06 LX470 newb: 10k to blow, what now?

[Joe Bob]

Hey All,
I just picked up a super clean 06LX470 with 70k for $26k. I plan on using the rig for camping trips with the family and hunting here in California (mostly Sierras and the coast). I'd like my wife to be able to use the truck to haul kids for field trips too, so having a comfortable ride is important. With these parameters understood and $10k to burn on upgrades what would you do?

Here's what I was thinking after doing a bit of research... am I going overboard?
- suspension OME (what duty?)
- ARB bull bar front bumper
- ARB rear bumper with tire mount
- 16" rims (these seem hard to find)
- 285 75r16 (not sure which brand)
If there is $ left over
- rock sliders
- roof rack
- Skid plates

That's for feedback!

 

[Joe Bob]

Here's a pic:

 

[sdnative]

I built mine for family camping trips as well and am very happy with how it turned out. Check by build thread for ideas (link in signature). My only comment would be if your wife is going to use it for the kids I would strongly recommend not getting a swingout on the rear bumper.

 

[Sandroad]

Nice find! You'll get some good ideas on here from others. For your intended uses, the stock truck will work wonderfully well. I'd do the tires (18 inch Michelin Defender LTX) and spend the rest of the money on a nice camping trailer (pop-up) for your hunting and camping trips.

 

[Manhattan]

Welcome and nice find!

If you haven't yet, look at the other lift options, e.g. IronMan. I landed on a 2" system (TBs, springs, foam cell shocks) from IronMan - and love it. Rides like stock... with less brake dive, even with the bumper and winch.

Agree 100% on sliders - first mod for sure. And as @sdnative said, give that swing-away a lot of thought... they are an added hassle for DDs.

Take a look at Dissent Offroad 's front bumpers. He's a 'Mudder and making a killer front bumper for our 100s... and some day soon will have a rear bumper too.

 

[Joe Bob]

I built mine for family camping trips as well and am very happy with how it turned out. Check by build thread for ideas (link in signature). My only comment would be if your wife is going to use it for the kids I would strongly recommend not getting a swingout on the rear bumper.

Looks like a pretty simple setup! You've done a great job logging your progress. I like the 16 inch wheels!

 

[Kofoed]

If you are just using it for occasional mild wheeling, I'd say do tires (BFG AT KO2), remove running boards, add roof rack, drive it.

 

[bluecruiser]

I'd avoid the ARB rear bumper unless you are looking to decrease ground clearance and departure angles. Much better options available.

 

[Joe Bob]

I'd avoid the ARB rear bumper unless you are looking to decrease ground clearance and departure angles. Much better options available.

What would you suggest?

 

[bluecruiser]

Bump it Offroad, 4x4 Labs. Just my opinion.

 

[sdnative]

What would you suggest?

Be careful. Some rear bumpers require you to cut the crossmember. Some care, some don't. I like the Slee personally.

 

[Joe Bob]

Be careful. Some rear bumpers require you to cut the crossmember. Some care, some don't. I like the Slee personally.

It looks like the slee only comes with a double swing out, can you get the bumper without the swingouts?

 

[SR.GRINGO]

It looks like the slee only comes with a double swing out, can you get the bumper without the swingouts?

Christo at Slee used to sell the rear bumper with out swing outs....give him a call.

Nice Cruiser

You might consider adding a locker, front bumper, 285's, gears, and getting your lights retofitted with a lens for HID's from lightwerkz.com

You can fit a 33" spare tire in the factory location....the steel rear bumper is going to add unwanted weight in my opinion.

 

[LTrain0800]

Camping? Put a fridge somewhere near the top of your list.

 

[jLB]

I agree with Manhattan/Kofoed, I'd start with sliders and tires, then drive it for a while and see what becomes a priority.
(For the tires, you may want to consider something in 275/70R18. About the same price, slightly (10mm) narrower and slightly taller compared to 285/75R16, and doesn't require new wheels)

I agree with bluecruiser, something other than the ARB rear bumper.

I agree with sdnative that "swing outs" can be a PITA at times.

 

[pkelly72]

keep the 18" wheels, go to 295/70. 1" body lift. Suspension and armor.

 

[devildogcruiser25]

I don't own a 100 yet but coming from an 80, I will echo the sentiment saying SLIDERS FIRST! I will be going with white knuckle offroad sliders when the time comes.

10k can go fast, but will stretch much longer if you turn your own wrenches.

I would recommend doing some minor upgrades that you like (sliders, bumpers, lift, tires) take whats left over and buy things as you see you need them. Why spend all the money on the truck if you don't need to right away? Use some of it to get out and use the truck, see what you like, see what you want to improve and go from there.

 

[JohnnyUtah]

Welcome to the club.

I am still looking for the extra 10k you have....but when I do find it, it would seem to me that a simple thing like the sliders would be one of the best first additions because the vehicle in stock form will get you a lot of places but some of those places could cause potential damage. That is where sliders come in. You could really go a lot of places with just throwing on upgraded tires and sliders. I went to Big Bend National Park not long ago and did all the High Clearance 4x4 Only Trails...my LC is stock with the exception of Nitto TGs and no running boards. I made it no problem but the peace of mind of sliders would have been nice...I was sweating it out in some places.

 

[bucfl]

Supercharger!

 

[Joe Bob]

Okay, sounds like sliders and tires are the way to go. A few have suggested keeping the 18" rims. Is there not much advantage to 16's? I was under the impression that the more meat the better for off roading. Does an 18" provide a better ride for the wife?