Builds 1HNDRD build (6 Viewers)

[skyblue]

Hey Mudders,

First, the shout-outs:

• @Voodoocruisers - super dude - built/restored my '74 forty which I enjoy very much - was probably my original inspiration to own multiple LCs
• @paflytyer - great guy, always happy to help - awesome 100 that has been an inspiration to my build
• @savirc - another source of 100 build inspiration - incredible truck
• @REZARF - a go-to for how-to - killer build thread and beautiful 100.
• @RocketCityCrzrs - neighbor, friend, great mechanic, always happy to answer stupid questions
• All the other Mudders who take the time to respond to questions.

Thanks a Gazillion to all of you!

So.. I have owned a 40 for a while. It's a ton of fun to own and drive. However, I found myself really wanting to get a 2nd Landcruiser to add to my collection and build a semi-off-road family camping rig.

After long consideration I settled on a 100 (it was between this and an 80) and after a 6-month search, found the right deal on the right truck and wrote the check. Bone stock. That was about 4 months ago.. Since then I have had it baselined, drove it 1000 miles or so, and started the build.

Now I need to clarify that this project has two primary objectives of equal importance.

1. to end up with a good looking, quality, built Landcruiser that is comfortable for family camping, good for short road trips, and respectable on the trails.
2. to become, to some small degree, what I am not... A mechanic... (I've built many things.. from houses to businesses.. This is a new kind of challenge for me)

The purpose of this thread is a place to document the build, a place to ask questions, and a place for all you Cruiser Heads out there to share your pointers and suggestions with me. Maybe there are other inexperienced guys like me who can see this thread and benefit from it.

So with no further blah-blah, I will begin to post what I've been up to.

Here it is as I purchased.. (after I removed and sold the sliders...)

 

[skyblue]

here are the original mod purchases...

bumper, winch, suspension, and aux battery tray from Slee... Thanks Slee!

roof rack from CBI... Thanks CBI! (not a great pic but I'll post better ones soon)

Rear bumper and awning from Slee... Thanks again Slee!

and I found a great deal on one (1) slightly used ARB driving light on Ebay... looking for another (7")

Sway Bar Links from Trail Tailor... Thanks Trail Tailor!

 

[skyblue]

almost forgot...
I was going to post a pic of @paflytyer 's 100... (he said I could) this is kinda the finish line for me. (likely won't do the body lift.. Tent will be soft-shell)

 

[skyblue]

I started off with the suspension...

• OME shocks and T-bars
• Slee springs
• SPC UCAs
• Trail Tailor sway bar links
• Slee diff drop
• New oem rear control arm bushings

I found that the most difficult part was removing the old rear shocks and replacing the rear control arm bushings. Also separating the right-side UCA ball joint gave me some trouble. Otherwise it was fairly straightforward.. Just time consuming using a floor jack, jack stands, and assorted timber blocks.

Here the shock is removed on one side.. Ready to replace the spring

New shock and spring installed... I originally re-installed the OEM sway bar links but then decided to order the longer, beefier TT ones. They were easy to install later.

Went ahead and painted the rear control arms (all 4) before reinstalling them. I did both the lowers at the same time but on the uppers I did one at a time. If I did it over I'd probably do one at a time on all 4. Just a bit easier to get the bolt holes all lined up.

Rear all finished...

 

[paflytyer]

Looking forward to seeing this build! Off to a great start.

 

[skyblue]

On to the front...

Diff drop first... Easy and pretty

Once I dug into it, I discovered some moderate rust on the lower control arms... I wasn't really sure what to do about it but I took some time to clean it up as best I could, then masked off and painted. I wish I would have used flat black instead of gloss but I'm sure it'll be flat soon enough.

Front assembly complete including new sway bar links..

And there she sits...! (3 weeks later)

Wow those tires look tiny...!

 

[aging fleet]

Love it when a build starts with a pallet full of parts, looking forward to seeing the progress.

 

[skyblue]

Here is the pile of take-offs... Any ideas what to do with them?

