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04-03-06, 10:00 PM
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#1 |
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tlcwagons.org
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,325
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ROTW- FirstToy
1996 Lexus LX450
It all started with Jim Brantley's Realcruiser.com, then meeting the Norcal guys and a few Socal Cruiserheads, and now the fantastic memories built along the way in the driver's seat of my 80!  Mods  -Slee Offroad OME Heavy lift, AC dryer protection, t-case skidplate, SS extended brakelines -Hanna Quality Sliders, Rear bumper -ARB front bumper -Lightforce 170 -33" MTR's -Engel fridge, Slee fridge slide -Offroadair.net CO2 tank -removed roofrack, added fusebox & powerpoints, other little do-dads  Bought thru a Cruiserhead buddy. I sent out some feelers and turns out his friend's sister was considering selling this LX450. They just bought a 06 LX470 so my timing just worked out perfect. It was never on the market and I am still surprised at how pristine it is.  One thing I had to do straight away is DYNAMAT the rr panels and wheelwells! It helped alot.  Here is the rear cargo detail. I strapped a Quickfist to hold the extinguiser  As is the story with all the great Cruiserheads I have met, my friend Evan helped me deal with the only major problem-a leaky valve cover gasket. Thanks to C-Dan, I ordered the plug gaskets as well and glad I did. Evan has helped me and I have learned alot about wrenching from him and his generosity of time has been great.  Ken Hanna. I have known Ken for several years and he has been fantastic. I never felt my 80 was done until it was 100% Hanna-fied! I feel very lucky to have his work on my rig and you will find he is a no-nonsense, highly skilled craftsman with no ego and alot of pride in his work.  A detail of how I used the hot shower setup and slipped garbage below  I cleaned up the bolts on my Slee AC dryer plate by adding metric buttonhead bolts- makes for a clean appearance  A driveway shot when I just got the ARB and MTR's on I have to say that Slee Offroad has been stellar. They helped me alot when no one else even thought of OME for the 2003 4Runner. Ben at Slee's is the best and when it came time for the 80 lift, it's the only call I made. I think the 80 community is very lucky to have this caliber of vendor, it obviously works out for them too but it's certainly something to be proud of! Last edited by FirstToy; 04-03-06 at 10:26 PM. |
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FirstToy
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04-03-06, 10:11 PM
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Nada
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Great looking rig. Nice writeup. Got any good side shots? I'd like to see where mine can go, looks-wise.
__________________ -Jason '85 4Runner- Bobbed 12", 6" lift, 4.88's, locked f/r, 36 x 13.5-15 IROKS, mangled by rocks, trees, mountain goblins, etc. '97 LX 450- Just getting it going...OME J Springs and L Shocks, MAF 30mm spacers, ARB, Snorkel, 35" Super Swamper SSRs, CDL switch w/ pin-7 mod, CB in the ashtray...I'M WORKING ON IT!! Gig 'em Aggies! '00 "I got the J==p thing, and now it burns when I pee." |
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notyourmomslx450|
04-03-06, 10:12 PM
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#3 |
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tlcwagons.org
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,325
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A few shots while wheeling w/ The Dude. "New $h!t has come to light, man!"
   Death Valley Daze 2006 w/ The Dude and Big Moose  DVDaze 06 muddin' -pic by Alvarorb  And the best part of it all has been the epic, beautiful and interesting trips with the Norcal Crew. The awesome wheeling, camping and people are what makes it so great. This also drives the mods I do to the rig. I am lucky that in Socal we have some die-hard Cruiserheads that really keep the LC legend going and I can always call on them for advice and help.  Several pics from Sedona by DesertDude (my first time doing all the trails in Sedona)    Thanks for looking! 
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04-03-06, 10:38 PM
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IH8MUD Lifer
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Real nice. I like that blastin-through-mud pic. I've got it as my wall paper.
-o- [edit]: "Dude, that is not the correct nomenclature..." __________________ 471. It often happens that we only become aware of the important facts, if we suppress the question "why?"; and then in the course of our investigations these facts lead us to an answer. |
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beno|
04-03-06, 10:42 PM
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#5 |
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tlcwagons.org
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,325
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Thanks Beno, Alvaro took some great photos of that trip
here are a couple more pics- the Lightforces were bought used for a good price, I balked at retail until I stumbled on these.  
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04-03-06, 10:49 PM
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#6 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Morgan Hill, CA
Posts: 283
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Real nice man, I love the brand new condition of your 80. Still looks like new.
__________________ 03 Pavement Princess 05 Mall Queen 06 Toaster |
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04-03-06, 10:50 PM
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#7 | |
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KI6MIE
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Quote:
__________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested 1976 FJ40 RIP 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now. 1997 FZJ-80 Factory sub-tank, and other tricks |
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04-03-06, 10:51 PM
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#8 |
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IH8MUD Addict
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Grass Valley CA
Posts: 689
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Very nice First Toy.
