Figured I would start this to ask some more specific questions related to our build.
Drove home this 2015 two weeks ago. Originally the plan was to get a 100 series with 100k, but once we sat in this certified pre-owned one, we were sold.
The primary objective of this vehicle is to replace our 4x4 camper van that I had build out over the last 4 years. In those 4 years we have had the best time in the van, but with having a 1 year old and another on the way, we needed more comfort while driving. Going from the legendary 7.3 diesel to the Land Cruiser platform seemed like a natural progression.
Sold the van this week so now its time to get the cruiser some upgrades with the following in mind:
First up was wheels and tires, decided to keep it pretty standard and go with the rock warriors, which had 285/70/17 KO's on them from the seller. Also took off the running boards
Other immediate purchases that I have settled on
Once they are ready, will be getting a dissent roof rack and an aluminum front bumper. Possible skid plates and rear depending on where our budget shakes out.
So, all of this to ask what to do for suspension. At first I was settled on the heavy OME springs with the standard lift. But the Slee rep told me this would be terrible when not loaded, which I figured, but want a good ride when its loaded on the trail.
Then I started second guessing the standard OME all together. The price is definitely right, but would going that route be somewhat skimping on what could be considered the most important aspect of the build? Seems like the adjustability of the BP-51 could help tune the system to the immediate load. But you still have the heavy load springs on the rear.
Ofcourse it seems like Tough Dog could be an option as well, especially with their progressive (forget the word or description of them) springs. Not opposed to icon or king either.
Basically just any advice or anecdotal experiences on a pretty light overall build that will be loaded down on trails. Most build items will be aluminum for weight other than the sliders and possibly the skids. I'd say im 50/50 on a winch right now. Had one on the van and never used it, but sure was nice having the security of knowing it was there if needed.
Drove home this 2015 two weeks ago. Originally the plan was to get a 100 series with 100k, but once we sat in this certified pre-owned one, we were sold.
The primary objective of this vehicle is to replace our 4x4 camper van that I had build out over the last 4 years. In those 4 years we have had the best time in the van, but with having a 1 year old and another on the way, we needed more comfort while driving. Going from the legendary 7.3 diesel to the Land Cruiser platform seemed like a natural progression.
Sold the van this week so now its time to get the cruiser some upgrades with the following in mind:
- Will be driven around town daily to pickup daughter
- Most 4x4 travel is out in the desert with camping as the goal. Think Death Valley, Mojave Trail and Anza Borrego are our usual spots. Along with the Eastern Sierras. Also have a trip planned to do the White Rim Trail late May.
- Want to focus on protection of the family vehicle while also still providing a nice ride in all situations
- Long term is doing more of the "fins & things" level of trails
First up was wheels and tires, decided to keep it pretty standard and go with the rock warriors, which had 285/70/17 KO's on them from the seller. Also took off the running boards
Other immediate purchases that I have settled on
- ARB twin compressor and mount
- BudBuilt sliders
Once they are ready, will be getting a dissent roof rack and an aluminum front bumper. Possible skid plates and rear depending on where our budget shakes out.
So, all of this to ask what to do for suspension. At first I was settled on the heavy OME springs with the standard lift. But the Slee rep told me this would be terrible when not loaded, which I figured, but want a good ride when its loaded on the trail.
Then I started second guessing the standard OME all together. The price is definitely right, but would going that route be somewhat skimping on what could be considered the most important aspect of the build? Seems like the adjustability of the BP-51 could help tune the system to the immediate load. But you still have the heavy load springs on the rear.
Ofcourse it seems like Tough Dog could be an option as well, especially with their progressive (forget the word or description of them) springs. Not opposed to icon or king either.
Basically just any advice or anecdotal experiences on a pretty light overall build that will be loaded down on trails. Most build items will be aluminum for weight other than the sliders and possibly the skids. I'd say im 50/50 on a winch right now. Had one on the van and never used it, but sure was nice having the security of knowing it was there if needed.
