Baja or Dakar...

[subspd]

Baja/Dakar? Here is my situation; I would like to get everyone’s thinking on what direction I should go with my 99’ LC.
I purchased it about 2 months ago it had 88k miles and I got what I feel was a good deal when I paid only $14,500. It is stock right now.

Now I love the look of some of these lifted LC’s here on the board…
But this is my life…
I am a Catastrophe Insurance Adjuster and will put 30k miles a year on this truck mostly highway miles but some back woods and Catastrophe sites
This was Louisiana…

Now I love the look of this…

But I also do volunteer work in Mexico
In these conditions for about ½ the year…

In Mexico the roads are either really bad or USA good.
And here is the real catch I also travel at very high sustained speeds for hours at a time when going back to the States on basically un-patrolled roads like this in Mexico at sometimes high elevations I live at over 6k ft…

One of the main reasons I got this vehicle was its ability to haul gear and people over many different terrains and do it comfortably, I don’t want to screw that up. TO me Toyota has done a great job, but can it be improved? So should I lift it and if so what springs will not damage the ride and still be stable at 90+ MPH? Plus if you have ever visited Mexico you know they love hidden speed bumps in the middle of highways so I don’t want to break my back on every one.


So I have been thinking about a Dakar/Baja set up, soft but controlled, lifted but stable. Sorry for the long post but my situation is a little unique and I am concerned to lift it and not be able to run at the high speeds, plus I really have no need for MT's but maybe AT's?

 

[mobi-arc]

I think the lift would be impractical. I also think that if you are going to be running at 90mph, you better stick with road tires; in my opinion, when you go to AT tires, you lose some of the crisp handling of the LC....not that it was ever designed to run the slalom.

 

[tabraha]

I'd do a few trips to MX first bone stock. See what you think and then adjust accordingly.

If you've already done this what's your feedback so far?

I noticed the gear and people part too but how much gear/people do you usually have on board is another good question.

 

[jmarlo]

Interesting job you have. Can you write off as a tax deduction your modifications (or the truck itself), on the theory that they are necessary for your work? I can see the audit with the IRS now: "Yes, its absolutely necessary that I installed a lift, with 35" tires, winch, etc. etc. so as to be able to reach the disaster sites."

 

[mtycruiser]

I have done some of the travel you describe in Mexico, I'm running BFG A/T in 285 ( 33 in.) with a stock suspension and in my opinion it works even better than with the standard street tires, probably due to the stiffer walls, that give you better sideways stability at high speed. You do loose some ride compliance with them, but gains on puncture resistance and the ability to go off road or transit in bad roads with confidence.
The stance of the truck changes with the tires even without the lift.

 

[subspd]

Interesting job you have. Can you write off as a tax deduction your modifications (or the truck itself), on the theory that they are necessary for your work? I can see the audit with the IRS now: "Yes, its absolutely necessary that I installed a lift, with 35" tires, winch, etc. etc. so as to be able to reach the disaster sites."

Actually the car is insured as a work truck, I'll have to check on that. I know maintenance can be counted... hmmm

 

[subspd]

I have been down here for about a month with it and it has worked great one run with 5 passengers at 90+ MPH for about 2hrs was great everyone commented on how nice it rode, my brother who was with me and drives a modified 850 turbo Volvo (very fast car BTW) felt that it was just as stable at those speeds as his Volvo, plus we had more space. Will 33" AT's fit a stock LC? Or did you crank the t-bars? What are BFG's speed rated for?

 

[Pskhaat]

A little bit of both. Though the lift in and of itself may not assist you, I do prefer the ride of OME suspension, and you may appreciate that on some of the more interesting Mexican roads; but truth is the poshy/sway'y ride the LC100 will likely be just fine.

It does sure look nice though with a mild lift and some mildly-aggressive tires, no?

 

[subspd]

It does sure look nice though with a mild lift and some mildly-aggressive tires, no?

True... Like I mentioned earlier I love the lifted LC's but is it really the right way to go with a car that sees 50% highway and 50% backroads...

 

[calamaridog]

OME t-bars and rear springs - Good quality springs at affordable prices

285 AT tires - Good size, selection, availability. My AT's handle better in every way than the stock tires did. Make sure you get a LT tire, they are tougher.

Custom shocks and mounts - The only way to get HIGH quality shocks

I can recommend a few shops in the San Diego or LA/OC area that can do custom fabrication for you. I like the Racerunner product line. They are high quality, rebuildable, and custom valving. They are also a good value compared to some other high end brands.

Personally, what I'd like to do is run Racerunner 2.5" reservoir shocks in front (6" travel) and Racerunner 2.5" reservior shocks in rear (10" travel). A good shop can take measurements and fabricate appropriate mounts for your application and make sure your suspension cycles properly.

I can't afford this setup right now so I'm working on Bilstein 5150's that will use the stock mounting position.

Hope this helps.

 

[tabraha]

Will 33" AT's fit a stock LC? Or did you crank the t-bars? What are BFG's speed rated for?

33's (285/75R16's) fit with NO problems on a stock 100. I agree with others, do this change at the bare minimum. Definitely more capability and durability.

Couldn't tell you the speed rating. SOrry.

 

[subspd]

Do Bilstein 5150's fit and can you get them valved correctly?

 

[calamaridog]

Do Bilstein 5150's fit and can you get them valved correctly?

I'm working on it!

You have to be patient

 

[e9999]

this is taking the "we want pics" mantra very seriously...

oh, and I'm not riding with anybody who does 90+mph, btw

 

[Pskhaat]

For what it's worth, my wife drove our 80 series as her DD for about 4 years. 35" tires, 3" lift. It handled better than stock, and was more pleasant to drive, just my opinion.

 

[subspd]

this is taking the "we want pics" mantra very seriously...

oh, and I'm not riding with anybody who does 90+mph, btw

No one asked if you wanted a ride...:whoops:

Anyway I am just trying to give everyone a clear picture of whats going on. I think that 35's would kill my performance at 6000+ft. But maybe just 33's and 5150's would do it... thanks again guys for all the input.

 

[e9999]

No one asked if you wanted a ride...:whoops:

snip

true enough, so we're good!

 

[subspd]

True

 

[sethos1]

For what it's worth, my wife drove our 80 series as her DD for about 4 years. 35" tires, 3" lift. It handled better than stock, and was more pleasant to drive, just my opinion.

How did she fit in all the parking garages at the mall? My wife scraps the yakima ski racks mounted to the stock rack, with 285x75 16s and stock suspension all the time.

 

[Pskhaat]

Without any roof rack of any sort, it clears by a good 1/2" It is a tight fit, but does go at least around where we are which is close to the shopping Mecca: Scottsdale.

....wait...not that my 80 actually goes to the mall...