Featured 100 - Campfire

[Campfire]

First off, mine is no where near the modified rock crawler that some have built, but it’s my trailer towing/trail support/daily driver that can run some trails. And it works great for me.

1998 Land Cruiser UZJ100
Third row seats removed for more tool boxes
2.5 inch lift with OME 865’s and re-indexed torsion bars.
Custom stainless steel diff drop kit
Upgraded CV boot clamps
TJM T3 front bumper with Warn HS9500 winch/roller fairlead
7 Pin Modification for center diff
4 Low over ride for rear locker
285/75-16 Cooper ST’s and 285/75-16 Bridgestone Dueler AT’s (two sets of rims & tires)
Custom sliders being built
Fabricated transfer case skid plate
Digital trailer brake controller and 12 volts direct to trailer plug
9005 Headlight modification and fog lights too
Custom pinstripes by Manzanita and Aspen

I’ve owned all sorts of 4 wheel drives over the years, but my favorite was my 1982 FJ60 so when it came time to replace that 96 Tahoe, I knew it had to be another Land Cruiser. When I first started looking at purchasing a Cruiser, I was looking at 80 series for the solid axle, trail capabilities, 4 doors, etc.
I looked high and low and even drove two hours with cash in hand for a 93 that was supercharged, lifted, lockers, and all the goodies. It had various problems that included no power and funny noises, and rode like a buckboard so the wife was put off on the 80 series. A friend at work had a 2000 UZJ100 that he let me take home and drive the wife around in. That sold her on the 100’s and me also, so we were off and running to find a Cruiser. After roughly three months of looking, I found mine up in online from the original owner with all the records and options and owned by a dentist whose wife drove it around for 132,000 miles. After a three hour ride home that clocked 17.8 MPG, I was happy.



After only owning it for two months, I took the kids snow skiing and thought I’d try out the all wheel drive with street Michelin’s. Not a good idea, but I found the weak link of the 100’s. The two pinion front diff let loose and it was car trailered home. That started a list of modifications, my introduction to the ih8mud forum, and my first thread posting about exploding differentials. After $900 and my own labor, my new front diff was installed.



Yeah, three holes in the case



Knowing (or blaming) the street tires caused all my problems (yeah right!) I upgraded my tires to Cooper 285/75-15 ST's and then had to lift it for more clearance. I found a set of used springs from Spressomon, and re-indexed my torsion bars to lift the front to keep the ride quality. After lifting it, I started to notice a small grease leak at the CV boot to axle that was stopped before any damage happened.

And while researching differentials I learned about the diff drop thing and then decided I needed to do my own and my modifications were growing. A couple of trips to the metal supply and machine shop I had my own Diff Drop done with stainless steel.

[Campfire]

I cut the bracket off and welding it down into place bracing a little more for hitting those rocks until the skid plate is done.

[Campfire]

I then started on improving the trailer towing aspect of the Cruiser. The factory setting for the center diff lock to engage when shifting to 4 low bothered me, so a little search and I found the 7 Pin Modification in the FAQ section. I quickly found that using low range while towing boats of the ramp, backing into that camping spot, or backing a car trailer without the center diff locked up was GREAT! I can maneuver my camp trailer into tight spots and never worry about binding up the power train with things locked up.

[Campfire]

Using that search function, I stumbled across a mod of being able to use the rear locker and we’re off again tapping into wires. I did a write up on the rear locker bypass only to be PM’d and told it was already done.



With all these mods done, I figured it was time to test the snow again and see if I could get past 4 inches of snow without blowing things up. The LC proved to gain my trust and plowed through Iron Mountain Road on a snow run taking on 22 inches before getting stuck.


Getting stuck showed me I missed having a winch. Now I needed a “look”, so the front bumper was next on the list to utilize the Warn HS9500 that was sitting in the garage. A call to Slee Offroad and my TJM with winch mount was on the way to improve the support part of the rig.


Trails had to be explored, and the limits had to be tested again. Some e-mails and phone calls hooked me up with Spressomon and we met in Markleeville to run the Barney Riley trail on a Saturday. I even found that 100’s Swim Prettywell. I was extremely happy with the trail capabilities of the 100 now. After returning home from the run, I wondered about improving the articulation of the rig without spending a lot of money. Removing, or disconnecting the sway bars proved that a lot could be had for no money. I tested mine and posted the RTI scores with or without sway bars. I also found that the factory skid plate for the transfer case sucked, so a little 1/4 inch plate and I’m feeling safer.

