300 Dead - Time to Build my 200

[h4ngt3n]

Okay so I bought my 2018 200 for the wife knowing that I would eventually build touring/crawling/overlander with it. I had reservations thinking I would buy a 300 series and build that instead. On the bad news regard LC being discontinued, I caved and bought my wife a GX 460 Luxury, so now it's time to build my dream. Background: I plan to tow a R-Pod Hood River trailer with it for the family but plan on doing some crawling, camping, fishing, hunting trips with friends / solo overland.

I am posting this for myself, feedback, and to help others looking to build something bad ass without breaking the bank.

I am not rich and will need to space out the purchasing over the next 18 months. Budget is $30k.

Prior Mods:
Stock Vehicle
Cosmetic upgrades (blacked out side panel, door handles, rear trim, tail lights, headlights, window chrome)
Used luggage basket
No spacer installed.

I got the car over the weekend and just started getting ready:
Removed third row
Removed step bars (smashed them offroading this weekend lol only took me 1 day)

Here is what I have purchased so far (on order expecting in late December early January for install):

• OME BP51-200 3" Lift
• BudBuilt Rock Sliders
• Bud Built full Skid Plates (Front, Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Fuel Tank)
• Bud Built Shock Armor
• Dual ARB Drawers (Sliding Tops) with Trim Kit

Here is what is coming near term:

• Icon Rebounds
• Grapplers, STT Pro, or Ko2s
• TJM Front Bumper (or something no-cut open to suggestions)
• Warn 12k Winch (model recommendations?)

Longer Term (in order):

1. ARB Compressor
2. ARB Air Lockers
3. Dual Battery Set-up
4. Slimline 2 Frontrunner Roofrack
5. Rear Bumper with Tire Holder /Jerry Can (recommendations under $2k? Slee has a nice one but breaks the bank)
6. Thule Tepui Hybox
7. Aux Gas & Water Tank (recommendations?)
8. ARB Zero fridge

Miscellaneous Gear for trips:
Max Trax
HiLift Jack
Garb Bag
Axe/Shovel

Things I am still researching:
Beefed up axles
Comms equipment
Stove cooking
Shower/Bathroom equipment
Netting for bugs

What should I add to my backlog? I plan to keep this thing forever.

Here is what she looks like right now:

 

[h4ngt3n]

Saved for build pics

 

[CharlieS]

Congrats. Cool license plate! . Sounds like a fun build.

The only thing on there that I'd probably strike is the beefed up axles. I don't think that is a weak spot on the 200.

If you stopped at tires, suspension, sliders and skids, you'd probably be pretty happy. All the rest is nice to have (albeit some is really nice to have).

Opinions are all over the place on the other stuff.

I don't know about aux water, but for aux fuel the Long Range America are awesome. Sounds like you are thinking of a rear bumper, so you could go with one of the higher volume options.

If I had more play money for the cruiser right now, I think I'd get a Warn Zeon 12-S, with a Factor 55 Flatlink.

Just ticking it off in my head, I think you might break your budget.

You're going to love the Budbuilt gear. I just ordered a set of sliders for my new to me 200 (since the first set I had went with the 200 I sold).

Enjoy the build!

 

[h4ngt3n]

Thanks Charlie. There is a guy in So. Cal with a similar phonetic plate which was my inspiration. I think he must live near Simi Valley, Ca.

I agree that I am likely to break my budget on this build. Trying to stick to high quality but staying away for the over the top things like the Icon 3.5" suspension which is like $6k or the Slee rear bumper $4k etc. Not because they aren't great but to try and keep the build within reason. I am also going to be working with Rob at Budbuilt to help guide me on this journey. He was super helpful when discussing my options and he is only about 1 hour from me. Told me I could come visit him in the shop when he does the suspension and he would walk me through everything.

Another nice to have item would be a snorkel but my use case doesn't really warrant it at this time. The RTT and miscellaneous gear isn't going into the build budget.

Thanks for the aux tank suggestion! The warn zeon looks great and less $ than the platinum one I have seen Ed Martin Toyota use. What is the advantage of the flat link?

Lastly, good to know about the axles. Most of my friends have jeeps and this seems to be a common upgrade on the gladiator/rubicons.

 

[TeCKis300]

Congratulations on the rig and looks like some good grand plans ahead.

There was a thread earlier this year (that I can't find ATM) talking about build priorities and a suggested order of things necessary to tackle trails of various difficulties. The 200-series doesn't really need much. I get a lot of this is as much about the hobby as much as need.

