Builds mrahc's UZJ100 "Build/Adventure" Thread (2 Viewers)

[mrahc]

First Day:

It'll be interesting to see how the thread pans out, as this is my first attempt at a "build thread." Now, this really isn't for anyone but myself, more as a means to track what I do, and what I want/plan to do; I highly doubt this will be of use to anyone unless you just enjoy slow progression.

After several long months of deciding what I wanted to buy, looking at a plethora of trucks (mainly Toyota) and having a slew of bad luck, I finally purchased my 100 earlier this month (June, 2018). I've wanted a truck for a long time, and when I first saw an 80 Series I was pretty hell-bent on owning a Land Cruiser and building something really cool. I highly doubt I'll end up with anything as great as what many of you here have, but we'll see. Long term plans are to build an overland/expedition/adventure rig that will also (at least as of now) be my daily driver. I'm hoping that it'll be something that grows with me through life that I can hold onto for a good amount of years.

Dealership did some things included in the purchase price:

• Timing Belt
• Water Pump
• Serpentine Belt
• Upper Radiator Hose
• (1) Fuel Line
• (1) O2 Sensor
• (1) Exhaust Pipe Gasket

Unfortunately I wasn't given much in terms of in-depth/thorough maintenance history, so I'm really just taking shots in the dark here or waiting til stuff totally fails.

Maintenance (Preventative/Baseline)

Engine:

• Oil + Filter Change (Done 3x)
• Fumoto Drain Valve (Done)
• Spark Plugs (Done)
• Air Filter (Done)
• Fuel Filter + New Clips (Pending)
• PCV Valve + Grommet (Pending)
• Check Vacuum Hoses (Done)
• Clean Throttle Body + MAF Sensor (Done)
• Clean + Grease Battery Posts/Cable Ends (Done)
• Radiator Cap (Done)
• Heater Tees (Done)
• Thermostat + Gasket (Pending)
• Lower Radiator Hose

Transmission and Drivetrain:

• Front Differential Fluid Change (Done)
• Rear Differential Fluid Change (Done)
• Transfer Case Fluid Change (Done)
• Wits End T-Case + Differential Drain/Fill Bolts (Done)
• Fix Stiff Transfer Case Shifter
• Transmission Fluid Change
• Transmission Filter
• Grease Driveshaft/U-Joints + Tighten Bolts (Pending)

Brakes/Suspension:

• Terrain Tamer Pads
• OEM Rotors
• Slee Stainless Steel Extended Brake Lines
• Parking Brake
• Master Cylinder Rebuild
• Flush/Refill Brake Fluid
• Front Axle Refresh

Body:

• Rear Body Mounts (Postponed until Spring)
• Rear Axle Cross-member (Postponed until Spring)
• Patch Rear Frame Rails (Postponed until Spring)
• Remove Rust + POR15 (Postponed until Spring)
• Remove Spare Tire Cross-member
• Hood Struts
• Rear Hatch Struts (Received)

Misc.:

• Clean/Detail
• Remove Running Boards (Done)
• Remove Third Row Seats (Done)
• Remove Roof Rack (Undecided)
• Remove Rear Wind Deflector
• Cabin Filter Retrofit
• Wipers (Done)
• Fix Rear Wiper Sag
• Paint Wiper Arms + Cowl
• Always On Power Outlets
• Pin7

Future Plans/Mods
This section is bound to change and go back and forth due to my needs, wants, budget, and necessities. It's going to be a much longer process than most "builds" as this is (once again) my first 4WD. That, and I'm indecisive as hell. This is more-so a list of things that'll allow me to track, add on to, and edit. Whether all, or half of this comes to fruition... well, time will tell.

Interior:

Communications:​

• Midland 75-822 CB Setup (CB Received)
• In-Dash HAM Setup

Stereo/Sound:​

• Clarion M508 Head Unit
• Speaker Upgrade (Undecided)

Storage:​

• DIY or KISS Drawer(s)
• Storage Bags
• Wits End APUs; Console Liner
• Blue Ridge Overland Overhead Attic
• Blue Ridge Overland Molle Seat Panel(s)
• Blue Ridge Overland Visor Organizers
• Vanquest 4x6 First Aid Bag
• Huracan Tail Gate Storage (Undecided)

"Quality of Life" Upgrades:​

• Overhead Switch Panel or Ayune's SGII Overhead Mount (Undecided)
• Replace Dash/HVAC/Switch Lights w/ LEDs (Received)
• PFran LED Kit
• WeatherTech Floormats (Done)
• Cordura Seat Covers
• Ram Pod Vehicle Mount; Ram Mount X-Grip
• Change Pocket (Ordered)
• FJC Cup Holder Inserts

Misc.:​

• Wits End Passenger Side FEM, Cover; Drake Quick Release/Clamps; H3R Extinguisher
• Cargo Space Tire Carrier/Holder

Exterior:

