tampacruiser95
Upgrades are coming.
The best mods for actual overland use are the auxiliary tank, skids, and sliders. Along with good tires...
LC 200 Build - Must Haves and Would love
- Thread starter Eire32
- Start date
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- Website
- www.edmartintoyota.com
Recommends (my favs):
We have some new offerings:
- 12.5Gallon LRA with upgraded fuel pump
- SwitchPro 9100 for all switches
- @TrekboxX Alpha Drawers
- Dual Batteries with RedArc DCDC + Smart Isolator
- @TRAIL TAILOR tailgate lid
We have some new offerings:
- Under hood LED lights (amber/white) auto on/off with hood popped and closed
- Full LED light conversion interior and exterior (F/R turn signals, Reverse)
- @sleeoffroad LX570 Sliders (available next week)
- Interior (underdash/rear-seats) illumination (multi-color/dimmable)
Congrats on the new truck. Eric seems like a real standup guy and a pro at building LCs.
Needs are really - well - nothing. If you want to camp and travel tires are nice, but probably not even necessary. If you want to turn it into a hardcore wheeler - you CAN do that, but I'm not sure why one would. A ten year old vehicle would be a perfectly fine platform for something you're planning to beat to death.
What you will find is many folks have overbuilt their rigs and found themselves dissatisfied with the result.
I would recommend finding the limitations of the vehicle and addressing those as they come.
It's always best to build for the mission. We could give better advice if we knew what your mission was.
Needs are really - well - nothing. If you want to camp and travel tires are nice, but probably not even necessary. If you want to turn it into a hardcore wheeler - you CAN do that, but I'm not sure why one would. A ten year old vehicle would be a perfectly fine platform for something you're planning to beat to death.
What you will find is many folks have overbuilt their rigs and found themselves dissatisfied with the result.
I would recommend finding the limitations of the vehicle and addressing those as they come.
It's always best to build for the mission. We could give better advice if we knew what your mission was.
- Thread starter
- #24
The mission would be
1. Reliable daily driver
(That’s satisfied in itself already with a LC)
2. Overlanding with family, camping, sustainability while on the road. I am not a guy that’s out with all the guys driving this up a cliff. It’s more about not really having limitations on where we can comfortably go exploring. Long road trips with our comforts...ie being able to support yourself eat/sleep/clean/drink/travel etc
whether I would put a fridge freezer in the back and all the shelving, I would, but the wife wants the option I think of the 3rd row!
plus, we go to the airport ourselves or to pick people up as our family are all overseas and I need to be able to put their luggage in the trunk area when possible. If that’s filled with a fridge/freezer and shelves well then that will also affect its use
From my perspective, if you don't need the 3rd row seating, then drawers are an absolute necessity. Pick your brand and budget: KISS, ARB, Trekbox, whatever.
Everyone tastes and wants are different but here's my take.
I've had my 200-series since my kids were infants (100-series before that). I go camping and road trips practically 1-2 times a month. Varied camping from tents to travel trailer, local and distant. I've had a RTT and agree with @Angelo1 's comments. The 200-series is the fixture for all my excursions.
The 200-series doesn't really need anything. That said as we're enthusiasts, I'd recommend the following in priority order. With consideration to respect the amount of weight added to the vehicle (except for tires).
1) 32.7" (TRD Recommended ) - 34" (largest that'll fit in the spare tire spot) spec diameter AT tires. Get the most tire you're comfortable with. There's literally no better mod.
2) On-board air compressor. Airing down for off-road is the single best thing to do. Will remove all qualms about airing down with the ability to air up.
3) 12.5 gallon LRA subtank. Travels will be blissful with the significantly expanded range.
4) Rear hatch lighting for camping
That's it that I consider must haves.
Nice to have:
5) Suspension is whatever you want, but I'd temper the amount of lift height. That avoids many of the handling compromises, including the need for aftermarket UCAs that are troublesome at best. The upgraded tire in #1 already added real under axle lift and aired-down plush off-road suspension (that's why biggest tire you're comfortable with).
