200-series Touring Build (1 Viewer)

[AustImages]

Hi all,

Well, having sent the 1VDFTV-powered 105 to a new home last year, I've started the long process of getting a 200-series up to speed. Seems that when I finally get a truck to the point I'm happy with it, the process starts all over again. Maybe that's part of the fun!

Anyway, the first article and video are basically a review of the standard 200 Turbo-Diesel:
http://www.australianimages.com.au/200series/

The second page covers the install of a compressor kit, nifty accessory fusebox and throwing a fridge in the back:
http://www.australianimages.com.au/200series/electrics.php


Plenty more to come.

 

[RTaylor]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to following the build.

 

[AustImages]

Hi all,

The 3rd article and video are now up. This one covers the complete step-by-step installation of a Tough Dog suspension kit into the 200 (with KDSS).

http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/suspension.php


Direct link to the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuJZmPN7GCY

 

[pdxlc200]

Nice video on the suspension install! Thank you.

 

[4x4tripping]

Thank you for sharing the buildup process!

Also your other Project is nice: 1VD-FTV engine into a 105(100) series Toyota Land Cruiser. Why did you sell em?


Surfy

 

[AustImages]

Thank you for sharing the buildup process!

Also your other Project is nice: 1VD-FTV engine into a 105(100) series Toyota Land Cruiser. Why did you sell em?


Surfy

Hi mate,

I sold the 105 for a few reasons. First was that I had three cars, which was one more than I needed! My 105 wasn't really a good day-to-day car, as it was heavily set up for offroad use. While my wife's SUV (a Ford Territory, similar to a Toyota Highlander) was good on road, but no good off road.

So between my wife and I, we decided that we could sell her car plus my 'Cruiser and buy one vehicle that could do both jobs pretty well i.e.: a good on-road car that she could drive easily, plus a good off-road touring vehicle.

Also as I've gotten older and my family has grown, my 4WD needs have moved away from hardcore offroad tracks more towards touring trips, which the 200 is ideal for.

Lastly, I do tend to get bored, and like a new challenge to keep me busy! I do miss it sometimes, but the 200 is coming along nicely.

BTW, I just checked out your Africa blog. Nice work on the truck. It's a trip I would love to do myself one day. Can I ask how you have found the econ*lock? The gearbox is certainly one part of the 200 that could do with improvement and I've been looking at a few options.

 

[4x4tripping]

It's a trip I would love to do myself one day.

Just do it! The 200 is the perfect car for such a trip

Can I ask how you have found the econ*lock? The gearbox is certainly one part of the 200 that could do with improvement and I've been looking at a few options

When you think "what the **** do they talk about:

econ*lock is a addon for the automatic gearbox:

http://www.econ-lock.com/

I dont know if my english is good enough to wrote about the technical side. But i can try to tell my experience:

Without Econ*Lock the Gearbox often don`t close the converter and you drive with 3k rpm and regonice that you drive between the gears.

With Econ*Lock you can drive in manual (setting the gear by yourself), you feel when the converter is locked and now you be able to bring the power of the V8 to the street.

A kickdown will override the econ*lock, but with the time you got trained how to drive it.

Now i can drive with much less rpm, can use the Diesel power in a better way.

It feels much better to drive this way, safes fuel.

I mostly drive in automatic mode till 50km/h, then i go to manual mode and put in the 3, with 60km/h the 4th gear and so on.

The developer of this device has two different setup of the box`es, a normal one and one who was designed (and used by Toyota) for the Rally Paris Dakar.

I have that device with normal configuration and i`m happy with it.

Ask yourself if you will make use of the manual Gear selection, when the answer is yes then it is definitively worth to consider it.

 

[Ozi200Cruzer]

Hi in Australia there is a company that make a simple manual plugin switch type lockup converter. They also make heavy duty valve bodies, that allow along with the switch to use full low range first gear engine braking like manual trans.

http://automatictransmission.com.au/release.asp?NewsId=44241

Cheers

 

[AustImages]

Hi all,

The next article/video is up, covering the install of an ARB bullbar (Winchbar).

http://australianimages.com.au/project200/bullbar.php



Next one should be a winch, probably in 3 or 4 weeks time.

 

[dtt255]

Very nice.... subbed.

 

[AustImages]

Hi all,

The next article/video is up, covering the install of a Warn Tabor 10k winch. It also includes a test of the winch, recovering the 200 (plus camper-trailer) from the mud.

http://australianimages.com.au/project200/warn-tabor.php

 

[AustImages]

The next page/video for the build is now up.

This one mainly covers the centre dash pull-apart, but also mentions the UHF radio/antenna, Trailer brake controller, Ultragauge, plus iPad with Mudmaps and mounting system.

http://australianimages.com.au/project200/dash-pull-apart.php

Apologies for the delay, we had a some bushfires up this way which threw a spanner in the works for a few weeks!


The next update (should be done in 6-8 weeks) will cover the install of a Safari Snorkel.

