Just ordered a 200 and have some questions!

[dkw3]

I just orderd a 2015 Land Crusier 200 and it will be here in about 45 days! Don't even have the LC yet and already planning the mods. I have owned Toyota's all my life. Tacoma, 3 Sequoias (current ride is a 2010) and 1991 FJ 80. My goal is to build an Overland LC to travel with my family in the lower 48 and to a take a 2 month trip to Alaska next year. I want to be able to drive in comfort for 10+ hours per day and able to do trails like Black Bear Pass. I am not a rock crawler.

My goals right now are to do the following:

1. Icon LC 200 series front remote reservoir coil over shock with CDCV. My goal in to take out the factory rake in the LC. I am only doing the front at this time and leaving the rear suspension stock. I may install rear Icon shocks but leave in the factory springs. Not sure yet! Any thought? I will be putting on the 17" TRD rock warrior wheels with BFG AT KO2 in 285 size.

From taking some measurements on a LC at the dealer it looks like I will need about 1 to 1.5" of height in the front to level out the LC. I have been doing a lot of research on the LR UCA. It seem that they have been having a lot of issue with bushings and breakage. I am not sure if that is the way to go? I love the idea of the factory style ball joint for durability and do not want to go with a uni ball design. Remember that one of my goals with this build is durability? If I keep the stock UCA will this work and give me factory alignment specs? I do not have a problem spending the money on UCA but I want them to be reliable and not a maintenance headache.

What are you thoughts? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I do this right!

2. Install Slee Sliders.

3. Going to make a custom drawer for the rear.

4. Roof top tent- not sure what RTT I will be going with at this time.

Future modes may include ARB bumper and winch?

I would like some constructive criticism on my plans above. I want to do this right the first time.

Thanks,
dKW

 

[T4Runner]

I'm new to the 200 series and haven't done any mods. I can say that I had LR UCAs on my 4Runner and ended up switching them to Total Chaos after a variety of issues. LR customer service very responsive but my sense was they save on their R&D budget by testing and revising their product on their customers' vehicles... Others may have had different results on different applications but I've been much happier with TC.

 

[dkw3]

T4Runner,

Thanks for the reply. I am very torn on this. If I were to go with another UCA it would be Total Chaos. My concern is the maintence with the uniball as I live in the North East and winters are harsh.

What's you thoughts on maintence?

 

[MScruiser]

If you want an OE-like UCA, get the SPC's from Slee. Much less maintenance than the TC or ICON. Keep in mind--You do NOT need to get new UCAs since you are not lifting the front but 1 to 1.5 inches. If I were you, I would keep the factory UCAs.

As to leveling out the rake: ICON is a great shock, but keep in mind it is a racing shock, not an overland-type shock. If an overland build is what you seek, I would look at just buying an OE spacer to level out the truck from @beno . $70 in parts; that's all it takes. If you want to get the rear a little higher, just get a 15mm or 30mm trim packer. Volia. Instant lift, and the reliability of the OE suspension. Its not a common track to take on this site, but it is a very popular way to get a lift in Australia and NZ. IF you are determined to get something new and not use the existing suspension, check out Bjowett's Koni 90s, Slee's OME, or MetalTech's IronMan Foam Cell Pros. All 3 will require far less maintenance than a racing shock (since you are building an overland truck).

 

[arellanon]

I just orderd a 2015 Land Crusier 200 and it will be here in about 45 days! Don't even have the LC yet and already planning the mods. I have owned Toyota's all my life. Tacoma, 3 Sequoias (current ride is a 2010) and 1991 FJ 80. My goal is to build an Overland LC to travel with my family in the lower 48 and to a take a 2 month trip to Alaska next year. I want to be able to drive in comfort for 10+ hours per day and able to do trails like Black Bear Pass. I am not a rock crawler.

My goals right now are to do the following:

1. Icon LC 200 series front remote reservoir coil over shock with CDCV. My goal in to take out the factory rake in the LC. I am only doing the front at this time and leaving the rear suspension stock. I may install rear Icon shocks but leave in the factory springs. Not sure yet! Any thought? I will be putting on the 17" TRD rock warrior wheels with BFG AT KO2 in 285 size.

