The project list for my 06 LC

[dogdaysindurham]

Oh for gun mounts if you need a ready holster and concealed: http://www.gumcreekcustoms.com/cart.html
But if you need secured storage you might have to loose of the 3rd row seats and put in a rear cargo draw system that you can lock. I don't have first hand experience with this set up but looking for the same when going to and from the range: http://www.shotlock.com/

 

[dogdaysindurham]

Oh lastly, you might want to talk with Josh at AJIK Overland Exchange about the Modified Blue Fan Clutch mod. The folks over in the 80s forum seem to like it a lot for lowering engine temps by improving heat exchange. I think a guy over at expedition portal is using one for his 100 series that is a chase truck for the Baja races (another sweet build). http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...d-2000-UZJ100-Land-Cruiser?highlight=landtank
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series...dy-build-thread-2000-uzj100-land-cruiser.html
(Cruiseroutfit)

http://ajikoverlandexchange.com/products-page/landtank/100-series-modified-toyota-blue-fan-clutch/

 

[jrcnring]

So cool and subscribed. Does your LC have the OEM auxiliary fuel tank? ........ Sad that you need to worry about this kind of stuff.

That is a good option to add later... I do need to figure out if it will fit under the truck and how well protected it could be where it would be installed.
Down in the Capital city, its not that bad, just like any other mayor city. On the northern states the drug cartel wars are still a big issue.

Do you have the factory nav? .......success with.

My LC is Mexican Spec so it came with the basic in dash 6 CD casset radio. So I'm lucky to have the climate controls separate of the stereo control unit.

Oh for gun mounts if you need a ready holster and concealed: http://www.gu......

I'm going to check dose out. Although I think I might not carry my SS P226, I'm looking at getting something smaller for concealed use here State side like a Welther PPS to easily conceal and store in center console.

Oh lastly, you might want to talk with Josh at AJIK Overland Exchange about the Modified Blue Fan Clutch mod. .........
(Cruiseroutfit)

http://ajikoverlandexchange.com/products-page/landtank/100-series-modified-toyota-blue-fan-clutch/

That is a really good recommendation, considering this area is very hot in summer months and with the added weight the engine might get hotter on dose months.

 

[jrcnring]

Some new updates on minor stuff done to my Hundy


Took a photo of the tear gas tank.

Reused adhesive sticky pads from my previous truck and used them to line the center console to eliminate rattle noise

An a photo of the least logical feature of my LC in regards to the armor. Since the Mexican spec model came standard with sunroof the armoring company had two choices.... weld a steel plate or install armored glass. They went with the last one to avoid having to do body work. The glass as seen in the photo is de-laminated which is the armors worst flaw. Although it does not affect the capacity of the glass to stop bullets if yo get this in the windshield it gets very tricky to drive as you get sort of double vision.

 

[jrcnring]

My center console stuff.

Kuda leather multipurpose mount. I attached a cellphone holder.
This mount has great quality and works very good wit the center console.

 

[lugueto]

Funny to see other armored trucks in Ih8mud.

In venezuela theyre pretty common as the security issues are the same or worse as Mexico's. We've had two armored land cruisers (80 series & 90 series prado) and a 4runner. We've since sold those and moved away from armored cars. It's impressive how added weight (although its not nearly as much as people think) wreaks havoc on the vehicle. Quite frankly, I've found that the added trouble and hassle that the armor brings outweighs the benefits. But that is my personal opinion.

Do you by any chance plan on using this vehicle for ANY type of off road driving?? Cause we used ours for light off roading between camping or fishing trips and trips to various ranches and even then they didn't take it too well..

Cheers,

Luis.

 

[jrcnring]

Hi Luis, thanks for your post.
This is going to be mainly a highway cruiser...
It might see the ocational gravel road or dirt road, but mainly highway use.
It's my work horse.... I do have to visit a couple of ranches that we own but we fixed the roads years ago so the worst it could see is a flooded road.

I agree with you it is not the easiest accessory a car can have to live with, but it just gives us that extra peace of mind knowing we have a slighter better chance of escaping trouble.

One good thing is the 100 is a tank on its own. In my case the armor has not really been a big decrement to the vehicles performance compared to other armored cars I have had.

Funny to see other armored trucks in Ih8mud.