If I could make a suggestion as this sounds like a full on build. Don't forget about weight. As much as we like to bolt on gear - weight is the great equalizer. It's a slippery slope and may have a bigger impact to the day to day usability and your enjoyment of the vehicle. It also greatly affects efficiency, performance, and durability.

Couple suggestions
- Move compressor up the list
- Go with more tire and less suspension lift. For as aggressive as your build is, I would recommend a 34" tire.

A great build that I constantly refer back to from Mcgaskins. A balanced build informed by building multiple 200-series, multiple times.

Builds - mcgaskins' 2013 build thread - Palladium

BACKSTORY As some of you already know, I am a big Land Cruiser fan, and I really like the 200 series platform due to its combination of capability, durability, reliability, understated looks, and resale value. I've been able to find a few 200s for a good deal (08 LX, 08 LC, 13 LC, 14 LC, 16...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[h4ngt3n]

Great post, thanks for sharing. I read through it and seems to help with the priorities....
"Tires, sliders, lift, front bumper, winch, ARB drawers, skids, and rear bumper in that order of importance"

What are you seeing as the big red flags in terms of weight? What are you thinking I should stay away from?

I was nervous about the 34" tire because of the rubbing on the front bumper. I know that I am ordering a bumper which will help. Would you also suggest the grappler or what do you think?

 

[CharlieS]

I've been a BFG AT KO/KO2 fan for a long time. I'm a creature of habit though. I read posts about better compounds and treads, so you may have better options nowadays. The only place the BFG AT KO/KO2 have consistently sucked for me is in mud, especially the clay like mud. They load up and become slicks. Other than that, I run them year round in the northeast and they are a great all around tire. I just put new KO2s in a 33 on my '16 yesterday.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks Charlie. There is a guy in So. Cal with a similar phonetic plate which was my inspiration. I think he must live near Simi Valley, Ca.

I agree that I am likely to break my budget on this build. Trying to stick to high quality but staying away for the over the top things like the Icon 3.5" suspension which is like $6k or the Slee rear bumper $4k etc. Not because they aren't great but to try and keep the build within reason. I am also going to be working with Rob at Budbuilt to help guide me on this journey. He was super helpful when discussing my options and he is only about 1 hour from me. Told me I could come visit him in the shop when he does the suspension and he would walk me through everything.

Another nice to have item would be a snorkel but my use case doesn't really warrant it at this time. The RTT and miscellaneous gear isn't going into the build budget.

Thanks for the aux tank suggestion! The warn zeon looks great and less $ than the platinum one I have seen Ed Martin Toyota use. What is the advantage of the flat link?

Lastly, good to know about the axles. Most of my friends have jeeps and this seems to be a common upgrade on the gladiator/rubicons.

Yeah, sorry, I think the expensive Zeon Platinum is the one to get if you have the coin. According to some reviews I watched, there seems to be a pretty big performance and quality gap between the US made Warns and the others, and I understand that in this case, cost does equate to quality. The upside is that even the overseas Warns get the full 7 year (?) warranty.

Oh, and I don't know what's awesome about the flat link, except all the cool kids have them. As best I can tell they lay flat instead of poking out like the stock hook or a thimble.

Lucky you to be so close to Rob and Budbuilt. He's a wealth of knowledge, and has always been helpful whenever I talk with him. He won't steer you wrong.

 

[TimCFJ40]

Looks like a great build. You'll love it as an RPOD hauler. We've got a 172RG that I added the lift and larger tires to similar to a Hood River Edition. Other than the fuel mileage you'll barely notice that the RPOD is back there.

 

[TeCKis300]

Great post, thanks for sharing. I read through it and seems to help with the priorities....
"Tires, sliders, lift, front bumper, winch, ARB drawers, skids, and rear bumper in that order of importance"

What are you seeing as the big red flags in terms of weight? What are you thinking I should stay away from?

I was nervous about the 34" tire because of the rubbing on the front bumper. I know that I am ordering a bumper which will help. Would you also suggest the grappler or what do you think?

There's no one thing in your build that's a red flag, only that in totality once your fully outfitted, I think you'll find it to be pretty darn heavy. I guess it's to say it all adds up in a hurry. So where there's opportunities to do less with more, or less heavy options, may be a good thing.

With the right size tire and wheel offset, 34s are readily doable. The later model years in particular handle it well with more gearing and brakes stock. There's no better mod to do than big ol tires as it's the only one mod that will actually create more clearance under the rear axle. It also has benefits acting as a significant part of the suspension and more traction. I strongly believe in more tire lift and less suspension lift for better overall handling and capability.