Armor:​

• 4X4Labs or WKOR Sliders
• (Undecided) Rear Bumper
• (Undecided) Front Bumper
• (Undecided) Front Skid Plate(s)
• Trail Tailor Creeper Skid
• Trail Tailor Rear LCA Skid Plates (Undecided)

Lighting:​

• HIR Bulbs (9012/Low Beams Done)
• DEPO Clear One-Piece + BiXenon Retrofit (Eventually)
• JDM ASTAR LED Tail/Turn, Reverse Bulbs
• PFran LED License Plate Bulbs
• Auxiliary Lighting (Undecided)
• OWL Puddle/Rock Lights (Undecided)

Misc.:​

• Trail Tailor Recovery Points (Received)
• Snorkel (Undecided)
• Tint Front Windows 35% (Done)

Suspension:

• Tough Dog 2" Lift - 41mm Front, 45mm Adjustable Rear, Dual Rate Coils
• Diff Drop (Undecided)
• Upgraded Control Arms (Undecided)

Wheels/Tires:

• 285/75R16 Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws (Done)
• Spidertrax 1.25" Spacers (Undecided)

Engine/Drivetrain:

• DT Cat-Back
• DT Headers (Undecided)

Misc:

• Slee Battery Tray
• Odyssey 31-PC2150T
• "The Big Three" Electrical Upgrade
• Extend/Replace Diff Breathers
• JDM 200 Series Horn
• YotaMD Key Fob (Done)
• LCPhil Jack Adapter
• ScanGauge II (Done)
• Remote Start
• Recovery Equipment, Trail Parts, Maps, etc.
• Dashboard Hula Girl (Done)
• Factory Service Manuals

That's about where I've gotten. I don't want to get too overwhelmed, so this will be a slow, one-step-at-a-time sort of thing. I don't want to get ahead of myself here either, but I think a goal like this can be a good thing. I think @cruiseroutfit put it best in his thread...

...We do "build plans" on the phone with customers on a daily basis, rebuilding a Land Cruiser front axle and we'll go through our build sheet to make sure we are covering all your parts needs. Looking to install an Old Man Emu suspension and we'll spend 15-20 minutes talking about your past, current and future vehicle uses, loads, accessories, etc and from there we'll recommend the right components. But why not use this same logic on a complete vehicle build? Why not pull up a chair next to your rig in the driveway and start making notes. What do you want out of your rig? What didn't you like about the one you just sold? What made you purchase this one? What needs do you need to build around? While it might sound a little naive for some, I think many can benefit. It doesn't matter whether your build is going to take a weekend or a few years, after all "A goal without a plan is just a wish" (stolen from Antoine de Saint-Exupery)...

 

[2000_land_cruiser]

I think this thread is a great idea! I just purchased the same color 2000 and am going through rhe same things. I will definitely follow along your build and watch all the steps.

Running board removal makes a world of difference!

 

[bentonrover]

Is that a annual show in Bristol? I'm in CT ahc would definitely check them out

 

[mrahc]

I think this thread is a great idea! I just purchased the same color 2000 and am going through rhe same things. I will definitely follow along your build and watch all the steps.

Running board removal makes a world of difference!View attachment 1733330

Looks sweet! I'm going to remove mine tomorrow when I get it back from the dealership. Also, I really appreciate the support! Like I said it's going to be a work in progress so definitely stick around.

Is that a annual show in Bristol? I'm in CT ahc would definitely check them out

Not sure if it's annual, but here's the Facebook Event link: Toyota/Lexus Summer Meet. Should be a good one, I'm gonna head there with my girlfriend and buddy who has a Sequoia.

 

[bentonrover]

Thanks

 

[reconranger]

Great looking truck.

Besides baselining and fluid changes, I would seriously look at rust removal and prevention.

New England winters are not kind to underbodies, especially to exhaust and brakes.

I would plan on rust adding to the time, cost, and complexity of any build.

Good luck.

 

[mrahc]

Great looking truck.

Besides baselining and fluid changes, I would seriously look at rust removal and prevention.

New England winters are not kind to underbodies, especially to exhaust and brakes.

I would plan on rust adding to the time, cost, and complexity of any build.

Good luck.

Thanks!
And yes, as of now it's looking like rust removal/prevention is going to the top of my list... Rear frame needs patching/reinforcement. I'm thinking from the rear axle forward I can grind off the rust that's there and coat it. Still going to take it to someone more knowledgeable beforehand.

When I went to the Toyota Dealership (waste of time) they told me they couldn't do the recall because my rear frame is "severely rotted" (it really isn't..) and they didn't do my oil change because my "lower oil pan is rotted." I'm going to a shop I know for a second opinion. The guy at Toyota actually told me I should "get my money back" but it's not worse than any other New England vehicle this old. So, I'm not going to go and throw the car away. I may be too optimistic but I'd rather put in the extra effort...