In venezuela theyre pretty common as the security issues are the same or worse as Mexico's. We've had two armored land cruisers (80 series & 90 series prado) and a 4runner. We've since sold those and moved away from armored cars. It's impressive how added weight (although its not nearly as much as people think) wreaks havoc on the vehicle. Quite frankly, I've found that the added trouble and hassle that the armor brings outweighs the benefits. But that is my personal opinion.

Do you by any chance plan on using this vehicle for ANY type of off road driving?? Cause we used ours for light off roading between camping or fishing trips and trips to various ranches and even then they didn't take it too well..

Cheers,

Luis.

 

[lugueto]

Performance is never an issue, we never noticed the extra weight of the vehicle except when performing maintenance. Plus you have a V8, right? you can haul it no problem Do you work in Mexico?? Near the border??

We basically had the same use for it but our roads and highways are very deteriorated and that plus the added weight basically destroyed the cars.

Hope you enjoy it!! It is indeed a tank! If the chances of running into trouble are serious (no joke) add a bull bar. This I can say from experience. I was close to being kidnapped once and when they blocked the road I rammed them. Didnt have a bullbar, still made it through. Im guessing risk damage wouldve been minimal and chances of damage to the radiator or other vital parts wouldve been drastically decreased, which is very important when trying to escape.

I would also consider a couple of modifications the the transmission. Add an extra oil cooler and, if you really want it to last, get a heavy duty transmission similar to those offered by Wholesale Auto Transmissions in Australia, I think West Coast Cruisers are US dealers and importers. That would be (and was) a primary concern for me with armored cars. The only car we didnt worry about was the 80 as it was a manual.

Cheers,

Luis.

 

[SWUtah]

Oh for gun mounts if you need a ready holster and concealed: http://www.gumcreekcustoms.com/cart.html
But if you need secured storage you might have to loose of the 3rd row seats and put in a rear cargo draw system that you can lock. I don't have first hand experience with this set up but looking for the same when going to and from the range: http://www.shotlock.com/

Thanks for the link that is great!

 

[SWUtah]

Hello to all. (updated)
I think I did not introduced my self in my last post, so here is a quick intro.

I'm in El Paso Texas, and I just acquired my first LC 100. I'm no stranger to the Toyota brand, I had a 2006 4runner Sport edition, and it was probably one of the best cars I have ever owned.

As I posted in my post last week I just purchased a 2006 Mexican Spec Armored Toyota Land Cruiser.
My LC has about 60,000 Km which is roughly under 38,000 miles which makes it a great find due to the extremely low mileage. Adding to that positive fact the car was bought brand new by one of my business partners in Mexico City and he kept the LC in tip top condition. So I'm now the second owner.

This was sort of a crazy bet for me as I have never driven a 100 Series LC and when my friend offered to sell me his I had no time to fly out to Mexico city to test drive it but I think I will not regret it. I was considering buying my wife a Lexus LX 570 a couple of months ago but my wife decided it was to big for her. So that is the closest I have come to drive a Land Cruiser.

As I mentioned on my earlier post my LC a part from the models sold in the US has no ride height control or navigation system.
Other than that I think the MEX LC is the same as the US model.

I have yet to inspect what small details need to be addressed on the car but have already started with my project list.
I intend to make it as versatile as possible but I need to concentrate in keeping it as comfortable as possible as I will mainly drive it on highway.

The only aftermaket upgrade I know the LC already has (apart of armor) is OME springs and nitrocharger shocks.

At this time, this is what is being done to it in Mexico city
- Full interior detail. Carpet steam cleaning and leather conditioning. DONE
- Front window motors are being serviced as they need this every once in a while due to the heavy weight of the armored glass. DONE
- 3m light tint film. DONE
- Full service on defense system (Tear Gas, etc.) DONE
- Installation of Inmarsat Tracking and comm systems. DONE
- Installation of PA and intercom system. DONE
- Installation of an OEM Toyota tow hitch.
- Emergency light installation. DONE

Project list of stuff I want to do to it once it gets to Texas.

- Interior: I don't like the wood trim that came standard on the LC. Any suggestions on how to remove this? I was thinking about a quick solution... cover everything with 3m di-noc
Steering is also leather and wood, I also think a aftermaket leather wheel cover will do well.

