LexCruiser Build Update

[Yukon LX]

I put this over in the 100 section, but figured most dont hang out there other than Big Al.

Its been a while since I have been on here, so I thought I would give an update. I started this truck 8 years ago adding a snorkel, bull bar, control arms, lights, sliders and tires.

Recently, after a lot of wear and tear, my wife told me it was either time to get a new truck, or make this one right. Well, I don't want a new anything at all, so she underwent some work.

In the last couple of months, I added the OME 2.5 heavy, then fitted the shoes with 35's, then regeared with 4.88 Nitro's, new windshield, and added Harrop lockers. From there I cleaned her up and removed rust. I repainted all the armor that was trail damaged, and yesterday my Bump It high clearance rear arrived. Once the rear bumper is on, new leather will go in the interior. I am sticking with the stock tan, but adding black piping and stitching. While the seats are being done, the floor carpet will be removed and then the floor Linexed.


Here she is over the years.

 

[Yukon LX]

and a couple more... I am looking forward to Logan's!

 

[80Kiter]

Nice what tire size did you go exactly?

 

[Yukon LX]

Nice what tire size did you go exactly?

315/75/16

used spacers too

 

[80Kiter]

315/75/16

used spacers too

I’m about to go bigger myself - mind sharing what spacers you got? nice wheels to - did you paint them?

 

[Yukon LX]

Spacers are Spidertrax 1.25'' (5 on 1500mm) front and rear.

as far as the wheels go, it was DIY, but has held up very well. I hit the OEM wheels with a wire brush, then gave them a rough sanding with 60 and 80 grit. Then I placed index cards all the way around to keep paint on the tires. After 3 coats of Rustoleum primer, I used 3 more coats of Rustoleum Forged Hammered Paint and Primer in 1 - Antique Pewter.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Badass man!!!

 

[Yukon LX]

I just finished painting the rim of an old spare to go on the 35 that will be mounted on the rear bumper.

These three sizes are the stock 270/70/16, 285/75/16, and the new 315/75/16

 

[uzj100]

Looking good.

I am thinking 315s as well. Especially since I air down at uwharrie. Should be good to go.

 

[Yukon LX]

Looking good.

I am thinking 315s as well. Especially since I air down at uwharrie. Should be good to go.

I love mine, but 315's are just a lot of work. Diff Drop, 2.5 OME, Wheel Spacers, Fender Trimming, and the ever expensive regear.

That is a lot for one tire size. I say that, but I dont regret it a bit!!!

 

[lt1fire]

I love mine, but 315's are just a lot of work. Diff Drop, 2.5 OME, Wheel Spacers, Fender Trimming, and the ever expensive regear.

That is a lot for one tire size. I say that, but I dont regret it a bit!!!

you could get close to 4.88 doing the t-case under-drive instead.

 

[Yukon LX]

you could get close to 4.88 doing the t-case under-drive instead.

what is the cost on a project like that?

 

[Yukon LX]

I think the parts for the gears were about $1200. That does not include oil, labor etc

 

[lt1fire]

Parts are $550 from cruiser outfitters I think.

 

[lt1fire]

So with the stock 4.3 gears you had it would have been close to 4.78

If you were to do it now it would give you about a 5.42

 

[Yukon LX]

5.42 is getting reaaaaaaal low. maybe when i do the solid axle swap and switch to 37s or 39s, that is what i will do

 

[lumbee1]

View attachment 1747485

So with the stock 4.3 gears you had it would have been close to 4.78

If you were to do it now it would give you about a 5.42

Well sh!t... that must be a new offering. They didn't have underdrive gears a few months ago. When I priced it out from another vendor, it would have been $1600 to do TC gears so I went with axle ring and pinion instead. However had I done just the TC gears, I wouldn't have discovered the birf soup I had cooking in the front axle, the damaged drive shaft, and no grease in the rear hub and wheel bearings.

 

[Yukon LX]

Had to get sporty with the angle grinder to cut all the rust pieces out before the Bump It high clearance rear goes on. Did not get before and after, but here is the completed side and the other pre-rust cutting. This area is much more full of rust than the not cut side appears. The bottom is totally rusted out. I am just gong to pain and prime from here, as it will be behind the bumper.

 

[erymer]

Looking good buddy. Can’t wait to see you at LR.

 

[Yukon LX]

Here is the progression of rust removal and repaint. Before the bumper goes on.