LC100/LX470 Part-Time Conversion Discussion

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cruiseroutfit

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Hey guys,

There has been an ongoing part-time conversion discussion in the 80 Series section, long story short I posted about our 80 kit offerings and the 100 somewhat stole the discussion. That thread along with comments from customers over the years assured me there is a market for a 100 Series part-time conversion kits. As the CV axle (outer joint) is physically different on the US spec IFS LC100/LX470, the only hub that will fit is an option from AVM. Some don't mind it, others don't love it. @LandCruiserPhil was pretty resolute about getting a set of AISIN hubs to replace his current AVM's, I was hoping we could find an AISIN production unit that would fit but it simply doesn't exist.

There are three options, the aforementioned AVM, CV's from a non-US IFS 100 that came with factory installed hubs (and we have those AISIN's in stock) or build a new inner gear to fit the US spec CV that can be used inside of a AISIN. The CV's are expensive (~$1200) so that leaves us looking at a new gear. Chromoly inner gears are an industry standard these days for AISIN hubs on Toyota 4x4 vehicles. A handful of companies are offering them and they are proven in everything from daily drivers with extended miles to King of the Hammer competitors, no downsides like there often can be with HD components in other areas. There is a cost of entry, but if there is a demand for them we can make it happen. I've been in contact with a US made gear producer, they are willing to take on the project provided I provide the bulk of the engineering and of course I purchase a small fortune worth of parts.

If you have a part-time conversion or have an opinion about it, I'd love your input too. I was recently asked if I have ever considered a part-time on my personal 100 (DeathStar) and the answer is absolutely... and still am. :D

So, who is actually interested in doing a part-time on their 100/470? What has held you back?


UPDATE - KITS NOW SHIPPING:

100 Series Part-Time T-Case Conversion Kits


TC100PTKITA.jpg

TC100PTKITA Shown

Part# TC100PTKITA - $1300.00/Kit
Fits 1/1998 - 2007 IFS UZJ100/LX470
Includes 2 x OEM Outer CV Joints, CV Boot/Clamp Kit, T-Case Spool, 2 x AISIN Hubs (Gold, Red & other colors available), Hub Gaskets & TOOLFIPGRS (Requires re-use of original CV axle and inner joint, all parts included for swap)


TC100PTKITB.jpg

TC100PTKITB Shown with optional installed TCB60008 Rear Output Bearing & Customized Red Face AISIN Hubs

Part# TC100PTKITB - $1750.00/Kit
Fits 1/1998 - 2007 IFS UZJ100/LX470
Includes 2 x OEM Complete CV Axle Assemblies, T-Case Spool, 2 x AISIN Hubs (Gold, Red & other colors available), Hub Gaskets & TOOLFIPGRS


Current Kit Offering: Part# TC100PTKITIFS

1744827946841.webp
 
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Will it affect ABS like it does on the 80?

Great question and no. The 100 gets the ABS tone from the wheel-hub so ABS isn't affected like the 80 (where you either lose it or run an ABS tone kit).
 
What are the benefits to doing this mod other than gaining the ability to spin your tires and have a little fun? I am not trying to downplay it I just honestly do not know. I do know from past threads that it does not significantly increase MPGs enough to justify this conversion solely to achieve better fuel economy. Maybe less wear on the parts up front since they don't have power going to them?? I realize that this is more of a "to each their own" mod since some people seem to like it and might find a need or extreme want for it, but for my use I don't see the cost-benefit aspect of it to be very appealing. Cool? absolutely. But with the high cost to do the conversion I would rather throw in a locker or add armor.
 
Some prefer the handling. Less wear and tear on front components. Abilty to drive home on a broken CV or front diff. Mileage claims vary based on who's telling them, I'll leave that alone :D

Fwiw, from a customer of mine running a part-time kit:
"...The part-time kit is by far the best modification I have done to my cruiser! I love it! I'm installing the national Luna dual battery kit this weekend so I'll get some pics of that up as well when I'm done..."
 
is it more fun to drive? I think it would have more get up and go pushing 2 wheels instead of 4 right?
 
Kurt,
So the option on the table would allow re-use of our existing US spec CV's without removal? All the work and cost would be at the hub in the Aisin lock hub and adapter gear? Am I understanding correctly? If that is the case I think it would make it a very interesting option.

