Hello all,
I'm not much of a forum poster, preferring to stick to reading and observing, however this particular 100 Series is proving to have had a modifying effect on my behaviors.
I previously owned a 2003 Gen 4 4Runner, but after owning it less than a year the "bulletproof" 2UZ-FE engine crapped the proverbial bed, developed a misfire on the ENTIRE passenger bank, and leapt headlong into the abyss. Sure, I cried a bit, but ultimately I sold the remains of that noble adventure rig to a local mechanic with more time (and know how) than me, and started hunting for my TRUE dream rig: a Land Cruiser. I was medically retiring from the US Army after nearly 14 years, so I had to put the new vehicle acquisition plans on hold as I relocated my family, started my new job, and inherited a whole new brand of honey-do list.
A few months later, thanks to a family friend who has worked in the auto industry for 25+ years, this 2004 LX470 dropped into my lap. Barely 200K miles, well maintained, well preserved, and rust free, it quickly found its way into my driveway. There are a few minor mechanical issues I'm working to address (torn CV boot, steering rack slop, etc), but I've enjoyed every step of the process.
To date, I've done the following:
E-Bay Snorkel - https://ebay.us/m/f0b7BM
1.5" Wheel Spacers - DCVAMOUS 4PC Black 5x150...
Fog Light Tint
Interior Light LED swap
"Instant Lift" running board removal.
Torsion Bar Level
AHC Sensor Lift.
Grill Chrome Delete (plastidip)
I've got many upgrades and modifications planned, but slow and steady is how I'm going to win this race. While I DO love car camping / Overlanding, this rig is being built as more of a war rig / family adventure rig, with interior comfort and general durability in mind. My kids are still small, and my wife ain't exactly the tallest glass of water you've ever seen, so massive lifts and huge mud tires aren't the move for us. I also don't care much for rock crawling, though I DO want this thing to be able to get out of dodge, jump a curb, push other cars out of the way, and / or pull a trailer across a couple states, so the form will have to follow the function.
As it sits, my intended mods are as follows:
GOBI Roof Rack
Hella or KC round light bar
Beefed up springs (I like the ACH and want to preserve it, but I need more strength)
Wheels and Tires, 33-35"
ARB front bumper
Rear bumper with spare and jerry can swing-out
On-board radio (I'm a licensed HAM - KJ7WUN, so I want to go the HAM route)
Aluminum skid plates.
Limb Risers
Home-built drawer system with sleeping-deck foldout.
Dual battery system
On-Board compressor
Diff, T-Case, and Trans breathers.
Roof mounted .50 cal. Maybe. Every man needs a technical.
Anyway, this is a long-winded way of introducing myself and Bruiser the Cruiser.
Hello everyone, I'm Tristan and I am addicted to my 100 Series.
I'm not much of a forum poster, preferring to stick to reading and observing, however this particular 100 Series is proving to have had a modifying effect on my behaviors.
I previously owned a 2003 Gen 4 4Runner, but after owning it less than a year the "bulletproof" 2UZ-FE engine crapped the proverbial bed, developed a misfire on the ENTIRE passenger bank, and leapt headlong into the abyss. Sure, I cried a bit, but ultimately I sold the remains of that noble adventure rig to a local mechanic with more time (and know how) than me, and started hunting for my TRUE dream rig: a Land Cruiser. I was medically retiring from the US Army after nearly 14 years, so I had to put the new vehicle acquisition plans on hold as I relocated my family, started my new job, and inherited a whole new brand of honey-do list.
A few months later, thanks to a family friend who has worked in the auto industry for 25+ years, this 2004 LX470 dropped into my lap. Barely 200K miles, well maintained, well preserved, and rust free, it quickly found its way into my driveway. There are a few minor mechanical issues I'm working to address (torn CV boot, steering rack slop, etc), but I've enjoyed every step of the process.
To date, I've done the following:
E-Bay Snorkel - https://ebay.us/m/f0b7BM
1.5" Wheel Spacers - DCVAMOUS 4PC Black 5x150...
Fog Light Tint
Interior Light LED swap
"Instant Lift" running board removal.
Torsion Bar Level
AHC Sensor Lift.
Grill Chrome Delete (plastidip)
I've got many upgrades and modifications planned, but slow and steady is how I'm going to win this race. While I DO love car camping / Overlanding, this rig is being built as more of a war rig / family adventure rig, with interior comfort and general durability in mind. My kids are still small, and my wife ain't exactly the tallest glass of water you've ever seen, so massive lifts and huge mud tires aren't the move for us. I also don't care much for rock crawling, though I DO want this thing to be able to get out of dodge, jump a curb, push other cars out of the way, and / or pull a trailer across a couple states, so the form will have to follow the function.
As it sits, my intended mods are as follows:
GOBI Roof Rack
Hella or KC round light bar
Beefed up springs (I like the ACH and want to preserve it, but I need more strength)
Wheels and Tires, 33-35"
ARB front bumper
Rear bumper with spare and jerry can swing-out
On-board radio (I'm a licensed HAM - KJ7WUN, so I want to go the HAM route)
Aluminum skid plates.
Limb Risers
Home-built drawer system with sleeping-deck foldout.
Dual battery system
On-Board compressor
Diff, T-Case, and Trans breathers.
Roof mounted .50 cal. Maybe. Every man needs a technical.
Anyway, this is a long-winded way of introducing myself and Bruiser the Cruiser.
Hello everyone, I'm Tristan and I am addicted to my 100 Series.
