Advice - 2006 100 series stock suspension with ARB front and ?? rear bumpers

[Bloomer]

My 2006 Land Cruiser is being delivered in 1 to 2 weeks. It is completely stock. I purchased it with an extended warranty and don't plan any major changes to it until the warranty expires, as I don't know what will void it. I'd like to put larger tires (285 or 295 seem to fit with no suspension mods based on posts I have read). I'd also like to install an ARB front bumper and a new rear bumper. Will a stock suspension hold up with larger tires and heavier bumpers? Anyone mind posting a pic of a similar set up? Thanks!

 

[paflytyer]

Most importantly, what are you going to use your truck for? The weight/size of your tires is not really relative to whether your stock suspension can handle it. It's unsprung weight. The stock suspension (shocks, springs, TB's and AHC components) won't be stressed from the added weight of tires. Bumpers would be completely different. You're looking at close to $4k for bumpers. That's a lot of $ and WILL have an affect on the amount of sprung weight your stock suspension is carrying. Most would consider it a negative effect. It's going to add a lot of weight to your truck.

I'm not familiar with AHC, which your new truck probably has. But, your front would probably hold the weight of an ARB bumper (without a winch) just fine. Although, you need to do some small cutting to add the ARB, it doesn't just bolt on. The rear would probably sag pretty good under the added weight of a steel bumper. Especially if you add the swing out tire carrier. It wouldn't feel as smooth as it does right now, and might even bottom out.

If you're concerned with an extended warranty, I wouldn't do anything except just drive it the way it is. I'm guessing you won't be going offroad much, so why not just enjoy owning one of the greatest vehicles ever made? Although, you'd be surprised how well these truck perform completely stock. If offroading is your goal, then I might reconsider either the year/cost or the extended warranty. If you want to do all the mods, cancel the EW and use that $ to add mods that will benefit your use.

Not to make this a tire thread, but as far as tires go, remember your truck will have 18inch wheels, not 16's. A 275/70/18 will fit stock with no issues. Some other sizes will fit too if you keep your AHC set on "high". Everything you do will change the way your truck feels and drives. It might be worth it to drive a modded 100 and your new 100 to get an idea of what you're willing to sacrifice. For just plain driving down the highway, or the occasional dirt road, I would leave it just the way it is. Running boards and all. It will never be smoother than it is right now.

 

[Bloomer]

All things were considered. The 100 will not be used for heavy off road. Main purpose will be family trips to NM and Co from TX during winter and occasional light trail when taking my boys camping. Actually, no AHC. I looked for a long time to find a newer 100 with low miles and no AHC (and no DVD player in the head liner). I really did not want a Land Cruiser with either, thus the reason for not buying a 2008 or newer.

The cost of the EW was hard to swallow but its very comprehensive (thus the reason for not wanting to do anything that will void it) and I've never purchased a vehicle without a personal inspection. In order of importance for me are larger tires (hoping to get a little more ground clearance and toughness over the Bridgestones), front bumper (deer are plentiful where I live and it's not pretty when one bumps into your front end at 70 mph even if driving a 1 ton diesel pick up - not a fun personal experience), and rear bumper (not high on list of priority but a nice to have for rear tire mount - never liked the under-mount spares, hi-lift jack mount, and someday extra fuel).

I would like nothing more than to build it up to take on anything, but it would be wasted on me and never get used to its full potential.

 

[paflytyer]

Here are pics of my truck back when it had OE Toyota shocks/Tbars and OME 865's in the rear. ARB bumper with no winch. 275/70/18 BFG's. Should give you an idea of what to expect with a few mods on yours.

 

[Bloomer]

Thanks. Very nice! That's about the extent of what I would like to do. The OME 863's...are those the rear shocks from Old Man Emu? The rear bumper I mentioned is a nice to have and I am not going to be in a hurry to get one.

I'm curious about your roof rack. Is that connected to your factory roof rack? What kind of roof rack is it?

Are your sliders from SLEE, metal tech, ......?

Just got word my Land Cruiser should be delivered next Thursday or Friday. Color is very similar to yours.

Thanks again.

 

[Bloomer]

I'm curious about your roof rack. Is that connected to your factory roof rack? What kind of roof rack is it?

Are your sliders from SLEE, metal tech, ......?

Saw that these questions are answered in your tag line....sorry.

