Help me build my LC

[jeremiahjohnson]

Hello everyone,
Over a year ago, I purchased a 2000 LC with the hopes of turning it into a real off-road machine. As it happens, life got in the way and I shelfed that project. This years tax return was fatter than normal with the birth of my son five months ago so, it's time to finally build my cruiser. Things around the house have calmed down and I'm ready to get started. I hope y'all would be willing to help me with my build and follow along as things are completed. First question, where do I start? Before stashing away my LC in the shop, I looked heavily into OME 2.5 in suspension kit. Is this still my best option? Any and all suggestions and explanations on the right course of action are welcome. TIA

 

[bucfl]

Start with PM first. If you got that done start with tires. 33's will fit wit no issues. Best way to start the build is to figure out what you want to do. Mild off roading/camping or white knuckle trails. That should get you started.

 

[jeremiahjohnson]

Start with PM first. If you got that done start with tires. 33's will fit wit no issues. Best way to start the build is to figure out what you want to do. Mild off roading/camping or white knuckle trails. That should get you started.

PM? I would say that I am looking to do mild to hard off-roading with camping. It will become my daily driver, so if possible I would like to balance off-road/on road capabilities. As far as tires go, I have a set of 285 BFG AT I bought for a 99 Tahoe I use as a camp truck. I will probably install those.

 

[wpsfan]

Weclome. We have the same name if that's also your real name. Always interesting introducing yourself to people huh?

Most will recommend baselining the fluids first if you haven't already. Replace Oil, diff and transfer case fluids, trans drain and refill, coolant, power steering fluid, grease points. Heater hose T's, timing belt/water pump if overdue also. Make sure the radiator and hoses are in good shape.

For actual mods, recovery gear first(snatch strap, hi-lift, maxtrax(or similar), maybe a receiver D ring(optional but I like it), shovel, medical kit. Next is rock sliders, many say do this first. Can't go wrong with skid plates next but some say they aren't needed unless you're on serious rocks often. Tires: 33" 285/75/16 is the popular size, Duratracs, KO2's, Grabber AT2's ..can't go wrong with any of those, I'm sure others are great also. CB and or HAM radio if you're running with a group, good to have even if not.

That's a lot of the basics, I'm probably missing some. From there it just depends on how much you want to spend. These things are extremely capable slightly modded as you probably know and will take you almost anywhere you want to go with the basics. Some people go all out, some don't and prefer to spend the money saved on more off-road trips instead of on parts they don't necessarily need.

I'd recommend posting a budget and what kind of wheeling you plan on doing, I'm sure you'll have plenty willing to spend your money for you.

 

[TXLX100]

I'm still deciding whether to build mine or buy a 4Runner to build, so I've researched some as well. Depending on what you are trying to do, I'd say keep it maintained first if it's not already, good offroad tires (33 or 285/16 fit Un- lifted and spare will fit), aftermarket recovery points for front, recovery gear, quality air compressor, and sliders would be a good start and take you a lot of places offroad. I've read a lot that the standard OME lift can be harsh riding if the vehicle weight isn't right for the lift. I'd personally would consider lifting and using better shocks from the start if budget allows.

 

[jeremiahjohnson]

Budget for now is around 2k. Less if I can get quality stuff for cheaper.

I am pretty certain new shocks are needed as it bounces and I can hear metal on metal when hitting bumps. Only when turning though. Anyone know of any good mechanics in Western NC? Murphy area of possible.

 

[bucfl]

PM : preventive maintenance.

I going with 1.5 medium lift and OEM shocks in the future. Keep an eye on the classified section for suspension gear and other items if on a budget like myself.

Down side to a LC is we don't have the volume of vehicles the jeep guys do. Vendors are limited and items a bit pricier. Just my 02.