From taking some measurements on a LC at the dealer it looks like I will need about 1 to 1.5" of height in the front to level out the LC. I have been doing a lot of research on the LR UCA. It seem that they have been having a lot of issue with bushings and breakage. I am not sure if that is the way to go? I love the idea of the factory style ball joint for durability and do not want to go with a uni ball design. Remember that one of my goals with this build is durability? If I keep the stock UCA will this work and give me factory alignment specs? I do not have a problem spending the money on UCA but I want them to be reliable and not a maintenance headache.

What are you thoughts? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I do this right!

2. Install Slee Sliders.

3. Going to make a custom drawer for the rear.

4. Roof top tent- not sure what RTT I will be going with at this time.

Future modes may include ARB bumper and winch?

I would like some constructive criticism on my plans above. I want to do this right the first time.

Thanks,
dKW

You read my mind! I too wish to build an overland Land Cruiser and I wish to buy a new vehicle since I plan to go to the grave with it. So every mile it racks up I want to be the one behind it.



I will be following this thread with much interest.

 

[dkw3]

MScrusier,

I agree with on the maintence with the TC and Icon UCA. I have done some research on the Light Racing (SPC) UCA and it seem that there have been lots of issues with them. I see that you are running them. What's you thoughs been so far and how many miles do you have on them?

My other reason for replacing the stock front shocks are for the soft/bouncy ride. The spacer will get me level but will do nothing for the quality of the ride. I am looking at the Icon with CDCV so I can adjust the shock to the conditions. I don't want or need a 3 to 4" lift all around right now. Maybe down the road my wants and need will change.

I have never owned a coil over shock so I do not totally understand all the maintence that is involved by first hand experience. Only know what I have read... I know they have to be rebuilt ever 50,000 miles. I can handle that if that is all that need to be done. I just do not want to be a slave to maintence, but by all means I will take care of the Land Crusier.

 

[kreiten]

if your looking for durability and longevity I would go with something like MSCrusier suggested. I have never run Icon or Radflow etc, and trust me I think they are awesome and the ride I'm sure is great! But with what you have described your needs to be you can't afford to have to stop and have one of your coilovers sent in for maintenance for two weeks. I've known people that have run Icons etc with very little problems and I've known people who ran them for a month and had to send one in. I'm not saying it will happen forsure, your just increasing your probability of maintenance with a setup like that. For your application with my experience I would go with a more durable setup, just my 2 cents...

 

[kreiten]

I also run the SPC's from Slee, but don't have much feedback for ya as I have only run them for a week now!

 

[dkw3]

Kreiten,

Thank you for the info. Just to throw this out. Should I wait for the new ARB BP-51's to be released. Will they have the same reliability as the OME or will they still require the maintence of the current coilovers (Icon, King,Radflow)?

Cost is not a factor in my decision. I want a comfortable, reliable system that I do not have to work on all the time. I am not talking about not doing maintence, but I do not want to be a slave to maintence. That is what I am buying a Toyota in the first place.

 

[kreiten]

Kreiten,

Thank you for the info. Just to throw this out. Should I wait for the new ARB BP-51's to be released. Will they have the same reliability as the OME or will they still require the maintence of the current coilovers (Icon, King,Radflow)?

Cost is not a factor in my decision. I want a comfortable, reliable system that I do not have to work on all the time. I am not talking about not doing maintence, but I do not want to be a slave to maintence. That is what I am buying a Toyota in the first place.

not sure on the reliability of those new OME coilovers.... I would talk to bjowett about this, his knowledge on reliable coilovers and shocks is far greater than mine... If money is no object I think he has some really nice options..

 

[RTaylor]

Congrats!

What did you gain by ordering your rig versus finding one from a dealer? I can only think of color preference.

 

[dkw3]

Congrats!

What did you gain by ordering your rig versus finding one from a dealer? I can only think of color preference.

I found a few at dealers that were test driven a few hundred miles. If I am spending that much $, I don't want any miles on the LC. The dealer that I have purchased the last 3 Toyota from did not have any on the lot or on order. They have always taken care of me and have worked with me on price. That is the main reason I ordered one. I was in no hurry and they made me an offer I could not refuse.

 

[kreiten]

Kreiten,

Thank you for the info. Just to throw this out. Should I wait for the new ARB BP-51's to be released. Will they have the same reliability as the OME or will they still require the maintence of the current coilovers (Icon, King,Radflow)?

Cost is not a factor in my decision. I want a comfortable, reliable system that I do not have to work on all the time. I am not talking about not doing maintence, but I do not want to be a slave to maintence. That is what I am buying a Toyota in the first place.