Peripheral gear:
6) Portable lithium battery, far more flexibility for mixed uses
7) Traction boards for-self recovery
8) Cell phone booster
9) Portable high power 2-way radio for emergencies and off-road group travels (recommend BaoFeng BF-F8HP)
Nice to have depending on wheeling habits:
10) Sliders
I like the idea of drawers, but it would not be compatible with the mixed way I use my vehicle. It would optimize very specific uses, but break other uses like Costco/Home Depot runs, 8 people bus, etc. Which is the same for fridge so I prefer a good cooler.
I've had my 200-series since my kids were infants (100-series before that). I go camping and road trips practically 1-2 times a month. Varied camping from tents to travel trailer, local and distant. I've had a RTT and agree with @Angelo1 's comments. The 200-series is the fixture for all my excursions.
The 200-series doesn't really need anything. That said as we're enthusiasts, I'd recommend the following in priority order. With consideration to respect the amount of weight added to the vehicle (except for tires).
1) 32.7" (TRD Recommended ) - 34" (largest that'll fit in the spare tire spot) spec diameter AT tires. Get the most tire you're comfortable with. There's literally no better mod.
2) On-board air compressor. Airing down for off-road is the single best thing to do. Will remove all qualms about airing down with the ability to air up.
3) 12.5 gallon LRA subtank. Travels will be blissful with the significantly expanded range.
4) Rear hatch lighting for camping
That's it that I consider must haves.
Nice to have:
5) Suspension is whatever you want, but I'd temper the amount of lift height. That avoids many of the handling compromises, including the need for aftermarket UCAs that are troublesome at best. The upgraded tire in #1 already added real under axle lift and aired-down plush off-road suspension (that's why biggest tire you're comfortable with).
Peripheral gear:
6) Portable lithium battery, far more flexibility for mixed uses
7) Traction boards for-self recovery
8) Cell phone booster
9) Portable high power 2-way radio for emergencies and off-road group travels (recommend BaoFeng BF-F8HP)
Nice to have depending on wheeling habits:
10) Sliders
I like the idea of drawers, but it would not be compatible with the mixed way I use my vehicle. It would optimize very specific uses, but break other uses like Costco/Home Depot runs, 8 people bus, etc. Which is the same for fridge so I prefer a good cooler.
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Based on this:
- A high quality roof rack(Prinsu,Gobi,Etc)and or an extra large roof top Thule cargo carrier for the tent and supplies and a rear Gobi ladder to make load-unloading easier. Also, make sure to clear wrap behind the ladder for scuff marks.
-KO2 tires or alike 285/65/18 if not adding a lift
-a set of Maxtrax. Not only are these useful for getting unstuck in many situations but if you’re in soft sand or dirt, you can stack the the two maxtrax as a base support for your jack if you have nothing else solid to use if you get a flat out on the trail.
-get the basics for family camping and make sure to get a good size awning as well so you’re not family isn’t baking in the sun at lunch time
This is a loaded question. Your head is in the right place. Like others have said, KISS. Honestly unless your trying to escape civilization a STOCK 200 is one of the most capable platforms on Earth. I’d suggest a good AT tire and just get out there.
We’re in Idaho and camp in some pretty remote places. I’ve yet to have an issue accessing my target. And our 200 is NOT built.
Honestly best advice I can give you is spend your money on traveling and just getting out there. Those thousands of dollars spent on bumpers, armor, etc could be used getting you and your family out there experiencing nature and making memories. That’s what matters. Cheers.
Guy
We’re in Idaho and camp in some pretty remote places. I’ve yet to have an issue accessing my target. And our 200 is NOT built.
Honestly best advice I can give you is spend your money on traveling and just getting out there. Those thousands of dollars spent on bumpers, armor, etc could be used getting you and your family out there experiencing nature and making memories. That’s what matters. Cheers.
Guy
There is not much room behind the 3rd row for suitcases. If you have 8 inside you’ll need exterior storage options for all those bags. Maybe a hitch platform is a good option for airport trips.
we have 5 , three mid age kids, one in a booster. They prefer to sit across in row 2. I have the third row in, but I’ve never used both sides of it. I’m going to take the driver side out soon and go down to one jump seat.
