frogers Build - 2006 LX470 (1 Viewer)

[Visceral]

Looking to purchase one this week for an upcoming road trip - was going to 21 but worried about length. Have a side shot by chance?

I use a 21 on top. Unloaded, it wiggles on the stock crossbars, but I've since added AO rails and 4 Yakima Corebars as crossbars. There is no worrisome load limit with 4 Corebars. Yakima says I could put 300 lbs up there, but I'm comfortable with a little more.

Gramaviti is a great rack solution, but I have access to Yakima stuff at an advantageous cost.

 

[frogers935]

Here you go.

I originally bought this to go on my 4runner if I were to buy one specifically for the 100 I would go bigger.

 

[ihadmail]

What hi-lift mount are you using?

 

[Swisscheese]

Have you already installed the 30mm spacers in the rear?
Curious to hear about the difference it makes in the ahc pressure.

 

[frogers935]

@ihadmail I am using the ones made by hi-lift TM-700 . I bolted them directly to the rack I did not use the tube section.

@Swisscheese I have ordered the spacers but have not received them yet. I am still running the 80 series springs in the rears. They brought the pressure back into spec but they are a bit harsh without a full load in the truck. I will report back when I swap my AHC springs back in with the spacers.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Are you leaving the gutter plastic out? is there no way to reuse it?

 

[frogers935]

Right now it is out hadn't really thought about putting it back. Don't know it can be reused or not there is an extra tower so would have to cut that out of the plastic I think?

 

[Ramathorn15]

Right now it is out hadn't really thought about putting it back. Don't know it can be reused or not there is an extra tower so would have to cut that out of the plastic I think?

I assume you would have to cut it up to match the new towers. I just wonder if the old holes in the plastic, from the old towers, prevent you from being able to properly reuse it.

 

[pbreisch]

if you don't mind I am going to go all the way back to page 1... How is the POR15 holding up? Would you recommend doing it? I have a midwest truck with just a bit less surface rust than you showed and I would like to keep it that way.

Very nice build thread by the way.

 

[frogers935]

The areas where I applied the POR15 correctly is holding up well. The issues I had was getting to all the hard to reach areas to properly clean, prep, and apply. Next time I will do it with the truck on a lift instead of lying on my back with it up on jack stands.

Is it worth it? To me yes as I as able to get to a good amount of the trouble spots. If/when I do any rear axle work or front suspension work I will take components off so I can really get in there and clean stuff up.

 

[frogers935]

AHC + 80 series springs + 500lbs of sand + tool boxes = an okay ride.

So a bit more feedback on this setup. With the 500lbs of sand it definitely felt loaded up but not overly. I still don't like the ride without any weight in the back, if I had to guess I would say an additional 150-200lbs would make for a nice ride with the 80 series springs with the ability to still load up for trips. I still have plans to test out spacers with the stock AHC springs but now the dilemma is spacers ($75) or rear bumper ($2.5k+) - logically I should go with a bumper only problem is I would need to find a good divorce lawyer too.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

AHC + 80 series springs + 500lbs of sand + tool boxes = an okay ride.

So a bit more feedback on this setup. With the 500lbs of sand it definitely felt loaded up but not overly. I still don't like the ride without any weight in the back, if I had to guess I would say an additional 150-200lbs would make for a nice ride with the 80 series springs with the ability to still load up for trips. I still have plans to test out spacers with the stock AHC springs but now the dilemma is spacers ($75) or rear bumper ($2.5k+) - logically I should go with a bumper only problem is I would need to find a good divorce lawyer too.

View attachment 1300315

Have you considered the spec AHC springs from Australia made for additional weight?

 

[frogers935]

Major Trip Prep

I am finally planning a trip I have been wanting to do for 10+ years - MD to Nova Scotia. Planning on ~30 days including a lot of camping and exploring, mixing in some cabin/hotel nights to keep the wife happy.

As for LX/LC content, I will try and document each task. I am cheap but my time is limited, I will build what I can but will buy items that I think will take to long to fab on my own. I will be traveling with 3 small kids, while I still contemplating pulling a trailer with RTT I am leaning towards being self contained and ground camping. With that being said maximizing storage space and making things comfortable for all is key. Here is what I have planned for the LX over the next 6 months:

Rear Bumper (BIOR or Dissent): Not my first choice of mods b/c of the cost but I really need to get the spare tire out from below and the hi-lift off of my roof. Also plan to use the second swing arm to hold a storage box for camping items such as stove, grill, etc...

