Hitting the UAE desert

[Desert Nomad]

Missed the Friday morning desert run with the friends, so headed out a little later to have a play in the desert.

 

[Surfy]

*like*

 

[Desert Nomad]

:whoops: forgot to post the last two pics

 

[Thebedouin60]

So how did the new suspension set up work on the friday run? I struggle to do that climb in 2nd Lo

By the way it looks much better without that garish front clip that toyota force people to get.

 

[Desert Nomad]

Friday 28-Sep. Put it through it's paces on a very demanding route following short wheelbase Jeeps everywhere they went.

Friday 5-Oct. Was a solo run so no tricky routes, just smooth sailing.

Have another trip planned for Saturday morning will update here on it as well.

 

[Thebedouin60]

Have you replaced your tires yet? i know that dunlops don't last long, especially on tarmac....

 

[Desert Nomad]

Haven't changed them yet. I'm going to run the dunlops out first then swap them

 

[maujkar]

Nice pics Nomad,
I'm planning to cross RubAlKhali (Saudi RAK) and was planning on buying a 2012 GXR V6 Safari ed, back door mounted wheel, 2 diff locks etc. My confusion was created when someone mentioned that LC200 V6 are underpowered and blah blah.. i seem to think otherwise? the LC200 V6 has a same engine as Prado150 & FJ, and they both perform well in RAK. What is your experience? I heard there are far more V6 in Bahrain, UAE than in SAudi and hence the general norm, it doesnt work here? any pointers would be helpful. and yeh not to mention V6 is like 20000 cheaper than V8
cheers
MJKR

 

[Desert Nomad]

Nice pics Nomad,
I'm planning to cross RubAlKhali (Saudi RAK) and was planning on buying a 2012 GXR V6 Safari ed, back door mounted wheel, 2 diff locks etc. My confusion was created when someone mentioned that LC200 V6 are underpowered and blah blah.. i seem to think otherwise? the LC200 V6 has a same engine as Prado150 & FJ, and they both perform well in RAK. What is your experience? I heard there are far more V6 in Bahrain, UAE than in SAudi and hence the general norm, it doesnt work here? any pointers would be helpful. and yeh not to mention V6 is like 20000 cheaper than V8
cheers
MJKR

I have the 4.6 v8 which I'm more than happy with its performance in the desert.

Even though the fj, prado and lc share the same v6 you have to take into account the weight difference.
With that said most if not, all the safari cruisers are the v6 version and they go everywhere in the desert.
I previously had a defender 90 which had a 4cylinder turbo diesel wwhich had low hp but very high torque and it was amazing.

Honestly v6 or v8 I think is just preference. But you need to see what suits your driving style as with the lc I have to keepisode the revs higher compared to the 90 which had torque from low rpms
If you can rent one or know someone who has a v6 and will let you try it out in the sand do that first and see what it feels like as ultimately you'll be the one driving it.

 

[maujkar]

thanks for suggestions Nomad.
Most of my tour friends have actually LX70, or VXR from 2005-2007 or Nissan Armada. the LX/LC70 are the best when it comes to desert safari and conquering those huge RAK dunes. However they are not at all comfortable, with lack of cruise, proper insulation, and they do what they are built for ! One can spend a few grands to upgrade the suspension, fuel tank and make it more smooth rider. but a hassle to find a proper mechanic and upgrader expert. I actually want flexibility from RAK trips to city hauling to long drives and after much discussions, LC200 seems to be the best choice in GCC. Price holds very good too. LC150 specs are pathetic in Saudi and importing one from Dubai seems like impossible ! coz LC150 in UAE is 150L tank as compared to 80L in saudi, which is bare min specs. I happen to come across a site which shows the safari editions both in V6 and V8 formats - 140L tank, with 2 diff loks. See V8 : http://www.saudisale.com/SS_e_car.aspx?carid=33443 and V6 version which i'm interested in http://www.saudisale.com/SS_e_car.aspx?carid=29217. I'm still thinking of flying over to Dubai and having a look around - who knows I get lucky
cheers
Mjkr.

