Land Cruiser de-evolution

[I Lean]

Taking inspiration from @Delta VS awesome panhard lift bracket for the 80 series, I made this:



I didn't go to the extra effort to make it bolt on, I just left a little extra material on the "tail" that I'll cut to fit and weld in place.

But, when I went to install it, I discovered the 100 uses smaller hardware than the 80. 14mm vs 16mm. Ooops.



A little redesign, make new parts, trim and weld:



Add paint:



Go get another new bolt, and done.



I'm excited to see if it makes any noticeable difference. The 80 guys rave about how it helps their handling, so we'll see. My short test-drive didn't feel any different, but I also didn't really have any complaints about how it drove before. There are a couple specific bumps on the highway that I'm thinking might feel different.

 

[Delta VS]

Dang, we are working on the 100 series solution right now! Could've just waited a bit. Good to see your efforts though. Looks like your panhard still has a significant angle compared to stock though, the flatter you can get it, the more you'll notice a difference. Pay attention to two situations for making a difference:

1. driving in a straight line and hitting a bump (speed bumps are a good test), you should notice the rear end "wiggle" A LOT less
2. driving on an old, worn out paved road. One that is so worn out it's like a two track kind of thing (the road closest to the house on my daily commute is like this, so acutely aware). You will notice that you have to "correct" the steering A LOT less. When your front and rear tires are tracking differently (because the panhard is pulling the rear axle to the passenger side), your rig is automatically trying to climb up and down the side of the trench in the road.

Both of these can be subtle or pronounced, depending on how the rest of your rig is set up.

 

[I Lean]

Looks like your panhard still has a significant angle compared to stock though, the flatter you can get it, the more you'll notice a difference.

In the pictures it does, but that's because it's on the lift at full droop. On the ground with the bracket installed, there is just about 1" of height difference between the two bolts. (measured from the floor)

 

[Delta VS]

In the pictures it does, but that's because it's on the lift at full droop. On the ground with the bracket installed, there is just about 1" of height difference between the two bolts. (measured from the floor)

Sounds about perfect then!

 

[I Lean]

I added a steering stabilizer...there are a couple specific bumps I hit regularly that shake the wheel a little bit. Kinda like the beginnings of a wobble, but it doesn't persist. Still, adding a shock to dampen the oscillations can't hurt.

I made a clamp-on bracket for the tie rod, and cannibalized an 80 series frame-side mount for the axle end...just cut it shorter and welded it on.

Please remove the running boards!
A leveled 100 with 35s is amazing. I will one day SAS my 100 as well (read someone else will and I will pay them)

I finally listened to this advice.



And this is what it looks like without them. I realize now, looking at the pic, that I forgot to remove the frame weight/dampener on the passenger side. I'll yank it off later, once I get going on the sliders.

 

[krice118]

LOOKS AMAZING!!! Wow.

 

[trdcorolla]

Don't sell or throw away the flux capacitor. I had to put mine back because without it, I had a slight hum at 80mph.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I added a steering stabilizer...there are a couple specific bumps I hit regularly that shake the wheel a little bit. Kinda like the beginnings of a wobble, but it doesn't persist. Still, adding a shock to dampen the oscillations can't hurt.

I made a clamp-on bracket for the tie rod, and cannibalized an 80 series frame-side mount for the axle end...just cut it shorter and welded it on.





I finally listened to this advice.



And this is what it looks like without them. I realize now, looking at the pic, that I forgot to remove the frame weight/dampener on the passenger side. I'll yank it off later, once I get going on the sliders.

That frame weight actually helps rid the truck of an odd vibration at around 600 RPM... your mods may render it useless, if so, I want it I am getting sick of the noise

 

[I Lean]

Yeah, I'll hang onto the thing until I'm sure I don't need it. After that, @Somebodyelse5 will get a PM about it.

 

[mongoose2231]

Holy crap, great work, nice 105, you could call it that now!!

 

[bryson]

Holy crap, great work, nice 105, you could call it that now!!

But cooler than a 105 because it has a V8 and beefier front axle! Of course, a diesel 105 would still be rad.

 

[I Lean]

Finished the sliders up--made them a couple weeks ago, got them powdercoated, then finally installed today. I neglected to take any pics before install...but this is what they look like. 1.75" tube and 14ga steel with dimpled holes. I resisted the temptation to make them fancier with a kickout or something at the back, and just went with simple and easy.



Much lower profile than the running boards were, just a higher step for those who want a step.



They're just welded to the frame. It's always hard for me to get decent pictures under the rig, so you'll have to use your imagination. The frame plates wrap under the frame, with the exception of the rearmost one--since it's right over the lower control arm mount.

 

[duvinclunk]

Sub'd!

 

[knewstance]

That frame weight actually helps rid the truck of an odd vibration at around 600 RPM... your mods may render it useless, if so, I want it I am getting sick of the noise

I removed mine a while back. I'm going to try to find this vibration you speak of. If I don't find it you are welcome to have mine!

 

[I Lean]

A couple weeks ago I took advantage of @duvinclunk changing his mind about his rear bumper, and picked this one up: one of @benc new "no cut" rear bumpers. After getting it coated and hassling a little with the install, here we are! Still need to pick up some lug nuts for the spare. (3 are included, but will not fit my Method wheels) I also haven't taken the time to wire up the reverse lights, license plate light, or trailer plug.





It has a flip-up table on the back of the tire carrier, which I think will come in handy for camping.



I do have the second swing-out arm, but I'll leave it off until I come up with a design I like for a basket for a couple jerry cans. Normally I'd just do something pretty simple, but since this bumper has the aluminum tire carrier stuff and it's pretty fancy, I might try to match the styling a bit.

 

[duvinclunk]

Nice! You’re a smarter man than I to get it put together!

 

[Kofoed]

35's look right on a 100.....just like 37's look right on an 80

 

[Kabanstva]

Finally somebody posted some high quality pics of the new rear bumper. All the pics I've seen up to now are at some close-up or awkward angle with a potato for a cell phone.

Looks amazing! Great job!

 

[yotasavg]

Finally somebody posted some high quality pics of the new rear bumper. All the pics I've seen up to now are at some close-up or awkward angle with a potato for a cell phone.

Looks amazing! Great job!

I got to see one in person at Ben's spot. It sure does look nice and tucks up very tight.

 

[I Lean]

Installed an aux fuel tank under the back. Thread on that located here: DIY 20 gallon auxiliary fuel tank