[Campfire]

The new plate is at the side yard for the new skid plate, but I couldn't wait for the transfercase plate to go on for a run so it's in place now and will be tied in to the main skid plate.




I have a list of things to improve or modify, but it works great right now for me.
The next will be Fox Shocks and some stainless steel brake lines to improve braking while towing.
But I can say with no reservations that I can look at snow covered roads and not even hesitate on exploring them now. I just happened to find a weak link in the 100, but it's been the most versatile vehicle I've owned. I don't really want to beat up my daily driver too bad, so that's why I'm in the market for a pre 74 FJ40 to play with. Hey, I need a solid axle in something. Right?

I’m finding that the OME 865’s are a little light for my loads, so I’ll be going to 863’s very soon.
Spressomon almost has me convinced to go to 315’s and 4:88’s but that will be a while if I do. I don’t think that I’ve gone overboard with too much, but I did want a rig that I could drive daily and take off and travel where and when I want. Rain or shine, snow, rocks, mud, or desert driving.

Thanks for letting me brag a little while.

[Travis351]

Don't be so modest! Nice looking rig. I need to get on those electronic mods. I needed the low range open center last week. Thanks for sharing. I like the way you linked to other posts.

[rusty_tlc]

Very nice. Any plans for a front locker?

Good to see you pulling a trailer. We miss our RV, good to know there are trailers out there that the 100 can handle.

[Wellcraft19]

Excellent summary and you likely have me triggered to go through the mod for the CDL as well. Like for you, it bugs me many times while pulling a boat up the ramp, etc.

Currently on a (major) house remodel project, so I'll keep this handy for when the wife will let me fiddle with the LC (a rainy day in November).

[LandCruiserPhil]

Nice touch with links include.
What was the results when you installed the 865 rear springs.

[Campfire]

Originally Posted by Wellcraft19

Currently on a (major) house remodel project, so I'll keep this handy for when the wife will let me fiddle with the LC (a rainy day in November).

Ah yes, I'm just now finishing the kitchen project, in fact the guy was here today to install the floor, so i had time to do this.

Originally Posted by LandCruiserPhil

Nice touch with links include.
What was the results when you installed the 865 rear springs.

Thanks Phil, the 865's raised the rear about 2.5 inches and "improved" the squat of the rear end with weight on it, but my camp trailer is around 375 lbs tounge weight so I'm going to try the 863's. The ride was just as good as stock with the 865's.

Originally Posted by rusty_tlc

Very nice. Any plans for a front locker?

Good to see you pulling a trailer. We miss our RV, good to know there are trailers out there that the 100 can handle.

I really thought about the front locker hard when I replaced everything up there, but could not bring myself to modify that pretty new diff right out of the box. But if it breaks...

That was the one BIG requirement when I started looking at Land Cruisers again, pulling a trailer. I had a 96 Tahoe with the 5.7, K&N full kit, flow masters, etc... and it would pull the trailer past everything except a gas station. I averaged 7-9 MPG while towing. The LC has slowed me down to the speed limits (some times) and I get 9-11 towing with it. But I have no problem towing that 4000 lb trailer over 8400 foot passes in the Sierra's.

[spressomon]

Nice write up Jeff...and nice pics too!!! The pic on the black sand beach area looks like where we were last weekend up on Usal Road...any chance that's where you snapped those pics?

Dan

[Morty]

Nice writeup. Love those snow pics. I think you've talked me into the 7 pin mod.

[Campfire]

Originally Posted by spressomon

Nice write up Jeff...and nice pics too!!! The pic on the black sand beach area looks like where we were last weekend up on Usal Road...any chance that's where you snapped those pics?

Dan

Ah Dan, I can't get anything past you. That's Usal Beach on the southern end of "The Lost Coast". And on that note, one more picture that states one reason I wanted a Land Cruiser. This just means it's a fun road then.

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by spressomon

Nice write up Jeff...and nice pics too!!! The pic on the black sand beach area looks like where we were last weekend up on Usal Road...any chance that's where you snapped those pics?

Dan

Originally Posted by Campfire

Ah Dan, I can't get anything past you. That's Usal Beach on the southern end of "The Lost Coast". And on that note, one more picture that states one reason I wanted a Land Cruiser. This just means it's a fun road then.
Attachment 171541

I thought those pics looked familiar. I wish we had more time to spend on the beach.


