frogers Build - 2006 LX470 (1 Viewer)

[frogers935]

So I have been in high gear the last month getting prepped for my trip - lots of work done. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures along the way but did manage to snap a few here and there.

I have managed to do the following:
- Added 2nd battery
- Installed a bussman relay/fuse box and added usb outlets front & rear
- Finished rear cargo area
- Added storage area to tail gate
- Bought and installed ARB awning with Gamiviti brackets
- Installed LED courtesy lights
- Installed LED engine bay lights
- Fixed front brake squeak
- Installed blinker relay to fix fast blink

Still to do before trip:
- Install Viair on board air
- Shovel/Axe mount solution for roof rack
- Set AHC pressures once all work is done
- Test gear


I spent a long long time figuring out exactly what I needed for electrical. This is the culmination of it:

ARB Awning being tested. I really like the Gamiviti mount made the job easy.

Cargo box out and prepped. More pictures to follow with finished product

 

[frogers935]

Dual Battery install.

Equipment Used:
Blue Sea ACR 7620 with switch
Blue Sea ANL fuse holder x2
1/0 AWG wire

I made a mount for the ACR and fuse holder out of a piece of Al I had lying around.

I mounted it next to the battery by inserting rivet nuts into the body. Didn't get a good picture but I used military style terminal and made an adapter out of Al to connect to the stock system.

I had read about the constant red glow of the ACR switch and thought I'd put it out of sight, it is recessed so not worried about it getting accidentally switched.

So I am not happy with the 2nd battery location and will be changing it after this trip. I think it will be okay for now since I do not anticipate any hard core offroading or water crossings. I think a smaller battery in the engine bay is the way to go.

 

[frogers935]

Bussman - Connected to 2nd Battery

The hardest part of the bussman install was getting the correct parts list together. This guy did an excellent job documenting and it was a great resource during my install - DIY Bussmann RTMR Fuse Block, Part 1 – Introduction | Bodenzord


Equipment used:
Bussman 15303 and related parts
Type II Circuit breakers (instead of fuses)
4 AWG wire
Ebay ANL fuse holder
Blue Sea USB
Amazon USB/outlet/voltage combo

As I said it was pain getting all the stuff especially since I am cheap and wanted to order everything at once. Ended up having to use multiple sources either b/c the min order was too high or the parts were not available. I ended up with orders from - Waytek wire, Mouser, & Amazon

I located the bussman behind my storage box in the rear area. Perfect amount of space for it. Made a small wood mount for it.

All buttoned up. I used one of the Metri-pack connectors for the fridge. I decided not to use them for the other fuse connections.

 

[frogers935]

USB and other connections. I ran all 14 awg marine wire - I found a deal on a 100' spool.

Center console needed to come out.

Front Blue Sea high current usb.

I bought a cheaper USB combo deal off of Amazon. Initially I had no switch but having it on all the time made no sense so I added one I had laying around

View attachment 1498539

 

[frogers935]

Rear Hatch Storage

I really like the idea of maximizing storage space by using the rear hatch, problem is I am cheap and with my budget already blown had no extra $ for a pre made solution. So I made one out of wood. It is not easy access but I am storing stuff I won't need often.

Two holes cut gives me room for storage and maintains the structural integrity

I used the carpet as a template and cut some 1/4" plywood. Test fit.

 

[frogers935]

Again using rivet nuts - 1/4-20 fit perfect.

Loaded up with mostly recovery gear.

Finished product stained and poly. 4 bolts hold it secure enough and are easily removed to get access.

 

[frogers935]

LED Courtesy and under hood lights.

I used some cheap self adhesive backed LED strips from ebay. Thoroughly prepped the area before applying but will see how long they stay on.

I cut and spliced some sections together to split the lights between underneath the truck and on the slider steps.

For the hood light I used an old mercury switch I had from an alarm system, works well.

I can get some night pictures if there is interest. They provide a nice light and do fade off.

 

[geanes]

@frogers935 ... are you using stainless rivnuts? Did you install using a rivnut tool like this.....Amazon.com: Astro Pneumatic Tool 1452 Nut/Thread Setting Hand Riveter Kit with 1/2" Capacity: Home Improvement

I'm really digging what you're doing with the rig. Especially like this tailgate cover solution you've done.

 

[frogers935]

Thanks @geanes

I am using both SS and Aluminum rivnuts - the Al nuts where strength is not as important. I use the harbour freight equivalent of the tool you linked. What I found is the HF tool is okay to use but don't use their rivnuts. I ordered my rivnuts from Mcmaster carr - they have all different types and sizes. Try to figure out what the thickness of the material you are riveting too and get the appropriate rivnut

 

[fjman]

@DJCloz

STT Pros Review

Overall I am very happy with the STT pros. They have performed well in all conditions. I just had them out on the trail in a mix of rain/sleet/snow no problems at all over rocks and through the mud. They did a good job in the snow a year ago. They have gotten a bit louder as they have worn but they are on now on the same level as the Nitto MT I had on my 4runner.

