Checks, in order
- Frame rails and crossmembersGet under it with a flashlight and tap the rear frame rails and crossmembers with a screwdriver or small hammer. Solid ringing metal is good; dull thuds and layered scale are bad.easy $ · under about $50
- Body mounts and suspension mountsCheck where the body sits on the frame and the rear suspension and shock mounts. Rust spreading from seams and bolts is where trouble starts.easy $ · under about $50
- Rocker panels and rear wheel archesLook for bubbling paint or soft metal at the arches and rockers, and for dampness in the rear cargo area that points to leaks.easy $ · under about $50
- Clean and protectWire-brush the loose scale, treat with a rust converter, then coat with a wax or oil underbody product. Redo it periodically.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Structural repairIf metal is perforated, get a quote for welded repair from a shop that does frame work and have them document the extent.hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+
Applies to: US-market UZJ100 Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, 1998 to 2007, with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 (timing belt). AHC items apply to the LX 470 only; most US Land Cruisers have conventional shocks. Transmission is the A343F or A750F depending on year, so check the fluid spec for your truck.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Rust converter | Treating surface rust before sealing it | Shop on Amazon |
| Lanolin undercoating | Protecting the frame and underbody from salt | Shop on Amazon |
| Wire wheel set for a drill | Removing loose scale before treatment | Shop on Amazon |
| 1/2" drive click torque wrench | Tightening suspension and driveline bolts to spec | Shop on Amazon |
More 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 problems
- Timing belt due, squeal or rattle from the front of the engine, or coolant and oil weeping at the front (Engine)
- Engine temperature gauge climbing, overheating or losing coolant (Cooling)
- Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
- Engine cranks normally but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
- Rough idle, stumbling or a misfire code (P0300 to P0308) (Fuel & Ignition)
- Check engine light with P0171, P0174 or air-fuel sensor codes (P2195, P2197) (Fuel & Ignition)
All 15 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.