So, provided you have a few tools and don't mind getting your hands dirty from time to time, they are a treat to own.

To me they are meant as working vehicles but you can change and modify the basic setup to your heart's content. Others here regard their cars differently and that's fine by me. As a result of their use in rough and 'difficult' conditions, there are some specialist suppliers of uprated springs etc. and off-road kit in the UK and a lot in Australia, South Africa and elsewhere. So, provided the dear old pound is worth more than tuppence, you can ship whatever you need from most places in a few days and not break the bank.

Good luck with your purchase.


Willy