New 100 Owner - just adding to my stable (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Romer

fatherofdaughterofromer
Moderator
Joined
Sep 14, 2003
Threads
546
Messages
11,671
Location
Centennial, Colorado
It took a long time searching for me to come up with the questions I had as a new 100 series owner. Some of you may know me from the 80's section and know that when I am doing a project or researching, as the moderator I would compile other peoples information and provide a concise write-up for the FAQ related to my investigation

Here is an example on Engine oil compilation that would also be applicable here
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/79305-oil-recommendations-discussion-thread-faq.html

There are also several others in the 80's FAQ that could applicable to the 100 series
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...2011-added-concretejungles-1fze-overhaul.html

I wanted to document the answers I found through extensive searching to compile it into a single place. I'm an engineer, it's my nature. :D

I would appreciate others correcting, augmenting or expanding to provide a clear answer.

I see many posts that say "search- lots of threads on this" I have been searching for a week and it's very time consuming as there ARE A LOT of threads that come up and many of them have little information. That's why I wanted to compile what I have learned.

Since I am introducing myself to some who don't know me on this forum. I am currently one of the 80's moderators and have a fully built up 80 that I can take anywhere.

I have two daughters who wheel with me, one has an 80 and one has a 99 4runner with IFS. She has been able to go anywhere I have with her IFS. I have learned over the years that the IFS Solid axle argument is moot and it's really the drivers skill. Much like the way that new Callaway Driver hasn't turned me into a great golfer :D A skilled driver can do a trail with either, each has characteristics that make their handling unique. It was interesting when I went on the Rubicon, that one individual had done it 19 years in a row with an open 40. Skill is more important than the vehicle as long as it has basic capabilities which most any Land Cruiser fits into that category.

My 80 is very nicely built with 35" tires. I have taken it all over the country from The Rubicon, to the Black Hills, to Texas, Moab, Flat Nasty in M and all over Colorado. I am not a web wheeler

attachment.php

Note: Pink sticker courtesy of Mrs. Cruiser Dan


All right, enough of an introduction.

My first question was basic information on the years and what to get. There are excellent links in the 100 Series FAQ for this

This is what I learned, To be clear these are all my opinions and not a "right" or "wrong" answer. I do hope to create discussion so I and others can learn. Thats the whole reason I generate write-ups like this (80 section) is I learn when I am researching, but I learn more when I try and put it all down for others and then the dialogue on what I have written increases the education.

What Year truck should I get?
If you want a stock e-locker look for a 98 or 99. Not all have it though.

ATRAC was included on all post 2000 models

If you want the 5 speed transmission or the later interior and external styling, look for a 2003 to 2007
If you want the VVTI engine (40 hp increase), look for a 2006 or 2007
Many cite transmission problems in 2001-2002, many have no issues
Several have said the improvement with the 5 speed using the gear power band of the engine more effectively is a bigger jump in performance than the 40 hp increase in the with the VVTI engine. Several have posted that the VVTI engine performance is a very notible improvement

There is a big Jump in price for the 03-05 model years and another big jump for the 06-07 model years. A 98-01 100 can be found for around $10K, sometime less depending on mileage and condition. I found 03-05 in the $16K to $30K range depending on mileage and condition. An 07 is typically in the high $30K to mid $40K range

For myself, I narrowed in on the 03- 07 at first. I wanted the 5 speed and liked the newer dash setup and features that started in 03. I looked long and hard for an 06, but it seemed that they were effectively $7K in price bump to an 03/04. The $7K for 40 hp was not a good trade for my personal situation YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) and I selected an 04

Should I get a truck with AHC or not?
Lexus LX470 and SOME later year hundreds have Automatic Height Control(AHC), which is essentially a 2" lift at the push of a button. Many of the posts I read about people using AHC ended ripping it out due to the high cost of fixing it. You do need to install the Slee AHC override to leave it in High. It is unclear to me that it can withstand a lot of off road moderate trail wear for the long term. Some are still using it offroad though and are happy with it.
To me, if your going to only do light to moderate trails on an infrequent basis, AHC may be a great value when looking. It provides flexibility for changing the lift for on and off road driving.

In my opinion based on what I read, if you plan on doing more technical trails or more frequent offroading, then AHC MAY not be the best answer for you. I say may as there is a grey area. If you have an AHC system that is still working fine, then you will be happy with it.
The nice thing about AHC is you can try it and then rip it out if you don't like it and go with a standard lift. If you find a truck for the same price and it has AHC, it might be worth checking out as long as the system is in fully working order unless you know you are going to wheel hard and don't want it to break in the middle of a difficult trail.

Do I need Lockers?
All year 100 series have structural issues relative to the front diff and can break in offroad conditions when put under stress. It's worse on the early 100's.
Adding a Front locker provides structural stability even if you never engage it. This makes the Front Locker an item that should be on the top of your list.
Early 100's came standard with a e-locker and so installing a front locker covers all the bases.

