What is the configuration of the 2003 AWD? Does it use the viscous center diff? Does it have traction control?

Does a 2003 RX use 16" wheels as the basic set up?

 

Hello,

Simple Google search reveals that 2003 Lexus RX300 has a 50/50 torque distribution with viscous coupler and optional LSD in the back. Also, only FWD RX300 has a Traction Control, AWD models received a Vehicle Stability Control, which is far more advanced.

About rims - yes, it came with several designs of 16 inch wheels, since it has a bigger brake setup than ES/Camry.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

My Google was not returning that info. You are better Googler than I am. Thanks

It does help. I'm looking at buying this one: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...927_isFeatured

I want 16" wheels so I can get a bit more sidewall under me off road. Also looking for a good used LSD ...

 

That is one beautiful car, someone really treated it well..

The question that I am having is that it is not exactly an off-roader.. It is quite low, its suspension has a tad bit short travel, and it doesn't have that good of a geometry. You should probably expect the same capabilities as from Highlander, even with the LSD in place. If you really need to go off-road, maybe you should consider something like a Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, or maybe even Lexus LX470? It will cost you twice the price of those cars to get RX ready for off-road, and I am not even talking about how rare some of those upgrades are. Besides, I really don't want to see such a precious specimen to get destroyed by the element it cannot conquer..

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

I used to do OHV trail surveys and erosion control surveys for Calif State Parks. I have driven about every sort of off road trail there is up to Double Black Diamond ratings. I know all these dirt roads and trails quite well. Not going to take an RX on anything but mild stuff.

I'm selling my Big Bronco with hi/lo transfer case, 31" tires, manual locking hubs and a posi out back because it is to harsh for older retired folks. Fine off road, but beat you en route... Some of these trips are 700 miles each way, before you put a wheel on dirt ...

We'll be doing mostly desert wild flower photo outings and such. Old military roads in the WW-II desert training areas, and the like. No rock crawling, no mud, no hard core stuff.

I'll get slightly larger tires on spare wheels for off road. The issue is crossing drainage's diagonally. You usually end up unloading at least one wheel. Opposite corners get light and spin easily. It's not a ground clearance issue, it's purely a matter of having reliable 3-wheel traction. If you have it, you keep going as if nothing happened. If you don't you spin two tires in the air and look for a tow ...

So, if I get that RX, I'll be adding LSD to the rear diff

 

I don't think it is even worth trying to find a stock LSD on this car, you should probably head straight to some aftermarket solutions. Or you can buy a brand new assembly, Part Number is 41110-48020 .

Besides that, it is a pretty reliable car, it will get you covered in most of the scenarios, given that you treat it well. And the sample that you found looks really clean, so best of luck with it!

 

There are 2 RX 300's on sale right now with factory LSD. One in NY, and one in MO. Too far away for me to be interested. I'm sure there are factory LSD rear diff's laying the wrecking yards all across the country. It's just finding them ...

 

LSD was only available 1999 & 2000. I don't think you can just throw an early LSD on a newer car and expect the VSC to play nice with it. Regardless, these cars at NOT cars that you want to be playing with when one wheel is unloaded. You will just get stuck. There were extensive threads on the other site about this. It's just not made for that type of driving.

 

I went to all the aftermarket sources I could think of including Quaife in England. Nobody does the 6.7" Toyota diff for independent suspended vehicles ...

So I went back to scrounging for an OEM unit. I finally figured out the eBay search phrase that works: "Carrier Rear 2.928 Ratio Locking Fits 01-03 HIGHLANDER" which netted me one in So SF for $100, plus $80 for the stub axles. It has 137K miles, but so will the vehicle I'll prolly buy to put it in ...

I was not willing to commit to an RX until I was sure I could get a Posi. Now that I have that settled, I can shop for a really nice used one. Just missed an '03 beauty with 92K all optioned up and in perfect shape. But family stuff prevents me getting serious about shopping until the first of the month (we have Euro guests until then). After they leave, it'll be project Lexus RX under way

 

We'll see ...