 

[Desert Nomad]

thanks for suggestions Nomad.
Most of my tour friends have actually LX70, or VXR from 2005-2007 or Nissan Armada. the LX/LC70 are the best when it comes to desert safari and conquering those huge RAK dunes. However they are not at all comfortable, with lack of cruise, proper insulation, and they do what they are built for ! One can spend a few grands to upgrade the suspension, fuel tank and make it more smooth rider. but a hassle to find a proper mechanic and upgrader expert. I actually want flexibility from RAK trips to city hauling to long drives and after much discussions, LC200 seems to be the best choice in GCC. Price holds very good too. LC150 specs are pathetic in Saudi and importing one from Dubai seems like impossible ! coz LC150 in UAE is 150L tank as compared to 80L in saudi, which is bare min specs. I happen to come across a site which shows the safari editions both in V6 and V8 formats - 140L tank, with 2 diff loks. See V8 : http://www.saudisale.com/SS_e_car.aspx?carid=33443 and V6 version which i'm interested in http://www.saudisale.com/SS_e_car.aspx?carid=29217. I'm still thinking of flying over to Dubai and having a look around - who knows I get lucky
cheers
Mjkr.

If you're going to be checking cars from uae. You should contact al buraimi (omani dealer of Toyota) and see their specs they have a showroom in hatta

 

[Thebedouin60]

The V6 land cruisers are underpowered, with weight being the limiting factor here, and the empty quarter with its soft sand and high crests, you will wish you had those extra horses under the bonnet. The V6 is more than perfect for your average dune run, but when it comes to doing the job well, i would go with the 4.6, its right in the middle of the engine range, good power and good fuel economy, so that your tank lasts for a while in the middle of the world's largest desert. If you decide on an older model, like the 100 series, nothing, and i mean nothing, is as capable as the 1FZ-FE (4500 EFI) Straight six engine, the last of the great inline toyota engines.

 

[04UZJ100]

Sorry, but the 4.0 must be gutless in the LC as it's gutless in the 4R.

 

[maujkar]

Thanks Bedioun. I guess I'll wait for the V8 model then - which they market here is Braihmi or Omani version i.e. back door mounted wheel with 2 diff locks and cool box ! You don't get it here in Saudi from the main dealer but other private agents!
Cheers
Mjkr

 

[Desert Nomad]

Thanks Bedioun. I guess I'll wait for the V8 model then - which they market here is Braihmi or Omani version i.e. back door mounted wheel with 2 diff locks and cool box ! You don't get it here in Saudi from the main dealer but other private agents!
Cheers
Mjkr

Whatever you get, most importantly you have to do first.... post pics up here of it.

 

[xkennx]

Thanks Bedioun. I guess I'll wait for the V8 model then - which they market here is Braihmi or Omani version i.e. back door mounted wheel with 2 diff locks and cool box ! You don't get it here in Saudi from the main dealer but other private agents!
Cheers
Mjkr

Not all Omani spec ones have the spare tire on the back - We purchase between 50-60 TLC 200's a month from Saud Bahwan. From everything from G9, GL (G9 with automatic transmission), G DLX (G9 with 100 series style barn doors), GXR deleted spec, GXR full option, VXR deleted spec, VXR full option, and Lexus LX570.

They have a department in Oman and UAE for the whole purpose of import-to-export into other countries. If you want a point of contact send me a message and I'll give you some names and numbers. Or you can email me directly kenn.walker(at)armored-cars.com

 

[Desert Nomad]

Didn't take pics on Saturday's run. Just have these two and hopefully when the others email me their pics I'll put them up here as well.

 

[maujkar]

Guys what do you have to say about having 2 diff locks...see this image as a reference ... http://i00.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/064/050/105/1281195243042_us-myalibaba-web4_157.jpg ... the 2012 GXR V8 Winch model with the dealer wont have that RR Diff Lock... awaiting his confirmation. should it be a must? I don't comprehend that a winch model lacks diff locks?
any clues? xkennex- the TLC you get every month have them or not?
thanks
MJKR

 

[Desert Nomad]

Guys what do you have to say about having 2 diff locks...see this image as a reference ... http://i00.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/064/050/105/1281195243042_us-myalibaba-web4_157.jpg ... the 2012 GXR V8 Winch model with the dealer wont have that RR Diff Lock... awaiting his confirmation. should it be a must? I don't comprehend that a winch model lacks diff locks?
any clues? xkennex- the TLC you get every month have them or not?
thanks
MJKR

For some reason I can't reply to your pm. I only have a center diff lock on my lc.
Let me know if you'd like any specific pics other than of the diff lock switch.

 

[maujkar]

For some reason I can't reply to your pm. I only have a center diff lock on my lc.
Let me know if you'd like any specific pics other than of the diff lock switch.

yes please - if you can share the pic - also which kind of difflock it is ? LSD or rear? thanks.. maybe your manual says something...