100 Build

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Joined
Jul 12, 2006
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2,463
Location
Fort Collins, CO
So, I now have Andy's old 100 and have been working through what I want to do to build it into what I'm hoping to be both a decent low mileage daily driver (6k miles/yr) and excellent wheeling/camping/expedition rig for the family.

Mechanically there really isn't much to do... runs very strong, maintained well. Has the OME Med Lift, NTG 295's. Only thing I need to get working is the e-brake and a slow leak in one tire.

My first step is Slee Sliders and the Diff drop. Both are en route and I'll have them middle of next week... while you are playing at GSMTR :confused:

Next step are bumpers. I had a choice... a couple choices really. Slee's rear bumper for $1900 and either ARB Front or TJM front/rear. Could also have waited for Slee's new front, but neither the price or timeframe is set on that yet and I don't want to wait. With shipping it would have run over $3k. That's a bit more than I really wanted to spend given other choices. Looking around, I found a place local that builds bumpers for a lot of different vehicles, but not the 100 series (they have worked through the 80's I believe... and are right now working on front and rear for FJC's... saw the prototype rear FJC that they are doing for someone named Erin? I don't know her but some of you FJC folks may). Visited them yesterday (Kennesaw Mountain Accessories http://www.kenmtn.com/). Pretty busy place and they seem to be very serious about quality. The bumpers they had laying around were very stout and polished looking. Went ahead and ordered custom both front and rear.

Front will be built as a wincher, tow hooks, low profile, recessed fog lights, no grill guard by choice.

Rear with tire carrier, hi-lift mount, tow hooks, receiver hitch, Plate light.

Both will be painted with matching silver bedliner. I saw some examples... very smooth finish. Also saw an example of one that had been bashed pretty hard, and the liner held up very well.

Total cost... $1450, no shipping and they install.

Now... I need to decide whether to get the sliders painted to match? I'd have a completely silver beast. Or... do I balance out the look and leave the sliders black? What do you think?

Finally, I've read about the "weakness" of the front 2 pinion diff. Not sure how valid it is. Obviously weaker than the 4 pinion but is it weak enough to be concerned. Big issue for those that break it, but I don't know if my use will put it to it's limit. Option is to go with an ARB front and forget it. $1500 or so installed. I know it's not your money, but anyone have any insight into whether this is something worth looking at? Would rather do it before it breaks on a trail somewhere, but would rather not do it at all if it's something I'll likely not break.

Obviously no pics yet since it still looks like all of the other pics of the rig that are on the board... but coming in a few weeks.

Questions:

1. Paint match the sliders?
2. ARB front Locker?

Thanks
 
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Ha, this should be fun to watch. :D

What's up with the e-brake Steen? I never use my e-brake on any of my wagons but didn't know there was an issue. Sorry about that, would have had them fix it that Saturday you flew in with the other laundry list they addressed...

I guess my vote is a bit biased but I'd do the following:

- Rear bumper with tire carrier. I like the Slee stuff but as you said shipping is a killer.
- Sliders. Ditto though I have Hanna on my 80 but I don't think Ken does 100 sliders...unless it's a one off which = $$$$.
- Diff. Drop. Makes sense to do at some point to maintain the integrity of the CV boots.
- Front bumper with winch. The new Slee bumper looks promising but it isn't close to shipping...
- Tires. To be more capable off-road I would definitely add more aggressive tires. The NTGs are great (I already bought the same set for my 2000) but they lack serious off road grip when you need it.
- And of course, if it hasn't already been done, little girl sticker removal from the rear windows. :D
- You already have this mod done: :cool:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=154556

As far as the front diff goes, I've never been as concerned with the possible failure as some owners. I never pushed that truck enough to warrant a breakage, or at least that's how I felt. Most of the failures I've read about or heard about involve snatching or towing in reverse which is something I never did...

Good luck, can't wait to see the final product!!
 
Haven't looked into the e-brake at all. Only reason I know is that my habit is to use it but I'm already out of the habit. Feels like it's just not hooked up at all. Might fix it... might not. No big deal.

I'm thinking keeping the NTG's and maybe getting rims with a bit less backspace and more aggressive tires. That will have to wait unless I happen on a good deal somewhere but I agree... anything too challenging and those tires won't grab that well. Nice road tires though.

