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Hello All! I finally bought an LX. It's 2009 with 47k miles (silver, even though it looks white in the photo). Sadly, no cool box (and not a 2011), but you can't have everything. Great shape and mechanically sound (as far as my mechanic can tell). Has a functioning AHC (yay!). I was giving up hope of finding something, and getting pretty disgusted at what Lexus dealers will send out to auction. My favorite was the 2011 with ~25k miles, which needed both wiring harnesses replaced because of a sunroof leak which got down into the underside (quote to repair was $14,000). The service manager was appalled they hadn't wholesaled it when I called him up to ask about the service history. I felt terrible because the guy who bought it at auction was a small mom and pop place and he was so excited about getting such a low mile car. It sold super quick though (this is why you should *always* add the car to your Lexus owners portal to check history -- I never would have found the suspicious repairs and called the dealer otherwise).
Anyhow, on to my real question. The car has 20" Granite Alloy aftermarket wheels (and super cheap brand new Ironman imove Gen2 tires - 285/50R20). The ride is a bit rumbly. My mechanic said the wheels are too heavy (not sure I buy that). They are 34 lbs. I've read a TON here and on ih8mud threads and there seems to be a lot of support for going to 18" wheels for a better ride. I'm currently looking for some 18" takeoffs. From the specs I can find, I need 5 lug / 150 mm / Medium to High Offset, so it seems I can use the following:
1998-2014 Land Cruiser
2008-2014 Sequoia
2007-2014 Tundra
2002-2014 LX
Will I be better off going to an 18" wheel + new tires, or just new tires on the 20" wheels?
As a note, we will be towing a roughly 4-5k lb travel trailer.
Regarding being better off, depends on your goal. Not sure what you mean by the ride being a bit rumbly.
I have OEM 21” rims on my recently acquired used LX and the ride is more jolting than what I’m used to with my 2003 LC with 18” rims. So now I also have 5 Land Cruiser 18” take offs that I bought with the intent of replacing the 21” rims once the tires need replacement.
Regarding being better off, depends on your goal. Not sure what you mean by the ride being a bit rumbly.
I have OEM 21” rims on my recently acquired used LX and the ride is more jolting than what I’m used to with my 2003 LC with 18” rims. So now I also have 5 Land Cruiser 18” take offs that I bought with the intent of replacing the 21” rims once the tires need replacement.
IMO, 21" wheels are stupid, given what a 200 series is designed to do. 21's also limit your choice in replacement tires.
We have 18's for good weather driving, and 18" Tundra take-off's for the snow tires.
08-11-20, 02:32 PM
Got my LX (2009)! Wheel/Tire Question