 

[scottm]

Larger tires will negatively affect your truck's road manners, performance, and mileage, but will look cool. For light off-roading, this truck will not be challenged with stock-size tires. I agree on a bull-bar for the front, I've hit seven deer so far, well worth the investment. My 80 didn't sag at all when I put an ARB bull-bar on it, no measurable difference from my other 80 with stock bumper, and no noticeable difference in driving. Get the bull-bar for deer, drive it as is for a while and see how it does on light trails.

 

[paflytyer]

Thanks. Very nice! That's about the extent of what I would like to do. The OME 863's...are those the rear shocks from Old Man Emu? The rear bumper I mentioned is a nice to have and I am not going to be in a hurry to get one.

I'm curious about your roof rack. Is that connected to your factory roof rack? What kind of roof rack is it?

Are your sliders from SLEE, metal tech, ......?

Just got word my Land Cruiser should be delivered next Thursday or Friday. Color is very similar to yours.

Thanks again.

863's (OME rear springs) are much taller than what's on my truck in this picture, and much more stiff. You wouldn't want 863's without a bumper. Those are the 865's in that pic. Pretty close to stock as far as the ride, but an inch and a half taller.

The rack is a Gamiviti Expo run upside down with a DIY fairing. Great rack, but it comes off next week for some added modifications and additions, then it will be perfect.

 

[DallasFJ40]

Excuse my ignorance, but how much more does the typical bumper weigh than stock? The tire mount shouldn't make a difference, right? Other than extra steel, the spare will be there regardless.

 

[Bloomer]

Thanks Scottm. I'll have plenty of time to test it out in stock condition. I have to get past the cost of buying it before making any changes. There are a couple of minor things (mainly cosmetic) that i already know I want to correct first (interior) then I figure tires will need replaced shortly thereafter. The Land Cruiser has 44,000 miles and my guess is it is still wearing original tires. The Lexus dealer said they still have plenty of life, but I'm curious to see what they'll look like. While I would like the bull bar sooner, I'm thinking tires may come first out of necessity. I had larger than stock tires on my 80 with stock suspension and liked the ride height and style. No trips to Moab or Rubicon planned for me, so definitely won't need a large suspension lift. I would eventually like a setup similar to the pic in the previous post. For what I will do, that will cover every situation I will ever find myself and then some. I'm ecstatic to be back in the community of Land Cruiser owners. My wife has already commented she has lost me to IH8MUD, and her eyes roll every time she sees me on the computer or thumb pecking on my iPhone.

 

[Bloomer]

It just arrived! The driver backed it off the truck. Apparently he's never delivered a Land Cruiser to someone who follows IH8MUD. I inspected the exterior with great detail and pointed out every smudge and scratch that wasn't identified on the shipping document. My wife said the driver looked angry and wasn't particularly thrilled that I documented the discrepancies.

All in all, I'm pretty excited but need to do a thorough check. Haven't gotten a chance to drive it yet, my wife decided she was driving it first and we met at the closest restaurant to eat before our 90 mile drive home. Will update when I have a chance to check it out.

But, I'M STOKED!!

 

[2000UZJ]

Congratulations . I see many years of enjoyment. Welcome to the 100 Group

 

[Bloomer]

Made it home. Got to drive 1/2 way, and my wife drove 1/2 way. Drove great.

Let me say first that I recognize I am very picky. Unfortunately, pictures do not always reveal everything. I knew the plastic around the gear selector and heated seat buttons needed replaced, as well as the power/2nd button. PO either sprayed something or spilled something that pretty much ruined them. Unfortunately, the extent of the material sprayed includes the cup holders, just beneath the radio, buttons on steering wheel, and turn signal indicator which the salesman failed to mention. Salesman also said he had the carpet shampooed twice. Don't believe that was done, nor did they do a very good job vacuuming or even cleaning the inside much at all.

Aside from a few scratches here and there, the exterior looks pretty good. I do believe they at least washed it before shipping to me.

Haven't seen the engine or underneath yet. Looking forward to doing that after work tomorrow and will post a picture or two.

Clean up and baseline begins.

 

[Bloomer]

Here's a pic in its stock glory.

 

[LCbruiser2000]

Congratulations, that's a nice lookin' truck

 

[krupnation]

She looks a lot like mine when I first drove her home! Does it have gray leather? Congrats on the purchase