Looks like I could make a couple bucks selling that black pearl upgrade!! That was one of the first things wifey noticed. :rolleyes: Better keep 'em

Stickers were removed... as many as I removed a few years ago, I've gotten pretty good at that!
 
Given your body color the sliders would look good Black.
Book of Barry Chapter One verse three: Lockers are always good.

verse two: Never let a Cuban loose on your cruiser with a side grinder.
verse one: There is no substitute for horsepower.

I enter this as information only
 
Let's see if I'm reading this in the right order.

HP is needed to get away quick in case a cuban attacks with a grinder... and lockers will make sure I don't get stuck before the cuban?
 
i didnt see these on the list. :D
my vote would be keep the sliders black, and maybe hold on the front locker and rely on the winch when you need it. looking foward to this one.:beer:
 
Those Portals are pretty nice! Slee also did a very nice SFA swap on a 100 for Moab. I have to take a step at a time!

I'm getting 100% votes on black sliders... I will put them on that way and see how it looks. Easier to go silver later than the other way around.

Thanks for the words!
 
Steen, I stopped by your house on the way to test out a 100 in Lawrenceville. You and the fam must have been out Mother's Daying it...

I bought the 2000 LC with 95k. It is in great shape. I pick it up on the 21st.

Weeee! :)
 
Sorry we missed you. Went up to Anna Ruby falls for the day.

Can't wait to see the new toy!

I really am hoping to get to Tellico, but it's not looking good at all right now.

Corp BS at it's best and I'm on the front lines. May have to write off GSMTR forever.

Congrats on the new job. Is it the one you were talking about?
 
yeah, it is that job.
 
Excellent. Out of the house or are you now Alpharetta/Roswell bound? Makes lunch easier!
 
Still 100% work from home....40% salary increase and a 15% bonus structure.

I will be into the office off of McFarland occassionally while I ramp up.

email me your cell, I lost it.
 
Have you guys in Georgia had good luck with Kennesaw Mtn? Years ago they ripped off a bunch of people, and they shipped some horrible quality pieces. But this was several years ago.

If they have a good rep with those nearby, I will consider them for some stuff I want to do with my 80.

Thanks.
 
John, thanks for the heads up.

Interesting reads... a little unnerving. 2 yrs old and I didn't see anything more recent but that's probably because no one on those boards ordered anything from them.

I don't have a dime into anything yet. I'd be leaving the truck there, and driving his for what he said would be a week or so. I'll look into it some more. Can't beat the price and from what I saw the stuff looked pretty good.

After meeting him, and then seeing some of those posts, it sounds like two different people. That doesn't feel very good.

Decisions. (EDIT: more search and I'm canceling the order and calling Slee. I'd rather pay for what I know to be a quality vendor than support someone that has screwed so many customers. Since I'm local, I'm sure I could get the product, and since I'd have his car, I'd have leverage but it isn't worth the hassle. Guess that locker is going to have to wait.)
 
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You could check out www.4x4customs.com in Atlanta if you still want something custom. No experience with them, but I just came across their site one day.

Travis
 
Sliders came in today along with the Diff drop. Since the diff drop is invisible, I started with the sliders.

DSC00350.jpg


DSC00347.jpg


And the best part? Linda liked em! "They aren't nearly as redneck as I thought they'd be"

Maybe not redneck enough for me then :rolleyes:

DSC00349.jpg


Ordered Slee Rear Bumper with carrier and TJM T3 front today. Not sure about the bull bar, but Christo recommended the T3 over the T17... Can always remove it later if it doesn't work for me.

Travis, I've used 4x4 for some of the work on the 40... the Saginaw and lockers. He did a very nice job on both. Thanks for the tip.
 
I like your style, Steen!! Ain't wastin' no time!!

Very cool, can't wait to see the bumper additions. Don't know all of the details with the local folks but going through Christo takes all of the guess work / concern out of your investment. Quality stuff from a quality guy.

I picked up the 5 295/75r16 NTGs yesterday. Looks like I may have a road map for my build. :cool:
 
It does make a big difference. They are stout... and install took less than 1 hr. Only thing I may have to look at is getting the heavy springs once the bumper goes on... at least that's what I've read. Have to see how it drives and sits once the weight is added.

Very happy with the Slee decision. Now I know I don't have to worry about it.
 
Nice

I like the way you don't waste time. Going to be a nice rig. Wish i could have bought it. Keep the pics coming.
 

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