Verve Build Thread

[cainventure]

Hey everyone my name is Jace i'm from south Texas (Corpus Christi) me and my wife just relocated here about a year and half ago and were loving it. I've been an avid Toyota fan and have owned tacoma, 4runners, tundra, and yes even a corolla and a prius . My wife and I decided it was best to get a larger vehicle for me to use since my first gen tundra access cab was great (215k miles) but just small. I looked at the new Tacoma while they are great I just felt it was super small inside and didn't want to coin out for a Tundra and the price tag. I've been kinda watching overland videos and love the outdoors and it truly intrigued me and I got on the 100 kick. This thread will be dedicated to building that 100 and the adventures I see with it! It'd be great for advice as always my mechanic skills are novice but i'm willing to finally take ownership and develop as my own. So any advice or help on suggestions for anything i'd welcome it because i've noticed this is a great community of positive owners! Below is a picture of when i purchased it at 123,850 miles on it!

Specs all we need to know is it's a land cruiser lol it does have aha and the owner did change the timing belt water pump and actually did oil changes every 5k miles surprising. I've had a hard time searching for one and I probably paid a little higher but it's in good condition compared to the ones i've seen.

 

[cainventure]

also to note i made an instagram account it's @verveoverland if anyone wants to check it out i post what we are doing constantly on there! I'll also try to do some videos on youtube of just whatever! Main goal have fun, teach my son and future kids that outdoors is the way of life!

 

[El Cid]

To be honest, you're pretty much set. Good mileage, looks clean. Nearly impossible to screw up. With a young family and plenty of flat road, you'll get a lot of value. You really don''t need mechanic skills, just find a reputable shop. nothing is luxury car difficult. And yeah, look here first so that whomever you might have to pay doesn't go fishing on you. I've only had one nerve wracking issue, and that was entirely my fault.

I live in the DFW area, I took my LC at 135k and spent some money replacing things right out of the gate, but as everyone will tell you, it's all a matter of preference. My best/worst suggestion is to take a weekend and look at the photo thread and decide on a priority list of how you'll spend your money, so you don't end up short on something that's a need after you spent money on wants.

The very first thing I did was create a rough budget balanced between the two and i quickly spent 7k customizing. It has paid off in added functionality and fun.

Feel free to shoot me a pm, i'll share what I have..

Looks great!

 

[El Cid]

Oh, thought I'd add a few other things specific to owning an LC in Texas

1) Texas is a lot of flat land, not as much in the way of offroading. But I can't think of a more reliable choice for long trips. A Texas atlas to be stowed in the car isn't a bad investment. When it's sunny out, it''s easier to read than a device. There are a plenty of remote places to visit that are well worth the drive. To really enjoy Texas, you need to get out and see all of the small things away from the major cities.

2) Go to the Texas Hill Country. Katemcy Rocks, Highway 281, Enchanted Rock, just to name a few. Well worth it.

3) If you have the time, Big Bend.

4) Check out the extra fuel tank options or jerry cans. It's not terribly difficult in Texas to be far away from civilization and low on fuel. Even one as a safety measure.

5) Driving west of Texas is a bit of a hurdle. Driving from DFW to El Paso is half way to Los Angeles. Point being, if you want to see anything in the western US, consider shipping your LC and driving it back. Saves time and keeps you from making the long haul across west Texas. I've used Summit transport in Denver for this on two occasions and it's helped enormously.

 

[bucfl]

Looking back, I think one of the reasons I purchased the land cruiser was that I wanted to wrench on it. I also wanted something that stood for outdoor adventure.

I haven't bought a single mod for it yet after almost a year of ownership. All the attention has gone to maintenance. With that said, this vehicle is just like any other I terms of mechanics. Theres nothing about it that makes it anymore difficult to work on than any other.

Don't be afraid to wrench on it. I'm not super mechanically inclined either. Take your time to under its mechanics. Get yourself some 6ton jacks for safety.

 

[abuck99]

Take your time with adding mods, building step by step in order of necessity and budget. In stock form these trucks are very capable.

 

[cainventure]

To be honest, you're pretty much set. Good mileage, looks clean. Nearly impossible to screw up. With a young family and plenty of flat road, you'll get a lot of value. You really don''t need mechanic skills, just find a reputable shop. nothing is luxury car difficult. And yeah, look here first so that whomever you might have to pay doesn't go fishing on you. I've only had one nerve wracking issue, and that was entirely my fault.

