Lowering the LC 200

[hyboost]

I have a new set of the king lowering springs from Australia. I am on 22’s as well and was planning on lowering but wife wants me to leave it alone. Let me know if you want them...I’ll save you some money and the time to order from all the way over there...
Rob
robek11@hotmail.com

 

[rcpalmer78]

Was thinking about having mine lowered too - just after recommending to my wife that she have breast reduction surgery....

 

[M1911]

Watch out the Cruiser Calvary have deemed these modifications as unacceptable!!!
View attachment 2223470

Clutch your pearls elsewhere, let the dude modify for his intended use. Y'all don't even even wanna know the folks who have a lifted 200 yet *gasp* couldn't wheel themselves out of a wet paper bag. Somehow the dude in FL doing this gets props, and the fellow in Singapore is getting scolded

I have the same reaction to anyone lowering a LC (or a Wrangler), whether in FL or Singapor. It is pointless.

The LC is a heavy, body on frame, off-road capable vehicle. To get that off road capability, you have to put up with a vehicle that weighs 6,000lb. It has a soft suspension with very low handling limits, a lot of dive under braking, long braking distances, and truly terrible fuel economy.

The cabin is decently appointed but the tech is ancient and it doesn’t have the luxury of an $85k Mercedes. I put up with all the drawbacks because I need a vehicle that is capable of going off-road.

But if you are never going to take it off-road, why put up with all the drawbacks?

Also, 22“ wheels are stupid on any vehicle, but particularly on an off-road capable SUV.

 

[Mark W]

This is the first time I have wandered into the 200 section. The title of the post caught my eye in the "most recent posted".

Driving a LC in a MAJOR urban area with NO off road use at all... on 22 inch rims... wanting to lower it.


Why? WHY? Why oh why is there a Cruiser involved in this?



I gotta go buy some new bunny boots to take to Miami beach in July, a bikini for my GF for our trip to Nome next winter, some steak for my hamster, a wing for the trunk of my limo and a wig for my chihuahua.

Maybe I will just go take a shower and some aspirin and try to forget what I have read here.

Mark...

 

[sdnative]

There was a guy LX_XTREME with a lowered 80. Not my style, but interesting none the less.

 

[619TOY]

This is the first time I have wandered into the 200 section. The title of the post caught my eye in the "most recent posted".

Driving a LC in a MAJOR urban area with NO off road use at all... on 22 inch rims... wanting to lower it.


Why? WHY? Why oh why is there a Cruiser involved in this?



I gotta go buy some new bunny boots to take to Miami beach in July, a bikini for my GF for our trip to Nome next winter, some steak for my hamster, a wing for the trunk of my limo and a wig for my chihuahua.

Maybe I will just go take a shower and some aspirin and try to forget what I have read here.

Mark...

Welcome to the 200 section and sorry this is how you get your feet wet. We’re such fans of Alaska and your Alaska adventures. So impressed and jealous, really jealous actually. Maybe it’ll help to think of Land Cruisers like Harley’s, you may not agree with the end result, but hopefully you accept that we’re all individuals expressing ourselves. Or not

 

[TeCKis300]

I think we're being a little harsh here guys. Different strokes for different folks. Even if that means turning our beloved Land Cruiser to suit a different purpose.

There's plenty of tank builds I personally think are rather ridiculous but cool, that really have not as much to do with performing off-road in as much as it is to be a hobby or off-road look. When you consider the OP is actually being honest to himself and tailoring his vehicle for on-road use, where 95% of us really spend our time anyways...

Not my type of build but I can always appreciate a well put together vehicle. This one needs some lowering.

 

[afgman786]

I think we're being a little harsh here guys. Different strokes for different folks. Even if that means turning our beloved Land Cruiser to suit a different purpose.

There's plenty of tank builds I personally think are rather ridiculous but cool, that really have not as much to do with performing off-road in as much as it is to be a hobby or off-road look. When you consider the OP is actually being honest to himself and tailoring his vehicle for on-road use, where 95% of us really spend our time anyways...

Not my type of build but I can always appreciate a well put together vehicle. This one needs some lowering.
View attachment 2223911

That's a tough looking 200... throw a supercharger on there and might be an AMG competitor

 

[afgman786]

I have the same reaction to anyone lowering a LC (or a Wrangler), whether in FL or Singapor. It is pointless.

The LC is a heavy, body on frame, off-road capable vehicle. To get that off road capability, you have to put up with a vehicle that weighs 6,000lb. It has a soft suspension with very low handling limits, a lot of dive under braking, long braking distances, and truly terrible fuel economy.

The cabin is decently appointed but the tech is ancient and it doesn’t have the luxury of an $85k Mercedes. I put up with all the drawbacks because I need a vehicle that is capable of going off-road.

But if you are never going to take it off-road, why put up with all the drawbacks?

Also, 22“ wheels are stupid on any vehicle, but particularly on an off-road capable SUV.

Earlier you mentioned other German options that are more street oriented and all. The rebuttal I have to it is those are no where near as reliable as a 200. Along with that the ride of a 200 is different since it is body on frame and heavy. Maybe OP was the reliability and that tank feel for a street cruiser. At the end of the day he most likely appreciates it for how reliable and stout it is and the status of an LC. Can't hate on that

 

[prharper]

I think we're being a little harsh here guys. Different strokes for different folks. Even if that means turning our beloved Land Cruiser to suit a different purpose.

There's plenty of tank builds I personally think are rather ridiculous but cool, that really have not as much to do with performing off-road in as much as it is to be a hobby or off-road look. When you consider the OP is actually being honest to himself and tailoring his vehicle for on-road use, where 95% of us really spend our time anyways...

