My '97 LX 450 Buildup...Comments/Suggestions Welcome!

[Trapper50cal]

Heh heh hehe eheheh...LOLZ

 

[ravencr]

As you can tell, I like doing things differently...lol.

Chris

 

[Nay]

Here's my speedo numbers with stock tires and 5.29's. The first number is the speed on the odometer, the second is actual mph off my GPS, and the third is the Rpm at those higher speeds in overdrive.

30 23
40 30
50 39 1800
60 47 2100
70 53 2400
80 61 2700
90 70 3000

Of course, these are visual numbers, not exact science, but these are close.

Chris

P.S. I video'd nearly the entire gear swap, but have lots of editing to do on it.

I run 2,850 RPM at 70 mph on 5.29's with 37's. Those are really low RPM figures for stock tires @ 70 mph. You sure you got 5.29's?

 

[ravencr]

I run 2,850 RPM at 70 mph on 5.29's with 37's. Those are really low RPM figures for stock tires @ 70 mph. You sure you got 5.29's?

Sorry, I think when I was reading the RPM's, I might have been looking at the speedo instead of the GPS. I'll have to check again, but I know for sure I got 5.29's.

I'm not sure, but I'll check it again tomorrow.

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Hey guys,

Here's all I did to diff breathers after I did the 6" lift:

I looked at raising them, but decided there really wasn't any gain, because with the loops in the tube and the 1-way check valve ends, there'd not be much point.

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Well, the 2" body lift is nearly complete. The body lift itself was a piece of cake, but moving the radiator proved to be a different story. Plus, for whatever reason, I had to pull the body back to get the front mounts to line up for the body lift, and now my linkage is off, although driveable. I think I need to go back and loosen all the body mounts and pull the body back forward a tad to get it to work perfect. Otherwise, it should be good to go.

The 37x12.50x17 Cooper STT's came in today along with the MRW 17x9" wheels, so they're getting mounted and balanced as we speak.

Next is bumpers, sliders, and possibly the drivetrain lift.

Chris

 

[d0ubledown]

wow...sounds impressive! what are you running with the slee 6" for caster correction? also, curious as to your decision to add a 2" BL to an already high sitting vehicle? i thought you wanted it as low as possible?

regardless, cant wait to see it all sitting on the 37s, what a beast! definitely some armor will help the lift not feel so stiff...it was designed with that extra weight all ready on the vehicle...

 

[ravencr]

Pictures coming soon...I axed the sitting low part early on...lol.

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Here's the pics after the 2" Body Lift and 37" Cooper STT's:

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Here's the beginnings of my rear bumper:

I'll post more later tonight...

Chris

 

[ravencr]

So, I built this using 2x4" 1/4" wall tubing. I notched the top of the frame 1/2" down from the top, then cut from the bottom of the tube to the bottom edge of the body mount at an angle. Then, I plated the backside edge with 3/16" 1-7/8" plate and then bent it up under the frame for added protection when it drags over rocks. The shackle hangers are 1"x3" stock welded front and back. The hitch is your standard hitch. No I just have to figure out how to protect the sides and get rid of that stupid low hanging muffler.

Chris

 

[julstirn]

I LIKE!!!

 

[ravencr]

Thanks...I'll be posting pics and a video here in a bit from today's ride...good times for sure.

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Here's a link to the pics and video from today's first run: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/372744-caryville-tn-ride-pics-vid.html

Chris

 

[Taildragon]

How did it feel on the off-camber terrain? JT

 

[ravencr]

I was never worried about it...but I'd consider what we rode moderate at best. It felt very stable, though.

Chris

 

[ravencr]

Here's the maiden voyage video:

YouTube - Maiden Voyage in '97 LX450 / Land Cruiser @ Caryville, TN Rock Crawling

Chris

 

[lt1fire]

Hmm an 80 in NC that is taller than mine..... I just can't have that


Anyway drop us a Line on ONSC. We have our big outer banks trip comming up in April.

 

[ravencr]

What are the dates of that? Is there wheeling at the outerbanks? I rode my bicycle from south to north once, but I wasn't aware of any offroading...beach riding?

Chris

 

[ravencr]

I've got another big week planned starting on Friday. I'm taking it to a shop to get the trailer brake controller, wiring, and connector installed. While it's there, I'm going to get the material for the center hitch section similar to what I did in the rear, so I can start fabbing up that. Monday, I'm taking it to a muffler shop in Maryville to get the exhaust raised up as high as possible. I'm hoping to reuse the stock cats, but rotate them 90 degrees and push them up out of the way, use an oval muffler similar is length to keep it quiet, and probably even reuse the little can at the end of the exhaust, possibly. I just need to relocate it all up and out of the way.

Tuesday, I'm headed up to Dirt Performance in Helenwood, TN to begin and finish the rear bumper, front bumper, and sliders.

The 12,500 multi-mount winch is supposed to be here on Monday, as well, so planning to have the all wired up, as well.

Why is it that every time I build something up it's always rushed for some event? LOL...isn't this always the case? Fun times, for sure. Me and my dad are headed to Moab the week of the 12th, so it needs to be ready to roll by the end of this next week.

Chris