Hello from San Diego! - 2013 200 series “Marshmallow”

[Markuson]

I found these but they don't include the ring, ring screws, or center cap.

Bear in mind, too, that you need the Rock Warrior specific lugs. If you buy them from Toyota, they are about $170.

 

[Yossarian]

One thing I was told when getting my alignment done is that the previous owner replaced just one shock. Apparently, there's one bilstein shock and one toyota shock. I'm kind of OCD about things like this, so does anyone recommend which one I should go with? I want to replace both and am not looking to do a lift anytime soon.

That seems very odd, and I would think the handling would have been affected. The Bilstein 4600 front shock absorber has a movable spring perch which can add lift. Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

I wonder if the previous owner had a pair up front, one failed, and they put the OEM back on????

Read this for a review of the Bilstein, My shock collection- I have tested 4 different brands Other non-lift options would include the Koni's, Official Koni 90 "RAID" Thread

 

[PhillipPinot]

That seems very odd, and I would think the handling would have been affected. The Bilstein 4600 front shock absorber has a movable spring perch which can add lift. Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

I wonder if the previous owner had a pair up front, one failed, and they put the OEM back on????

Read this for a review of the Bilstein, My shock collection- I have tested 4 different brands Other non-lift options would include the Koni's, Official Koni 90 "RAID" Thread

No clue . I have a feeling that the previous owner didn't take that good care of it. I have an appointment this Saturday to exchange transmission fluid, oil change, do all the checks, and most likely get new shocks. I mean, I can't tell a difference. Would it be bad to just continue this until a few months down the line?

 

[Yossarian]

Would it be bad to just continue this until a few months down the line?

I would think that the different shocks would behave differently, making the vehicle feel unstable even. What are the rear shocks? If you don't feel a difference, and it doesn't feel unsafe to you, I don't see a mechanical reason why you couldn't run them for a little longer. Ideally you would have a matched set, front and rear.

Another thought since the shock is an integral component to the front suspension, you're alignment could be different side to side. Just thinking out loud.......

 

[PhillipPinot]

I just got the Hawk Performance SuperDuty brake pads installed
- Front: HB589P.704
- Rear: HB590P.682

MUCH better. They now feel like “normal” car brakes, meaning it doesn’t feel quite like the 6000lb bank vault as it did with the stock brakes. With the stock brakes, if the pedal wasn’t fully compressed, it would inch up a little bit (pretty annoying). Now, it just feels “right.”

Today, I’m about to install the Slee group 31 battery tray. I’m a computer nerd and a woodworker so I haven’t put much time into automotive things, so wish me luck that I don’t blow something up.

Next upgrade will hopefully be either rock rails (not sure which ones yet) and/or a lift. My heart says “You’re driving a land cruiser! It deserves it” but my head says “you don’t go off-road enough!” I realize this, but this is my family’s big-out vehicle so when SHTF, the LC will definitely need to be equipped to GTFO even if that means not taking the highway (ie. Fires).

 

[BeavOR]

Welcome...did you level it out? Looking at the before/after pics it looks like your nose is a tad higher. Might just be the angle.

Either way, looks great! I have the same year and am trying to decide on the right tire and possible lift.

 

[Big Timber]

Welcome...did you level it out? Looking at the before/after pics it looks like your nose is a tad higher. Might just be the angle.

Either way, looks great! I have the same year and am trying to decide on the right tire and possible lift.

Beavor, I'm going through this right now. Just added the Rock Warrior wheels and KO2s and will be adding the 10 mm spacers to the front shocks to slightly level the front with the back. Other forum members say that it adds about an inch of lift, which should be perfect.....for a while.

 

[Markuson]

Beavor, I'm going through this right now. Just added the Rock Warrior wheels and KO2s and will be adding the 10 mm spacers to the front shocks to slightly level the front with the back. Other forum members say that it adds about an inch of lift, which should be perfect.....for a while.

I just left mine forward raked at that point.
For that matter, I'm forward raked post-lift too, and I'm OK with that as it means your CV angles are better and you retain available down-travel.