- Skid plate upgrades. Roads in Mexico are some times very poorly maintained and skid plates prove to be very effective in protecting vital parts of vehicle.

- Anti sway bars, for better stability on highway, can any one advise where to source good ones for the LC? Has any one usde the TJM equiped sway bars?

- Brake upgrade. On highway conditions brakes on an armored car tend to fade faster, has any one used Stop-tech calipers and disks? If I cant find good aftermarket brake kit upgrade, I will just upgrade rotors with powerslots and stoptech brake pads.

- Stereo head unit upgrade, Mex spec LC did not have bluetooth phone capabilities. Looking to upgrade with double din Alpine touch screen head unit with integrated bluetooth and Ipod connectivity.

- Weather tech digital fit floor liners. My LC has third row seats, can any one advise if it's worth it ordering the Weather Tech cargo liner? Are there any other good options. I usually load just luggage and my tool box when traveling. DONE

- I was wondering if there is any option for a security cargo cover?
Although my LC is armored the glass is not like in the movies that everything bounces off, real armored glass is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of a gun shot. If a potential crook wants to smash a window he wont be able to get inside but he will leave me needing to replace a side window worth 700 to 1000 bucks in a good day. Any ideas? A simple solution I'm thinking of is a black cloth the size of the cargo area and secure it with Velcro maybe.

- Concealed gun mount, I have seen some ideas on another thread, I need to figure out if it will not take to much center console space.

- Lexus LX 470 rear spoiler. I know this is not a very popular option but I happen to like it. Where can I source one? I have seen some aftermarket ones on eBay and online, has any one used any of this options or is there a part number to order a OEM one?

- Cold air intake kit. I see that K&N makes one, has any one used it?

- Borla Exhaust.... depending on how I feel the power once I drive the LC more.

- I love the idea of installing a ARB bullbar with a winch, but not sure if this is going to attract to much unwanted attention while traveling in northern Mexico.

Some more other stuff will come to mind once I get the tuck here.
But I would really appreciate all of the feedback.

Regards
JR

Nice 100. Just wondering why all the armor and defensive additions are needed? Where do you go in Mexico that it is that dangerous? Forget the exhaust mod. Your 100 series has a top of the line stainless steel exhaust system that will last the life of the vehicle. I look forward to following your changes. Also how much more does your armored LC weigh then the standard LC? Please keep us in the loop, very very cool vehicle!!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...That is a really good recommendation, considering this area is very hot in summer months and with the added weight the engine might get hotter on dose months.

I'll second the recommendation, Josh @ Ajik is great to work with too!

 

[jrcnring]

Definitely the weight is not a big issue for the V8. It pulls very smoothly.
We do live very close to Mexico. I literally can see Cd Juarez Mexico from my living room.
It is just a 5 minute drive.
El Paso is separated from Juarez Mexico by the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo).
I do go down there every week at least once. And then south-er into Chihuahua about twice every other moth.
I have been seriously considering adding the ARB bumper but I fear it will make the Cruiser stand out more. I Mexico there where very limited number of 100 sold. When they started selling them their price tags where very close to $90K so it made them a not to common car, having said that, there are not that many of them rolling in Mexico.
It has been quite hard not to get the bull bar, the 100 just looks outstanding with it.

The oil cooler definitely might be an option, I just need to drive the Cruiser a bit more to figure out how necessary is this upgrade.

Performance is never an issue, we never noticed the extra weight of the vehicle except when performing maintenance. Plus you have a V8, right? you can haul
.............................d be (and was) a primary concern for me with armored cars. The only car we didn't worry about was the 80 as it was a manual.

Cheers,

Luis.

 

[jrcnring]

Thanks for the info on the exhaust, good to know.

As for the safety, yes the area where I need to go was some how a war zone, in which the Mexican government has an active fight against drug cartels. Cross fire is your worst enemy, then kidnappings that less powerful cartel's are resorting to for funds.
Between 2008 and 2012 there has been just in the area 10,000 official casualties, people say the number is much more than that but the Mexican government keeps it low in order to avoid panic.

For the last three months we feel that violence has been diminishing but I decided not to lower my guard.

Exact total extra weight, I'm not sure but if you put it in context it feels like if you had full load of adults plus luggage. About 1200 pounds.

