100 series modification for Looks

[Dandon]

Welcome! Now that you've asked for the "diving weight", you're officially an IH8MUD member. New LC100/LX470 owners aren't until they look under the truck and find that thing and ask about it, as every other user has done before

Search for "what is this part?", "strange rubber pad" and similar thread titles It seems to be a damping mass for filtering certain frame vibrations. Users that took it of have reported no noticeable difference. It makes an original paperweigth for the office desk.
Here's a related thread list

 

[e9999]

it's an elastomeric gps tracking device that MUD uses on rookies that go for looks instead of function...

 

[Dwon]

Well now that I've decided to put on the ARB Tbars and springs, it's no longer just for looks.

So! Where's the nearest trail in the Portland OR area?

 

[Greg B]

What the hell is this thing?

It's attached to the frame under the passenger side. It looks like a freakin' deep sea diving weight. There's nothing attached to it or running through it. It's bolted on with two bolts and doesn't rest directly on the frame. It sits on two rubber gaskets or whatever they are. You can tip it back and forth with a bit of pressure, but since I don't know what it is I wasn't about to go fiddling with it too much.

So what is it? Do I need it? It looks like it will get hung up on stuff. Since it's not attached to anything other than just hanging there I'd like to get rid of it if it's not necessary.

I have found two uses for it, the first is to hold down the sprinkler so it doesn't move around in the yard and the second use is a boat anchor. It works well for both and has had no noticeable affect on my 100.

 

[Dwon]

Considering putting the running boards back on. I need a step up into the cab to protect the leather seats which are flawless (one of the reasons we got this LC). ARB steps are $800 and I can't find Nerf Bars made for a 2001 LC.

I'm going to toy around with the factory steps to see if I can get the plastic off and paint them black. I've already got them so I might as well put them to use and stick that $800 into my kids preschool fund (it costs $700 a month to send my kid to Montessori pre school around here). I'm starting the fund now (he's 1.5) I figure that in the next 4 years I may save up enough to put him through all 2 years of pre-school. After that he's on his own!

So any ideas on side steps that look good without overpowering the tires. From most of the posts w/pics I've seen many of you still have on the factory steps.

 

[macneill]

GoRhino makes a SS tube step. I had them on mine and beat the hell out them wheeling to the point where the mounting bolts broke in the frame. I put on some Slee sliders after that.

If this is really a "business expense", what's $800?

Considering putting the running boards back on. I need a step up into the cab to protect the leather seats which are flawless (one of the reasons we got this LC). ARB steps are $800 and I can't find Nerf Bars made for a 2001 LC.

I'm going to toy around with the factory steps to see if I can get the plastic off and paint them black. I've already got them so I might as well put them to use and stick that $800 into my kids preschool fund (it costs $700 a month to send my kid to Montessori pre school around here). I'm starting the fund now (he's 1.5) I figure that in the next 4 years I may save up enough to put him through all 2 years of pre-school. After that he's on his own!

So any ideas on side steps that look good without overpowering the tires. From most of the posts w/pics I've seen many of you still have on the factory steps.

 

[Dwon]

I want to stay in business. $800 is $800!

 

[rusty_tlc]

Sure, That's what I do!!!

Do you have a mailing list?
has a Nikon D70 and she needs some help. If the timing were right we would be up for one of your NorCal trips. It would be a great way to combine our two interest.

BTW I think I'm on the same page with what you are doing. Not something I would do but I understand your motives.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I like not having the running boards.
Considering getting a set of Nerf Bars for $250 instead of ARB slider/steps for $700. I won't need the protection but I do need the step up. I'm looking for black so they don't show too much. Just need them for practical use loading the top (and for hiding the deep sea diving weight attached to the frame of my LC).

Pros or Cons about Nerf Bars?

I didn't see anyone comment on this.

Nerf bars will mark your rig as a poser IMHO, kind of like the "Show Bars" that guys put on their trucks in the seventies, most will know right away what they are. So far you are doing it right, don't mess it up going cheap on this.

 

[ckkone]

I'll cut you some slack since this is vehicle is used for advertising, it could be worse....You could have went with a Chevy Avalanche

If you are already planning on the ARB front bumper I would suggest getting the ARB side steps. They are not a rugged or expensive as some of the others, and they also have an extra bar that attaches to the front bumper....It will add to the safari look you are trying to acheive, here is a pic: (Talk to Kurt at cruiseroutfitters.com if your interested I think he quoted me ~$650)

 

[Dwon]

So here you go fellas: My LC has it's body wrap. FJ Cruiser owners eat your hearts out! An LC that looks like a Tonka toy! I LOVE IT! Fun on the outside, lux on the inside! (kind of like my old mullet from high school)

 

[macneill]

Omgwtfbbq.

 

[Dwon]

ARB: Bull Bar, Roof Rack, Lights, Tbars, Springs, & Shocks are scheduled to ship from Seattle Monday, so I should have them by the end of next week.

First up: install Roof Rack and Bull Bar. Then Lights. Then Shocks. Then Suspension.

Stay tuned!

 

[Dwon]

Omgwtfbbq.

What does this mean? I'm not up on my junior high text messaging lingo.

 

[hoser]

Considering putting the running boards back on. I need a step up into the cab to protect the leather seats which are flawless (one of the reasons we got this LC). ARB steps are $800 and I can't find Nerf Bars made for a 2001 LC.

If protecting the seats is your concern, consider getting some stealthy seat covers instead of putting back on the running boards.

 

[Dwon]

If protecting the seats is your concern, consider getting some stealthy seat covers instead of putting back on the running boards.

Yea but it's that whole sliding up into and out of the car that causes the cracking on the door side of the seat. Almost every LC we looked at had that issue except this one. The seats are gorgeous, we're not going to cover them.

Maybe we'll just cary around my kids step stool.

 

[macneill]

It's actually an internet acronym.

It could stand for that it looks like ass.

What does this mean? I'm not up on my junior high text messaging lingo.

 

[Dwon]

I hope you mean my pretty pretty ass and not yours.

 

[hoser]

My 80 was purchased 8 years old with 65k miles on it. The seats were truly immaculate due to the previous owner using sheep skin covers all it's life. Keep in mind, leather seats can be refinished and cracks removed. Used car dealers do it all the time.

 

[dclee]

I put Wet Okoles on the first and second rows. Found them here on MUD, the seller had them on ebay, and I got them for $167 (they retail for something like $750 with the custom "Land Cruiser" logo script on the front seats). Holy s***e! Those are awesome covers! Already more then paid for themselves in protection from food and liquid spills by our 2-year-old.