The sign reminds me of the one we saw on the road from Grants Pass to Gold Beach earlier this summer. I agree signs like that compell me.

[CrusrDug]

"The factory setting for the center diff lock to engage when shifting to 4 low"

I guess they fixed this on later models because my manual says you can engage/disengage in low. They also addressed it with TRAC because I was pulling 5500lbs last weekend up a gravel incline and I don't think I threw one rock.

Nice looking rig you got there!

[EdsCruisin]

Originally Posted by Campfire

Thanks Phil, the 865's raised the rear about 2.5 inches and "improved" the squat of the rear end with weight on it, but my camp trailer is around 375 lbs tounge weight so I'm going to try the 863's. The ride was just as good as stock with the 865's.



That was the one BIG requirement when I started looking at Land Cruisers again, pulling a trailer. I had a 96 Tahoe with the 5.7, K&N full kit, flow masters, etc... and it would pull the trailer past everything except a gas station. I averaged 7-9 MPG while towing. The LC has slowed me down to the speed limits (some times) and I get 9-11 towing with it. But I have no problem towing that 4000 lb trailer over 8400 foot passes in the Sierra's.

I'm glad to see another towing on here too. That is actually half the reason I own this truck.

I have been considering the suspension mods for towing too. I have a 23 foot TT and my stock 100 tows great with a weight distributing hitch, but I would feel more confident with a stiffer suspension. Are you using a distribution hitch? Did you put a lift kit on the trailer too or running it stock?

[Campfire]

Originally Posted by EdsCruisin

I'm glad to see another towing on here too. That is actually half the reason I own this truck.

I have been considering the suspension mods for towing too. I have a 23 foot TT and my stock 100 tows great with a weight distributing hitch, but I would feel more confident with a stiffer suspension. Are you using a distribution hitch? Did you put a lift kit on the trailer too or running it stock?

Yes, I do use a weight distribution hitch for our 21' trailer, but I don't use one when towing the car trailer I use all the time. That's why I'm going to a set of stiffer springs. I did have to modify my hitch for the drop required after the lift. The trailer does not have a lift, in fact it rides a little low for me. I've ripped off the drain valves once, and drug the skids a lot. I plan on doing a lift on the trailer this winter if I get caught up on everything around here.
Here's last weekend at Yosemite. The new camera I was using didn't work that well, and it washed out the top of the picture. Half Dome is in the background.

[LandCruiserPhil]

Consider using Air-Lift bags. Best of both worlds.

[Adam R]

X2 on the airbags. The best towing/cargo holding mod to date for our LC.

Adam R.

[Campfire]

Originally Posted by Adam R

X2 on the airbags. The best towing/cargo holding mod to date for our LC.

Adam R.

Which bags are you using? And do you have any pictures of the install? I've been out moving the trailer around and thinking it would be nice.

[LandCruiserPhil]

Originally Posted by Campfire

Which bags are you using? And do you have any pictures of the install? I've been out moving the trailer around and thinking it would be nice.

Air-Lift air bags about $100
Maintain ride height up to 1000# - So they say. I never pushed them that hard.
Not a lot to see installed, just a bag in the coil spring.
Installation= 1.Drill a larger hole in bottom of spring perch 2. Remove bump stop inside spring 3. Stuff bag into spring 4. Route air lines

Provides the same great ride as stock with just about any load. I pull everything with 100 and run different air pressure (max 25psi) depending on what it is. I do not run air in the bags when I wheel.

[pint]

Nice ride and nice photos. Keep em coming!

[Campfire]

Originally Posted by LandCruiserPhil

Air-Lift air bags about $100
Maintain ride height up to 1000# - So they say. I never pushed them that hard.
Not a lot to see installed, just a bag in the coil spring.
Installation= 1.Drill a larger hole in bottom of spring perch 2. Remove bump stop inside spring 3. Stuff bag into spring 4. Route air lines

Provides the same great ride as stock with just about any load. I pull everything with 100 and run different air pressure (max 25psi) depending on what it is. I do not run air in the bags when I wheel.

Thanks Phil, I put a set of Firestone's on my Dad's Dakota, but that setup has brackets, axle mounts, etc...
I really didn't want all that crap under mine. If the Air-Lift's just fit in the springs, I'm