ScottyS
SILVER Star
Hi all, I've been a lurker for a bit, while deciding on the direction of my next family adventure rig project. I would like to thank all of the IH8MUD contributors and community that swayed me from doing a Tundra, F150, or other full-size platform...and into a 100-series LC instead.
Background: My last (and still operational) project was a 1st-Gen Xterra that has served this role for 8+ years and 50k miles. Kids are getting larger, as are the cargo loads, and the X is just too small for 4 full-size people + gear. I do very functional builds that are not flashy, not very overlandy, but something in between hard-core offroad and overlanding. My skill set is similar: I've done a lot of fieldwork in desert/mountain environments with a variety of rigs, and know my way around the backcountry and solo 4x4 ops. I'm OK with wrenches, less of a fabricator, and have buddies who lean hard into fabbing and gizmos - so I've got support even though I don't have my own shop. Here is the family X saga: Xterra build thread elsewhere
The Genesis: I've been watching California CL ads and such for over a year to get a feel for the Tundra and 100-series markets for a while. I've almost bought into the 80-series LC's coming over from Japan now, but wanted the comfort of IFS and left-hand-drive for my wife and kids. Personally, I would prefer the 80-series RHD and diesel operation, but it's not just me that will use this rig for the next 10 years. Lots of prelimimary reading around this forum as well, to get a sense of what I may be in for.
The First Trip: I found a really nice 2-owner 2004 LX 470 back East with 90k miles and no rust (southern car), an awesome owner/driver/seller, and decided to make the family acquisition memorable since we are a bit of a "car family" that sticks by our rigs and really use them. So, all four of us flew back east, bought the truck, and drove it back to the west coast. We got to see a lot of new territory, friends, and family along the way, as well as getting familiar with the truck. Doing almost 4000 miles inside of two weeks is sort of a tell for fit, feel, function and comfort. No complaints were registered by the pax, even on a couple of 10+ hour driving days. I am good with the mechanics, power range, fuel economy, and other driving characteristics of the truck in stock form, and have a pretty good idea how the suspension and other mods will alter these things.
So, Operation LX is a go! We'll transform the vehicle over the next year to be ready for a decade of trans-continental road trips and off-road hunting/science/exploration adventures around the West. Barring major accidents, of course!
Here's some idea of how we roll (kids are getting bigger though, more racks/towing are in my future...):
Planned functional modifications: I'll gladly take specific input/suggestions on any of this, I will be using FAQ and major threads on this forum to help guide the decisions. Not all mods will be bolt-on, I'm open to fabbing where needed on the frame and such.
- suspension: I LOVED the AHC functionality on our highway trip home. Originally I figured I would delete it and go 2" OME/Slee. Now I'm not so sure.
- airbag load assist: I run airbags on our Xterra and Honda Pilot, it's the only way to keep leveling, handling, and protect the suspension during overloading conditions.
- load range E tires: I run high-ply tires with appropriate pressures for on and off road on the X, I've only flatted once (sidewall rip), and prefer to be able to traverse rocky/dirt/washboard roads at high speeds without rattling the truck to death. Wheel/tire size TBD, but I lean to tall sidewalls and narrower tires. Looking at 275/70/18's right now.
- onboard air system: to fill tires and airbags, onboard compressor from Viair and small tank will be added.
- roof rack: will be adding an aluminum cargo rack to the roof. Requirements include keeping sunroof area accessible as well as light/bar mounting for exterior illumination. I'm liking @prospeed's rack, looks like I joined too late for the GB, but I'll keep an eye for the next one.
- rear bumper/carrier: I held off on this for a long time with the Xterra, but it will come early for the LX. Requirements: real towing capability, high clearance. Lots of options, haven't seen one unit with all the features I prefer yet. 4x4Lab's is looking good, and they are right over the hill from me.
- rear air locker: given the weight of the LX, it won't be quite as nimble off road. I suspect I will need at least a rear air locker for insurance purposes in sticky situations. I will do this down the road if the ATRAC system does not perform as I'd like.
- front bumper/winch: looking at aluminum options here, and I prefer the high bars for deer protection. ARB is surprisingly in the lead here, in spite of steel construction. Will get a 12k winch and probably synthetic for this one.
- ham radios: she will get VHF/UHF/APRS + HF. Have not decided on the HF antenna yet.
- lighting: depends on racks/bumpers, but there will be some!
- aux fuel tank: the 24gal LongRange aux looks intriguing.
More as it happens, but wanted to start up the thread here at the beginning!
ETA posts for reference: AHC fluid change post
ETA stuff done so far:
- rearview mirror delete: I'm tall, and know how to drive with side mirrors
- delete side steps
- installed Grom Vline V2
- got Techstream connected and can see ECU values and AHC pressures
- Ironman front bumper (on sale!)
