My reverse build thread, a first for Mud? (1 Viewer)

[mark71]

This will be a pretty short thread, and somewhat tragic, as I "reverse" build my 2008 LC. It started because importing a modified vehicle into Canada is quite difficult and I can completely understand their public safety viewpoint behind this policy. After MUCH thought and reflection, I have decided to go back to a factory bumper and lower the suspension back to factory height. Here is where I am starting:

It will be a two part build. First, I will source all the factory pieces I took off to put on the bumper and then do the corrective surgery. At the same time I will replace the springs with whatever ARB springs puts me back at stock height, to include the slight stink bug we all had. I really wasn't a fan of the body roll of a stock 200, and since I plan on keeping the rest of my build intact, I will not return to factory springs. I'm not yet sure what springs I will need to accomplish this but I bet Slee can help me out.

Funny, but I'm looking forward to seeing what she is like after her diet and change of posture. My only off-roading is what I do in the course of overland adventures, so I don't think any of this is going to adversely affect its function. And I'm definitely looking forward to spending less time together at the gas pumps!

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Where in Canada are you located? I might be interested in some of your take-off parts.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

If you are moving to Canada and importing the vehicle, I'd advise you to hold off on removing those mods just for the sake of the import.

There are many, MANY inspection facilities that will a-okay that LC as it sits.

Find an off-road enthusiasts group for whatever area you're moving to, then ask for a recommended inspection facility. Many off-road shops are authorized vehicle inspection locations, too.

 

[slipkid13]

Bumpers, roof tents and lifts are "public safety" issues in Canada?

 

[Artie]

This may be hard to watch, your build is killer. I’m still hoping for some loop hole you can drive through as is.

 

[mark71]

Where in Canada are you located? I might be interested in some of your take-off parts.

Moving to Duncan, BC but still living in Vancouver, WA. Wish I could say that I'd be excited to pack that bumper up to you when I come, but that thing is seriously stout.

Once I get it off though, I will make some lucky Mudder a great deal!

 

[mark71]

If you are moving to Canada and importing the vehicle, I'd advise you to hold off on removing those mods just for the sake of the import.

There are many, MANY inspection facilities that will a-okay that LC as it sits.

Find an off-road enthusiasts group for whatever area you're moving to, then ask for a recommended inspection facility. Many off-road shops are authorized vehicle inspection locations, too.

Too late, already pulled the trigger on the new springs. Next is sourcing the bumper.

At this point, I'm surprisingly OK with my plan. Though the bull bar and drawers are tied for mods that I am most in love with, it is total overkill for what I do. After inspections I will likely put in a hidden winch, but other than that I doubt I will miss it...except for how killer it looks from the drivers seat...and the feeling of having no panic when someone cuts you off (and your dash cam can prove that the carnage that results was their fault!)...and how unique and beautifully it complements the body lines...

OK, I might miss it a bit.

 

[mark71]

Where in Canada are you located? I might be interested in some of your take-off parts.

Bumpers, roof tents and lifts are "public safety" issues in Canada?

A steel bull bar, honestly, is a safety issue anywhere. I've always justified my own purchase based on the fact that I now drive it like a grandpa, always aware that the other vehicle has become my crumple zone.

Lifts, potentially, worsen emergency handling, making a crash more likely. I can see their concern. In my case, the body roll is much less than stock now, making handling potentially better. But of course, I pretty much nulled that out with AT tires and an extra half ton of weight!

 

[Tommy Dwyer]

Moving to Duncan, BC but still living in Vancouver, WA. Wish I could say that I'd be excited to pack that bumper up to you when I come, but that thing is seriously stout.

Once I get it off though, I will make some lucky Mudder a great deal!

As I have a 2010 LC in Super White...that bumper would look killer on my rig Seriously though, if you do decide to sell it, let me know what you're thinking. If the price / shipping / timing is right, I'll be interested.

 

[Lester did that]

A steel bull bar, honestly, is a safety issue anywhere. I've always justified my own purchase based on the fact that I now drive it like a grandpa, always aware that the other vehicle has become my crumple zone.

Lifts, potentially, worsen emergency handling, making a crash more likely. I can see their concern. In my case, the body roll is much less than stock now, making handling potentially better. But of course, I pretty much nulled that out with AT tires and an extra half ton of weight!

Huh? What? Oh yes BC... I frequent Quebec providence often and see and know folks with lifted rigs with massive steel bumpers. Full builds like yours (used to be). So I made a quick phone call. Turns out every providence has different laws. BC has the most strict laws regarding modified 4x4's and they enforce it. The advice I got was just have it registered in Saskatchewan or Manitoba then your good to go. That's what the die hards do that live in BC.

Sure a poor lift over 2-2.5" will cause handling issues so it was probably a blanket law to cover all the idiots who do a $900 5" lift. They probably had some issues in the past. Same goes with the steel bumpers. Perhaps it's all the hippies smoking the refer causing rollovers and other stupid fender benders?

