98 LX First Outing and upgrade Advice (1 Viewer)

[Trunk Monkey]

If you're out by yourself I'd go with a winch before anything else (also at it appears you get stuck a lot). And, multi-quote is awesome for replies.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Thanks for the link for puller. I really am not a fan of the looks of the aftermarket bumpers. I am really hoping jason (@TRAIL TAILOR) would be able to make me a hidden winch mount, so I could run a winch with stock bumper.

As for the 33" tires, I wonder if I could recoup some of my money by selling my 30" Falkens (265/70/16)? They really have under 4k miles on them .

The 30" tires are like go-cart wheels in a LX/LC. 33" (285/75/16) tires fit fine on a stock 100 and will gain you 1.5" over your current tires.

My recommendation is new 33" AT tires followed by a good bumper and winch if you have the $$$. If you can afford a winch and bumper right now a power puller (linked below) and some basic recovery gear will get you out of trouble, albeit with a lot more work and sweat.

More 2 Ton & 3 Ton Power Puller - $5 Shipping

 

[Kabanstva]

Thanks for the puller. I really am not a fan of the looks of the aftermarket bumpers. I am really hoping jason (@TRAIL TAILOR) would be able to make me a hidden winch mount, so I could run a winch with stock bumper.

As for the 33" tires, I wonder if I could recoup some of my money by selling my 30" Falkens (265/70/16)? They really have under 4k miles on them .

Are you not scraping your front bumpers at all where you go? I know my front and rear oem bumpers are all scraped pretty good, so looks aside I think most people here do aftermarket for clearance and more durability in case you still scrape.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Oh sure, my bumpers are well scraped and I am sure, I will tear off the rear bumper on one of these days. Actually, If it wasn't for the rear hitch I'd have torn off the rear bumper already.

But, I still haven't learned to like the after market bumpers than cost as much my original purchase price and make the truck look kinda of agricultural IMO. Also, then I would need to beef up the suspension to support the extra load too. It might be a long time before I would have the dough to get all of that.

Are you not scraping your front bumpers at all where you go? I know my front and rear oem bumpers are all scraped pretty good, so looks aside I think most people here do aftermarket for clearance and more durability in case you still scrape.

 

[Mdej3]

Assuming all maintenance is done and everything is baselined..

Recovery gear, extended sway bar links, longer brake lines, storage.

Edit, just saw the poll.

Buddy, what longer brake lines you found or are using for the 100 series? Thanks

 

[MongooseGA]

Check out Slee

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Ok you guys have spoken loud and clear. Most votes are for larger tires and a higher lift. What bums me out is that I did both lift (1.5") and new tires (only 30") in the last 4 months.
I think at this point, I am leaning towards getting larger tires, a hidden winch mount and a winch. The 1.5" lift with larger tires will have to do for a while as I have already stretched my budget for the time being.

Thank you everyone for your time and insight. Happy trails!

 

[uzj100]

Sell tires on craigs and get 33s. Get a winch and learn how to use it properly. ;<)

 

[aging fleet]

Ok you guys have spoken loud and clear. Most votes are for larger tires and a higher lift. What bums me out is that I did both lift (1.5") and new tires (only 30") in the last 4 months.

I'd have to start with the tires too.

You could either Craiglist the Falkens or see if Discount Tire will buy them back. Discount Tire bought my year old Michelin LTX M/S2s when I put KO2s on, but they were a commonly sold size and expect to be low-balled for the convenience.

As far as the lift, I also run 865s, stock tbs, and OEM shocks. It's a great combination for mixed use until you start adding weight or need more travel. Given you're trying to work within a budget, I wouldn't mess with the suspension until you actually need more capability. Also, the higher you go, the more supporting hardware you're going to need (diff drop, UCAs, ???).

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Very sage advice IMO. I am looking at slightly used Toyo Open country a fellow LC owner might be selling locally. They are 295/75/16 so a tad larger than 33".

Concerns with the used Toyo tires:

• VERY mixed reviews, especially in rain and snow. I live in WI so it is definitely a concern
• I have NEVER had good experience with used tires, they always wear out much faster than I anticipate.

I'd have to start with the tires too.

You could either Craiglist the Falkens or see if Discount Tire will buy them back. Discount Tire bought my year old Michelin LTX M/S2s when I put KO2s on, but they were a commonly sold size and expect to be low-balled for the convenience.