 

[Markuson]

(Tried really hard to edit out many errors...... )

First...As others have said...
-Tires & sliders get a ton done. Suspension hog rd adds all driving...& skids are great if you go in the rocks. These items will help you get nearly anything done off-road. I’d add a compressor to that go-to list...because airing down ijust plain works, and the ability to air up again means you’ll air down often.

-The ARB twin has been fast & flawless for me.

Some will disagree, but...
**-Skip the hi-lift jack.**
Bashed in panels and busted bones agree. If you’re bound and determined, buy my untouched fancy one for cheap.

-Love my Zeon 12S Platinum. Have used it quite a lot. Mostly for other trucks, but also for my own at full, massively heavy pulls. It’s been flawless. Fast on lighter load, unstoppable in the big pulls, and wireless is helpful. My truck is a heavy pig.

-If you’re set on a winch...you’ll need a bumper, or hidden winch mount.

-Love my TJM T13. It’s paid for itself several times over with many impacts. An easy go to alternative is ARB.

-Maxtrax boards work. Sometimes the only thing that works (like sinking sand or beach pebbles...ask me how I know). Grab a set.
(Pay the silly money...Most Copy cats are...brittle).

-If you stay with 33” tires or smaller, you could skip the rear bumper.

-LRA aux tanks are trip-changers & awesome.... Literally Changes the way I think on the road (and what I don’t have to constantly think about—fuel/range).

-Drawers are essential for me....and would an early mod even if no off-roading...but not for everyone.

Beyond that...
All the zillion other doodads that require no major installs can be worked out.

There are TWO significant mods on my truck I’m not convinced I truly need. Snorkel....and RR. Snorkel was/is “insurance” after seeing destruction on a buddy’s LC. Not convinced the same would happen on my LC for complicated reasons involving the intake. Recent Roof Rack was bc my OEM was toast and I needed a replacement in a hurry. I like it fine, but not a priority for me.

Bottom line—Remember that you don’t automatically need a zillion mods to do very significant wheeling. The truck is crazy capable with just ATs and sliders. Enjoy the saving and decision-making along the way & remember you don’t have to have everything worked out before you start.

 

[terdrocket]

I would bump the aux tank up to one of the first things you do. Install it along with the lift and tires. It does NOT disappoint.

 

[bloc]

I would bump the aux tank up to one of the first things you do. Install it along with the lift and tires. It does NOT disappoint.

Plus it can add significant weight to the rear and having your suspension dialed in means accounting for that.

 

[prharper]

Lots of good advice above. I also picked up a 2018 LC 200 in Asheville last October and had similar build plan as you have described. I completed a lot all the items you have listed and unfortunately don't have a build thread going.

There is a wealth of information on MUD and the guys who have already responded are great sources of knowledge and experience.
One thread that helped on my build was from McGaskins (one of his previous builds - Ruby)

Builds - mcgaskins' 2016 build thread - Ruby

As some of you may know, I had a 2014 that was built in the past, but I really liked the 2016 refresh and wanted to give the 8 speed a try to see if it worked better off road. Some pics of the 14: I found a decent deal on a 2016 in brandywine/terra in Minnesota and had it shipped to...

forum.ih8mud.com

I did the dual battery first because I knew future projects would leverage it and I was waiting on backorders for other parts.
You are lucky to be close to Rob at Budbuilt (like others in the west with Slee). Good people at BudBuilt. I consulted with Rob on my build plans. Knowing that I was going with BP-51's, we wanted to get a good idea of the weight in order to choose the best rear springs and pre-load.

Did the following first:
Dual battery - REDARC BCP1225D & SBI plus wiring to rear and solar.
SwitchPros
Front bumper - Rhino
Comeup SEAL GEN2 12.5rs winch (got a good deal or it was going to be the Warn platinum)
ARB twin air
34" Ridge Grapplers (minor rub on hard turns that I knew would go away with lift)
BudBuilt sliders

Front end is now loaded in terms of weight.

Now it was time to go to BudBuilt and get the BP-51's installed with fulls skids (aluminum) and shock armor. Went with 2723 springs knowing that I would add more weight to the rear (drawers, fridge and rear bumper).

Later added:
Reef drawers - easy to modify/customize
Added National Luna 60L Legacy from Equipt < great people/service
Alu Cab tilting fridge slide
OEM roof rack mods
Black Oak LED light bar on OEM rack
Rhino awning with quick disconnects

Looking back, I'm very happy with the path I choose. Rob adjusted the BP-51's perfectly. Very smooth ride on the highway and with the SPC's, everything is still perfectly aligned even after several off road trips.

The BudBuilt sliders and skids have already paid for themselves in terms of the damage they have prevented. Need to touch up paint on the sliders and maybe bend a front skid corner back in to place.