That one good lookn Cruiser! __________________ Snorked & Locked with CDL 94 FZJ80 \ F.O.R 4" Lift kit \ 315 Toyo Mts , 4.88 gears \ Inti Roof Rack with Lightforce 170s \ ARB front with Warn 12000 \ Labs Rear \ Hanna Sliders \ Slee skid plates, Rear lower control arms, and tie-rods \ Landtank CC plates \ NAV system \ CB & 2 Meter Radio \ Diff Breather \ Con tested, Expedition ready
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04-03-06, 10:53 PM
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#9 |
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IH8MUD Addict
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Grass Valley CA
Posts: 689
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Do you like your Gas and water cans they look like very good quility. If so where could I pick some up.
__________________ Snorked & Locked with CDL 94 FZJ80 \ F.O.R 4" Lift kit \ 315 Toyo Mts , 4.88 gears \ Inti Roof Rack with Lightforce 170s \ ARB front with Warn 12000 \ Labs Rear \ Hanna Sliders \ Slee skid plates, Rear lower control arms, and tie-rods \ Landtank CC plates \ NAV system \ CB & 2 Meter Radio \ Diff Breather \ Con tested, Expedition ready
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04-03-06, 11:17 PM
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#10 |
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IH8MUD Addict
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: N. LA Co. CA
Posts: 813
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Very Nice.
 Dynamat - what caused you to use it in the back of the cruiser (sound deadening)? That bumper looks great ! Did you have any of the Turbo whirrr sound in the back when you cut the resonator. If so, how did you resolve it? Thanks. __________________ Alan 95 FZJ80 |
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04-03-06, 11:28 PM
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#11 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 298
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It is an extremely nice rig but the best part of this truck is the owner. He is talented and a super nice guy. For you guys that has met him or know him you will all agree.
Also I think the old owners of this truck never got in this truck, the carpet is new and the seats are brand new - maybe they had plastic covers on it  Amando __________________ I4C4LO - KI6PQL somewhere in CA |
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04-04-06, 12:08 AM
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#12 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 425
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James,
The Lexus is looking very stellar! Great write-up & pictures........... I bet you already have had it detailed from AZ - what a  .... Watchout for those elusive Sasquaches
__________________ Joe 69 FJ40 350TPI, 270:1, 37" MTRs  71 FJ55 454V8 "Warthog" FZJ80 coil conversion  96 FZJ80 Locked & Blown, Homer  Closer to the bone the sweeter is the meat...... Northern California TLC Wagons Los Angeles County Cruisers aka TrailCrew Los Angeles, Ca, USA |
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04-04-06, 12:56 AM
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#13 |
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tlcwagons.org
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,325
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hehe, Joe I think I'll let it ripen since rain is forcast
Thanks Mando man Here are some links for details: HQ bumper and resonator whining sound http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/83624-new-hanna-quality-rear-bumper.html My marker/turn signal/ARB light modification http://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php...37&postcount=9 Jerry cans http://offroadrecovery.com/category/...rrycansandacc/ http://www.dandbsafety.com/index.asp...TS&Category=78 Alvaro had a neat siphon from expeditionexchange.com that worked like a charm, I think I'll get one of those. Bluto, Dynamat b/c it was too loud. When I first drove it on the freeway, I thought something was wrong... turns out it was just loud, lol. It was very easy to do that rear section and made a big difference to me. If I need to take out other panels, I will add Dynamat before re-install (but it is very comfy right now). |
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04-04-06, 03:59 AM
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#14 |
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grown up MOD
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 WOW that rig is clean..........Nice write up. Beautiful truck. Excellent wheelin pics, really adds to the whole feature. Do you plan on going bigger in the future i.e. 35's, lift, regear, etc....? Thanks for contributing, you west coast guys are truly lucky to have the wheelin you do so readily available.
__________________ "If it wasn't a Landcruiser and hadn't been built the way it was you do realize you would be DEAD." VA State Police Officer |
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04-04-06, 04:15 AM
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#15 |
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I ruin surprises.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,867
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I wish mine looked half as good as yours!
AWESOME!! Mot
__________________ TEQ CollectiblesNEW JDM Toys R/C FJ40 OEM foglights and HID's JDM LC60/62 Goodies NEW LC70 Goodies JDM LC80 Goodies JDM LC100 Goodies |
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04-04-06, 08:24 AM
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#16 |
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IH8MUD Lifer
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Very nice looking rig and very nice photographs.
