New to me 2016 LC - No Budget Build...advice?

[sbsurfer]

Hi All, stoked to be part of this LC200 forum!

So this whole thing started with my mother-in-law ringing out the motor on my wife's slightly modded 2016 4Runner (5100's, 17in Methods w/33in BFG AT). I got a text from her asking if it was normal for the engine to be at 5500 rpm when going 65mph. Needless to say she left it in 2nd gear on the fwy...for 45 minutes, nothing like having a redline party. So I figured I'd be selling the 4runner and could finally get a LC for the wife, I've been looking at them for about a year now. I found a used one an hour away with only 13k miles a few weeks ago in her favorite color black, jumped on it immediately. I brought it home and the wife says she likes the 4Runner more. After looking in the mess that is her backseat of the 4Runner (we have 2 toddlers), I've come to the conclusion that Im going to let them ruin that car for the next year or so then switch the wife over to the cruiser when the kids are a little older.

So in the mean time the LC is mine. My current daily driver is a 2013 Tundra, supercharged, Kings on all 4, Total Chaos UCA's, 18in methods with 35inch BFG AT's, a custom aluminum shell and custom bumpers with some Bajadesigns lights, BA/TRD exhaust, and more....I'm not one to leave things stock.

For the LC I'll probably do a very similar build. I've been reading on this forum for the last few weeks trying to figure out all that I will need when it comes to the build. I'll mainly be using the LC for family outings in CA from camping at the beach to the desert to the snow...and ALOT of mall crawling, tons actually Here's a list of the things I want to do to it, any advice is encouraged from the experience you have all had.

My biggest questions revolve around why Tundra lower arms and the challenges I'll face raising the height with Kings to allow for bigger tires (ACH , KDSS, extended brake lines).

Here's the list of stuff already on order:

Budbuilt sliders
Prinzu rack w/40in Rigid lightbar
Prestige Nav
Weathertech Floorliners

Stuff I plan on ordering:

King c/o's and rears
Total Chaos UCA's
Dissent bumpers
Wheels TRD Pro Forged (PT960-34190-02)
OME rear springs
Winch
Awning (not researched yet)

Here's a pic of my Tundra DD, the new to us LC and the wheels I found in another thread on here.

All input (good and bad, I have thick skin) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Markuson]

I'll mainly be using the LC for family outings in CA from camping at the beach to the desert to the snow...and ALOT of mall crawling, tons actually Here's a list of the things I want to do to it, any advice is encouraged...
...All input (good and bad, I have thick skin) is greatly appreciated.

Welcome.

First question is normally asking what you (your wife maybe?) intend to do with it.
But you answered that.

So... You asked for honest input...
-Your intended-use description describes one thing (wife’s kid-hauler in a year)...
...but your mod list points to a VERY different direction.

I mean... BudBuilt stuff is maybe the strongest, most bad-ass rock-bashing armor you can buy, and nice side protection at a relatively reasonable cost.
But does she really want a winch and a 50” light and suspension built to crush Baja? Hehe

So my initial theory is...maybe you subconsciously figure if you build it big and burly enough...she’ll hate it...and it will then have to (oh darn) stay yours? -<Genius!

But on the other hand...if that goofy theory is wrong, and it really is going to be her kid hauler...maybe assess whether the full mod list makes sense for her use.

 

[duggy]

If you're happy with the Kings on your Tundra, you'll love them on the 200. If you're planning a front bumper for it, spec out 800lb springs to help carry the weight. As you already know, TC control arms require a litlte bit more maintenance than SPCs do, but they give the most caster correction and we always get perfect alignment numbers out of them. We are about to do a build on a 2019 in a few weeks featuring Kings, TC arms.

 

[Chocolate]

Another "no budget" build here: Builds - Land Cruiser 200 Build

No budget LX build: B.E. Meyers MAWLR (@the.mawlr) • Instagram photos and videos

@indycole has a very nice built 16+ 200, as does @Roy Park

Of course, the longer you own your 200 the more money you will spend. Mostly on upgrades, modifications, and gasoline.

