So it's finally time to start building my 2017 200 Series. I wanted to create a running thread to establish an initial gameplan, post pictures, and solicit constructive feedback.
Lets start with intent. The purpose of this build is to enable a slightly more capable and much better-looking Land Cruiser.
A little background on me, the primary user. I’ve owned a 99 Tacoma which I installed Total Chaos long travel front end. I had a shop remove the bed and installed a tube bedcage and triple bypass shocks. After I sold that, I went to a 2006 Tundra and then a 2016 Tacoma. In my opinion they really messed up the gearing on the Tacoma and I longed for another V8. That’s where Atlas comes in. I thoroughly enjoy backpacking and have all the nice gear for that, so this build will be less of an expedition build than most. My first trip in Atlas involved the wide-open Nevada desert, 4 guys and a 100 pound dog. What I found was that the rear suspension was especially soft for the additional gear weight. Additionally, the storage space was entirely inadequate. Going forward I knew that I had to upgrade the suspension and storage options if I wanted to make longer trips with 4+ people, gear and a dog.
Suspension:
ICON w/ CDCV (still debating on 600# or 700# springs)
SPC Racing UCAs (adjustable)
Armor: ARB Summit, Slee or TT Rear, Budbuilt Overland Protection, Slee Sliders
Tires: Nitto RG 285/75/17
Wheels: Rock Warriors powder coated satin black w/ BORA .75’’ Spacers
Recovery: WARN VR-12S w/ ARB recovery points
Storage: Gamivit Expo+++ Rack ran up
Lighting: Rigid 40’’ Midnight Spot, (aftermarket flood lights on the bumper?)
I had opted for Icon due to their availability, they are rebuildable, and you can adjust the ride height. I think the CDCV is a no brainer to fine tune adjustments. I’m still debating about what pound spring to go with. The ARB Summit retains the functionality of the headlight washers and I want the ability to still use the stuff I paid for.
The biggest point of internal debate for me has been the tire size. I firmly believe that 35’’ tires look like the right size of the vehicle but with the massive amount of massaging required to get those working with minimal rubbing is beyond me at this point. I then decided to opt for 305/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers which measure at 33.86 x 12.24. Seeing @dwai and the headaches there, I finally decided on 285/75/17 which measure 33.86 x 11.26. Keep in mind, I still plan on running .75’’ spacers and I still might have some issues with rubbing but the narrower tire should help. It’ll fill out the wheel well a little more and look better and I can always go with a larger tire later. I don’t believe I’ll need a KDSS reloc kit for this.
So we’ll see how this goes and I hope to post pics whenever I remember. Atlas will be going into the shop in the next couple weeks for suspension and the front bumper, maybe the rear bumper but I think there is a pretty long waitlist on what I want. Thanks for reading and for all the help from so many of you out there with my constant questions!
Union
Lets start with intent. The purpose of this build is to enable a slightly more capable and much better-looking Land Cruiser.
A little background on me, the primary user. I’ve owned a 99 Tacoma which I installed Total Chaos long travel front end. I had a shop remove the bed and installed a tube bedcage and triple bypass shocks. After I sold that, I went to a 2006 Tundra and then a 2016 Tacoma. In my opinion they really messed up the gearing on the Tacoma and I longed for another V8. That’s where Atlas comes in. I thoroughly enjoy backpacking and have all the nice gear for that, so this build will be less of an expedition build than most. My first trip in Atlas involved the wide-open Nevada desert, 4 guys and a 100 pound dog. What I found was that the rear suspension was especially soft for the additional gear weight. Additionally, the storage space was entirely inadequate. Going forward I knew that I had to upgrade the suspension and storage options if I wanted to make longer trips with 4+ people, gear and a dog.
Suspension:
ICON w/ CDCV (still debating on 600# or 700# springs)
SPC Racing UCAs (adjustable)
Armor: ARB Summit, Slee or TT Rear, Budbuilt Overland Protection, Slee Sliders
Tires: Nitto RG 285/75/17
Wheels: Rock Warriors powder coated satin black w/ BORA .75’’ Spacers
Recovery: WARN VR-12S w/ ARB recovery points
Storage: Gamivit Expo+++ Rack ran up
Lighting: Rigid 40’’ Midnight Spot, (aftermarket flood lights on the bumper?)
I had opted for Icon due to their availability, they are rebuildable, and you can adjust the ride height. I think the CDCV is a no brainer to fine tune adjustments. I’m still debating about what pound spring to go with. The ARB Summit retains the functionality of the headlight washers and I want the ability to still use the stuff I paid for.
The biggest point of internal debate for me has been the tire size. I firmly believe that 35’’ tires look like the right size of the vehicle but with the massive amount of massaging required to get those working with minimal rubbing is beyond me at this point. I then decided to opt for 305/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers which measure at 33.86 x 12.24. Seeing @dwai and the headaches there, I finally decided on 285/75/17 which measure 33.86 x 11.26. Keep in mind, I still plan on running .75’’ spacers and I still might have some issues with rubbing but the narrower tire should help. It’ll fill out the wheel well a little more and look better and I can always go with a larger tire later. I don’t believe I’ll need a KDSS reloc kit for this.
So we’ll see how this goes and I hope to post pics whenever I remember. Atlas will be going into the shop in the next couple weeks for suspension and the front bumper, maybe the rear bumper but I think there is a pretty long waitlist on what I want. Thanks for reading and for all the help from so many of you out there with my constant questions!
Union