Many 100 series have ATRAC which essentially provide braking to a slipping wheel to ensure power distribution is equal to both tires providing traction. This is different than a locker which physically ties the power to both wheels together no matter the situation. ATRAC only works when it detects slippage.
Based on some recent posts, I found that ATRAC will not function when you engage the brake and the throttle. Why would you do this? There is a technique called Power Braking, where you provide throttle to 1000-2000 rpms in a constant manner and use the brake to control forward movement. This will provide more control as you go over an obstacle. Believe me, if you're doing a difficult trail, this one technique can spare both you and your truck wear and tear.

To me, it's obvious getting a front locker is a no brainer based on the structural issue. The question came down to a rear locker. Since I bought a truck with ATRAC do I really need a rear locker. It really depends on what I want to do with the truck. If I was going to run easy to moderate trails, then I would give the ATRAC a shot as I could always add a rear locker later. This is still an option even if you run more difficult trails. The fact that the ATRAC disengages when you are power braking was enough for me to decide to get a rear locker based on the wheeling I intend to do and my style of driving.

What kind of armor should I get?
Sliders to me are always the most important and first set of armor one should buy. There are many pictures on Mud of people who went out without them. The body damage that can be caused by even a small rock is very expensive and very difficult to fix. This to me is true with any vehicle you plan to wheel

attachment.php


Next is skid plates to protect the underside. Based on what I read, I went with the full set from Slee to protect the various exposed underside components

Front Bumpers are more important than the rear to me. You need to protect damage on the front to keep the engine compartment protected. I learned the value of every day street driving and the front bumper in this thread

https://forum.ih8mud.com/chit-chat-section/50707-daughterofromer-learned-value-armor-accident.html

Rear bumpers provide more clearance and protection. You will scratch up and damage the rear bumpers, but the potential to leave you stranded from the damage is much less than the front bumper.
I t all depends on what you want to do with your truck and I went the Front, Rear, Sliders and Skid Plates. My 100 is a long term investment and I intend to take care of it and still be able to do the trails I am use to.

What Size Tires Should I get?
Fortunately (or unfortunately) my truck came with 33" AT's so I didn't have to make the choice. I am running 35" tires on my 80 and really the only place I feel that helped was the Rubicon and possibly Holy Cross (in Colorado) Although, the right driver and line could have done that with 33's and some members of our group did. I might have gone to 35's though if It didn't have the brand new 33's on it.

35's obviously require a lift. Some may require wheel spacers or other modifications. Bump stops and flare trimming might be required to ensure damage doesn't occur when turning or hitting bump stops while at full extension upward. 35's may drive some to re-gear. 35's have the potential to put more stress on the mechanical components creating opportunities for breakage.
33's easily work without re-gearing and should still have a lift if going off road to ensure clearance from the tire to the body and components. 33's will take you most of where you want to go.

Course 35's look cooler and give you an effective additional 1" of lift. Who can argue with that. I noticed some have selected a 34": tire that provides a good compromise.

This is still an area I am researching to determine what I want to do for the long term. For the short term, I will stay with the 33's and see how they perform.

What kind of tires depends on what you want to do? This FAQ from the 80's section is very applicable here

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/114057-tire-right-me-faq-tire-information.html

Should I re-gear?

I am still trying to decide this. Based on the experience with my 80, if you go to 35's regearing is the right thing to do from an on/off road perspective
My dilemma is I have decided to add front and rear lockers. While both differentials are torn apart it's easy to regear. It adds cost to regear later after I have done the front lockers.

Do I intend to go 35" tires? If I did for sure I would re-gear. I am not sure and so I am trying to decide. One option is to hold off on the lockers, at least the rear until I do decide

This is the one thing I am still undecided on and will continue to research. Fortunately, I am heading up camping/wheeling with a couple of 100 owners. several of them have re-geared and I know of one who has not. I will be taking my 80 (don't get the 100 til Monday) so I won't be able to compare on my own rig

Another question I have still to research is what spare parts should I carry?

I want to be able to fix my truck to get home. On my 80, I carry Front and rear axles, birf,, misc radiator hoses, gaskets and seals to do front and rear axles, EFI, Relays, Fuses, Bailing wire (It is important) and a rear driveshaft.

I'll be resarching as to what is needed here. I know when my daughter busted a CV axle on Stelle Bender, we were able to get her off the trail and home (Effectively in 2WD), but I bought a spare CV axle and put it in her storage drawer.


BTW - Here is a picture of the 100 I am buying
2004 LC.jpg
 
Last edited:
Welcome Romer... I see you are coming in with a windfall of info from reading the hundy board. I too have the regear heavy on my mind, but if money was no obstacle it would be done tomorrow.

I will be interested in your 80 vs 100 views going forward. I loved my 80 but I really love the 100 series. Toyota just got it right with this generation.
 
Nice white!
 