If I were you I would proly go with something like the Koni 90's or the Ironman foamcell pro's... just my 2 cents... and in full disclosure I run the Ironman foamcell pro's... And I love them!

 

[kreiten]

 

[Billfish]

I'd offer my humble 2 cents worth:

I doubt there is a maintenance free option in any aftermarket coilover or UCA upgrade option. Even factory shocks are time dated from the minute they leave the assembly line. Foamcells will doubtless also have a service life too.

What's important in your choice decision, assuming you are planning an extended ownership of your 'project' is that they are in fact able to be rebuilt and the ease of that re-build. Not all can be rebuilt unless sent back to manufacturer and/or parts are not supplied or specialist tools are required.

I can relate my own recent experience with coilover and UCA rebuilds on 200 series.

UCA's
In 2011 I installed TC UCAs and Radflo x 4 and have travelled 75,000 miles (120,000kms) since. About 10,000 miles ago a drop or two of Tri Flow lube was required once a month to eliminate a developing squeak on the UCA ball joints. This took seconds but it was obvious that the teflon inner liners were starting to wear. No problem. I ordered and received a full service pack from Total Chaos including 2 uniball units and 8 urethane bushes for the arms, superlube plus a set of cups for easily pressing out the bearings and reinserting. The whole kit and caboodle, absolutely everything I was going to need plus one or two things I didn't even anticipate, cost maybe $150 dollars, fedexed direct down to me direct on the other side of the earth. That was a year ago.

2 weeks ago I finally got around to swapping the parts out. It took me less than an 1 hr on the hoist and job done. 'Far as I'm concerned I have never regretted the decision to buy TC for one second. In fact my satisfaction was enhanced. I would add here that just recently two guys down here have issues with persistent squeaks that only began after installing SPC arms. They are apparently trying to pack more grease in to these sealed units. That may not be a difficult task and perhaps they have been installed correctly - I wouldn't know- but the owers are not thrilled as these arms are supposed to be trouble free silent runners - because they are sealed. The guys at Slee will tell you that there is no such thing in the after market game as a trouble free mod. You have got to get yourself over that bridge - or there will be tears.

Coilovers:

I went with 2.5 Radflo coilovers sans the remotes and installed at same time as UCAs above. 75,000 miles later the shocks and coils remain trouble free. No leaks. No loss of performance. The lower bearing mount on the front left coilover however has recently developed a bit of a creaking graunching sound. I was sure it was the coils and contacted the owner of Radflo to discuss. After describing the symptoms he quickly zeroed in on the lower mounting bearings which also have a service life. About 75,000 miles as it happens. He was correct.
Radflo are winging down to me a full service pack including all 4 lower shock bearings and, as a precaution, a full rebuild kit, seals, bushings etc for the shocks. That's because they know their product, know their customers, have the kit on the shelf and care about their customers. All the parts are costing less than $250 delivered. I expect the task of swapping the bearings to be straight forward. Matter of fact I'm kinda looking forward to it. I'll probably leave the shock rebuild until/if they start to fail and may hand that task to a shock shop to sort out.

I can think of one or two fantastic resellers up there of ARB, TJM, Ironman, SPC and some of you will or may benefit from their involvement in the supply but I doubt you will get anywhere near the direct and personal back up from the manufacturer you will get from TC or Radflo, when you need it. And I'm saying that from 12,000 miles away.

just sayin

 

[tas306]

If you want an OE-like UCA, get the SPC's from Slee. Much less maintenance than the TC or ICON. Keep in mind--You do NOT need to get new UCAs since you are not lifting the front but 1 to 1.5 inches. If I were you, I would keep the factory UCAs.

As to leveling out the rake: ICON is a great shock, but keep in mind it is a racing shock, not an overland-type shock. If an overland build is what you seek, I would look at just buying an OE spacer to level out the truck from @beno . $70 in parts; that's all it takes. If you want to get the rear a little higher, just get a 15mm or 30mm trim packer. Volia. Instant lift, and the reliability of the OE suspension. Its not a common track to take on this site, but it is a very popular way to get a lift in Australia and NZ. IF you are determined to get something new and not use the existing suspension, check out Bjowett's Koni 90s, Slee's OME, or MetalTech's IronMan Foam Cell Pros. All 3 will require far less maintenance than a racing shock (since you are building an overland truck).

