Builds LX450: Baja surf trip build (1 Viewer)

[zapata]

You seem like a pretty uptight dude

 

[Hyup]

You seem like a pretty uptight dude

@zapata, Two thread craps and a few classified ad responses? Thanks for the contribution to the forum, dude. This quote has been around since the 70s too: "Beat it kook."

 

[DanMedeiros]

Back to regularly scheduled truck building.....


Here is a quick list of what I have fixed & upgraded since the original build:

Front Axle Rebuild: Thanks @Shoredreamer !

Suspension
· Fixed terrible clanking that ended up being incorrectly a torqued control arm bolt

Exhaust
· I literally broke every hanger on my truck on Baja washboard
· Learned that airing down matters!
· Replaced all hangers but they keep nreaking from time to time

Replaced AC compressor and expansion valve

Replaced Power Steering pump and Lines

Installed Chinesium snorkel with a quality precleaner

New Stereo
· Bypassed factory amp and replaced with kenwood 5-channel amp and 4 new pioneer speakers
· 8 inch sub going under passenger seat once rear heater is bypassed (soon

Switched LX450 console to Landcruiser Console with Wits End Lockbox inside
· added numerous USB plugs

Installed Alucab shadow awning

Replaced homebuilt drawers with Land Shark Outfitters Kit
· Alucab tip-down fridge slide

Wits End Quarter Panel Mount extravaganza
· 5- channel amp
· solar controller
· blue seas fuse block
· Viar 450c compressor
· Wits End air chucks on front and rear of truck

Ham Radio Install
· Incom 5100a
· Wits end useless cubby insert
· Yodateq antenna mount
· Icom 35 remote speaker

LCP gull wing window (loved it, 2nd window is in the mail)

 

[DanMedeiros]

Here is a photo of what I came up with for the Wits End Quarter Panel Mount

 

[DanMedeiros]

I also used the Wit's End air manifold to utilize Joey's air chucks on my front bumper and under my drawer wing

 

[DanMedeiros]

Ham Install.

FYI I used to be a merchant marine deck officer. Radios were a big part of my education. This is a rad radio if anybody is considering it. I held off installing it for awhile cause I didn't have a good solution to mount it. Of course @NLXTACY made the perfect solution with the useless cubby mount

 

[DanMedeiros]

Loving my @LandCruiserPhil gullwing

 

[NLXTACY]

Dude, I’m so happy I could cry *sniff*

 

[DanMedeiros]

Here is the build list for now:

Dude, I’m so happy I could cry *sniff*

LOL. If i actually totaled up all the little odds and ends I had to buy from you I might cry too

 

[DanMedeiros]

Now I must admit, as I learned first hand, a stock rav4 will get you awesome remote waves south of the boarder. My truck is more than enough as is to head back this coming winter. However I am now addicted to all things land cruiser and have specific vision of where I want this build to go in the next few years. I guess its a bit cheaper than a solid drug addiction. This doesn't need to happen this year at all but like I said is the long-term goal:

Make the jump to 315/75/16

• I want to do this right
• Need new coils for a 3-inch lift
• Adjustable upper rear arms for pinion angle
• the new Delta bracket for rear panhard
• Adjustable front panhard
• Internal bypass shocks with remote reservoir (BP-51s?)
• K02s (they are pretty good in snow and I drive to Tahoe 15 times per year at least)

One question I have is my caster is really low even with OME caster correction bushings. I am wondering about the SLEE 4-inch arms. They look awesome. Would that be too much caster?

Install Cruiser Brothers LRA 25-gallon fuel Tank

• This will also allow me to carry more water and rig some sort of shower system

Re-gear transfer case with under drive gears for bigger tires

Fight the Truck Soup!

• Buy Blue ridge overland molle seat backs
• Blue Ridge Attic
• Pouches as needed

Figure out spares and tool storage

• Current setup is impossible to get too
• I don't carry enough spare fluids, hoses, and various parts. This past weekend where my power steering line blew and I had to be saved by friends was a valuable lesson

Lighting

• 40 inch light bar under alucab
• camp lights (wife request, she loved @Shoredreamer and @Hyup setup)

Finish sound system

• Delete rear heater
• Install 8-inch sub enclosure (already wired from amp)

 

[DanMedeiros]

One more thing I wanted to give @NLXTACY props for. He helped me figure out how to convert my LX450 center console to the much more useful land cruiser version. I couldn't find an oak lower half that matches so had to paint it. I think I got it pretty close. I'd still be down to buy the right one though. I added the Wits End console safe and the nifty organizer

 

[NLXTACY]

Sexy AF

 

[PabloVTA]

your taco table...i need the details on that please.
I have same swing out on same side, but was thinking of swapping it to the drivers side to make filling the tank easier.

Nice work man.

 

[DanMedeiros]

your taco table...i need the details on that please.
I have same swing out on same side, but was thinking of swapping it to the drivers side to make filling the tank easier.

Nice work man.

4x4 labs made it for me on a special request. They also added the propane bracket for the 5lb tank. The table flips down and fits our two burner stove. My tailgate is has an aluminum surface and makes a nice food prep space. I'll take a photo later and post it

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Loving my @LandCruiserPhil gullwing

View attachment 1767957

Rumor is someone just purchased another Gullwing for you.
Ships today

 

[DanMedeiros]

@LandCruiserPhil Yeah, I'm pretty stoked. One trip with a gull-wing window was enough to know I needed two.

I did have a question for you. I have the same southco locks in my tailgate storage hatches. Could I buy an extra set of lock so that they are keyed the same?

 

[Shoredreamer]

Wow Dan, Cruiser porn like a mofo! Never realized how much Wits End gear you had until you put it all together in photos, haha. I promise to continue to get you & your truck into more and more places a Rav-4 can’t go!

 

[NLXTACY]

Wow Dan, Cruiser porn like a mofo! Never realized how much Wits End gear you had until you put it all together in photos, haha. I promise to continue to get you & your truck into more and more places a Rav-4 can’t go!

Hey be easy on him and his gear!

 

[Desert Dino]

@DanMedeiros "Re-gear transfer case with under drive gears for bigger tires"

Can you elaborate ? i am confused i thought the way to do it is in the axles ?

 

[Laisser aller]

DanMedeiros ...I have loved the build. Your thread is rad af.

So glad you’re plugging away and getting it done.

I am curious though, earlier in the thread you looked thrashed after a stretch on beach; are you carrying water or planning on some sort of shower kit?

If you indeed already mentioned that’s on your mind I am sorry; I probably missed it.