Hayes __________________ Ryan Hayes '93 FZJ80 I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way. -Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Cooper, 1814 Flying Spaghetti Monster Bless America |
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04-04-06, 08:37 AM
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#17 |
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Kneel for the Shaman
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Nice Job First Toy. Now I know why you were late, had to wash it.
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04-04-06, 10:40 AM
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#18 |
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IH8MUD Lifer
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really nice 80, nicely equipped... I remember when you were the 4 runner guy, now you've got an awsome 80....Keep up the nice work....
__________________ Robert Muniz TLCA#15132 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser 206K 3x locked+4.88's+315 BFG AT&MT+SAFARI SNORKEL+SLEE 4"LIFT+ARB FR+WARN M12000+HANNA RR+SLEE SLIDERS+SLEE SKID+AO DRAWERS+ARB FRIDGE+DUAL OPTIMAS+GARVIN RACK+IPF'S+OKOLE COVERS+HUSKY MATS+POLY REARS+ NOT INSTALLED YET-LONG INNERS+NF BIRFS |
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04-04-06, 11:17 AM
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#19 |
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I Solve Problems...
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A very sweet rig!
Excellent writeup James. Now you've inspired me to make a few upgrades...dynamat will be applied to the 's rig -- not worth it on mine at this time...Plus, I like where you have your fire extinguisher strapped. I'm looking forward to the next trip. :cheer: __________________ a couple pairs of pink panties... Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam "...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- Ullr "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton Buy TEQ Bottle Openers
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04-04-06, 11:18 AM
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#20 | |
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tlcwagons.org
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,325
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Quote:
I am very happy w/ the OME though, it's great and very capable. Only thing it needs are upgraded shocks. This photo was taken when I first met NorcalDoug and Alvarorb. It was also the first time I saw modded 80's in person. I thought these 80's looked so tough and impressive! At the time Doug and Alvaro were comparing to see who had the taller rig  It's funny now b/c I cannot even recognize these as their trucks! I also made these front swaybar 1" drop blocks (just in case). The driveshft was just a tad close to the swaybar for my comfort 
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04-04-06, 11:54 AM
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#21 |
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Addicted to MUD Porn
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In my best Goldmember voice..."Very nice, very tight". Let me know when you upgrade to the 4", I would like your OME's.
Later, Jack __________________ KE7NCK 1996 FZJ 80 (explorer) 2002 F350, PSD, 6SPD,4X4,CC, LWB (hauler) 1995 Mazda MX-6 (speedster) |
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04-04-06, 01:11 PM
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#22 |
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Cook Free or Die
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James,
What a sweet setup. Not a spec of dirt on that thing! I wished La Cabra looked have as neat as your truck. I'm really glad to see you moved up to the 80 series. When you do Walker hill on your rig, I'll let you take Poquita on your lap. Regards Alvaro __________________ Alvaro Rodriguez 96 FZJ80 "La Cabra" 08 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TCLA #12833 / BRC # 41799 KI7FZJ New web site with blog and pics Norcal wagons website INTI Roof Racks - Make a loan, Make a difference - Kiva.org |
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04-04-06, 01:27 PM
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#23 |
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IH8MUD Lifer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ithaca, New York
Posts: 1,816
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James, ditto on how immaculate your truck is
So how about some under the hood shots? You do the dual batteries yet? Oh, and you must be ready for the "hole filler" on that ARB - right?  Great pics and hope to get out on a trip with you. __________________ Mike R. hmmm....nuthin' Answer a fool according to his own folly. |
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04-04-06, 01:52 PM
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#24 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Newark, CA
Posts: 485
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Very nice set-up James! I also did the dynamat (actually it was a product called FatMat) and measured a 5dB decrease.
Lookin' forward to the next outing!
__________________ '97 FZJ80 "Blue Ox" - ARB Bullbar, ARB Lockers, OME J's, George's LEDs, Custom Drawer, Kaymar with Tire Carrier, Hanna Quality Sliders, Hellroaring Dual-Batt, 35" Toyo OC, and more! 2000 UZJ100 "Grey Ghost" - Outback Rack, Sliders, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Norcal 80s Sticker |
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04-04-06, 04:28 PM
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#26 |
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IH8MUD Addict
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James,
Great rig, super clean. After seeing the 4runner at SnT 04 I wouldn't expect anything less from you now in an 80... -Ammo __________________ 94 FJZ80,locked,EMU'd,snorked,AMMO Sliders,plated,FAB'd, int LINEX'd,body lifted,over-head consoled,AMMO HD tie-rods,Sparco, rollin on 17's wrapped in 37's Iroc's *Now more gooder w/ 5.29's* LINK MOTORSPORTS Recovery Vehicle http://www.linkmotorsports.com |
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