Project Hundy Build Thread - 2000 UZJ100 Land Cruiser (Deathstar) (22 Viewers)

[mcgaskins]

As crazy as this sounds, the aux. fuel tank is proving to be one of my favorite mods thus far. Obviously it doesn't make driving X miles any cheaper, I mean one can argue they fill-up a little cheaper and less often, what it does do is save time and time does equal money. I ran down the the Swell a few weekends ago, filled up in Green River, ran home camping through the Swell and still had a full tank when I got to the bottom of Spanish Fork Canyon

Now, back to mods for the hundy. During our quick Swell trip, I pulled a total rookie move landed on a control arm. I was making a 3-pt turn and rolled a rear tire up on top of a rock, wasn't centered up on it perfectly and I slid down, landing on my control arm with a heavily laden 100. All 4 tires were firmly on the ground but it was just enough anchor to require a quick tug. Low and behold I bent the control arm so it was time for an upgrade. It just so happens Old Man Emu released control arms for the back of the 80/100 Series recently and I had a set sitting on the shelf

Swap was super easy, 4 bolts. It literally took more time to pull it in the shop than it did to swap them.

The 'incident':

View attachment 874525

The aftermath:

View attachment 874526

Stock on top, bent in the middle and the new HD model on the bottom. While the HD unit is actually a slightly smaller diameter, it's solid HD metal and uses poly bushings and a sleeve versus the stock rubber bonded style.

The finished product:

View attachment 874527

Curious why you didn't go with a high clearance model with a bend in it?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Curious why you didn't go with a high clearance model with a bend in it?

Good question, my answer is a couple reasons. This truck has been wheeled quite extensively in the past 18 months, literally 5k+ miles off-road throughout the Western US and MX. I felt this was a rather isolated incident and the HD option used will be that much better. I have other rigs for rocks. The other reason, I have these on the shelf and have been very happy with their performance/longevity on customer rigs using them.

 

[mcgaskins]

Good question, my answer is a couple reasons. This truck has been wheeled quite extensively in the past 18 months, literally 5k+ miles off-road throughout the Western US and MX. I felt this was a rather isolated incident and the HD option used will be that much better. I have other rigs for rocks. The other reason, I have these on the shelf and have been very happy with their performance/longevity on customer rigs using them.

You really get out there and use your rig (fully loaded as well), so I think your opinion is well founded. I am a fan of OME too and have thought about what I'll do if/when I bend one, so thanks for your input.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

It has been a bit since I've done much with the 100 beyond enjoy it. It was my go to daily driver until the Project LXXIV was in the picture. Since then my wife has somewhat absconded it for mountain bike transportation duty. I had some free time this afternoon to do some maintenance, I thought I was due for an oil change but I peaked at the maintenance log and low and behold I did it more recently than I had thought. But, I did find a Blue Sea USB outlet in the glove box. The outlet has been bouncing around the glove box since the initial build, it was one item that just didn't get finished. The plan was to mount it in the rear of the center console, allowing additional USB outlets for the front occupants and super convenient outlets for passengers in the rear. Far from a major project but it felt good to do something on the old steed

Marking the holes in the plastic panel found in the rear of the center console.

Dual USB and 12V outlets mounted in panel

Finished and ready to use

Oh, I did score a manual for the truck recently. My pal RyRy picked it up for me figuring I could use all the help I could find for the complicated systems of the 100 Series. I'm not sure where my weapons controls are just yet but I'm studying the manual diligently.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

It's getting to be new tire time and I'm torn on what to do. I'm hearing fantastic things about the new BFG AT KO2's however they won't be available until early November and it appears the size I'm running (295/75R16) isn't even scheduled yet. So who knows if they will ever produce it?

This truck heads south again next month for the Baja 1000. We (Canguro Racing) are going to make another attempt at the Baja 1000 and again the Death Star will serve as a chase rig for our team. These tires will likely be just fine it but that is a long trip on 25% tires imo. So, do I roll the dice and wait or just pony up for another set of standard AT's?

The next closest size is 305/70R16 and I think it would work just fine BUT it isn't available until March 2015 and considering I'm worried about these tires working for the next month... they surely are not going to have me feeling comfortable on off-road trips until March.

Should I be considering other tires? I've ran my fair share of tires and I really can't think of one that has been more consistent and performing than the BFG AT, perhaps that says it all and I should just grab another set and worry about the KO2's in another two years?