When installing the OE spacers, do I have to deal with the KDDS system as if I was installing new coil overs?

 

[MScruiser]

I would think so.

The problem I found with the KDSS, is that if it is actuated, and you remove and unbolt the arm, it immediately goes into the lowest position (i.e. It will automatically self adjust, pushing the arm towards the ground). It would be impossible to reconnect the arm without opening the valve, and gently moving the kdss/sway bar back into place.

I could be wrong, but that was what I found to be true with mine.

 

[tas306]

Thanks man... Great write up on your experience.

 

[MScruiser]

I'd offer my humble 2 cents worth:

I doubt there is a maintenance free option in any aftermarket coilover or UCA upgrade option. Even factory shocks are time dated from the minute they leave the assembly line. Foamcells will doubtless also have a service life too.

What's important in your choice decision, assuming you are planning an extended ownership of your 'project' is that they are in fact able to be rebuilt and the ease of that re-build. Not all can be rebuilt unless sent back to manufacturer and/or parts are not supplied or specialist tools are required.

I can relate my own recent experience with coilover and UCA rebuilds on 200 series.

UCA's
In 2011 I installed TC UCAs and Radflo x 4 and have travelled 75,000 miles (120,000kms) since. About 10,000 miles ago a drop or two of Tri Flow lube was required once a month to eliminate a developing squeak on the UCA ball joints. This took seconds but it was obvious that the teflon inner liners were starting to wear. No problem. I ordered and received a full service pack from Total Chaos including 2 uniball units and 8 urethane bushes for the arms, superlube plus a set of cups for easily pressing out the bearings and reinserting. The whole kit and caboodle, absolutely everything I was going to need plus one or two things I didn't even anticipate, cost maybe $150 dollars, fedexed direct down to me direct on the other side of the earth. That was a year ago.

2 weeks ago I finally got around to swapping the parts out. It took me less than an 1 hr on the hoist and job done. 'Far as I'm concerned I have never regretted the decision to buy TC for one second. In fact my satisfaction was enhanced. I would add here that just recently two guys down here have issues with persistent squeaks that only began after installing SPC arms. They are apparently trying to pack more grease in to these sealed units. That may not be a difficult task and perhaps they have been installed correctly - I wouldn't know- but the owers are not thrilled as these arms are supposed to be trouble free silent runners - because they are sealed. The guys at Slee will tell you that there is no such thing in the after market game as a trouble free mod. You have got to get yourself over that bridge - or there will be tears.

Coilovers:

I went with 2.5 Radflo coilovers sans the remotes and installed at same time as UCAs above. 75,000 miles later the shocks and coils remain trouble free. No leaks. No loss of performance. The lower bearing mount on the front left coilover however has recently developed a bit of a creaking graunching sound. I was sure it was the coils and contacted the owner of Radflo to discuss. After describing the symptoms he quickly zeroed in on the lower mounting bearings which also have a service life. About 75,000 miles as it happens. He was correct.
Radflo are winging down to me a full service pack including all 4 lower shock bearings and, as a precaution, a full rebuild kit, seals, bushings etc for the shocks. That's because they know their product, know their customers, have the kit on the shelf and care about their customers. All the parts are costing less than $250 delivered. I expect the task of swapping the bearings to be straight forward. Matter of fact I'm kinda looking forward to it. I'll probably leave the shock rebuild until/if they start to fail and may hand that task to a shock shop to sort out.

I can think of one or two fantastic resellers up there of ARB, TJM, Ironman, SPC and some of you will or may benefit from their involvement in the supply but I doubt you will get anywhere near the direct and personal back up from the manufacturer you will get from TC or Radflo, when you need it. And I'm saying that from 12,000 miles away.

just sayin

Billfish knows his stuff; he gave me lots of great advice on suspension, and had nothing but great things to say about Glenn at Radflo. I even wen't so far as personally talking to Glenn, and he was very knowledgeable of his product.

OP, if you are going to go the racing shock route, I wouldn't think twice about the Radflos.

 

[BTUMAN]

If you are going off-road the first upgrade should be Slee sliders in my opinion. Then lift, front bumper. Then rear. You will find the rear bumper to be hard to rip off. I tried a lot to tear it off as excuse to get a rear and then just went and took it off. Rack, snorkel...on and on.