 

[mano002]

There is a "general rule" that the border uses that states that you cannot import a lifted vehicle. Take the lift off, import and put them back on. It will still pass the out of province with a lift.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

BC has the most strict laws regarding modified 4x4's and they enforce it.

Enforcement is limited to Vancouver and Victoria (OP is moving to Duncan, which isn't too far). Even then, enforcement is sporadic at best. Everywhere else you'll find trucks jacked up through the roof and zero interest from law enforcement.

The law allows for vehicle height modification of up to 10cm. That includes the lift you get through larger tires. OP is likely within this limit.

The advice I got was just have it registered in Saskatchewan or Manitoba then your good to go. That's what the die hards do that live in BC.

People do this, but it's a risky (and IMO, dumb) game to play. If you're actually living in BC, you have 6 months to transfer your vehicle registration/insurance here. If you don't do that and get into an accident, you might find your insurance void. OP could try to bs his way out such a situation and state that he doesn't "live" in BC, but given that he's moving to the island and will be land-locked, all they'd have to do is ask for evidence of ferry or plane tickets... can't provide those, then you've been living in BC with improper insurance.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

There is a "general rule" that the border uses that states that you cannot import a lifted vehicle. Take the lift off, import and put them back on. It will still pass the out of province with a lift.

I imported a motorcycle from WA to BC a while back. The border guards barely glanced at it. The RIV office just wanted proof of there not being any outstanding recalls. Paid taxes on the vehicle, paid the $200 RIV fee, brought it into BC, had it inspected, sent that paperwork back to RIV, got it insured.

No one at the border itself cared about anything done to the bike. Suppose it could be different with cars, but I doubt border guards are trained in the details of our motor vehicle laws. They'll care about the title and any taxes. RIV and vehicle inspections will take it from there.

 

[GordJ]

I don’t believe that you’d have a problem importing that truck. All the inspectors look at is daytime running lights and a metric speedometer, both of which you have. When I imported my ‘08 the inspection was at Canadian Tire, a country wide chain, and they don’t go deep. RIV doesn’t show any other restrictions. I have imported a couple of bucket trucks and boom trucks and the worse I had to get was some stickers for the speedo to show metric speeds because they had daytime lights already. It might be worth your time to contact them and double check.

 

[mark71]

Enforcement is limited to Vancouver and Victoria (OP is moving to Duncan, which isn't too far). Even then, enforcement is sporadic at best. Everywhere else you'll find trucks jacked up through the roof and zero interest from law enforcement.

The law allows for vehicle height modification of up to 10cm. That includes the lift you get through larger tires. OP is likely within this limit.



People do this, but it's a risky (and IMO, dumb) game to play. If you're actually living in BC, you have 6 months to transfer your vehicle registration/insurance here. If you don't do that and get into an accident, you might find your insurance void. OP could try to bs his way out such a situation and state that he doesn't "live" in BC, but given that he's moving to the island and will be land-locked, all they'd have to do is ask for evidence of ferry or plane tickets... can't provide those, then you've been living in BC with improper insurance.

Yeah, I don't feel like taking risk. Getting too old, I guess. I also don't want to be disrespectful, and I tend to be a rule follower. Given that I am also trying to get my resident's card, seems like a foolish idea to show up and start flouting the laws.

Life goes on.

 

[Lester did that]

Yeah, I don't feel like taking risk. Getting too old, I guess. I also don't want to be disrespectful, and I tend to be a rule follower. Given that I am also trying to get my resident's card, seems like a foolish idea to show up and start flouting the laws.

Life goes on.

It is a very risky thing to do. Registering any vehicle in a different state/providence to avoid taxes, cheaper insurance or vehicle modifications. I wouldn't do it. If your in a serious accident the insurance companies will investigate everything. This is fraud and very easy to prove. They will drop you on the spot so now your liable for everything and you will be charged with insurance fraud on top of it. It amazes me how many people do it. I would be a nervous wreck.

 

[grinchy]

So you are going to replace the parts removed by the bumper? Like the aluminum crash bar and everything else?

 

[GordJ]

Perhaps it's all the hippies smoking the refer causing rollovers and other stupid fender benders?

lol. I’ve never seen a video titled “hold my joint”.

 

[mark71]

So you are going to replace the parts removed by the bumper? Like the aluminum crash bar and everything else?

That was my initial plan. Not cheap or fun, but if it was necessary, I would do it.

I’ve been getting some great info from mud members since this post and it is sounding like I may be legal. Should be able to make some phone calls next week with my new contact information and get a better idea. Regardless, at this point, I think I’m of the mindset of at least waiting until I get over there before rebuilding. It will be a shame if I still end up having to since I have so much free time right now and likely won’t once I get up there, but oh well. And maybe it’ll all work out for the best!