Build I bought a Whale, now I gotta build it and use it

[desmocruiser]

It's a fantastic mod. I'd put it up there as my #1 or #2 modification.

Detailed discussion and installation here

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Apologies to hijack a great build thread, I agree the benefit depends on how you utilize the truck and there are several good threads discussing.

For me it is a great mod for how my 200 series is used, a large amount of driving concentrated in somewhat remote parts of the West where fuel locations are scarce and can vary in price.

A 450 mile range is a lot more convenient than 280 when you cover a significant amount of territory, whereas a truck that largely operates in or near the cities is just fine without it.

 

[fj4068]

Oh no. Likely 5th or 6th. I’m used to driving over 100 in other vehicles but this one made me go two handed at 100 and I backed off at 118. I’ll try to find the governor one day without an awning hanging off the roof and no gear in the back.

Someone I trust says it is beyond 130 indicated. Check your tyre speed ratings...

 

[wngrog]

Someone I trust says it is beyond 130 indicated. Check your tyre speed ratings...

I’m going back at it one day without the roof rack and awning up there.

 

[wngrog]

Apologies to hijack a great build thread, I agree the benefit depends on how you utilize the truck and there are several good threads discussing.

For me it is a great mod for how my 200 series is used, a large amount of driving concentrated in somewhat remote parts of the West where fuel locations are scarce and can vary in price.

A 450 mile range is a lot more convenient than 280 when you cover a significant amount of territory, whereas a truck that largely operates in or near the cities is just fine without it.

I may do the 12.5. I want the spare under there. No swingouts again if I can help it.

I’m a fan of the product. I run LRA on my FJ60 and FJ55.

 

[KLF]

My newest Land Cruiser before this one is a non-Nav 2001. Riding around with the dark tint, dual AC and cooled seats spawned the idea that I needed to repeat my 2017 summer trip to Big Bend.

It’s a great time to visit just to ride the trails because the place is deserted.

My buddy Lou has a big ole Raptor we just added some monster suspension to last week so we hatched a plan to make a Cannonball Run trip

I had to wore up the National Luna and add the Foxwing and I would be ready to vice this thing a proper test.
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The Dobinsons comes with a nice fridge slide but I reallly prefer my fridge behind the drivers seat for quick and easy access and I was very pleased to discover the 50l NL fits perfect View attachment 2721638
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Hey Nolan (and @Markuson )

Wondering how you mounted your fridge in the second row area. Are you using the NL base plate?

Equipt is expecting a container of fridges in August, so I pre-ordered a 50L dual, can't wait.

 

[wngrog]

Hey Nolan (and @Markuson )

Wondering how you mounted your fridge in the second row area. Are you using the NL base plate?

Equipt is expecting a container of fridges in August, so I pre-ordered a 50L dual, can't wait.

No base plate. Too permanent. I used FrontRunner fridge ties to the center row hooks. Easy button.

 

[Markuson]

Hey Nolan (and @Markuson )

Wondering how you mounted your fridge in the second row area. Are you using the NL base plate?

Equipt is expecting a container of fridges in August, so I pre-ordered a 50L dual, can't wait.

I use the National Luna baseplate.

I simply drilled holes in its thick metal to match super-stout 2d row seat bolt holes… then add huge washers, longer bolts and bolt it down. Then fridge slides on as usual. If I want to put the seat back in…just remove the bolts and its out.

 

[wngrog]

I use the National Luna baseplate.

I simply drilled holes in its thick metal to match super-stout 2d row seat bolt holes… then add huge washers, longer bolts and bolt it down. Then fridge slides on as usual. If I want to put the seat back in…just remove the bolts and its out.

Yeah if I used mine as a dedicated expo truck that’s a nice setup. Taking that heavy ass seat out has to be a big chore though.

 

[wngrog]

Dobinsons MRR install today.
Before measurement to the bottom center of the fenders

2” coil overs in the front to keep stock control arms.

1” springs in the rear.

Truck came up an even 3” all around. Really sits perfect now. 3/4” rake with mostly loaded drawers in the back and the hidden winch in the front.

I set the rebound dials to the recommended setting for the unloaded 200 and the ride is super nice. The little bit of wash I was getting on the front on big jumps (railroad tracks) is gone. Thanks @Ozark cruiser for nailing this setup for me.

Alignment and tires tomorrow.

 

[Markuson]

Yeah if I used mine as a dedicated expo truck that’s a nice setup. Taking that heavy ass seat out has to be a big chore though.

I keep my fridge in there 24/7, but ya…those seats are ridiculous. On the up-side, I actually reduce weight when the fridge is in there…

 

[Romer]

Hey Nolan, long time no see. Welcome to the old guys favorite most capable most comfortable wheeling rig I do still have my 40 and my daughters still have their 100 (Sarah) series and a GX470 (Rachel-daughterofromer). Believe it or not they are still wheeling with me after 18 years even though they are both in their 30's. Good to let your daughter keep one. Nothing like a family wheeling trip

I have the Gamiviti rack with a wind fairing and no noise. I did adjust the rack to its lowest setting. I also have the 12.5G Long ranger tank. I wanted to carry two spare tires. One their and one on the back of the Slee. I even used both spares on one trip

I enjoyed your story. I also made this a build thread

Looking forward to see what you do next. Going to see you do the Gate at Cruise Moab 2022? Been a while since you have been out. Poser picture to show you my rack

 

[wngrog]

Hey Brother. Yeah. Maybe after this one ages out Daily Driver duty ill readdress the roof rack issue. I really like the simple Gamavitti design.

My son also has a 100. Other than my wife’s company car Volvo we are all Toyota here.

 

[KLF]

I use the National Luna baseplate.

I simply drilled holes in its thick metal to match super-stout 2d row seat bolt holes… then add huge washers, longer bolts and bolt it down. Then fridge slides on as usual. If I want to put the seat back in…just remove the bolts and its out.

OK thanks. I was looking at it today and was thinking the same, just use the threaded holes that are already there. I will probably call them tomorrow and add the base plate to my order. I was also wondering if a slide could work there, but I think you'd only get about 6" of travel and it would hit the door, not worth it.

I can't remember the last time anybody sat in my 2nd row seats. Time for them to go. I've had them out before, this time I'm getting help.

 

[Markuson]

OK thanks. I was looking at it today and was thinking the same, just use the threaded holes that are already there. I will probably call them tomorrow and add the base plate to my order. I was also wondering if a slide could work there, but I think you'd only get about 6" of travel and it would hit the door, not worth it.

I can't remember the last time anybody sat in my 2nd row seats. Time for them to go. I've had them out before, this time I'm getting help.

Personally I find it so much better than the cargo area. Can even access it *while driving* if needed, and it preserves the full rear cargo bay. Opening the passenger door for full access is a lot easier that dealing with a rear swing-out, etc.

 

[wngrog]

Personally I find it so much better than the cargo area. Can even access it *while driving* if needed, and it preserves the full rear cargo bay. Opening the passenger door for full access is a lot easier that dealing with a rear swing-out, etc.

Agree. Even without a swingout it’s the best spot.

Add a swingout or two and it’s gold.

 

[reddog90]

Nice truck and good mods so far. BBNP is a special place for sure.

 

[wngrog]

Nice truck and good mods so far. BBNP is a special place for sure.

I know that exact spot

 

[wngrog]

Dropped the whale off at 49Tire this morning for tires, alignment and oil change.

I buy a lot of tires so I rate the best loaner truck in the fleet.

I put $25 in it and spent the day running errands and taking conference calls. These Bose made it possible in that loud ass 80

Grabbed a burger

Had a few minutes to blow and dropped in on @fountainhead to check out his new pad. Few minutes later @wct49 called and said it was ready.

Alignment guy said he got it aligned with stock control arms but it’s maxed out. That’s FYI if anyone cares. I don’t keep tires long enough to care.

Final measurements after alignment. I’m sure it will settle more but for now here you go

Driver Front 37.25 Passenger Front 37.50
Driver Rear 38.25 Passenger Rear 38.75

 

[Bomar]

Mine are maxed out also on both 100s and zero tire wear issues....

Love the look. Perfect tire size.

How was the noise?

 

[wngrog]

Mine are maxed out also on both 100s and zero tire wear issues....

Love the look. Perfect tire size.

How was the noise?

Glad you asked.

They are not as silent as they are on my 100 series but the tone is low growl versus a more high whine the Toyos had.

They rub on the passenger KDSS round bar at full turn in reverse both ways but not going forward.