I’d suggest focus on a good recovery suite (non winch flavor) and get a full first aid kit too.
Lots of good tips on this thread. Keep it simple, and after you try a few things add what you need to do more of what you like.
we have 5 , three mid age kids, one in a booster. They prefer to sit across in row 2. I have the third row in, but I’ve never used both sides of it. I’m going to take the driver side out soon and go down to one jump seat.
I’d suggest focus on a good recovery suite (non winch flavor) and get a full first aid kit too.
Lots of good tips on this thread. Keep it simple, and after you try a few things add what you need to do more of what you like.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2018
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- Location
- Noblesville, IN
- Website
- www.edmartintoyota.com
I’d start with looking at this build, just to get your baseline set. It’s got a lot of great stuff that really gets you trail-ready day-1. We can discuss everything in detail, but read the “dealer notes” carefully, I hope this helps.
www.edmartintoyota.com
Dealer Notes:
Old Man Emu BP-51 Suspension set at 2”
Old Man Emu 2722 Rear Springs
SPC Upper Control Arms
NITTO Ridgegrappler Tires (305/60/18/E)
OEM Wheels Powder Coated Satin Black
1.25 Spidertrax Wheel Spacers
12.5 gallon Long Range America aux fuel tank with upgraded fuel pump, fuel lines, hoses, fittings
Prinsu Design Studios - Full Roof Rack with Wind Fairing and Noise Reduction strip
On Board Air - ARB Twin Air Compressor with pump-up kit And @sleeoffroad compressor tray
@sleeoffroad Slee Rock Sliders
@TRAIL TAILOR Hidden Winch Mount
Comeup 12.5k Synthetic Rope Winch
XPEL Paint Protection Film (Entire hood, front bumper, both entire front fenders, mirror caps)
Full Chrome Delete - Matched to Magnetic Gray Metallic (Grille and headlight wings, All four lower door moldings, All five chrome pieces on the back, All six window moldings painted satin black, V8 and Toyota emblem painted satin black)
Ceramic Window Tint 20%
New 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale at Ed Martin Toyota | VIN: JTMCY7AJ1L4088947
New 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser from Ed Martin Toyota in Noblesville, IN, 46060. Call (800) 343-8713 for more information.
www.edmartintoyota.com
Dealer Notes:
Old Man Emu BP-51 Suspension set at 2”
Old Man Emu 2722 Rear Springs
SPC Upper Control Arms
NITTO Ridgegrappler Tires (305/60/18/E)
OEM Wheels Powder Coated Satin Black
1.25 Spidertrax Wheel Spacers
12.5 gallon Long Range America aux fuel tank with upgraded fuel pump, fuel lines, hoses, fittings
Prinsu Design Studios - Full Roof Rack with Wind Fairing and Noise Reduction strip
On Board Air - ARB Twin Air Compressor with pump-up kit And @sleeoffroad compressor tray
@sleeoffroad Slee Rock Sliders
@TRAIL TAILOR Hidden Winch Mount
Comeup 12.5k Synthetic Rope Winch
XPEL Paint Protection Film (Entire hood, front bumper, both entire front fenders, mirror caps)
Full Chrome Delete - Matched to Magnetic Gray Metallic (Grille and headlight wings, All four lower door moldings, All five chrome pieces on the back, All six window moldings painted satin black, V8 and Toyota emblem painted satin black)
Ceramic Window Tint 20%
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afgman786
SILVER Star
One thing that you would need for the type of traveling your talking about besides tires is a set of good sliders/steps. If you don't plan to do serious wheeling the sliders just give you that safety net incase the FS road you're on has a big boulder or anything that you might end up tagging with the factory steps.
CharlieS
GOLD Star
For the uses you have described, I'd run bone stock. The rig will work great for that. Even simple off road friendly mods like a decent A/T tire adds road noise. Maybe add a large Thule box to the factory rack for extra room when you camp (it is a 10 minute job to install or remove it).