 

[mrahc]

Little "update"
Got in touch with a frame repair shop in RI that I'm going to have look at my rear frame and fix (it's worse than I figured, but my buddy and I deemed repairable and we've absolutely seen worse (not that that's anything to go by) -- I'd rather have it done instead of dumping the truck.. #JustNewEnglandThings). What I'm also going to do, is see if they can sandblast the undercarriage at the same time, and basically prep it for me to POR15 coat on my own (unless they can just do that as well for not much more). Rear cross-member is pretty shot, and I'm either going to weld in a replacement or go ahead and wait to buy a 4x4 Labs rear bumper that will replace it entirely (though I really do like the Slee.. so we'll see). For now, no towing.

That'll be done, and out of the way, hopefully by Fall or sooner. I'll continue to baseline as much as I can on my own. Slowly but surely.

New tires soon as well, before winter. Then I can see about starting mods by early winter/spring, which will most likely be a lift.

 

[mrahc]

Added to my "platform correct" decal collection today with the 100k Mile Club Badge.

Email toyotahighmileageclub@gmail.com if you think they're rad. Hoping to have a full set.

Also, gonna be a pretty productive day tomorrow. Gonna be removing a bunch of stuff off the 100, doing the oil change and Heater Tees and anything else we can do quick, and install a lift kit on his Sequoia. Pictures will surely come.

 

[mrahc]

Fairly successful day yesterday. Got the running boards off (poor man's lift kit as my buddy said), third seats out, and did my oil change. 7qts went in and 7 came out nice and gold. Also got half of his lift kit in and got some nice Toyo MTs for his rig.

Still need to do the Heater Tees, and still deciding whether to take the roof rack off.

Nothing special but hey, one step at a time.

 

[mrahc]

Well it's been a while since I've updated this. And unfortunately I haven't gotten as much accomplished as I'd have liked to by now. Been dealing with getting into my first year at college, work, relationship, life, etc., so I haven't had much free time on my hands. Things have started slowing down so I'm going to be catching up on everything I've wanted to do. I updated the OP as sort of a way to track where I'm at. I'm gonna shoot for most likely next weekend to check a lot of this stuff off my list, hoping the parts I've ordered make it in before then.

I managed to get a set of "33s" mounted on so far. I've been going back and forth with myself about mods and at this point I'm probably going to forgo a lot of what I wanted to do, and focus on driving the truck and getting it all squared away. If I happen to be able to replace something and go aftermarket I will. But unless I need it, it'll have to wait. Mainly due to other life expenses that piled on in the last couple months now.

With all that being said, here's how she's sitting as of now. While I do the deferred maintenance in the upcoming weeks I'm gonna get her cleaned up on the cheap. Painting worn out stuff, adding some 'contemporary' touches like new bulbs and what not. And get my hands on an UltraGauge and do some interior stuff.

That's about it really. Thanks to anyone bothering to follow along, and hope you're all doing well.

 

[Travis Bickle]

How do you like those Falkens?

 

[mrahc]

How do you like those Falkens?

So far they've been really great. This is the first A/T tire I've purchased and went with them on recommendation from a close friend who ran his for close to 60K miles with no problems (well, not until the very end of them being on his truck, but it wasn't the tire per se). They're much quieter than I expected. I don't have any variables aside from on-road driving and wet conditions, but those are pretty stellar. I commute and daily the truck and honestly it doesn't feel much different compared to the stock Michelin LTX's previously mounted. I went with the E Rated/10 Ply (specs in my sig) for when I eventually get off-road and for added security I guess. I'm no tire professional like many here, but I'm very impressed to say the least.

Edit: The price point is awesome too. I think it came to $690 from eBay, mutual friend mounted/balanced them for $30. I've yet to get a spare but I can't complain whatsoever about that aspect.

 

[mrahc]

Finally starting to move along with things. Have a good amount of parts stock piled and more ordered.

View attachment 1832913

 

[CBeckFJ]

looks great! cant wait to see how this progresses!

 

[mrahc]

Got some @TRAIL TAILOR recovery points in the mail; just need to get 'em coated and order hardware. Few other things should be here this month, and the interior should be at a much better place.

All of my interior LEDs came in as well. Been waiting to do this mod for a while, and I'll post the results. Only need the PFran Kit, and ASTAR Reverse lights, and most of my lighting issues will be all set.

 

[mrahc]

Scored a ScanGauge II for $50 today. It actually works. Just need to grab one of @Ayune's sick mounts. But velcro will be good for now.

Temporary steering column setup. This thing was for sure worth the money and 2 hour round trip drive to get it.

 

[Kabanstva]

What does a Scangauge do exactly?

 

[mrahc]

What does a Scangauge do exactly?

A whoooole lot.
» ScanGauge II

I got it to track diagnostics and scan fault codes. I know there's a crazy amount of things it's capable of -- a lot more than what I'll probably use it for.

I just like looking at data. Gives me something to do (and obsess over).

 

[mrahc]

Finally got a set of front WeatherTech mats. And a Midland CB, to add to the list of things that will never get done.