- WARN VR Evo 12s winch
- fog & driving bumper lights
- 4x4 Labs rear bumper and tire carrier
- Prospeed roof rack
- 42" top light bar
- dual battery setup with BlueSea combiner switch and ACR
- cheap 6-relay aux circuit box for lights, fans, and compressor relay
- OEM AC aux fan
- Viair 400C compressor (engine bay)
- 16" OEM wheels (nasty chrome)
- King 79 rear springs
- Sway Away front torsion bars
- Firestone air bags
- Dobinson rear drawers
- Domitec 50L fridge
- Kenwood D710G VHF/UHF ham radio
- super custom side ladders took all day to build
Current photo:
Background: My last (and still operational) project was a 1st-Gen Xterra that has served this role for 8+ years and 50k miles. Kids are getting larger, as are the cargo loads, and the X is just too small for 4 full-size people + gear. I do very functional builds that are not flashy, not very overlandy, but something in between hard-core offroad and overlanding. My skill set is similar: I've done a lot of fieldwork in desert/mountain environments with a variety of rigs, and know my way around the backcountry and solo 4x4 ops. I'm OK with wrenches, less of a fabricator, and have buddies who lean hard into fabbing and gizmos - so I've got support even though I don't have my own shop. Here is the family X saga: Xterra build thread elsewhere
The Genesis: I've been watching California CL ads and such for over a year to get a feel for the Tundra and 100-series markets for a while. I've almost bought into the 80-series LC's coming over from Japan now, but wanted the comfort of IFS and left-hand-drive for my wife and kids. Personally, I would prefer the 80-series RHD and diesel operation, but it's not just me that will use this rig for the next 10 years. Lots of prelimimary reading around this forum as well, to get a sense of what I may be in for.
The First Trip: I found a really nice 2-owner 2004 LX 470 back East with 90k miles and no rust (southern car), an awesome owner/driver/seller, and decided to make the family acquisition memorable since we are a bit of a "car family" that sticks by our rigs and really use them. So, all four of us flew back east, bought the truck, and drove it back to the west coast. We got to see a lot of new territory, friends, and family along the way, as well as getting familiar with the truck. Doing almost 4000 miles inside of two weeks is sort of a tell for fit, feel, function and comfort. No complaints were registered by the pax, even on a couple of 10+ hour driving days. I am good with the mechanics, power range, fuel economy, and other driving characteristics of the truck in stock form, and have a pretty good idea how the suspension and other mods will alter these things.
So, Operation LX is a go! We'll transform the vehicle over the next year to be ready for a decade of trans-continental road trips and off-road hunting/science/exploration adventures around the West. Barring major accidents, of course!
Here's some idea of how we roll (kids are getting bigger though, more racks/towing are in my future...):
Planned functional modifications: I'll gladly take specific input/suggestions on any of this, I will be using FAQ and major threads on this forum to help guide the decisions. Not all mods will be bolt-on, I'm open to fabbing where needed on the frame and such.
- suspension: I LOVED the AHC functionality on our highway trip home. Originally I figured I would delete it and go 2" OME/Slee. Now I'm not so sure.
- airbag load assist: I run airbags on our Xterra and Honda Pilot, it's the only way to keep leveling, handling, and protect the suspension during overloading conditions.
- load range E tires: I run high-ply tires with appropriate pressures for on and off road on the X, I've only flatted once (sidewall rip), and prefer to be able to traverse rocky/dirt/washboard roads at high speeds without rattling the truck to death. Wheel/tire size TBD, but I lean to tall sidewalls and narrower tires. Looking at 275/70/18's right now.
- onboard air system: to fill tires and airbags, onboard compressor from Viair and small tank will be added.
- roof rack: will be adding an aluminum cargo rack to the roof. Requirements include keeping sunroof area accessible as well as light/bar mounting for exterior illumination. I'm liking @prospeed's rack, looks like I joined too late for the GB, but I'll keep an eye for the next one.
- rear bumper/carrier: I held off on this for a long time with the Xterra, but it will come early for the LX. Requirements: real towing capability, high clearance. Lots of options, haven't seen one unit with all the features I prefer yet. 4x4Lab's is looking good, and they are right over the hill from me.
- rear air locker: given the weight of the LX, it won't be quite as nimble off road. I suspect I will need at least a rear air locker for insurance purposes in sticky situations. I will do this down the road if the ATRAC system does not perform as I'd like.
- front bumper/winch: looking at aluminum options here, and I prefer the high bars for deer protection. ARB is surprisingly in the lead here, in spite of steel construction. Will get a 12k winch and probably synthetic for this one.
- ham radios: she will get VHF/UHF/APRS + HF. Have not decided on the HF antenna yet.
- lighting: depends on racks/bumpers, but there will be some!
- aux fuel tank: the 24gal LongRange aux looks intriguing.
More as it happens, but wanted to start up the thread here at the beginning!
ETA posts for reference: AHC fluid change post
ETA stuff done so far:
- rearview mirror delete: I'm tall, and know how to drive with side mirrors
- delete side steps
- installed Grom Vline V2
- got Techstream connected and can see ECU values and AHC pressures
- Ironman front bumper (on sale!)
- WARN VR Evo 12s winch
- fog & driving bumper lights
- 4x4 Labs rear bumper and tire carrier
- Prospeed roof rack
- 42" top light bar
- dual battery setup with BlueSea combiner switch and ACR
- cheap 6-relay aux circuit box for lights, fans, and compressor relay
- OEM AC aux fan
- Viair 400C compressor (engine bay)
- 16" OEM wheels (nasty chrome)
- King 79 rear springs
- Sway Away front torsion bars
- Firestone air bags
- Dobinson rear drawers
- Domitec 50L fridge
- Kenwood D710G VHF/UHF ham radio
- super custom side ladders took all day to build
Current photo:
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