IH8MUD.com - View Single Post - 100-series modification differences and evaluations (by John Shotts):

ShottsUZJ100 · 04-20-07, 12:45 PM

OBJECTIVE: MODIFY THIS LAND CRUISER FOR FOUR-WHEELING:

Plan: Before working on improving the vehicle's strengths, here we'll eliminate whatever the negative's are that exist. They consist of:

1. Removal of front brush guard to improve front approach angle.
2. Removal of side-step OEM running boards to improve ground clearance.
3. Upgrade tires to the off-road style (within reason)

Numbers 1 and 2 need no explanation. Both the guard and the boards were removed in about an hour. They simply unbolted and were discarded. Actually, the boards came off first, the tires went on second, and the brush guard came off last.

Tires:

Our challenge was to find a tire size that would fit now (at stock height) and also not look silly after the future suspension lift was complete. After some research we determined that a 285-75x16 size would fit in stock form and was a popular choice on the lifted 80-series, so we made that our choice. In a tire we wanted:

*Aggressive off-road design
**Quiet as possible on-road ride
***Comfortable on-road ride
****Mud performance secondary

Our choice was the BFG AT KO. The 285 is basically a 33" tire as it measures 32.8" in height. The AT's are a costly tire. Some feel they are over priced. We still decided to go with the AT as it's the #1 selling light truck AT tire on the market. Gotta be reason why? (We hoped) Info here: http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/overv...t-a-ko/44.html

Evauation:

GREAT IMPROVEMENT! First we did some local testing. These things gripped much better than the Michelins. They climbed and held us steady on decents.

We thought they looked good under the truck too. Aggressive but not too aggressive.

So....success! Fit's (no rubbing), functions, adds 1-inch ground clearance over stock, and meets all our expectations.

Evaluation: These changes (mainly the tire upgrade) made for a very positive improvement. We gave up VERY little in on-road ride quality while we gained off-road capability and durability. Combine that with added ground clearance and we had a vehicle that was up a step from before for certain...capability-wise. NOTE: The 285 spare fit in the stock location and with the OEM hitch in place.

Next up: WE HAVE TO FIND SOME UPGRADES! Need a new front bumper for certain. It just hangs down too far. We've also found some information on a possible suspension lift though we don't know if it's actually for sale yet? And....who has, or when will they have rock sliders. Gotta have both to run tough trails.....especially the sliders ASAP. Imagine the rocker panel damage on a new SUV?

04-20-07, 12:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
ShottsUZJ100 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 7,446	OBJECTIVE: MODIFY THIS LAND CRUISER FOR FOUR-WHEELING: Plan: Before working on improving the vehicle's strengths, here we'll eliminate whatever the negative's are that exist. They consist of: 1. Removal of front brush guard to improve front approach angle. 2. Removal of side-step OEM running boards to improve ground clearance. 3. Upgrade tires to the off-road style (within reason) Numbers 1 and 2 need no explanation. Both the guard and the boards were removed in about an hour. They simply unbolted and were discarded. Actually, the boards came off first, the tires went on second, and the brush guard came off last. Tires: Our challenge was to find a tire size that would fit now (at stock height) and also not look silly after the future suspension lift was complete. After some research we determined that a 285-75x16 size would fit in stock form and was a popular choice on the lifted 80-series, so we made that our choice. In a tire we wanted: Aggressive off-road design Quiet as possible on-road ride Comfortable on-road ride Mud performance secondary Our choice was the BFG AT KO. The 285 is basically a 33" tire as it measures 32.8" in height. The AT's are a costly tire. Some feel they are over priced. We still decided to go with the AT as it's the #1 selling light truck AT tire on the market. Gotta be reason why? (We hoped) Info here: http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/overv...t-a-ko/44.html Evauation: GREAT IMPROVEMENT! First we did some local testing. These things gripped much better than the Michelins. They climbed and held us steady on decents. We thought they looked good under the truck too. Aggressive but not too aggressive. So....success! Fit's (no rubbing), functions, adds 1-inch ground clearance over stock, and meets all our expectations. Evaluation:** These changes (mainly the tire upgrade) made for a very positive improvement. We gave up VERY little in on-road ride quality while we gained off-road capability and durability. Combine that with added ground clearance and we had a vehicle that was up a step from before for certain...capability-wise. NOTE: The 285 spare fit in the stock location and with the OEM hitch in place. Next up: WE HAVE TO FIND SOME UPGRADES! Need a new front bumper for certain. It just hangs down too far. We've also found some information on a possible suspension lift though we don't know if it's actually for sale yet? And....who has, or when will they have rock sliders. Gotta have both to run tough trails.....especially the sliders ASAP. Imagine the rocker panel damage on a new SUV? Last edited by ShottsUZJ100; 04-20-07 at 03:26 PM.