 

[PhillipPinot]

Welcome...did you level it out? Looking at the before/after pics it looks like your nose is a tad higher. Might just be the angle.

Either way, looks great! I have the same year and am trying to decide on the right tire and possible lift.

Nah, I just added the wheels and tires. Once I upgrade the suspension (ICON LEVEL 3!!!!!-- or not because wife will kill me), all that will be addressed.

 

[Kgillkehoe]

So this is the wife’s vehicle??? ours was my wife’s too for about a year when we got it. A silver 2013. Then I had To have it and we got her a brand new at time 2015 black on black GX.

 

[PhillipPinot]

So this is the wife’s vehicle??? ours was my wife’s too for about a year when we got it. A silver 2013. Then I had To have it and we got her a brand new at time 2015 black on black GX.

Nah. It’s the “family” car, but since work is only 4 miles away, it’s my commuter car. My wife drives a Prius. We use a joint bank account so it’s a good way for me not to spend money on random things.

 

[Markuson]

Nah. It’s the “family” car, but since work is only 4 miles away, it’s my commuter car. My wife drives a Prius. We use a joint bank account so it’s a good way for me not to spend money on random things.

Joint bank accounts are the arch enemy of modders...

 

[RET2]

So are shared Amazon accounts.

 

[slicky rick]

Joint bank account? Your done bro, unless of course wifey has a lot more moolah... then again, I suggest some hidden wealth stashed somewhere for your sanity... hehehe

 

[RET2]

So are shared Amazon accounts.

Let me clarify, I do not have that arrangement.

 

[PhillipPinot]

Can I be part of the cool group 31 battery club now?

 

[PhillipPinot]

Joint bank account? Your done bro, unless of course wifey has a lot more moolah... then again, I suggest some hidden wealth stashed somewhere for your sanity... hehehe

My salary is pretty good... hers is just much better. Lol. Also, my wife doesn’t like shopping!

 

[Markuson]

My salary is pretty good... hers is just much better. Lol. Also, my wife doesn’t like shopping!

Wife with fat salary who hates shopping?
Modder’s dream! haha

 

[PhillipPinot]

It’s been a while. No real upgrades since my last post. I saw a couple days ago that my front tires were bald and had to get new tires.

Unfortunately (fortunately?) there were ZERO BFG AT KO2 in 285/70/r17 in stock in the San Diego area (Yes, I called everywhere)

I had the not-that-brilliant idea to call local off-road stores because they just might have them in stock at their warehouse. Fortunately, although 4Wheel Parts in San Marcos, CA didn’t have any KO2s in stock, they did have BFG Mud Terrain KM3s in stock in 285/70/r17!!! They were pretty pricy but I wanted to stick with BFG and the reviews/videos I came across said that both the sizes were identical, so there wouldn’t be any issues with rubbing.

So presenting… THE MARSHMALLOW with new shoes!!

As a bonus, here are side shots with the very small progressions I have made with my LC.

Next upgrade will be suspension upgrades. Heart wants the King 2.5 but head and wallet say BP-51. I contacted Filthy Motorsports based on multiple recommendations I found here and on other forums to get his advice. I honestly don’t go off-road too often, but when I do, I go all-out. Looking forward to hearing from him.

Other upgrades that will definitely happen are rock rails/sliders with a step, skid plates, upgraded light setup, air compressor, and a steel front bumper (mine is chewed up from having too much fun).

Upgrades I definitely want, but not sure if it will actually happen: small extended fuel tank which still fits the spare, rear bumper, roof top basket and tent.

In the “if my cryptocoin goes to the moon” realm: 35” tires, bead lock wheels, larger brakes, and completely upgraded audio system with screens on the rear headrest for the kids when we eventually drive the pacific coast highway.

That’s it for now! Here’s to me hoping my cryptocoin hit the moon!

 

[CharlieS]

If you don't do remote adjusters, King 2.5s are price competitive with BP-51, at least they were when I was shopping. If there is any price difference, it is well worth it for Ben's support and customer service.