 

[AustImages]

How To: Safari snorkel installation

Hi all,

Better late than never, the Safari snorkel install for the 200 is now up. The installation only took a few hours and could easily be completed by someone with moderate mechanical knowledge and equipment.

In the month since the installation was completed, I've noticed an average fuel consumption improvement of about 0.3L/100km, no doubt due to the cooler (and slightly pressurised) air supply from the snorkel. So even if you don't plan to attempt deep water crossings, there is certainly an advantage to having a snorkel fitted.

You can find the new article w/video here:

http://australianimages.com.au/project200/safari-snorkel.php

and direct link to the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyI4XhasoJA


Any questions, please let me know.

 

[AustImages]

Hi all,

It's been a while, but the article and video for the install of the rear bar and wheel carriers is now up.

The installation took me about 2 1/2 days, including the constant stop-start required to video it all. I suspect if you're handy with the tools that you could mount the bar and carriers themselves in a lazy day, with another half-day to relocate the reversing camera out onto the carrier.

You can find the new article w/video here: http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/outback-rear-bar-wheel-carriers.php

and direct link to the video here:

I'm really happy with the bar, particularly given that it's $1k less than a Kaymar. I've landed on it a few times during testing, without damage. The carriers come off in about 10 minutes, so I'll be removing the right one when I'm around town to save fuel etc.


Here's a few pics:

As you can see, I've also got the new wheels and tyres fitted, so they'll be in the next update. Just waiting for some rain so I can give them a bit of a test!

 

[AustImages]

My wheel and tyre article/video is now up:
http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/wheels-tyres.php

For wheels, I went with the ROH Octagon (Black/machined face) in 17x8" with a +47 offset. This represents a track increase of ~26mm over standard, so although the same size as the standard wheels, they do help fill out the guards a bit.

For tyres, I've gone with Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3s in 285/70R17. Same notional width as the standard tyres, but 40mm larger in diameter for ~20mm improvement in ground clearance. They fit pretty well, with the only sign of rubbing being the front-left, which just rubs on the mudflap at about 80% left-lock.

I have to say I'm absolutely rapt in the tyres. They're the first set of "all terrain" tyres I've had since a set of BFG All Terrains a few years ago. After about 2 months with them, I cannot pick a fault. They're better on-road (wet and dry) than the standard Dunlops, and great offroad too. Road noise is slightly higher than the Dunlops, but not bad at all.

Only time will tell how they go with long-term durability and puncture resistance, but the construction is good with three sidewall plies and some nice sidewall tread, so I think they'll do well.

 

[AustImages]

Well, now I can finally see where I'm going at night.

I've installed a set of Fyrlyt driving lights, plus Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited replacement globes.

I was originally looking at Lightforce 210s with 50w HIDs, but decided to go with the Fyrlyts. Same performance, half the price and IMHO a much better designed light.

For the headlights...I wanted to keep it legal, so that put HID off the table. I went with Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited, which provide a noticeable improvement and slightly whiter light. I imagine they are similar to Narva +120s etc.

Overall, very happy with the result:

Heaps more info, high-res comparison photos and an installation/comparison video here:

http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/lighting.php

 

[MScruiser]

I Love your videos. They are some of the most well made and informative on YouTube. I am a big time subscriber, and didn't even realize you were a member of this site. Please keep doing what you do!

 

[AustImages]

Just finished installing a Long Ranger TR68L 180L replacement for the sub-tank, taking fuel capacity to 273 litres.

I had considered going for their fuel-water combination tank (TR68W), but in the end decided on all-fuel since I usually have my camper with me when travelling (80-odd litres water on board), and it's always easier to add water containers when travelling than fuel containers.

It's the same capacity I used to have in my 105, and its great to have it back. When crossing the Simpson several years ago it was wonderful to be able to not only leave the jerry cans at home, but be able to skip fuelling at Mt Dare completely, saving me a good 40c a litre at the time.

The tank install went well, with nothing particularly difficult about it. It took me a couple of days, but if you're handy it would be doable in a day without the delays associated with filming/photographing each step. Any questions, ask away.

http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/long-ranger.php

 

[AustImages]

Hi all,

It's been a while, but the next install article/video is now up.

I've added a set of Firestone Coil-rite airbags to the rear of the 200. The airbags are controlled via an Air On Board gauge/control panel mounted into the jack storage area.

The airbags I used were the #4164 model, which is suitable for standard or lifted 200s, depending on how much bump stop you cut off during the installation. While I normally prefer to buy locally, in this case I got my airbags direct from the US via Amazon (links in the article), because the price difference between them and Australian dealers is so enormous. Less than half the price of buying the bags in Australia, even including air freight.

The installation went well with no major issues to report. Here’s the link to the article and video: http://www.australianimages.com.au/project200/airbags.php

 

[BTUMAN]

Jamie- I hate that there is no USA supplier of those wheels. I contacted the company. However, they will sell direct if I pay the freight. They are sending me a quote but expect it to be too expensive to ship.