Restoring the 100 Series Toyota Land CruiserÂ
Looking for a repair or customization on your 100 Series Land Cruiser? Thinking about buying a restored one? Give us a call at 316-633-9902 and talk directly to someone who knows these trucks inside and out. No automated systems, no answering services, just honest advice from a fellow Land Cruiser enthusiast.
About the 100 Series
Introduced in January 1998 as the successor to the legendary 80 Series, the 100 Series Land Cruiser was previewed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show and produced through 2007. There are two distinct versions, the 100 and the 105. While they look nearly identical on the outside, there are significant differences under the bodywork. The 105 carried over much of the 80 Series chassis including coil-suspended solid axles front and rear and was sold primarily in African, Australian, Russian, and South American markets.
The US market received the 100 Series, powered by the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8, a smooth and durable engine that’s become known for reliability well past 300,000 miles when properly maintained. Combined with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and comfort features that were ahead of their time, the 100 Series represents the moment the Land Cruiser fully became a luxury SUV without losing any of its legendary capability.
At Land Cruiser Restorations we have worked on 100 Series Land Cruisers across all production years from 1998 to 2007.
100 Series Rust Repair
If you own a 100 Series that’s spent its life in the salt belt or humid climates, you already know. Rust is the main enemy of these trucks, especially around the frame, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and the area around the rear hatch. The good news is that rust repair is one of our specialties. We don’t patch and hide. We cut out the affected metal and replace it with new, so your 100 Series comes back structurally sound and ready for another 200,000 miles.
2UZ-FE Engine Refresh
The 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 is one of the most reliable engines Toyota has ever built, but 20+ years of service still takes its toll. Rather than a full engine rebuild or swap, most 100 Series owners benefit from a comprehensive engine refresh. A proper 2UZ-FE refresh at our shop includes:
- Compression and leak-down testing to verify engine health
- Full timing belt service, including water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys
- All new accessory drive belts, hoses, clamps, and vacuum lines
- New spark plugs and ignition coil inspection
- Valve cover gasket replacement
- Rear main seal replacement while the transmission is out
- Knock sensors and sub-harness replacement (performed with intake manifold off)
- Starter replacement while the intake is already off
- Engine and transmission mount replacement
- New aluminum radiator, cooling fans, hoses, and thermostat
- New A/C compressor, alternator, and charging system components
- Complete engine bay clean and detail
A proper engine refresh can add another 100,000 miles or more of reliable service to a well-maintained 100 Series, at a fraction of the cost of a full engine replacement.
100 Series Full Restoration
For clients wanting a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, we offer full 100 Series builds covering every system. Typical scope includes engine refresh, fuel system overhaul, drivetrain service, complete electrical refresh with LED conversion, new exhaust, Iron Man suspension, brake system overhaul, body and paint in your chosen color, full interior restoration in leather, undercarriage POR-15 treatment, and modern audio with CarPlay. Full restorations typically run $100,000 to $150,000+ depending on scope and customization.
What We Do for the 100 Series
- Rust repair, cut out and replace with new metal
- 2UZ-FE engine refresh and full timing belt service
- AHC (Active Height Control) service or conversion to conventional suspension
- Full body and paint restoration
- Iron Man suspension upgrades and overland builds
- Complete brake system overhaul
- Full electrical refresh with LED conversion inside and out
- Interior restoration, leather, carpet, headliner, and sound deadening
- Custom bumpers, roof racks, rock sliders, wheels, and tires
- Modern audio with CarPlay, Android Auto, and backup camera
- Undercarriage POR-15 coating for long-term corrosion protection
- Complete custom builds tailored to your vision and budget
Free Nationwide Shipping
We receive and deliver 100 Series Land Cruisers to all 50 states at no shipping cost to you. Your restored Cruiser comes to your door.
See Our 100 Series Work
Browse our currently available Land Cruisers or our recently sold gallery to see examples of our 100 Series restorations and custom builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years were the 100 Series produced?
The Toyota 100 Series Land Cruiser was produced from 1998 to 2007. The US market received the 100 variant with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8. The 105 variant, featuring solid axles carried over from the 80 Series, was sold in African, Australian, Russian, and South American markets.
Do you repair rust on 100 Series Cruisers?
Yes. Rust repair is one of our specialties, and the 100 Series is a truck we work on regularly. We cut out rusted metal and replace it with new, rather than patching or covering. It’s more work, but it’s the only way to do it right.
Do you do engine work on the 100 Series 2UZ-FE?
Yes. While we don’t typically do V8 conversions on the 100 Series (the factory 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 is already an excellent engine), we offer full engine refreshes including timing belt service, water pump, tensioners, seals, gaskets, belts, hoses, cooling system, and more. A proper refresh can add 100,000+ miles of reliable service.
What’s the difference between the 100 and the 105?
The 100 uses independent front suspension with a 4.7L V8, while the 105 retained the 80 Series solid axle front and rear with a diesel inline-six. The US market only received the 100 variant. The 105 was sold in markets that prioritized off-road toughness over on-road refinement.
Should I keep or convert the factory AHC suspension?
The Active Height Control (AHC) suspension on some 100 Series Cruisers works well when maintained but can become costly to service as parts age. We offer both options, full AHC service and retention, or conversion to a conventional Iron Man suspension for long-term reliability and easier maintenance. We’ll help you decide which makes sense for how you use your truck.
How much does a full 100 Series restoration cost?
A complete 100 Series restoration at our shop typically runs $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on scope and customization. We also build proposals that allow clients to strike through any items they don’t need, so the build is tailored to their priorities and budget.
Do you work with out-of-state 100 Series customers?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide and offer free shipping both directions. Your 100 Series comes to our Belle Plaine, Kansas shop, and we deliver it back to your door when the work is complete.
Ready to Talk About Your 100 Series?
Call or text us at 316-633-9902 or 316-992-5986, or send us a message. No phone trees, no runaround, just a real conversation with someone who knows these trucks inside and out.