Back in September 2014, after some unfortunate issues en route to Overland Expo EAST, we decided to start the search for a vehicle platform to base a family overlander build on. The criteria included:
- Plenty of space for a family of five
- 4WD (obviously)
- No older than 2000 model year
- Parts availability in the event something breaks in a remote destination
- Aftermarket parts availability for modifications
- Comfort for the wife and kids
- Reliability
- Cost <=$25k
- V6 or V8 powertrain (V8 preferred)
After three months of researching and taking input from a LOT of people within the community, we opted on a 100 Series Cruiser (hence posting in this section). We finally found the vehicle in early January: a 2003 model with 95k on the speedo with the 90k service having been performed a month earlier. The previous owner had taken pretty good care of her and the truck had NEVER been off-pavement and was still in stock form.
Since making the purchase, our first item for consideration was to make maximize suspension capability, on a budget, without sacrificing on-road characteristics since the vehicle will be driven daily. We opted for an Old Man Emu setup with 2860 rear springs (medium rate) to allow for a "stiffer" ride but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable. Plus, we plan to do a trailer build as part of our family overlander package and the medium rate springs will accommodate this.
After the suspension install, we opted for the new BFG KO2 tires (275/70/18) as they're new to market and we not only believe they have a lot of potential but also wanted to provide a long-term evaluation as to how they compare to the original KO, particularly since our last vehicle was outfitted with the KO. So, a long-term review specifically on the tires will be featured in early 2016.
As it is right now, our truck has begun its transformation and we not only plan to feature it in the next few issues of OutdoorX4 Magazine but wanted to start the official build thread here on Mud. Let the build begin!
- Plenty of space for a family of five
- 4WD (obviously)
- No older than 2000 model year
- Parts availability in the event something breaks in a remote destination
- Aftermarket parts availability for modifications
- Comfort for the wife and kids
- Reliability
- Cost <=$25k
- V6 or V8 powertrain (V8 preferred)
After three months of researching and taking input from a LOT of people within the community, we opted on a 100 Series Cruiser (hence posting in this section). We finally found the vehicle in early January: a 2003 model with 95k on the speedo with the 90k service having been performed a month earlier. The previous owner had taken pretty good care of her and the truck had NEVER been off-pavement and was still in stock form.
Since making the purchase, our first item for consideration was to make maximize suspension capability, on a budget, without sacrificing on-road characteristics since the vehicle will be driven daily. We opted for an Old Man Emu setup with 2860 rear springs (medium rate) to allow for a "stiffer" ride but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable. Plus, we plan to do a trailer build as part of our family overlander package and the medium rate springs will accommodate this.
After the suspension install, we opted for the new BFG KO2 tires (275/70/18) as they're new to market and we not only believe they have a lot of potential but also wanted to provide a long-term evaluation as to how they compare to the original KO, particularly since our last vehicle was outfitted with the KO. So, a long-term review specifically on the tires will be featured in early 2016.
As it is right now, our truck has begun its transformation and we not only plan to feature it in the next few issues of OutdoorX4 Magazine but wanted to start the official build thread here on Mud. Let the build begin!
