As I mentioned, a friend of mine (Joe) works for the local Lexus dealer and he's worked on my vintage projects in the past. He agreed to take on the LX450 and has been dissecting the truck in a fairly comprehensive fashion. Here are the updates on what we knew and what we didn't:
-The A/C system is completely seized up. Basically doing a complete tear down here, in addition to replacing the condenser and compressor.
-The power steering leak actually wasn't the cooler but just every damn hose. Effectively, every hose is being replaced.
-The suspension is pretty tired. Shock bushings = gone, same for sway bar bushings. I'm going to save a major suspension refresh for when we lift it but replacing all bushings and rear shocks in the meantime.
-Rear hatch didn't work because the inner latch was gone. Pretty simple fix.
-Going to replace water pump, thermostat, and flush transmission fluid proactively.
-Crank seal leaking oil. Joe is going to try and sneak this into the A/C job.
-Spare tire mount is completely rotten. Replacing chain mechanism with assembly from a Texas truck.
More I'm forgetting! It's a long list but nothing too scary, and will make me way more confident putting the family inside and heading out to beach at some point this summer.