When camping, I didn't realize how great it is to have a freezer & fridge and not worry about ice. I make these ice balls at home for sipping Bourbon and cocktails. Throw those in the freezer section of the fridge and they remain unmelted in perfect condition for days while camping. Wish I had added it earlier for some of the summer camping trips but the fridge was backordered from South Africa for months.

The last major mod that I want is a rear bumper mainly for clearance, gas and water. I've considered the LRA tanks and if I was living back out west again, it would be an easy decision for me. I really like the functionality and look of the Slee rear bumper and believe it will address my needs but as you pointed out, it is pricey and not an install I want to take on myself this time around. Contemplating a trip out west in 2021, visit Slee and maybe attend LCDC.

I'll be following your thread and curious to see where you end up on the rear bumper.

Oh, get the Jowett oil filter housing and Fumato oil drain - makes oil changes so much easier with no mess. Brian is a good guy too.

Have fun with the build and enjoy the ride!

 

[h4ngt3n]

So much great info to take in:
@prharper glad to hear about Rob and Budbuilt I had that impression. As for a bumper I was looking at Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Rear bumper with tire carrier.

Dual battery - REDARC BCP1225D & SBI plus wiring to rear and solar. (<<< THIS IS WHAT I WAS THINKING)

34" Ridge Grapplers - good to know. A few people have mentioned going with the 34s.

@Markuson and @terdrocket - I hear you on the tank but I am also hearing the weight concerns. @bloc your logic makes sense on doing the tank before getting the rear dialed in by rob. I will look into prioritizing.

As for the electric thoughts, i hear you guys. Makes sense to get the solar and the compressor going. I am just not doing any real trips for a few months so focused a little more on aesthetic right now. <<< I sound like a premodonna.

 

[tbisaacs]

There was a thread earlier this year (that I can't find ATM) talking about build priorities and a suggested order of things necessary to tackle trails of various difficulties. The 200-series doesn't really need much. I get a lot of this is as much about the hobby as much as need.

"What should I mod first?" — let's discuss

With 200-series (particularly LX570) prices coming down, there have been a huge influx of new owners here (👋 WELCOME!) trying to figure out where to start. While I love a beastly build just as much as much as the rest of you - I also admire some of the more restrained, carefully built rigs that...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Bullgump]

All great input above. Keep lighting in mind...I run the switch pros with led lights all around the vehicle...driving, spot, sides and rear. Absolute necessity for off grid camping, driving at night in moab or the deer camp, cleaning the days fish catch or just sipping a cold beer while cooking up that hot food on a cool night.

My build is similar to yours but with rear bumper and I don't regret any of it.

 

[SWUtah]

Congrats. Cool license plate! . Sounds like a fun build.

The only thing on there that I'd probably strike is the beefed up axles. I don't think that is a weak spot on the 200.

If you stopped at tires, suspension, sliders and skids, you'd probably be pretty happy. All the rest is nice to have (albeit some is really nice to have).

Opinions are all over the place on the other stuff.

I don't know about aux water, but for aux fuel the Long Range America are awesome. Sounds like you are thinking of a rear bumper, so you could go with one of the higher volume options.

If I had more play money for the cruiser right now, I think I'd get a Warn Zeon 12-S, with a Factor 55 Flatlink.

Just ticking it off in my head, I think you might break your budget.

You're going to love the Budbuilt gear. I just ordered a set of sliders for my new to me 200 (since the first set I had went with the 200 I sold).

Enjoy the build!

What he said

 

[h4ngt3n]

So I got my arb boxes and trim kit and it is a total pain in the ass to install. So far I have removed the 3rd row, removed the carpet cover, removed the plastic around the carpet and and the 30mm spacer towards front (had to cut carpet and plastic). Unfortunately i tightened the bolt too tight and it drilled into the spacer.

Now I am looking at the instructions with a total headache and can't find a video walkthrough. Anyone have a step by step, this doc is total crud (general and vehicle specific).

 

[bemerritt]

So I got my arb boxes and trim kit and it is a total pain in the ass to install. So far I have removed the 3rd row, removed the carpet cover, removed the plastic around the carpet and and the 30mm spacer towards front (had to cut carpet and plastic). Unfortunately i tightened the bolt too tight and it drilled into the spacer.

Now I am looking at the instructions with a total headache and can't find a video walkthrough. Anyone have a step by step, this doc is total crud (general and vehicle specific).

There is an arb drawer thread on here somewhere, where at the very least you can read similar frustrations from previous installers.

My advice, keep at it, it makes sense at some point. there are 4 attachment points to the vehicle. Just make those work with the spacers and thats the hard part if i recall correctly.