Ken glad to have you in the 100 section now too. When I was looking on the 80 board your info helped me weigh which platform was the better fit for me and I appreciate it! I'd save the lockers till after the 35's and then decide; but I'd wager you will want to re-gear. That's a good looking ride, appears that it's already been "slidered" too!
 
good write up, have read many posts by you when I owned an 80. now I look forward to your build up on the 100s and information. I will be doing the front locker later this year......
 
Ken glad to have you in the 100 section now too. When I was looking on the 80 board your info helped me weigh which platform was the better fit for me and I appreciate it! I'd save the lockers till after the 35's and then decide; but I'd wager you will want to re-gear. That's a good looking ride, appears that it's already been "slidered" too!

It has bee sliddered, BUT I will be swapping them for the Slee step sliders. They have held up well over years of abuse on my 80. I actually have the first 80 step slider and was the model for the ad on Christo's site. I have sold the tubes already to a fellow 100 member
 
Looks good Ken. I picked one up this week as well.
 
This is as good as any place to stick these thoughts I had since switching over to a 100 from an 80 six months ago.

Small things that were improved on the 100 over the 80 design:
1) Rear A/C kicks ass, especially here in TX
2) The 2UZ-FE motor doesn't burn oil and doesn't require going to some crazy 20w-50 weight. (Just stick with M1 5w-30. I personally like the High Mileage M1 oil.)
3) the cabin is so much quieter on the road
4) sufficient amount of cup holders are no longer an afterthought
5) V8 smokes the I6
6) paint finish and quality improved (white is the best color :grinpimp:)
7) the overall hundy footprint is larger more balanced making driving in snow, rain, ice a lot easier
8) power vent windows in the rear make it easy to clean the cabin air quickly when the unexpected need arises. (I use them often to clear the hot air if the LC has been sitting a while in the heat)
9) the leather was improved greatly
10) It's just more fun to daily drive:steer:

There are many more, but those were easy to right down in 5 mins or less

I did forget to add one thing to my welcome message earlier...:flipoff2:
 
Last edited:
Nice to see you over here, Romer. I know you pretty well from my LX450 days and the 80 forum. I know we will benefit from your thoughtful posts. Anyone got dibs on your current sliders?
 
Nice to see you over here, Romer. I know you pretty well from my LX450 days and the 80 forum. I know we will benefit from your thoughtful posts. Anyone got dibs on your current sliders?

Thanks - The sliders have been sold all ready (and I don't even have the truck :D )
I updated post 1 with another question I will be researching on what spare parts to carry. havent done a search on that

Happy to insert and update anything in Post 1 to make it easiier and more complete for the next guy looking for answers
 
Last edited:
after a complete build of your 80 and been using it to actually wheel .. would be nice to read your impressions about 100 series ..
 
Welcome Ken. Couple points to your list - not all 98/99 have the rear locker, but all post '00 have ATRAC. As with all things, I would wheel it as is (with some armor) and see what it can do before you start throwing money at it. You might be surprised.
 
Especially going from a built 80 to a 100 I think you will end up wanting 35's quite soon. The limited amount of suspension lift you can put on a 100 means the belly and rear especially will catch and drag a lot more than your 80 and every little bit extra height helps with that. My tank guard is battered and bent from driving mine like I did my 80 before I went to 35's and a body lift.
 
oh brother.... there goes the neighborhood....



























nah... welcome to the bright side! :)



















errr... you didn't see the 100 rule about the 100 words max posts...? :D
 
Welcome Ken. Couple points to your list - not all 98/99 have the rear locker, but all post '00 have ATRAC. As with all things, I would wheel it as is (with some armor) and see what it can do before you start throwing money at it. You might be surprised.

Thanks Cory. I updated Post 1.
 
Welcome to the 100 board, but I am certainly confused. :confused:

I had to "give up" my 4runner for a 100 due to family size (three kids). I would have liked to go with the 80 (seems much more designed for offroad than 100), but it did not have the power or the center shoulder belt I needed for the kids/gear.

I read your posts that your kids are grown up and wheeling with you (how freaking cool is that!!, every wheeling-dad's dream!), and you have a seemingly awesome and well-modded 80 series that you obviously know a lot about. So...why NOW in life are you making the switch to the monster SUV, the 100?

Sorry to be a traitor to the 100, as I am finally now starting to fall in love with my 100. But...I have to admit...If it was just me and the wife, and the kids had their own rigs...I never would have taken the huge financial and time-sucking hit of giving up my well-built runner for pennies, only to have to drop 12K and start over with my stock, monster-sized rig. I cannot (think I cannot) take the 100 on some of the trails I took the narrow runner on. (American Flag Mountain by Taylor Park Reservoir being one of them that comes to mind).

Just curious what your motivation was for making the switch. I still slightly have it in my mind that I should have gone with the 80. Perhaps your story will give me more reason to love my 100 with no regrets.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom