Builds Ikarus' LX470 Offroad Build and BS (1 Viewer)

[DDMSteve]

Great updates! You should be sure to post some of your "other" project in here too. I had a Cosmos black E36 before getting my E90. It was such an excellent car, truly the most perfect size and you could teleport exactly to where you wanted to go with it. Having four cars at that point was a bit much and it was actually more of a pain than I wanted to admit, especially with a short commute I have.

 

[ikarus]

Great updates! You should be sure to post some of your "other" project in here too. I had a Cosmos black E36 before getting my E90. It was such an excellent car, truly the most perfect size and you could teleport exactly to where you wanted to go with it. Having four cars at that point was a bit much and it was actually more of a pain than I wanted to admit, especially with a short commute I have.

Yeah I need to start a thread on it somewhere, maybe m3forums or bimmerforums. Those forums are mostly dead and the people aren't nearly as chill as mud so I haven't got around to it.

This is it though, 97 M3 with 140K. Picked it up locally from an older guy, complete with a two inch stack of receipts. I'd been watching the market for a couple of years and these just don't come up that often so I jumped on it.

Now I gotta split my money between the two, so less cruiser parts for now. But I've got wheels, tires and coilovers on the way.

 

[DDMSteve]

I had a 97 as well but mine was a Lux package so it didn't have the Vaders sadly, and it had wood trim EVERYWHERE. I had the original window sticker too, $44,700. I sold it with like 185K miles. The license plate is probably available now to use:

(an old terribly done photo)
It is the car that made me fall in love with the marque. Look forward to your choice of wheels! Mine had horrible pitted chromed DS2s that were plastidipped by the PO as well as a set of fifteen52 Tarmacs in 18" that were too big and heavy to be appreciated. Call me weird but I would have loved a set of M Contours in the satin aluminum finish, followed closely by factory LTWs.

 

[ikarus]

Got the new tires on & balanced today.

Stock temps on:

Got to work:

Much better:

About a finger of clearance when turning between cab mount/sliders and tire:

Cranked the front down .5" cause it was driving a little funny with 1.5" of droop. Getting an alignment tomorrow too and going to try to dial out the positive camber that was making my old tires wear unevenly in front.

The new setup is even heavier than the 34" Coopers. I didn't weigh but I'm guessing 110ish lbs per wheel. I can already hear my steering rack screaming in pain

 

[duvinclunk]

Beastly! The M/Ts look great.

 

[MongooseGA]

It looks badass.

My butthole is puckered for your steering system

 

[gungriffin]

The other thing that this setup will chew through is steering rack bushings. Get ready for it. It didn't hit me until now. Milo was running a similar setup to this on the 100 these wheels came from. The bushings in a new rack he installed were toast in less than 20k miles. It might be worth it to switch to poly.

With that said, I am more than a little jealous! I have thought about the Hutchinsons with KM3 more than a few times... How is braking with the new tires and Hutchinsons? The difference was probably even more stark because you ran 33"s on stock wheels for a few days.

 

[Roosevelt T]

Yeah I need to start a thread on it somewhere, maybe m3forums or bimmerforums. Those forums are mostly dead and the people aren't nearly as chill as mud so I haven't got around to it.

This is it though, 97 M3 with 140K. Picked it up locally from an older guy, complete with a two inch stack of receipts. I'd been watching the market for a couple of years and these just don't come up that often so I jumped on it.

Now I gotta split my money between the two, so less cruiser parts for now. But I've got wheels, tires and coilovers on the way.

Street car or are you gonna track it? M3forums (m3f) is ok for E36's, but its an e46 forum mainly. Bimmerforums (bfc) is the best site for E36's. Both forums are full of young kids at this point though, so be prepared - especially BFC.

The other thing that this setup will chew through is steering rack bushings. Get ready for it. It didn't hit me until now. Milo was running a similar setup to this on the 100 these wheels came from. The bushings in a new rack he installed were toast in less than 20k miles. It might be worth it to switch to poly.

With that said, I am more than a little jealous! I have thought about the Hutchinsons with KM3 more than a few times... How is braking with the new tires and Hutchinsons? The difference was probably even more stark because you ran 33"s on stock wheels for a few days.

I have 295/70/18's in a setup about the weight of his Hutchinson setup (105ish lbs) and to be honest I dont notice any issues with braking. That being said I have low expectations for this stuff - I read threads around here where people expect these things to perform well on road and that isn't me, haha! Its a heavy truck with armor and pretty big MT's, so I dont expect it to stop fast - but ive always felt safe.

 

[ikarus]

The other thing that this setup will chew through is steering rack bushings. Get ready for it. It didn't hit me until now. Milo was running a similar setup to this on the 100 these wheels came from. The bushings in a new rack he installed were toast in less than 20k miles. It might be worth it to switch to poly.

With that said, I am more than a little jealous! I have thought about the Hutchinsons with KM3 more than a few times... How is braking with the new tires and Hutchinsons? The difference was probably even more stark because you ran 33"s on stock wheels for a few days.

I could see that. I'm hoping it will last a while since I don't daily drive it. If they can last 20K that should be 3-4 years a piece... I might be ok with that. ha. And braking does take a hit, though I'm used to it since this isn't too much of a change from the 100 lb 34" ST Maxx setup. You have to accept that you're driving a big heavy truck and drive accordingly. Haven't hit ABS yet but have had a couple fast braking situations that felt a little squirrely - gotta be paying attention to the road at all times and anticipate future movements. And drive slowly everywhere. Though I will say as a result I haven't had a speeding ticket in the three years I've owned it, so I'm really saving money if you think about it. haha. Rotors and pads seem to be doing just fine, normal wear.

Street car or are you gonna track it? M3forums (m3f) is ok for E36's, but its an e46 forum mainly. Bimmerforums (bfc) is the best site for E36's. Both forums are full of young kids at this point though, so be prepared - especially BFC.



I have 295/70/18's in a setup about the weight of his Hutchinson setup (105ish lbs) and to be honest I dont notice any issues with braking. That being said I have low expectations for this stuff - I read threads around here where people expect these things to perform well on road and that isn't me, haha! Its a heavy truck with armor and pretty big MT's, so I dont expect it to stop fast - but ive always felt safe.

Yeah from what I've seen m3f is just a few old guys leftover from the pre facebook days arguing about which spoiler is an LTW vs GT2. And BF is just a bunch of "can i fit 18x10 with a 205/40/18" haha

Agreed on the braking. Just gotta adjust driving to a heavier truck. And I didn't post on the BBK thread on here a week or two ago cause I didn't want to be negative, but I think that would be a funny mod on a 100. Even track cars don't need BBKs until you've reached the limit on the track with pads, higher temp fluid, stainless lines and you've got fade or heat problems. Maybe I'm wrong and a bbk would be great on a 100 but for the most part I don't think i would ever want to hammer a 100 to the point where you could feel brake fade. haha. Anyway thanks for listening to my ted talk

 

[gungriffin]

I could see that. I'm hoping it will last a while since I don't daily drive it. If they can last 20K that should be 3-4 years a piece... I might be ok with that. ha. And braking does take a hit, though I'm used to it since this isn't too much of a change from the 100 lb 34" ST Maxx setup. You have to accept that you're driving a big heavy truck and drive accordingly. Haven't hit ABS yet but have had a couple fast braking situations that felt a little squirrely - gotta be paying attention to the road at all times and anticipate future movements. And drive slowly everywhere. Though I will say as a result I haven't had a speeding ticket in the three years I've owned it, so I'm really saving money if you think about it. haha. Rotors and pads seem to be doing just fine, normal wear.

Agreed on the braking. Just gotta adjust driving to a heavier truck. And I didn't post on the BBK thread on here a week or two ago cause I didn't want to be negative, but I think that would be a funny mod on a 100. Even track cars don't need BBKs until you've reached the limit on the track with pads, higher temp fluid, stainless lines and you've got fade or heat problems. Maybe I'm wrong and a bbk would be great on a 100 but for the most part I don't think i would ever want to hammer a 100 to the point where you could feel brake fade. haha. Anyway thanks for listening to my ted talk

I 100% understand going slower in the 100. It is one of the concepts that I find the most enjoyable about driving it. If I need to get there quickly, I definitely understand that the 100 won't be the best vehicle to take. I have also have to come to terms with wheeling these awesome vehicles being more expensive than I originally thought it would be. Knowing that I still wouldn't change how I am using the vehicle. These trucks rock.

I would have already gone the way of the Hutchinsons if they were closer in weight to the Rock Warriors. I have thought it would be awesome to be able to air down more on the trail, but I also wonder if I would actually use it or need it...

As for braking, people want to jump to something like a BBK, but often are traction limited with their tires first. They don't understand that a BBK is only good for maybe more modulation before asking 100% of the available traction. I haven't ever thought that a BBK would solve any issues on the 100s. This is especially true because so much of when I need my brakes is when I am on tough trails. I don't want brake pads that need heat before offering any friction.

I have 295/70/18's in a setup about the weight of his Hutchinson setup (105ish lbs) and to be honest I dont notice any issues with braking. That being said I have low expectations for this stuff - I read threads around here where people expect these things to perform well on road and that isn't me, haha! Its a heavy truck with armor and pretty big MT's, so I dont expect it to stop fast - but ive always felt safe.

It totally agree. I have a sports car for my sports car fix and a truck for a truck fix. I don't want my vehicles to be a jack of all trades, but master of none.

What tire/wheel combo do you have that is 105 lbs? Even with 34" LT Toyo ATIIs and 17" Rock Warriors I am only at about 87 lbs.

 

[ikarus]

I 100% understand going slower in the 100. It is one of the concepts that I find the most enjoyable about driving it. If I need to get there quickly, I definitely understand that the 100 won't be the best vehicle to take. I have also have to come to terms with wheeling these awesome vehicles being more expensive than I originally thought it would be. Knowing that I still wouldn't change how I am using the vehicle. These trucks rock.

I would have already gone the way of the Hutchinsons if they were closer in weight to the Rock Warriors. I have thought it would be awesome to be able to air down more on the trail, but I also wonder if I would actually use it or need it...

As for braking, people want to jump to something like a BBK, but often are traction limited with their tires first. They don't understand that a BBK is only good for maybe more modulation before asking 100% of the available traction. I haven't ever thought that a BBK would solve any issues on the 100s. This is especially true because so much of when I need my brakes is when I am on tough trails. I don't want brake pads that need heat before offering any friction.



It totally agree. I have a sports car for my sports car fix and a truck for a truck fix. I don't want my vehicles to be a jack of all trades, but master of none.

What tire/wheel combo do you have that is 105 lbs? Even with 34" LT Toyo ATIIs and 17" Rock Warriors I am only at about 87 lbs.

Totally. Sorry didn't mean to direct the BBK comments at you, just a random rant. I've been spending too much time researching AP vs Stoptech for my M3 and I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact that it just won't help me at my level of track use. I really want a BBK though haha.

Though as far as the 100, now that I've driven a little more on these tires, I do wonder if I should experiment with new/different pads. I've already done the stainless lines and that helped brake feel.

Yeah the Hutchinsons are pretty cool, and the ability to air way down is super nice. Fun in sand. I need to get it out in deep snow some time, but regular trail use makes things super comfortable/grippy as well. I still like them enough to keep them but sometimes during tire rotations or on day 2 of a tire change in my garage I get to reminiscing about my old lightweight Tacoma setup with 18 lb wheels and pizza cutters in 255/85r16.

 

[Kabanstva]

You already know I love your truck bro. Easily one of my favorites on this forum. It’s ridiculous how big of a difference the beadlocks and M/T tires make, especially compared to the picture you posted where it’s sitting in stock (sunken battleship wheel fitment) wheels and oem sized tires. Looking forward to seeing a long term review of this tire size.

 

[Roosevelt T]

Yeah from what I've seen m3f is just a few old guys leftover from the pre facebook days arguing about which spoiler is an LTW vs GT2. And BF is just a bunch of "can i fit 18x10 with a 205/40/18" haha

Agreed on the braking. Just gotta adjust driving to a heavier truck. And I didn't post on the BBK thread on here a week or two ago cause I didn't want to be negative, but I think that would be a funny mod on a 100. Even track cars don't need BBKs until you've reached the limit on the track with pads, higher temp fluid, stainless lines and you've got fade or heat problems. Maybe I'm wrong and a bbk would be great on a 100 but for the most part I don't think i would ever want to hammer a 100 to the point where you could feel brake fade. haha. Anyway thanks for listening to my ted talk

Yeah BFC has gone downhill HARD over the past 5-6 years. I get it though, these are cheap vehicles and mostly kids are buying them at this point, to be honest.

Agree on the braking - If something like a 200 series caliper/rotor was a direct fit and I needed to rebuild mine - fine, ya. I'd do it just because. But an actual BBK makes no sense to me on this vehicle ESPECIALLY with the tires we run.

It totally agree. I have a sports car for my sports car fix and a truck for a truck fix. I don't want my vehicles to be a jack of all trades, but master of none.

What tire/wheel combo do you have that is 105 lbs? Even with 34" LT Toyo ATIIs and 17" Rock Warriors I am only at about 87 lbs.

Methods + 295/70/18 STT Pro's. Tires are a lb or two over 70 lbs, and the wheels are 30/31. I rounded up a lb or two, lol.

Totally. Sorry didn't mean to direct the BBK comments at you, just a random rant. I've been spending too much time researching AP vs Stoptech for my M3 and I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact that it just won't help me at my level of track use. I really want a BBK though haha.

Though as far as the 100, now that I've driven a little more on these tires, I do wonder if I should experiment with new/different pads. I've already done the stainless lines and that helped brake feel.

Yeah the Hutchinsons are pretty cool, and the ability to air way down is super nice. Fun in sand. I need to get it out in deep snow some time, but regular trail use makes things super comfortable/grippy as well. I still like them enough to keep them but sometimes during tire rotations or on day 2 of a tire change in my garage I get to reminiscing about my old lightweight Tacoma setup with 18 lb wheels and pizza cutters in 255/85r16.

Maybe I should try some SS lines, I would appreciate a little better feel.

The brakes on the e36 really are fine for that vehicle until you start doing longer track days.

LOL - The only thing I dont like about my setup is how heavy they are to mess with when I'm working on the truck or tire rotations.

 

[ikarus]

Got out and tried the new tires today. Super impressed with them in mud, snow and ice. Little bit of rubbing - probably time for a body lift. Very little noise on the road, and they ride well.

 

[ikarus]

(Not my pic, found on google.)

Has anyone installed a two post lift in their garage to work on their cruiser? If so, what height ceilings do you have, and which height lift and weight specs did you go with?

 

[aging fleet]

Has anyone installed a two post lift in their garage to work on their cruiser? If so, what height ceilings do you have, and which height lift and weight specs did you go with?

I know @woody has one at ih8mudHQ

IH8MUD HQ

The shop is officially open! Not quite done yet, since lights were just ordered and will be installed in the coming week, but most of the rest is functional...10k asymmetrical lift is installed, tools are found and organized (mostly) and everything else is coming together. Consider this an...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[ikarus]

I know @woody has one at ih8mudHQ

IH8MUD HQ

The shop is officially open! Not quite done yet, since lights were just ordered and will be installed in the coming week, but most of the rest is functional...10k asymmetrical lift is installed, tools are found and organized (mostly) and everything else is coming together. Consider this an...

forum.ih8mud.com

That's legit, I wish he was closer than 4 hours away from me. I'd just use his lift!

 

[I Lean]

Has anyone installed a two post lift in their garage to work on their cruiser? If so, what height ceilings do you have, and which height lift and weight specs did you go with?

Yes. My ceiling is only 11.5' tall, so I had to go with a base-plate lift rather than the overhead, clear-floor style. Mine is a 10K lb capacity, and has has my diesel Ford on it a few times with no issues.

The base plate hoist can lift the same distance as the overhead models, (74" if memory serves) but the Cruiser roof gets to the ceiling long before the lift runs out of....lift. So, I end up sitting on a stool underneath to work on stuff. It might not be ideal, but it's WAAAY better than doing it all on the floor.

 

[txnight]

I have a 11 foot ceiling so I went with a 4 post lift. It's a pain to slide a jack down the middle when I need to take a wheel off but it beats the hell out of sitting on the floor.

 

[ikarus]

Yes. My ceiling is only 11.5' tall, so I had to go with a base-plate lift rather than the overhead, clear-floor style. Mine is a 10K lb capacity, and has has my diesel Ford on it a few times with no issues.

The base plate hoist can lift the same distance as the overhead models, (74" if memory serves) but the Cruiser roof gets to the ceiling long before the lift runs out of....lift. So, I end up sitting on a stool underneath to work on stuff. It might not be ideal, but it's WAAAY better than doing it all on the floor.

I could see that, definitely better than a jack and stands. I need to go measure my new ceiling tomorrow but I think it's a 15 footer so I'm hoping I could stand underneath.

Which brand did you go with? And do you know of a good installer in SLC? I'm looking at Bendpak

I have a 11 foot ceiling so I went with a 4 post lift. It's a pain to slide a jack down the middle when I need to take a wheel off but it beats the hell out of sitting on the floor.

Yeah for sure. I would love a 4 post as well, I can see pros and cons to both. In my ideal garage I'd have a 4 post and a 2 post. ha