TreadWear: Even wear no chunking. I need to get a depth measurement but they are a softer tire and are wearing accordingly i.e. faster than an AT.

Dry Traction: As advertised. Not as comfortable/stable as an AT but not as bad as a MT

Wet Traction: Much better compared to my previous MT's, I feel much more comfortable driving in the rain. Again not the same as an AT (I ran BFG and Nittos before and they were better as expected)

Off Road: Excellent.

MPG: I am averaging right around 12.8 mpg combined. How much of that is a result of tires is unknown as I did bumper/skids/rack around the same time.

My only regret on these is not buying 5 of them, I didn't think I could fit a spare underneath. I ended up buying a extremely used Nitto MT (Same size) which barely fits underneath. I am moving to a swing-out spare so I am on the lookout for a used STT. If I can't find one by my summer trip I may just buy a new set of 5 and sell these 4.

I will update with depth and actual mileage.

If you end up replacing them all... I'd consider buying the used ones. Time to try some larger tires!

 

[Dozer18]

Just finished reading this entire thread looking for inspiration for my new-to-me '04 LC, and I found plenty here! Noticed it's been about four months since the last post; @frogers935, any updates?

 

[mgoblue]

Yeah Froger, how was the trip?

 

[frogers935]

Thanks @Dozer18 .

I have been a slacker. I busted my arse before the trip to get the truck ready and have been lazy to update since returning. I am working on a full trip/equipment review which I will post soon. In the meantime here are a few pre-trip items I did.

Alu Box Install

After receiving my new full size spare I was able to permanently mount my AluBox to the swing out. For some reason I was more nervous drilling the holes into the AluBox then I was when I installed the snorkel. Everything went smooth, I have about an inch clearance between the box and the tire.

Drilling with a step bit:

I used wing nuts and oversized washers on the inside. I may swap these out with some locking nuts and put some plastic caps on top so my cargo doesn't get scratched up.

On the outside I went with security bolts. Also added a cheap amazon LED wired to my reverse lights. Its okay but it is not the 'flood' light it was advertised.

Overall very happy with the setup and it was extremely useful. I ended up carrying most of my camp cook supplies in it.

 

[frogers935]

Fridge & Stove Trip Setup:

The dometic slide I bought for the fridge is a lot wider than the ARB fridge. In an effort to maximize space and make things as accessible as possible I built a small spacer. I attached my stove on top and used the space underneath for the propane nozzle and spices.

Holes for fridge air circulation:

Stove attached with tie down. I used a couple of pieces of L track bolted to the slide to secure it.

The only issue I had was some slight rubbing between the fridge and stove, left a mark on the ARB.

 

[frogers935]

Storage:

2 Adults, 3 kids, camping supplies for extended trip, + all the other BS stuff I usually over pack made me have to utilize everything for storage. Here are a few solutions I had and finally packing setup.

Final tool layout. I had bought the foam to cut to put my wrenches and other tools in but didn't have the time (or patience) to that before the trip so ended up with this. It was manageable.

Torpedo luggage setup. I bought some REI duffle bags that fit perfectly.

On the other side I went with some "water proof" duffle bags. Great idea but they are not water tight - you get what you pay for. I will replace them with something more robust before the next trip.

Final rear layout. I took all that crap in/out more times then I like to remember but overall everything fit well. L track with everything secured.

 

[BillZ260]

Do you have a list of the tools you decided on? Most interested in the wrench and socket sizes, if anything specific. Im working on a tool pack myself.

It all looks great!

 

[Dozer18]

Well done! Love the setup.

Which Yakima box is that? I’m picking up a new box this weekend but still trying decide between Skybox 16 or 18 (and maybe Thule Force L). Thoughts on yours? I’ll regularly travel with 3 of us, sometimes 4, usually with dog, so want to move as much stuff to the box as I can.

 

[frogers935]

@BillZ260 I did have a list but forgot to make an electronic copy I will take a look and let you know what I have (still packed). Besides the standard stuff I brought tools to do the front bearing (brass punch, snap ring pliers) and others specific to the truck.

@Dozer18 its the Skybox 16. I would get the bigger one, I had bought this when I had my 4runner so going bigger with the LC should not be a problem. Some more details earlier in thread

 

[frogers935]

On Board Air:

I was going to piece together my own system with a small HF compressor but ran out of time. Decided to go with a kit from Viair went with the constant duty P/N 10007. The kit was well put together and the install was relatively quick.

Full kit:

I mounted the tank on a piece of 80/20 I cut and drilled to bolt to in the spare tire location (I saw this in someones thread but can't find it now to credit them - whoever it was thanks for idea). Need to take a picture of it mounted on truck.

Compressor was mounted on side of drawer

For now I have the switch/gauge in the back but plan on moving to the front so I can start to fill the tank before I get out.

I ran the line and mounted the adapter on my swing out. I have a cap on top (not shown) to keep debris out.

 

[frogers935]

Gear Review:

Reserved