So after adjusting the T-bars according to Slee specs, I drove to my local auto shop and got an alignment. When I got it back to my shop it had settled about 0.5"
The last few days I've been fine tuning the T-bar bolts little by little and driving about a mile or two in between each adjustment/measurement. I think I've got it ready for a follow up alignment (which they graciously included)

But first...
For better or for worse I decided to paint the wheels. The reason is that when I removed the spare from underneath the truck I discovered it had been drug over a rock or something and had a deep gouge in it.. That gouge had resulted in the factory wheel paint bubbling and it really looked pretty bad. So I sanded it down and did what I could with the gouge. Then wiped it off with some lacquer thinner...

And rattle-canned it

It definitely looks better than it did but now I'm committed to doing the other 4 plus the center caps. I was hoping that the color would be a bit darker but if I decide to re-do it in black it's not a big deal... This paint is actually really easy to use.

Once this is done I'll get the final alignment and NEW TIRES..

 

[skyblue]

Some random tasks that I've forgotten to mention...

• I removed the factory fender flares. They are in great condition and I've got them advertised for sale here on MUD along with the OEM bumpers and roof rack.
• I also removed the hitch that was bolted to the frame. It's for sale as well
• A big empty hole where the spare tire was... (Would love to someday build a water system for that space)
• The Bump-It Offroad Sliders were a bit too wide for my liking.. I sold those and I'd like to get the ones that angle up close to the body (someday)
• Got it registered

Also,
Any tips and tricks are welcome any time...

 

[REZARF]

Cool plate man, great start to a great build. Love the blue 40 but I am biased.

Did you land on a tire size yet? You are off to a great start. Once you add the bumpers you'll pretty much settle the suspension for good.

Those are my favorite 100 series wheels, they look rad.

Take any $$$ you can get for the old 100 parts but they're not unobtanium like some 40 parts so take what you can get and scrap the rest. Sadly, once you change up the suspension none of your old parts work as trail spares...

Keep up the good work, it looks awesome.

 

[REZARF]

What UCA's did you add?

Are those the Slee ARB aftermarket fog light buckets? I've been looking at adding s set of Rigid/Baja Design amber fogs for the snow up ere and those buckets look sweet!

 

[bamabrock]

Great start. Those TBs and stock springs will be sellable to someone with an aging AHC system wanting a stock suspension.

What part of AL? I'm in Birmingham, from Selma. We've got two very active TLCA clubs that ride together quite a bit.
Birmingham:

AL- DixieLand Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

Huntsville:

AL- Hot South Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[nukegoat]

I want to do this bolt on thing to a jeep

 

[skyblue]

What UCA's did you add?

Are those the Slee ARB aftermarket fog light buckets? I've been looking at adding s set of Rigid/Baja Design amber fogs for the snow up ere and those buckets look sweet!

Thanks @REZARF for the support and comments..!
I went with SPC UCAs from Slee.
Yes, Ben at Slee talked me into the fog light buckets and trims... Quality stuff as always.

I think I may have my little tires sold...
After a lot of reading the comments and arguments here on MUD, I've pretty much decided to go with 295/70/18. Since I've decided to paint my wheels it'll be a week or so before tires get installed.
I also ordered spacers from BORA so hopefully will have those soon as well.

 

[skyblue]

Great start. Those TBs and stock springs will be sellable to someone with an aging AHC system wanting a stock suspension.

What part of AL? We've got two very active TLCA clubs that ride together quite a bit.
Birmingham:

AL- DixieLand Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

Huntsville:

AL- Hot South Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks!
I'm in the Guntersville area

 

[bamabrock]

Thanks!
I'm in the Guntersville area

Post in the Hot South group. There are a couple of guys in your area.

 

[aging fleet]

I also ordered spacers from BORA so hopefully will have those soon as well.

Great product, but don't be surprised if it takes three to four weeks for them to arrive. That was my experience, but I did order around the holidays when they were running a bit of a sale.

Also, @bamabrock nailed it, someone looking to get rid of their AHC system on the cheap would love to have your old springs, t-bars, and shocks.

 

[skyblue]

Post in the Hot South group. There are a couple of guys in your area.

is there a way to post an ad on a local message board?

 

[D21FJ60]

Love the build, you aren't holding back!
Maybe I missed it, but what condition are the shocks and springs in?

 

[savirc]