Based on your sated goals:
May i ask if you'd recommend XPEL film on the rear bumper?
Eric this build is very well thought out.I’d start with looking at this build, just to get your baseline set. It’s got a lot of great stuff that really gets you trail-ready day-1. We can discuss everything in detail, but read the “dealer notes” carefully, I hope this helps.
New 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale at Ed Martin Toyota | VIN: JTMCY7AJ1L4088947
New 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser from Ed Martin Toyota in Noblesville, IN, 46060. Call (800) 343-8713 for more information.
Dealer Notes:
Old Man Emu BP-51 Suspension set at 2”
Old Man Emu 2722 Rear Springs
SPC ......
May i ask if you'd recommend XPEL film on the rear bumper?
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- Website
- www.edmartintoyota.com
Thanks. Probably not, purely for cost effectiveness. The most exposure is in the front/rockers. We’ve done the whole vehicle a few times, but it’s about $4500 vs $1895 for the full frontal. If money was not a consideration, then absolutely I would do the rear.
fireball
SILVER Star
FWIW: I've done lots of trips, camping, etc. with my family of 4 (now 5) in our well built 100. Then built a '08 and sold it, and now have a '16.
Eric's build above is a good one, but honestly more than you need.
I feel you'd be most happy with stock suspension, 33"ATs, slider steps, a tow controller, a grp31 main battery upgrade, wiring in the back for a fridge and possibly a roof rack. This will retain excellent DD characteristics, and allow you to go anywhere you'd want to explore with the family.
The hidden winch, OME suspension and aux tank are great mods, but add weight, cost and complication that at this point, given your stated desired use case, are not necessary.
Eric's build above is a good one, but honestly more than you need.
I feel you'd be most happy with stock suspension, 33"ATs, slider steps, a tow controller, a grp31 main battery upgrade, wiring in the back for a fridge and possibly a roof rack. This will retain excellent DD characteristics, and allow you to go anywhere you'd want to explore with the family.
The hidden winch, OME suspension and aux tank are great mods, but add weight, cost and complication that at this point, given your stated desired use case, are not necessary.
Per your request to see how the ICON suspension sits on my LC. In your photo, it looks a bit more level and they probably adjusted for that. I prefer not to have my front end sitting level with the rear because I occasionally tow a trailer and don’t want my front end pointing to the sky. When the trailer is hooked up, I don’t look like my rear end is squatting and it sits pretty dang level. When I put a front bumper on at some point, I will have the front suspension adjusted to bring back to previous height. Now looking at the pic, I need to match my front window tints. Lol
You may also want to consider the warranty that Eric uses to replace the factory warranty when performing suspension and drivetrain upgrades. If you think you will have the desire to upgrade either of those consider the warranty duration from Eric and those from another shop/manufacturer.
Also those puddle lights look pretty cool.
Also those puddle lights look pretty cool.
On board air is number one for me. If you can't air down you aren't going any where off road regardless of what else you have. Even on mild dirt roads you will simply save so much wear and tear on you vehicle. Plus your ride quality will improve so much off the pavement.
Must have:
BFG All Terrains - Laces out of course!
Tasteful rims - Rock Warriors are great.
Lift spacer for front suspension - levels it out.
Weathertech or Husky floor liners - save your nice interior
LED interior light conversion - cheap and makes it bright.
All maintenance up to date - guarantees dependability.
Tinted front windows and top 8" of windshield - its a luxury SUV - get the tints!
Rear interior hatch popper for 15 and down LC
Nice to have:
Everything else.
Make it yours.
BFG All Terrains - Laces out of course!
Tasteful rims - Rock Warriors are great.
Lift spacer for front suspension - levels it out.
Weathertech or Husky floor liners - save your nice interior
LED interior light conversion - cheap and makes it bright.
All maintenance up to date - guarantees dependability.
Tinted front windows and top 8" of windshield - its a luxury SUV - get the tints!
Rear interior hatch popper for 15 and down LC
Nice to have:
Everything else.
Make it yours.
