Early Research on Expo 100 Series Build

[woytovich]

So I was reading some info about the difficulty/inadvisability of trying to replace the radio in a nav-equipped 100 series (LC or LX).

I've read the Slee info about the model year differences.

What other "gotchas" are there one would want to look out for if one were going to be building an expo rig?... items that make mods harder/more expensive that can be avoided by selecting certain models/years/options? Mods would include sliders, winch/winch bumper, rear tire carrier, underbody armor, roof rack/tent, electronics (ham/cb/navigation/bluetooth phone etc)

Mark

 

[DirtDawg]

Probably won't want to mess with the AHC suspension as you'll likely be replacing it, so that rules out LXs and 06-07 LC. VVti engines and air induction pumps are brought in 06 and the air induction system is known to fail.

Other than that there's no really surprising problems. Carry an extra coil pack or two with you, but those are swapped out quick.

I'd probably suggest an 03-05 due to the 5sp, but my '00 with the 4sp suits me perfect.

 

[krice118]

Rear Locker or ATRAC?
I love my 98 with rear locker but should have held out for a 99 with rear AC and Rear locker.

 

[woytovich]

Great info so far.
How about adding belt driven OBA... is that done?
Larger alternator?
Dual batteries?

 

[woytovich]

Would probably want lockers... would ATRAC make adding a rear locker a problem?

Would ATRAC rear and locker front be a reasonable plan?

 

[woytovich]

Does removing ACH in favor of a lift make the lift more complicated/expensive?

 

[hoser]

The issue with AHC pertaining to your build is the time/cost associated with removing the system... maybe 5 hrs additional work? The pump is in the way of the traditional spot for the 2nd battery too.

Belt driven OBA is possible but not an easy mod. Most just use ARB's dual compressor that fits nicely in the engine compartment.

High output alternator drops in the same space as OE.

The '03-'07 years have a charcoal canister that is in the way for 'off the shelf' aux fuel tanks.

Lockers do not conflict with ATRAC.

 

[woytovich]

Charcoal canister is hard to move?

 

[Hayes]

Would probably want lockers... would ATRAC make adding a rear locker a problem?

Would ATRAC rear and locker front be a reasonable plan?

Locker rear before locker front.

 

[Manhattan]

Slight correction to @DirtDawg's post - '06/07 LC aren't all AHC. There are non-ACH versions out there.

 

[jLB]

This sounds an awful lot like a "best year" thread without using the words "best year"

Preference in 100 model year??

 

[woytovich]

Define "best". For me it is about Expo build mods, not a general "best"

 

[DirtDawg]

Slight correction to @DirtDawg's post - '06/07 LC aren't all AHC. There are non-ACH versions out there.

Yes, sorry forgot to mention only some were equipped.

 

[mgoblue]

If it were me, I'd be looking for a 06-07 with no AHC if you wanted the most reliable expo rig and the most features. That said, I LOVE my AHC, it's been flawless, even with extra weight. Like anything, you just have to take care of it.

You'd also be well advised to buy a truck that's already been built, or partially built, it'll save you a crap load of time and money.

 

[jLB]

So I was reading some info about the difficulty/inadvisability of trying to replace the radio in a nav-equipped 100 series (LC or LX).

I've read the Slee info about the model year differences.

What other "gotchas" are there one would want to look out for if one were going to be building an expo rig?... items that make mods harder/more expensive that can be avoided by selecting certain models/years/options? Mods would include sliders, winch/winch bumper, rear tire carrier, underbody armor, roof rack/tent, electronics (ham/cb/navigation/bluetooth phone etc)

Mark

sliders - AHC requires a slightly different slider (probably best to avoid or plan to replace AHC with conventional suspension)
2nd Battery - AHC pump is where the 2nd battery goes
winch/winch bumper - LX grill (attached to hood) requires minor mods to tabs/bar to work with some bumpers
rear tire carrier - shouldn't make any difference
underbody armor - shouldn't make any difference
roof rack/tent - shouldn't make any difference (slightly different racks year to year and LC to LX, but should have similar/same holes)
ham/cb/navigation - Pre-2003 if you plan to upgrade factory stereo or mount a CB/ham radio with a single DIN stereo,
bluetooth phone etc - ~2004+ for factory bluetooth for phone

(Just about any year/options/brand would work just fine)

 

[jLB]

The '03-'07 years have a charcoal canister that is in the way for 'off the shelf' aux fuel tanks.

Who (in the US) has aux fuel tanks "on the shelf" for a 100 series anymore?

 

[hoser]

Nobody in the US I know of... but companies like http://motorcare.com.au/ will ship to the US.

 

[abuck99]

100 Series in nearly stock form what will get you most places overland in the US. What ever rig you end up with spend the $$ baselining mechanicals, then tires, winch, bumper (s) maybe sliders, and depending on budget improved suspension to compensate for added load.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

No clue what the NAV system has to do with "expo". It can be a universal problem, "expo" or not. Just look at any of the dozens of "what rig should I buy" threads on here already. There's nothing about one year vs. another that makes it a better rig for dressing like a zookeeper.

 

[sdnative]

IDK. I built my 2003 with a 2.5" lift, sliders, rack, drawer system, fridge and comms/navigation. I have been in some very remote places in the contiguous US (southern Utah/ northern AZ). The only thing I would add at this point is a winch and maybe a rear locker. And could use a more elegant water storage solution. Don't really feel the need for rear bumper, dual batteries, full armor, etc. I don't think there is such a thing as a universal "expo" build. It really depends on what your specific needs are.