Not my type of build but I can always appreciate a well put together vehicle. This one needs some lowering.
View attachment 2223911

Reminds me of my neighbor who just purchased a new 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It look great with OEM black out and low profile wheels, exhausts - but he told me that it will never go on a trail, let alone a dirt road. No disrespect to the build above, it is certainly capable. Some folks buy for different reasons.

 

[M1911]

Earlier you mentioned other German options that are more street oriented and all. The rebuttal I have to it is those are no where near as reliable as a 200. Along with that the ride of a 200 is different since it is body on frame and heavy. Maybe OP was the reliability and that tank feel for a street cruiser. At the end of the day he most likely appreciates it for how reliable and stout it is and the status of an LC. Can't hate on that

The ride in any of the German high end crossovers is superior. They have less unstrung weight and an independent rear axle. They also handle better, are faster, corner better, don’t have as much brake dive, brake better, and their interiors are far better. No, they aren’t as reliable.

But if you want the 22“ baller look, you might as well go for the pointed star or roundel to get the full effect.

If what you are looking for is the best, most comfortable, flashy, street crossover, then start with a vehicle that is best suited for that. The LC has a lot of compromises in order to have its off-road capability.

 

[bloc]

Or we could maybe accept that people do things for their own reasons and answer OPs question.

There have been a few posts with solid info on ways to lower a 200. Seems like the topic has run its course, unless OP wants to post up with results.

I don’t see the point in continuing to debate whether they should just buy a different vehicle because their taste offends some of our sensibilities.

 

[afgman786]

The ride in any of the German high end crossovers is superior. They have less unstrung weight and an independent rear axle. They also handle better, are faster, corner better, don’t have as much brake dive, brake better, and their interiors are far better. No, they aren’t as reliable.

But if you want the 22“ baller look, you might as well go for the pointed star or roundel to get the full effect.

If what you are looking for is the best, most comfortable, flashy, street crossover, then start with a vehicle that is best suited for that. The LC has a lot of compromises in order to have its off-road capability.

I'd argue that the ride of the competitors is not to standard. Everyone has different taste and what they look for from an SUV.

I've had the opportunity to drive many of the German competitors and I would say they are too sporty and don't feel like an suv and give that safe feeling I get from the LC. I sure as hell could just be a fanboy and that's why. But driven RR it didn't feel as quality, this was a 13 I believe. Driven the SVR too sporty. To me there's something different about the feel you get behind the wheel of an LC, where if you were to lower it a tad bit I feel the soft ride and plush might still be there. Again we will all have different opinions. But I think I'd take this guys lowered LC over a European competitors for daily use. Maybe only go up to 20" and no more since you still need a decent sidewall to not worry about potholes

Edit:
My whole point is your bashing on something the OP wants to do with a great vehicle and saying its offroad oriented. But how hard do you really wheel yours? Your sig says only ATs and sliders, yes that gets to a lot of places but I don't see how you can hate on this guy for making it street oriented when your probably dailying yours on the streets

 

[427Monster]

He wants a LC and has a legit reason for lowering it. Nothing wrong with it.

Curious to see pics when you’re done.

 

[TeCKis300]

I lowered my LX. Roast me.

 

[ElJayBird]

My reason for suggesting OP is in the wrong vehicle isn’t because I’m offended over the senseless murder of a Land Cruiser. It’s because it’s just a poor choice of vehicle to modify that way and over-priced for the lack of modern gadgets and comforts if that’s the way it’ll be used - I mean, seriously.

The reason for the high price and lack of the high tech gadgets In the LC wasn’t a design decision or lack of availability. It’s because the LC was specifically engineered to endure certain conditions. If it won’t be used in those conditions then it’s an absolutely horrible value.

A 4-wheel independent suspension vehicle that weighs half of what an LC does, has more modern features, more bling etc is going to handle so much better than the LC will.

I saw an ML AMG the other day that looked like an absolute beast and was absolutely beautiful. Lowered, massive wheels...was just an incredible vehicle.

My guess is that it cost about the same as the LC but seems to be right up OPs alley. Hell I’d drive the s*** out of it if i wasn’t such an outdoor/adventure nut. I’ve had two Mercs and they’re great cars. Never had a single issue with either of them beyond the ridiculous service prices. $80 for wiper blades!? GTFO.

But yeah, it’s your truck. Of course you should do what you want with it.

 

[bloc]

The vast majority of US 200s won’t get used anywhere near the conditions/capabilities they are designed for.

So those buyers should get rid of them too?

And I suppose people taking old 911s and doing rally builds should go buy a raptor?

 

[BAY2MTN]

I don't think the LC is the ideal vehicle for lowering, but do whatever floats your boat.
Some would flip out over a modded '70s Porsche for off-road...I'd drive the crap out of it.

 

[kcjaz]

I’m really sorry I started this. My “friends don’t let friends lower a land cruiser” comment was a joke and not intended to start a debate about what is right or wrong in vehicle modifications. I really didn’t to make Willlim feel like he’s getting judged for asking a question.

Willlim, if LC is what you want to drive where you go, then that’s the only reason you need. If lowering it is what you want, then again, just do it. There is nothing right or wrong about any of this. Its all opinion and the only one that matters is yours. In the end, it’s just a car and it’s your car.

 

[coleAK]

Ok. Really at least OP is admitting he is a urban warrior. But I think it makes more sense to lower it on street tires if you only (or even mostly) only ever drive on road. That practically makes way more sense then the guys On here that do a lift, bumpers, larger AT tires, sliders, winch, MOLE storage, drawers, safari rack, RTT, +- lockerS,... who never go off road or at max drive on a buffed dirt road to go “camping” once a year in a manicured park. Although like others (and I say it often) if I didn’t off road regularly (and tow a 6800lb camper) there is no way I would drive an LC/LX.