Nice 100. Just wondering why all the armor and defensive additions are needed? Where do you go in Mexico that it is that dangerous? Forget the exhaust mod. Your 100 series has a top of the line stainless steel exhaust system that will last the life of the vehicle. I look forward to following your changes. Also how much more does your armored LC weigh then the standard LC? Please keep us in the loop, very very cool vehicle!!

I'll do a search on that in the forum.

I'll second the recommendation, Josh @ Ajik is great to work with too!

 

[jrcnring]

Brakes done and first road trip into the belly of the beast.

I finally had my brakes done last week.
The old calipers where toast, My mechanic had to rebuild the calipers as all the seals where long gone.
I decided to rebuld them as I need to do more research into the stoptech big break upgrade kit.
Most importantly I need to make sure they fit my stock wheels.

I had really good results in my previous armored cars using powerslot rotors with stop tech brake pads.
So far looks like they have done the trick.


My first drive of the Hundy for a work trip south of the border went excellent with nothing to report other than the hundy is an awesome vehicle. I cannot be happier with my decision to aquire this truck.

The only thing I did notice is that she is more thirsty on the gas.
Usually on a 120 mile drive I used to spend about less than 3/4 of my gas tank, with the Hundy I went well into half a tank.
Mind you I have a heavy foot and was averaging 86mph on a heavy 100.
So I guess normal Land cruisers should have better fuel mileage.

I'm considering adding a drop in filter or even a full K&N intake kit. The oil part of the filter does not make me very happy. I wish I had a dry option like AFE.

Apart from the fuel consumption the LC perfomed excellent.
Attached to this post are two photos of the brake job.
Powerslot rotors
Stoptech brake pads
Stainles steel brake lines
ATe super blue racing brake fluid.
Rebuilt calipers (gave free reing to my mechanic on painting the calipers and he ended up painting them yellow, not very happy about it but he is my friend and he did not charged me anything for that). So no complains there.

 

[SWUtah]

What's your MPG?

 

[TeCKis300]

Any thoughts of maybe installing shorter gears?

Trucks that tow often install a shorter diff ratio to get more torque multiplication advantage. This helps to ease load on the drivetrain as well as to improve acceleration off the line and around town. I'd assume it would have the same for a heavily laden armored vehicle .

 

[jrcnring]

What's your MPG?

Sorry for the late reply, I need to keep better track of the Mpg, plus I have a veavy foot so it might not reflect real mpg.

 

[jrcnring]

Any thoughts of maybe installing shorter gears?

Trucks that tow often install a shorter diff ratio to get more torque multiplication advantage. This helps to ease load on the drivetrain as well as to improve acceleration off the line and around town. I'd assume it would have the same for a heavily laden armored vehicle .

That had not crossed my mind, how ever I think the response off the line is not really that bad. Once you get off the line the truck feels very composed and gains speed very consistently.

I like the idea of the instant response of the TRD supercharger, but looking at some on ebay looks like a difficult project specially to sort all the parts needed.

 

[kevin2i]

Nice -- and No Navigation!

Interesting vehicle - and one amazing feature you have is no navigation.

Lots of interest:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series...-nav-double-din-climate-knobs-conversion.html

RobRed at CruiserOps has given up the wiring harness and retrofitting of non-navigation controls - curious if you could post a picture. This vehicle could be the holy grail to those of us seeking a path to a navigation-free late model 100.

Also, when you pull the stereo, could we get pictures of the connectors and wiring harness? Thanks!

 

[jrcnring]

Interesting vehicle - and one amazing feature you have is no navigation.

Lots of interest:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/459310-pre-03-factory-nav-double-din-climate-knobs-conversion.html

RobRed at CruiserOps has given up the wiring harness and retrofitting of non-navigation controls - curious if you could post a picture. This vehicle could be the holy grail to those of us seeking a path to a navigation-free late model 100.

Also, when you pull the stereo, could we get pictures of the connectors and wiring harness? Thanks!

Hi Kevin,
I think several other guys in the forum have researched on this, and part of the big difference between non nav cruisers is that you have separate climate controls.
That's the other big piece of the puzzle.
I had my stereo out for almost 3 months and looked at the harnesses back there. The harness is basically is a simple harness connecting the stereo with the factory amp steering controls and the power from the car.
I think the trick lies as I said on the wiring of the climate controls. I could only imagine there is also a control unit for that.