 

[thetoyotaman]

I love my Duratracs for mix of winter/offroad/daily driver, but I doubt they would be as cut resistant as the KO's. If you're looking for toughness, Toyo's are really good too. For your purposes I would probably go KO or Toyo and not worry about any more.

 

[G-Cat]

I made the switch from (4 sets) of BFG ATs to the Toyo AT IIs and have not regretted it.

My 100 is as far from a Baja 1000 chase truck as it can be, though.

 

[Bomar]

Toyo AT2 and don't look back...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Great suggestions guys, the Toyo 295 option didn't pop up in my search and I've had a handful of recommendations for that.



On another note, I've been super pleased with the ARB LED lights on the front of the 100, they put out some serious rays. So you won't be surprised to hear we really stepped up the game on our 200 Series Land Cruiser race car. Put on your glasses

I can't wait to flip the switch on a dark Mexico trail next month!

 

[Fitzgerald]

Good luck down in Baja man! Watched "Dust to Glory" already twice this month, itchin' to see the race in person.

Question on the lights, what would be the pro's / con's of the spot lights when compared to having some LED bars? Thanks.

 

[miahshodan]

I am very happy with my Dick Cepek Fun countries on my 80 series. In between a BFG mud and a BFH AT in terms of aggressiveness.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Good luck down in Baja man! Watched "Dust to Glory" already twice this month, itchin' to see the race in person.

Get down there, it is an absolute riot to watch. Better yet, volunteer to help pit/chase for a race team!

Question on the lights, what would be the pro's / con's of the spot lights when compared to having some LED bars? Thanks.

We have a mix, 6 spots and 2 floods. Similar approach as our older car and the lighting was great. This rig is faster and we don't want to be out driving our lights thus more deep options.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I am very happy with my Dick Cepek Fun countries on my 80 series. In between a BFG mud and a BFH AT in terms of aggressiveness.

Interesting, I hadn't even thought of the Dick Cepek. I'll peak at them.

 

[jgray]

Kurt - Is there a build thread or post with more info on the 200 series race rig? looks awesome!

 

[Mandito22]

▲ yes please , im about to pull the trigger on a '12

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Kurt - Is there a build thread or post with more info on the 200 series race rig? looks awesome!

▲ yes please , im about to pull the trigger on a '12

Nothing yet but I'll see about getting something going. We purchased the vehicle as-is from the previous owner/race team. While we have made a plethora of tweaks and changes the truck was already a solid performer having finished first in-class at the Baja 1000 last year. The chassis work was done by Geiser Brothers in California, some work was done by Lexus USA and TRDUSA along the way.

 

[mikeLTU]

I run the TOYOs ATIIs and love them. However, TOYO just made RTs.
http://toyotires.com/tire/pattern/open-country-rt-on-off-road-rugged-terrain-tires?cat=10
My brother just got them on his jeep and is very happy with them. Give them a look.

Give the RTs a shot and have a great Baja trip.

 

[Pork Soda]

RTs are only available in 17" and 18" sizes. But I'll give another Thumbs Up for the AT2s. I run the 295/75/16 also. I'm pretty sure i can get at least 60 k out of them. They've been great for me in a variety of terrain and the highway ride is great as well. However, I have no experience with the high speed off-road conditions that Kurt's talking about. The BFG's are proven to excel there.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

RTs are only available in 17" and 18" sizes. But I'll give another Thumbs Up for the AT2s. I run the 295/75/16 also. I'm pretty sure i can get at least 60 k out of them. They've been great for me in a variety of terrain and the highway ride is great as well. However, I have no experience with the high speed off-road conditions that Kurt's talking about. The BFG's are proven to excel there.

I appreciate the feed back on the AT2's. I am sticking with a 16" of some variety, I have a set of the 18's for this truck but I prefer the factory 16's.

 

[taccruiser97]

RTs are only available in 17" and 18" sizes. But I'll give another Thumbs Up for the AT2s. I run the 295/75/16 also. I'm pretty sure i can get at least 60 k out of them. They've been great for me in a variety of terrain and the highway ride is great as well. However, I have no experience with the high speed off-road conditions that Kurt's talking about. The BFG's are proven to excel there.

I wonder if Toyo will expand the sizing to include 16" sizes?