Build 96 White Cloud

[Tommy Shumpert]

I have been wanting a 80 for a long time! Finally pulled the trigger. Is bone stock Cali truck 1996 with 260k miles. Engine has been rebuilt, so that’s good.

Looking for some advice on a starter lift kit. I was looking at the “4″ Dobinson 80 Series Landcruiser Lift” heavy springs front and back.
Anything that is a must with this? I have a set of 35” Toyo R/T’s on Icons on my 4 runner I plan on putting on this.

Is there any other “must haves”?

More pics to come, and look forward to this build.

Thanks

 

[MissahPapaJ]

Dang that thing looks purdy tasty nice score, how much if ya don’t mind me asking? First things first I’d remove the degraded laminate wood trim around the vents and window switches, the shifter trim never bothers me but something about the trim around the vents and switch’s get my goat especially if they’re goosed. Heck ya welcome to the sickness! Straight axle por vita!!!!

 

[LongDuck]

Looking good for 260k miles, whoever had it took care of it. That's a pretty high lift if you like the way it drives now. Sounds like your 4Runner might be your off road setup, so leaving this one a bit closer to stock might be a nice ride - but it's all up to you. You've got an outstanding starting point, regardless.

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

Dang that thing looks purdy tasty nice score, how much if ya don’t mind me asking? First things first I’d remove the degraded laminate wood trim around the vents and window switches, the shifter trim never bothers me but something about the trim around the vents and switch’s get my goat especially if they’re goosed. Heck ya welcome to the sickness! Straight axle por vita!!!!

15k

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

Looking thru the paperwork, the owner had one shop in Cali do all the service work.
Engine was rebuilt 10k miles ago. Piston rings heads head gasket timing chain radiator brake booster….on and on.

Well looks like I have some work to do
35x12.50x17 Toyo

 

[smittycrusher]

Lift really depends on your overall plans. I have had my 80 for over 20 years and it has been an evolution. If not planning on a lot of weight (bumpers, sliders, winch, etc), I would avoid heavy springs as the ride will be harsh. I have a 4" lift and really like the height BUT typically going above 3'-3.5" adds another dimension of needs. 4" gets you into the territory of longer front control arms (to recenter axle and adjust caster, most likely a DC front drive shaft once pinion angle is changed with arms), probably will then need a little longer rear lower arms, which will in turn most like require adjustable rear upper arms. Will also want to add longer brake lines. If not dealing with much elevation change while driving, you will probable be OK with stock gearing, although t-case gears or diff gears will help a lot with the drivability on and off road (I vote high and low range T-case gears over diff gears for 35s). If ever going above 35's gearing will probably become a must. I have high/low t case gears from @cruiseroutfit. I ran those with 35s for years and was very happy with the results. When I went to 37s, I added 4.56s in the diffs.

Also need to consider an adjustable front panhard rod to recenter wheels under the truck and the rear panhard bracket from Delta VS is a must do as far as I am concerned. That is another mod that made a tremendous difference.

I would suggest giving a lot of thought to intended use of this 80 (which is stunning btw) and work backwards with the build.

Smitty

 

[Brindleboxer]

Congrats on the purchase. As for a 4" being a starter lift...that made me chuckle more than it should have.

As I ask most everyone that asks these questions, "what is the use case for this truck?"

You do not need 4" lift to get 35" tires on these. There are a few that actually use there rigs for semi tough trails and are running a 2"- 2.5" lift. I only say this as once you get to the 3" and higher lifts you will need to do more adjustment to the suspension. I assume you may already know this if you are running 35" on a 4runner.

Just my .02, good luck with whatever route you choose.

 

[LongDuck]

Love looking at these pics of a clean, pristine 80, but... what in THE HELL is up with your engine fan shroud? A new one is ~$125, and would bring the engine bay up to par with the rest of the LandCruiser.

Make it your first "mod" and go from there...?

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

Trust me, I have a list… lol. Dash trim in a big way as well.

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

Congrats on the purchase. As for a 4" being a starter lift...that made me chuckle more than it should have.

As I ask most everyone that asks these questions, "what is the use case for this truck?"

You do not need 4" lift to get 35" tires on these. There are a few that actually use there rigs for semi tough trails and are running a 2"- 2.5" lift. I only say this as once you get to the 3" and higher lifts you will need to do more adjustment to the suspension. I assume you may already know this if you are running 35" on a 4runner.

Just my .02, good luck with whatever route you choose.

Going to match my 4runner..
Wish someone had a front bumper similar to this one. Thinking I may just build my own rear swing out similar to what I did on my 40.

These are the actual tires and wheels I’m using, bought new ones for 4runner. Stayed with Icon.

 

[LLTB]

Congrats on the new ride. 80s are the best.

4” Dobinsons would be killer. Im looking at their adjustable shocks personally to swap out my OME shocks with.

With a rebuild already done, you pretty much stole that for $15k. Just the engine rebuild and “while you’re in there’s” would have cost $15k or more easily.

 

[OffRoadScott]

Going to match my 4runner..
Wish someone had a front bumper similar to this one. Thinking I may just build my own rear swing out similar to what I did on my 40.

These are the actual tires and wheels I’m using, bought new ones for 4runner. Stayed with Icon.

View attachment 4219502

trail gear makes a similar bumper

 

[LLTB]

Going to match my 4runner..
Wish someone had a front bumper similar to this one. Thinking I may just build my own rear swing out similar to what I did on my 40.

These are the actual tires and wheels I’m using, bought new ones for 4runner. Stayed with Icon.

View attachment 4219502

that's a super clean 4Runner. You need more lights though, I think.

 

[fl4031003]

I ran 35s with a 2 inch lift for years with no issues. 4 inches and you’re looking at other handling issues.

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

I ran 35s with a 2 inch lift for years with no issues. 4 inches and you’re looking at other handling issues.

It lights up a dark road like no one’s business

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

I have these runs in the back window, any ideas on fixing that? I thought it was just tint, but I can’t feel anything on the inside except the defrost lines.
Thanks

 

[GCCFZJ]

Lifts depends on your intended use, the compromises you're willing to make, and the amount you are willing to spend.

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

Dodinson springs and shocks installed. Front and back sway bar extension. Brake proportion valve extension. Extended brake lines. Caster adjustment brackets for front.
Waiting for wheels to get her tomorrow, then wheels go on.
Ordered the pan hard brackets for top and bottom..

 

[Tommy Shumpert]

This is the paperwork from previous owner. He bought from original owner at 69k. And drove it 200k. There are receipts from everything imaginable. Even a brake light they took it to the shop. Auto house of Clovis in Cali. Anyone familiar with this shop?
Every oil change, etc… crazy. Engine was rebuilt at 255k, oil pump, pistons, rob bearings, mains, block was machined, gaskets. Etc.
Timing chain , rail was changed a year before.
Crazy. Only thing I don’t see is anything done to trans.

 

[LongDuck]

AmIright?