 

[sbsurfer]

Welcome.

First question is normally asking what you (your wife maybe?) intend to do with it.
But you answered that.

So... You asked for honest input... .....

So my initial theory is...maybe you subconsciously figure if you build it big and burly enough...she’ll hate it...and it will then have to (oh darn) stay yours? -<Genius!

But on the other hand...if that goofy theory is wrong, and it really is going to be her kid hauler...maybe assess whether the full mod list makes sense the use.

Thanks for replying Markuson. I actually think the more I do to it the more she's gonna like it. She's the kind of gal that made me de-badge the 4Runner and remove the running boards before she even drove it. I don't mind if it spends 85% of its time hauling kids, having all those goodies for the other 15% will make it all worth it IMO. Plus I just love building things...especially cars/trucks.

If you're happy with the Kings on your Tundra, you'll love them on the 200. If you're planning a front bumper for it, spec out 800lb springs to help carry the weight. As you already know, TC control arms require a litlte bit more maintenance than SPCs do, but they give the most caster correction and we always get perfect alignment numbers out of them. We are about to do a build on a 2019 in a few weeks featuring Kings, TC arms.

Kings have been my got to for years. I've had them on Taco's, my old 05 Tundra, my current 13 Tundra and so on. I know the TC's require the maintenance but worth it IMO, they're a solid product and I've always installed them when I have swapped to Kings.

You know why some guys have gone with Tundra lowers? More travel?

I'm hoping the Kings can help reduce the "nose dive" when I brake the LC. I already know they're gonna ride 10X better than the stock setup...looking forward to that.

 

[Mogwai]

I'll chime in on the Tundra lowers - IMO the best mod I've done to date. Some will disagree with the approach (@Taco2Cruiser ), however anyone who has done I think would agree with me. You need more than just the Tundra lowers. For OEM parts you'd need Tundra LCAs, CV axles, and outter tie rod ends. You can almost always score these parts in CA from some Tundra owner who went long-travel. I paid $600 for all of those parts, taken off a Tundra before it left the lot. For UCAs AND front shocks you'd want Tundra versions, but shocks valved to the LC. If you go w/ Kings you'll have no problem dialing in. Everything is bolt on. You'll increase the width in the front by 3.5" in total (1" more travel). People can spend thousands of dollars on a mid to long travel setups that nets roughly the same, and you get the benefit of OEM parts that are common with your Tundra and super easy to find should something go wrong. It makes the stance perfect, no spacers needed, and you can still fully tuck w/out modification to fenders - you can almost fit 35s w/ no rub. For the rears you'll have to run spacers and potentially deal w/ a slightly smaller width in the rear (I have 1.25" spidertrax - didn't want to go any more, never had an issue or had the truck pull in any direction).

It's just something about the added width and length that makes the truck handle so nicely even w/ a 3" lift. And I don't even have Kings, can't imagine.

Edit: For some reason I can't really find a good "stance" shot, but this one will have to do.

 

[Markuson]

Thanks for replying Markuson. I actually think the more I do to it the more she's gonna like it. She's the kind of gal that made me de-badge the 4Runner and remove the running boards before she even drove it. I don't mind if it spends 85% of its time hauling kids, having all those goodies for the other 15% will make it all worth it IMO.

Ah!! In that case....
Can you have her call my wife?

Mine is tolerant of my toys, but has zero interest in driving my beastly truck.

If hers is off road 15%? that’s not a small percentage.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I'll chime in on the Tundra lowers - IMO the best mod I've done to date. Some will disagree with the approach (@Taco2Cruiser ), however anyone who has done I think would agree with me. You need more than just the Tundra lowers. For OEM parts you'd need Tundra LCAs, CV axles, and outter tie rod ends. You can almost always score these parts in CA from some Tundra owner who went long-travel. I paid $600 for all of those parts, taken off a Tundra before it left the lot. For UCAs AND front shocks you'd want Tundra versions, but shocks valved to the LC. If you go w/ Kings you'll have no problem dialing in. Everything is bolt on. You'll increase the width in the front by 3.5" in total (1" more travel). People can spend thousands of dollars on a mid to long travel setups that nets roughly the same, and you get the benefit of OEM parts that are common with your Tundra and super easy to find should something go wrong. It makes the stance perfect, no spacers needed, and you can still fully tuck w/out modification to fenders - you can almost fit 35s w/ no rub. For the rears you'll have to run spacers and potentially deal w/ a slightly smaller width in the rear (I have 1.25" spidertrax - didn't want to go any more, never had an issue or had the truck pull in any direction).