As far as the lift, I also run 865s, stock tbs, and OEM shocks. It's a great combination for mixed use until you start adding weight or need more travel. Given you're trying to work within a budget, I wouldn't mess with the suspension until you actually need more capability. Also, the higher you go, the more supporting hardware you're going to need (diff drop, UCAs, ???).

 

[Cola]

Ok you guys have spoken loud and clear. Most votes are for larger tires and a higher lift. What bums me out is that I did both lift (1.5") and new tires (only 30") in the last 4 months.
I think at this point, I am leaning towards getting larger tires, a hidden winch mount and a winch. The 1.5" lift with larger tires will have to do for a while as I have already stretched my budget for the time being.

Thank you everyone for your time and insight. Happy trails!

Dont worry about the 1.5 inch lift. You'll get most of your clearance from the 33s anyways (tire size will lift the whole truck including axles). You can also go higher on the lift for cheap. either 30 mm spacers in rear and crank the T bars, or just throw in for a new set of springs and sell the old ones. Might be a 100 in the hole for that. The good thing about a 1.5 inch lift vs a 2.5 inch lift is you most likely dont need a front diff drop.

Verdict. Your decision for 33s and a hidden winch mount will yield you a very capable rig (check trail tailor after the holidays, Hidden Winch Mount 100 Series)

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Thank you for the suggestions. Discount tire is willing to buy my tires back (I will get a quote tomorrow), so I will feel a little less bad about buying a second set within 6 months. Jason @TRAIL TAILOR is taking a well earned break, once he returns, I will be getting a hidden winch mount.

Dont worry about the 1.5 inch lift. You'll get most of your clearance from the 33s anyways (tire size will lift the whole truck including axles). You can also go higher on the lift for cheap. either 30 mm spacers in rear and crank the T bars, or just throw in for a new set of springs and sell the old ones. Might be a 100 in the hole for that. The good thing about a 1.5 inch lift vs a 2.5 inch lift is you most likely dont need a front diff drop.

Verdict. Your decision for 33s and a hidden winch mount will yield you very capable rig (check trail tailor after the holidays, Hidden Winch Mount 100 Series)

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Also, I have no clue how to use the recovery strap properly. Here's my brand new strap after just one recovery!

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Spent some more on my truck last night:

• 285/75/16 BFG KO2 tires ($630 shipped )
• Smittybilt XRC gen2 9.5k winch with synthetic rope ($360 shipped)
• Weathertech floor liners ($176 shipped)

EBay had a 15% off everything coupon last night, tokk full advantage of it

 

[MongooseGA]

Where/to what did you have the strap attached to?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Where/to what did you have the strap attached to?

I had it go thru the rear hitch opening and then loop on its self. The hitch had some sharp edges

 

[MountaineerLC]

I had it go thru the rear hitch opening and then loop on its self. The hitch had some sharp edges

Get yourself some shackles. They can be had relatively inexpensivly at most hardware stores.

Less than $8 at HomeDepot:
Husky 3/4 in. Bow Shackle-54535 - The Home Depot

You can also get receiver hitches made to fit shackles.

$40 at Advance Auto
Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

I'm not sure what the popular brands are, but as you can see from my links, for a couple hundred bucks you can get yourself set up with a decent recovery kit.

I also recommend you check out videos on YouTube regarding vehicle recovery and rigging.

 

[half k cruiser]

Spent some more on my truck last night:

• 285/75/16 BFG KO2 tires ($630 shipped )
• Smittybilt XRC gen2 9.5k winch with synthetic rope ($360 shipped)
• Weathertech floor liners ($176 shipped)

EBay had a 15% off everything coupon last night, tokk full advantage of it

Interested in seeing some pics of those weathertech liners when you get them in. I've been debating since the reviews are super hit and miss for the 100 series.

 

[Cola]

I had it go thru the rear hitch opening and then loop on its self. The hitch had some sharp edges

If you ever need to use the hitch again just loop the end through a hitch pin. Keeps your tow strap intact and super cheap. I always carry one just for that reason. Most people have hitches but that's it

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Interested in seeing some pics of those weathertech liners when you get them in. I've been debating since the reviews are super hit and miss for the 100 series.

I.have those liners in my Sienna and 530xi and I love them. Will report on lx470 experience soon.
With three kids and a messy WI winter they will sure get their mettle tested