Rear storage with fridge and slide: Almost done with DIY storage. Bought an ARB 50L fridge b/c of a great deal. Looking for a used slide although if I come across some good cheap drawer slides I will build my own

Electrical: Plan is for dual battery setup just because I already have a spare battery. I am going to try and mount the 2nd battery in the spare tire location to the frame. Lots of wiring/relay/switch/lighting planned.

On Board Air: Compressor mounted in rear area and tank in spare tire location.

On Board Water: This would be a bonus item and is last on my list. It would be DIY with PVC pipes and a small pump. Just to be used for washing hands and rinsing things.

Roof Top Storage: Will use my Yakima on one side. Planning to use some sort of dry storage on the other side i.e. pelican case,hardigg,alu-box, dry duffel sacks. I want to be able to put all the camping gear in the dry storage so I can setup camp without opening up the truck.

Rear Lid Storage: While there are some good options to buy I will probably just DIY a wood solution.

Awning: Need one with a mosquito net setup still researching

Truck Maintenance: I need to do my steering rack - it is leaking. Additionally I will be replacing brakes. I am sure I will have other items that need to be addressed but overall I keep close tabs on my maintenance.

This will be slow and steady getting work in when I can I will update as I can. Any advice is welcome.

 

[frogers935]

Rear Storage & Fridge

One of the compromises I had to make for the trip is to have 1 3rd row rear seat usable. While this does take up considerable storage space it is necessary. This also forced me to DIY my drawer setup - no big deal I would have done it anyway. My goal is to use what I have. I had a sheet of 3/4 pine and other various wood. You will also see some wood with T-nuts in it that is re-claimed from a climbing wall I build for kids. Also no drawer slides - I used a router to make a 1/2" slots for 1/2" plywood. It fits snug but will do, I didn't see the point in spending $$$ for slides when I rarely access these drawers as they will hold tools and recovery gear.

Starting making a template using the rear carpet. Cut it out of cardboard first then transferred to 3/4 pine.

Rough cut pattern:

I made slots for the drawer sides

Test fit with 3rd row seat

 

[frogers935]

Drawer Cont

Test fit fridge. I plan on attaching the 1st aid kit to the front of the fridge slide.

Side compartment using some hinges I had on hand:

 

[frogers935]

Finished up the drawers. I decided to leave a lip on the front and make handles. I also plan on making some pulls out of para-cord for the fronts. I made a piece to fit on the front and after about an hour of sanding and shaping had it fit nicely along the curve on the drivers side - I then managed to mess up a cut and screw the whole thing up. I will make another one when I take everything out to paint. For now I am going to use the setup to see if I want to make any changes.

Screwed and glued:

I am planning on making trays and cutting some foam to hold the tools. 2 layers so I can take them out when needed. For now I just threw everything in. Also made a top slot to have a sliding cutting board.

Closed up. I temporarily mounted the 1st aid kit on the side until I get a fridge slide.

Overall happy with the outcome. Took some time to get everything together but total cost comes out to $0 can't beat that.

Materials used:
1 sheet 4x8 3/4" ply + an extra 20" x 38" piece
maybe 1/2 sheet of 1/2" ply
2 hinges

 

[SmoothLC]

Nice work!

 

[redman333]

Nice so far. I vote for the dissent rear bumper. Mostly because I really like the design lol. I plan on getting that front and rear when I have the funds. When do you leave on your trip?

 

[frogers935]

Thanks @SmoothLC and @redman333. Trip is planned for either July or August still finalizing plans.

I too like the design of the Dissent but I ended up putting an order in with BIOR. It came down to budget and functionality. Mike is making me a custom swing out so I can mount an Alu-Box, I need to maximize storage space.

 

[frogers935]

Finally broke her in....

Treated her to a little offroad action at Rausch Creek. Weather was not very good cold and rain followed by heavy fog. Only got this one boring picture on the trail. I do have some interesting dash cam video I will edit and upload including the wife's first time driving the LX on the trails.

Only carnage of the day.

The stt PROs continue to impress. No problems in the mud or on the wet rock, even did well in a couple of icy sections.