It's just something about the added width and length that makes the truck handle so nicely even w/ a 3" lift. And I don't even have Kings, can't imagine.

Edit: For some reason I can't really find a good "stance" shot, but this one will have to do.

View attachment 1918942

This is my best mod to date...

But seriously, the Tundra arms are not a bad idea, I might do it myself. But I’m putting a matching rear tundra 10.5 in the rear because wheel spacers are for amatures! Just playen, maybe not. But seriously, no matter how wide a front end is, the rear needs to be slightly wider, for traction reasons.

It’s just that as someone who has had mid traveled and long traveled trucks. Then has also had lockers, frame mods, and high clearance crossmembers. There’s a lot more out there that will give you much more benefit than a stock tundra width front end. I guess I look at limited money, and maximum off-road capability, and in my small opinion, tundra arms aren’t worth the little bit of money for them. UNTIL, some funds have been allocated toward other mods. THEN, yeah, tundra arms are cool. Oh and tundra arms reduce turning radius.

To each their own, you still have one of my favorite looking 200s though.

Also, I’ll gladly pay for another ones 2016+ front lower a arms if anyone wants to go to tundra arms.

 

[Tex68w]

Congrats on the new 200, very nice indeed. Crazy that she prefers the 4Runner over the 200 but it might boil down to the size. Give her time, she'll probably come around on the LC after she sees the benefits of the platform. I know my buddy who has a TRD Pro 4Runner and had a 200 could never get used to the larger truck on the trails or in daily driving, as you probably guessed, he still has the 4Runner and the 200 is long gone. I'd be a lot like yourself in this scenario, the LC would get built in the interim. Your build sheet sounds awesome and I can't wait to see it come to life.

 

[benc]

Congrats on the new rig! I got your message on Instagram and will try and call you tomorrow. We would be happy to help you with the build.

 

[ckkone]

If I had unlimited budget I definitely wouldn’t get a Prinsu rack the way it mounts to the vehicle is not very well designed.

 

[mcgaskins]

Wahoo another no budget build! Just call up Slee and tell them you got no budget and they’ll help you figure it out

 

[fireball]

You won’t need 800 lbs if Ben is building you an aluminum front bumper.

The @benc armor is first class.

 

[Itsky]

If I had unlimited budget, I would build @fireball ‘s truck, with ARB air lockers, and @CruiserDave ’s KISS drawers, goal zero lithium battery and national Luna fridge.

 

[Tex68w]

If I had unlimited funds I would build something very similar to this!

Glass fenders, long travel with TC arms and King's, 37's on beadlocks, (change bumper to winch bumper), front and rear ARB lockers, remove the second row seats and deck the entire area with 10-12" tall drawers so that you could sleep inside. A good set of sliders and a high clearance rear bumper/tire carrier, full belly skids, and some crap up top (cases, solar) on a full flat rack.

 

[Itsky]

If I had unlimited funds I would build something very similar to this!

Glass fenders, long travel with TC arms and King's, 37's on beadlocks, (change bumper to winch bumper), front and rear ARB lockers, remove the second row seats and deck the entire area with 10-12" tall drawers so that you could sleep inside. A good set of sliders and a high clearance rear bumper/tire carrier, full belly skids, and some crap up top (cases, solar) on a full flat rack.

Isn’t that 2wd?! Looks cool, but last thing I’d do.

 

[Tex68w]

Isn’t that 2wd?! Looks cool, but last thing I’d do.

Im not sure if they removed the 4wd system or not. I had more pics of that build but I can't find them, I think more are floating around on this forum somewhere.