What's a ballpark on a pair of the Aisin hubs in question and how would the cost for the AVM vs Aisin+adapter options compare?

I've long kept my eye on the total cost of entry for the part-time kits and would like to have one but don't consider it a need for my use. If the price/quality/complexity blend is right I would probably get around to it.

Thanks,
 
Kurt,
So the option on the table would allow re-use of our existing US spec CV's without removal? All the work and cost would be at the hub in the Aisin lock hub and adapter gear? Am I understanding correctly? If that is the case I think it would make it a very interesting option.

What's a ballpark on a pair of the Aisin hubs in question and how would the cost for the AVM vs Aisin+adapter options compare?

I've long kept my eye on the total cost of entry for the part-time kits and would like to have one but don't consider it a need for my use. If the price/quality/complexity blend is right I would probably get around to it.

Thanks,

Correct. With the custom gear one would install the hub/spool in the T-case and bolt on the hubs at the front. Hoping to offer the complete kit in the $650 range. That's a t-case spool, two AISIN hubs with the chromoly inner gear and gaskets, axle clips, etc.
 
Correct. With the custom gear one would install the hub/spool in the T-case and bolt on the hubs at the front. Hoping to offer the complete kit in the $650 range. That's a t-case spool, two AISIN hubs with the chromoly inner gear and gaskets, axle clips, etc.
I would be in at that $700 range, have held off from lack of a proven (many installs with many miles on them) drop-in approach, and I do not have energy for figuring it out myself so thank you ;)
 
For the price point you have, I think the part time kit could be real popular. I'd imagine after several kits have been in service for a couple of years the part time kit would really take off. FYI, it is priced far less than a Jeep Dana 30 manual hub kit and includes more gear.

Part of me would love a part time transfer case in the 100. Fewer turning parts, better handling, 2wd burn outs...what's not to like. On the other hand, full time all wheel drive is nice to have and servicing 'one off' parts in the future can be a challenge.

Have you, or has anybody, simply done the part time spool in the transfer case and left the factory hubs in place? I know this wouldn't reduce the number of moving parts, but I'd imagine disconnecting the front and rear axles on the road would greatly improve handling.
 
I have interest, and if during your fitting of your kit at the shop you can document an install on the 100 for DIY- That might help push me over the edge. I'd like to do the work myself.
 
@cruiseroutfit do you feel the avm hubs are that weak of a design? And or are they engineered that way as a weaker link than say the differential? I had already panned on purchasing and installing a lokka kit as land cruiser Phil has, but several other items like a front diff rebuild and new steering rack and a few other things over the last year whittled away at my toy funds, so I just haven't yet.
 
Great question and no. The 100 gets the ABS tone from the wheel-hub so ABS isn't affected like the 80 (where you either lose it or run an ABS tone kit).

In that case then I'm definitely interested. I put chromo gears into my old 85's hubs and it was a piece of cake for anyone wondering about difficulty.

What's the approx. cost on the Aisin hubs for the 100?
 
@cruiseroutfit do you feel the avm hubs are that weak of a design? And or are they engineered that way as a weaker link than say the differential? I had already panned on purchasing and installing a lokka kit as land cruiser Phil has, but several other items like a front diff rebuild and new steering rack and a few other things over the last year whittled away at my toy funds, so I just haven't yet.

I don't personally have enough experience with the AVM. My interest is the fact we already offer a t-case hub/spool that will fit the 100 and we stock more AISIN hubs than anyone, literally. :D If I can invest in a way to make them fit a US Spec 100/470 and make them stronger than even a standard AISIN, even better.
 
...What's the approx. cost on the Aisin hubs for the 100?

They simply don't exist currently, that is what I'm looking to solve. We have a hub that is VERY close, it has the right stud pattern, the right stud diameter and with a custom gear, it will work.

I don't know if we plan to sell the hubs outside of a part-time kit? It might be something we do, I'll need to crunch the numbers.
 
They simply don't exist currently, that is what I'm looking to solve. We have a hub that is VERY close, it has the right stud pattern, the right stud diameter and with a custom gear, it will work.

I don't know if we plan to sell the hubs outside of a part-time kit? It might be something we do, I'll need to crunch the numbers.

I just saw the $650 quote above. Seems like a fantastic deal. Will that be with the TG or Marlin spool?
 
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