NC LX450

[NC LX]

Well I got to use my setup this weekend. Friday, went to Pisgah National forrest.

Back packed in a few miles, camped and deer hunted Saturday morning. Didn't see anything except 2 turkeys. Saturday evening we hiked out and headed up to Mt Mitchell. After not seeing anything all morning 3 does crossed us heading out. That's my luck. Didn't matter. Had a good time anyways.

As far as an update on the drawer, I ran out of time. Had to use it as it. I did add a bottle opener as the drawer handle though. It works surprisingly well. The sliders came I today though so hopefully to get them mounted soon. I need to plan another trip so there is urgency again to finish projects.

It case anyone was wondering it was a toasty 9 at Mt Mitchell

 

[NC LX]

Ive had a few people ask about the hardware I used. Below is the bolt and threaded insert I used. The bolts are M6 x 1". Its the same size bolt as the oem bolts in the tie downs in the back.

8 M6 Bolts were used to anchor these 4 D ring mounts.

D-ring mounting location. For the mounting on right side slider I used a piece of 36" 9/16 Aluminum angle. 4 M6 bolts with the same threaded inserts were used to mount the angle to the 1/2" Plywood Birch base. On the left side I Mounted the slider directly to the box built to go around the drawer. After thinking about it, when i install the drawer sliders, I am going to add another piece of 36" aluminum angle to mount the left fridge slider on. I think it would distribute the applied forces better and reduce stress when the fridge is out.

Ratchet straps were used looped through the handles. Everything I used has a working load of 400-500lbs and a failure point between 1200-1500lbs.

Below is a shot of the Lowes 24" sliders. They don't seem to sag any. The fridge weighs around 45lbs empty, and pictured it is filled with a case of waters. For a price of $19 they seem to do the job. The Fridge base is a sheet of the 1/2 birch I had. Its mounted to the sliders with 12 fine thread 2.25" screws. 6 on the left and 6 on the right.

 

[NC LX]

If the sliders work out for you, will you share where you got them, please? thanks.

 

[lumbee1]

@pawwright This is the exact same drawer setup I was going to build. I just bought @GLTHFJ60 Edgestar. For my drawer, I am planning on using 1/2" on the bottom and sides and 3/4" across the top. I am also going to use opposing teflon blocks and strips on the drawer.

Do the slides you bought lock in the closed and open position?

 

[NC LX]

@pawwright
This is the exact same drawer setup I was going to build. I just bought @GLTHFJ60 Edgestar. For my drawer, I am planning on using 1/2" on the bottom and sides and 3/4" across the top. I am also going to use opposing teflon blocks and strips on the drawer.

Do the slides you bought lock in the closed and open position?

They lock in the closed but not the open. 3/4 is gonna be heavy. I do wish I had done 3/4 as the base though. My 1/2" base wants to flex some when I tighten the M10 bolts. I think the 1/2" is plenty strong every where else.

I got the drawer sliders mounted tonight. Here's a few pictures.

Notched out for the angle to be resessed. Below I mocked everything into place and bolted the angle in its final spot.

The drawer clears the tailgate perfectly and doesn't seem to sag any.

After removing and installing everything dozens of times and the hundreds of measurements checking and rechecking it's finally installed and functioning as it was designed.

I did end up trimming the sides of the base. The overhang seemed pointless and it was just extra weight.

There is plans to build a face to it that you will see when you open the tailgate to give it a more finished flush look. This will have the handle and latch to lock the slides in place. Also I haven't decided on the finish for it. Not sure If I'm gonna go carpet, stain or paint.

 

[NC LX]

During an attempt to to dye the plastic on my front seats, to make them blend better into my interior the idea popped into my head to color match the rear drawer to the oak trim.

Had the local hardware store color match the trim in my Oak interior.

I had been thinking on how I wanted to finish it out. Everything I do, I try to keep it looking oem. Changes that are suttle that look like it was done by Toyota (I know the seats stick out but hopefully everything is recovered soon). The rear drawer is no different.

I have no idea how it's going to turn out. Might be a huge mistake. Worse case scenario I carpet it.

 

[NC LX]

Stopped by Batteries Plus and installed a new deep cycle. Ran into my brother and did a little parking lot Overlanding today

 

[JohnVee]

I like the lightening holes idea. Might have to do that while I've got mine removed. It's a long walk to my basement when they need to come out.

 

[NC LX]

I drive a ton of miles, So for now Ive decided to hold off on the OME 2.5". I have been running a 285/75 for the past two years and have no plans to go to a 315 for now. After lots of research, reading and late nights on mud I've figured out a set up the will work for me and the needs I have. I love my ride so for now Ive decided to keep the factory LX coils with a 30mm spacer. Fresh from down under, my 30mm spacers came in.