It's not what I would want if I were touring the states and North America on y budget lol, but if we are playing the "unlimited funds" game then it's fair to reason that unlimited funds building a new 200 means you can afford to be completely inefficient in the range department and I am all about it looking totally bad arse.

 

[ckkone]

If this is truly an unlimited budget build then put in on a container and send it to Australia to have the chassis extended with a canopy installed. If not read through the build threads, plenty of high dollar builds on here with readily available parts.

Manufacturing Process - Creative Conversions

Manufacturing PROCESS AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC 2ND STAGE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER Why should you choose Creative Conversions? As Australia’s iconic 2nd stage vehicle manufacturer specialising in Landcruiser conversions, with over 30 years of experience and thousands of conversions completed, you can rest...

creativeconversions.com.au

PRO TOURING CONCEPTS

www.protouringconcepts.com.au

 

[mcgaskins]

If this is truly an unlimited budget build then put in on a container and send it to Australia to have the chassis extended with a canopy installed. If not read through the build threads, plenty of high dollar builds on here with readily available parts.

Manufacturing Process - Creative Conversions

Manufacturing PROCESS AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC 2ND STAGE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER Why should you choose Creative Conversions? As Australia’s iconic 2nd stage vehicle manufacturer specialising in Landcruiser conversions, with over 30 years of experience and thousands of conversions completed, you can rest...

creativeconversions.com.au

PRO TOURING CONCEPTS

www.protouringconcepts.com.au

I have a feeling the OP does not truly mean no budget, and it's going to end up as a standard "overland" build everyone else does with potentially a different component here or there If the OP was serious, he'd do something like this, but we know that won't happen because...there will be a limit on the budget

 

[sbsurfer]

I'll chime in on the Tundra lowers - IMO the best mod I've done to date. Some will disagree with the approach (@Taco2Cruiser ), however anyone who has done I think would agree with me. You need more than just the Tundra lowers. For OEM parts you'd need Tundra LCAs, CV axles, and outter tie rod ends. You can almost always score these parts in CA from some Tundra owner who went long-travel. I paid $600 for all of those parts, taken off a Tundra before it left the lot. For UCAs AND front shocks you'd want Tundra versions, but shocks valved to the LC. If you go w/ Kings you'll have no problem dialing in. Everything is bolt on. You'll increase the width in the front by 3.5" in total (1" more travel). People can spend thousands of dollars on a mid to long travel setups that nets roughly the same, and you get the benefit of OEM parts that are common with your Tundra and super easy to find should something go wrong. It makes the stance perfect, no spacers needed, and you can still fully tuck w/out modification to fenders - you can almost fit 35s w/ no rub. For the rears you'll have to run spacers and potentially deal w/ a slightly smaller width in the rear (I have 1.25" spidertrax - didn't want to go any more, never had an issue or had the truck pull in any direction).

It's just something about the added width and length that makes the truck handle so nicely even w/ a 3" lift. And I don't even have Kings, can't imagine.

Edit: For some reason I can't really find a good "stance" shot, but this one will have to do.

View attachment 1918942

Thanks for the detail, now i get the reason for the swap. Definitely something I'll be thinking about...might need to throw a nice Ford 9inch in the rear to get the width My gearhead addiction originated in muscle cars.

You won’t need 800 lbs if Ben is building you an aluminum front bumper.

The @benc armor is first class.

View attachment 1919147

Man that setup looks great. I think his bumpers look so good on these LC's and are super functional. Being right on the coast in CA I'll just have to make sure the alum is very protected with powdercoat so that it doesn't oxidize.

I have a feeling the OP does not truly mean no budget, and it's going to end up as a standard "overland" build everyone else does with potentially a different component here or there If the OP was serious, he'd do something like this, but we know that won't happen because...there will be a limit on the budget

View attachment 1919511

View attachment 1919512

Those Aussie builds are truly nuts....there really isn't a budget on this one but I doubt I'll be going that extreme since the wife will for sure end up with it in about a year or so...or sooner after she sees what it transforms into. Would be awesome to have one of those setups though.