MORE LX450 Pictures Updated 05/07/06
1996 Lexus LX450, equipped with factory center, front and rear electrically locking differentials; Slee Offroad front bumper, Slee rear bumper with tire carrier, Slee rock sliders, Slee transfer case skid plate, Slee bolt-on 2 inch receiver, Toyota Center Differential Lock switch, Slee headlight harness upgrade, Land Cruiser front and rear mudflaps, Old Man Emu HD suspension lift and steering stabilizer, Slee front and rear swaybar drop brackets, OME Castor Correction Kit, Goodyear 285/75R16 MT/Rs, Milford cargo barrier, custom auxiliary fuse panel, Jordan brake controller, LightForce 100 watt 170 Striker driving lights, IPF 55 watt M21 fog lights, Cobra WX75 CB/ Weather Band radio, FireStik 48 inch CB antenna, fire extinguisher, WeatherTech floor mats, Yakima roof-rack crossbars, and more to come. The latest addition is a set refinished OEM Toyota Land Cruiser wheels, to replace the disappointing Mickey Thompson Classic IIs (which just did NOT work out). Future upgrades include: Milemarker 12,000 pound hydraulic winch, ARB Fridge-freezer, and an onboard CO2 bottle
For many people the LX450 name makes little sense - it is easiest to consider it a tarted-up Land Cruiser, or as a 'Cruiser dressed for the prom. The general public views it as an "Old Man's Truck" rather than a workhorse. The differences consist mainly of body cladding, soft factory suspension, supportive 8-way power leather seats to die for, CD changer, standard rear seat heater and a different front end and grill. When I was shopping for a used 'Cruiser I was not really considering a Lexus, until my son Ian pointed this one out in Auto Trader. Thank you, Son! The LX is a wonderful traveling vehicle - my wife Jac and the kids love it. It covers the miles in comfort and style and can keep going when the pavement ends (and it doesn't rattle like a coffee can full of marbles like the Cherokee!) With the external changes - especially the high-testosterone MT/Rs) it is a real head turner.
An LX450 or 'Cruiser with larger than stock tires and the weight of steel body armor REALLY needs a super- or turbocharger to make it move - this one is on my wish list, but I don't expect I will ever pony up the necessary $5000:
Five years old and looking great after a thorough
clay cleaning, polish with Griot's Machine Polish 2 and 3 and a coat of
Meguire's NXT Tech Wax. This stuff is incredible - very easy on and off, and a
slick, wet, deep, ,jaw-dropping shine that just blows you away.
Jac's just happy to get her car back..... Check out the shine - I'm not really
that short.
Audi: Jac's 2000 A4 1.8T Sedan quattro, Tiptronic transmission, sport package, xenons, Bose stereo. Basically stock except for Stage 1 APR EMCS chip, good for about 206 bhp, 245 ft lbs torque. Shown with the stock 16 inch Audi wheels, she now runs the stock Goodyear SP8000s on 16 inch BBS RX wheels. The wheels shown are now her winter wheels, using Goodyear Eagle UltraGrip GW2s.
APR - High Performance Development for Audi Vehicles
Old Friends...
John's 1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4. 4.0 liter I-6, AW4 transmission modified with 1st gear and torque converter lock-out switches, Old Man Emu 2.5 inch lift, 30x9.50R15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/As, Garvin Wilderness Roof Rack, Rusty's 2.5inch cat-back exhaust, 2 - 100 watt Daylighters, 2 - 55 watt backup lights, CB, Magellan MAP330 GPS, Jordan Ultima 2020 brake controller.
I sold this tin-can rig in the Spring of 2003 after acquiring my "real" truck - a 1996 Lexus LX450.
The trailer is still here and it has its own page here: Express Trailers 4x6 Utility Trailer
Saab: John's dearly loved 2001 9-5 Aero Wagon. Sold for financial reasons and to buy the LX450. 2.3 liter HOT (High Output Turbo) I-4 engine (230 bhp, 258 ft lbs at 20 psi boost), BBS RK-II wheels, 5 speed manual tranny. This car loved the open highway. It hauled ass and hauled gear and got 28 mpg while doing so. I will miss it. Draken means "The Dragon" - the plates will hang in the garage of my new home in Spokane.
My 9 year old daughter Sarah when she was a wayward infant. The Walking Blueberry in peril!
Oops! How did that get in here? A tribute to lycra - IMHO the most significant recent development in cycling. (Geez, what a ratty old bike - just look at those bent and frayed cables!)
Some other links:
Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters
Mile Marker - Abused Worldwide!! Hydraulic and Electric Winches
ARB - bull bars air locker Old Man Emu
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