Shocks are coming. Decided on the Rancho RS9000XL. I talked to some other guys that have run them on the 80's and Ive run them on other trucks with positive results. Having the ability to change valving depending on terrain, weight, and driving style is really appealing. Ive run the wrong shocks before and it can make or break your suspension. Beside that Im always a fan of anything that reminds me of 90's nostalgia.

 

[NC LX]

Spacers installed. Looking at it it just looks normal now like an 80 should sit. It feels different now getting in and my head doesn't hit the lift gate in the back when raised. Not hitting my head was worth the money!

Shocks should be here Saturday.

Before

After

Also picked up some dye a few week back to touch up the interior. Dye'd my steering wheel cover and plastic trim around my seats. It Really helped the cover and seats blend into the interior better.

 

[NC LX]

Got the shocks installed today. Wow what a difference over the 20 year old Factory shocks. Still trying to dial them in. I forgot to take picture of the front but here is the rear.

The silver is a nice change from the white. Ended up labeling them to make it easier for adjustments.

I sold my CJ and they guy is paying me to flat tow it to Myrtle Beach. After tomorrow, I'll have some real miles on them for a better feel of the improvement.

 

[NC LX]

After my adventure Monday got some new bling installed on the rear axle. Did both sides.

Here's the before In case anybody missed it.

And the after

 

[NC LX]

Set up an appointment on Wednesday to have 5 tires installed and an alignment done. Decided to go with a 285/75 50k rated A/T. Nothing special. I really wanted to go with the 255 but for the cost of a cheap 255 I could have run nice 315/75.

In a couple of years when I don't drive LX everyday, Ill go to a 315. In the mean time these should get me by and be a good compromise for the weekend camper grocery getter.

 

[JToobe]

Set up an appointment on Wednesday to have 5 tires installed and an alignment done. Decided to go with a 285/75 50k rated A/T. Nothing special. I really wanted to go with the 255 but for the cost of a cheap 255 I could have run nice 315/75.

In a couple of years when I don't drive LX everyday, Ill go to a 315. In the mean time these should get me by and be a good compromise for the weekend camper grocery getter.

What brand tire did you end up choosing & from where? My '94 is needing new shoes!

 

[NC LX]

What brand tire did you end up choosing & from where? My '94 is needing new shoes!

They are called, Milestar PATAGONIA A/T I got them for $118 a tire. Regular $148. Free Shipping.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Milestar-PATAGONIA-A-T-Radial-Tire-LT285-75R16-126-123Q/55190056

I went by Sams this weekend to check on prices to have a set installed. The installer told me to check Walmart.com He showed the tires to me and had positive things to say about them. Said they had just gone on sale. Sure enough they were $118. Not sure if it was a glitch but they are $130 now. 5 tires Shipped to the door, $650

For that Price, I figured I could run them for a few months. If I hate them, I sell them should be able to recoup most of my investment. Also on a positive note, I have had good luck with Walmart warranty on tires in the past. They are everywhere and If i have a problem somewhere I can resolve it.

 

[NC LX]

Tires mounted and an alignment today. Huge difference in the way it drives an handles! Zero road noise. Its really going to help with driver fatigue on those longer trips I take.

Snapped a quick Photo walking to the car. Tires measured out to exactly 33".

16 year old me would have done 315's just because it looks cool. 34 year old me has learned not to over build just cause it looks cool. Im really happy with the stance, ride and handling. This should fit my needs for the now.

 

[pkniland]

Tires mounted and an alignment today. Huge difference in the way it drives an handles! Zero road noise. Its really going to help with driver fatigue on those longer trips I take.

Snapped a quick Photo walking to the car. Tires measured out to exactly 33".

16 year old me would have done 315's just because it looks cool. 34 year old me has learned not to over build just cause it looks cool. Im really happy with the stance, ride and handling. This should fit my needs for the now.

View attachment 1398405

Looks good. As a 33 year old I had the same plan of keeping it simple at first, then all hell broke loose and Ive ended up here with no end in sight.

 

[NC LX]

Looks good. As a 33 year old I had the same plan of keeping it simple at first, then all hell broke loose and Ive ended up here with no end in sight.
View attachment 1398708

@pkniland Looks good! Love the stance. It's not "if" it happens, but when.

Looks like I'll be headed your way this weekend. If your around I'd love to check out your 80 for future inspiration.

 

[pkniland]

@pkniland Looks good! Love the stance. It's not "if" it happens, but when.

Looks like I'll be headed your way this weekend. If your around I'd love to check out your 80 for future inspiration.

Nice, the weather keeps changing up there so I am playing it by ear with what section I am going to end up hiking. You camping at Grayson?

 

[NC LX]

Nice, the weather keeps changing up there so I am playing it by ear with what section I am going to end up hiking. You camping at Grayson?

That's the plan. AT&T is installing fiber at the house in the morning. After they finish I'm going to roll out.