I live in the DFW area, I took my LC at 135k and spent some money replacing things right out of the gate, but as everyone will tell you, it's all a matter of preference. My best/worst suggestion is to take a weekend and look at the photo thread and decide on a priority list of how you'll spend your money, so you don't end up short on something that's a need after you spent money on wants.

The very first thing I did was create a rough budget balanced between the two and i quickly spent 7k customizing. It has paid off in added functionality and fun.

Feel free to shoot me a pm, i'll share what I have..

Looks great!

Thanks El Cid for the kind words, Yeah that's what I love about these things is how customizable it is but still capable stock offload! I'd definitely love to hear about more places to go camp and check out from you i'm not a native Texas and moving here ya just don't know everywhere to go so it's definitely kinda sucks hahah but it keeps it fun too! So any advice or anything man i'm all ears!

Looking back, I think one of the reasons I purchased the land cruiser was that I wanted to wrench on it. I also wanted something that stood for outdoor adventure.

I haven't bought a single mod for it yet after almost a year of ownership. All the attention has gone to maintenance. With that said, this vehicle is just like any other I terms of mechanics. Theres nothing about it that makes it anymore difficult to work on than any other.

Don't be afraid to wrench on it. I'm not super mechanically inclined either. Take your time to under its mechanics. Get yourself some 6ton jacks for safety.

That's bucfl yeah i'm definitely getting some jacks! I've really looked through the ih8mud forum and it makes it so nice to do things to the car!

Take your time with adding mods, building step by step in order of necessity and budget. In stock form these trucks are very capable.

So true Follow along and give me your two cents i don't want to blow 10k out of the pocket because these things are so capable in stock form. Don't plan on any RUBICON trail anytime soon lol! I won't admit i'm an excellent go kart driver but a novice off roader

 

[cainventure]

Appreciate everyones true thoughts that the Land Cruiser is totally capable in stock form. That's always such a confidence to buy this vehicle. Anything you add to it just makes it cooler and more functional!

So getting the vehicle I had a couple priorities!
MAINTENANCE
CLEAN

I took it to the local toyota just to look it over and change some basic fluids such as front diff, center, rear diff, most everything else has been done. The previous owner did the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, idlers, serpentine belt, pulleys! So I was happy to save some money there! The only bad news is the mechanic said that the oil pan needs changed out because the where the oil plug goes someone over torqued it constantly and it's not staying! I was not jumping on this right away and will take my time and personally think about it and go get my next oil change at another toyota before investing in this! Other parts I replaced i used website tparts123.com and if anyone has checked them out they are super cheap but super slow. Where I live in Nebraska the Toyota was legit and cheap so I never did a ton of maintenance myself!

On cleaning don't know if anyone has looked at it but i used adamspolishes.com Now i'm not the guy that will sit there and polish there car or clean it every moment they just have some efficient process to clean cars and put on a sealant every 5k cars are supposed to be used but trying to keep the clear coat on it is just as important as changing oil. Just all part of the game.

I also looking through this site found PFRAN light kit and got it order and installed had a couple of problems with a couple bulbs but he was on it emailed back quick and got me some replacements and i'll tell ya the inside light is a big plus! We took it camping and my wife loved it! You can check that picture out @verveoverland on instagram

Another thing on instagram for a picture i did was take it to a place called Texas Excellence and I had it undercoated. I live in gulf coast and everything rusts. So all you worry about rusting cars well pretty much down here it's like "**** rust" literally my door handle on my house rust.... So i felt this was needed to protect it! I'm not 100% sold on there process they used a water based product versus and oil based. But they told me they had to since they perform the process from the dealers. But it looks sharp but it was sticky as heck for days! They did a good job at no over spray thankfully!

Next thanks to IH8MUD I changed out the evap cooler to have cabin air filters. I think having this just saves your evap cooler and everything! Plus try to keep the salt air and sand out! I won't lie getting that evap cover in and out was a complete pain the butt! Take out and replace they said! Yeah it doesn't just slide in and out lol! My patience went short and i told my wife to get it out and i came back and finished it lol

 

[Toyo72]

Thanks for the Adam's Polishes link. I've been using Griot's Garage products for years, and Adam's looks like a great alternative.

 

[cainventure]

Thanks for the Adam's Polishes link. I've been using Griot's Garage products for years, and Adam's looks like a great alternative.

Oh you have no idea! There's a video of a daily driver care and it's pretty similar to what I do. And actually check out there leather condition it has spf and it's super good!

 

[DirtDawg]

Adams and groits are my two top choices, better than Mcguires IMO. Great thread so far and good job baselining! Im currently in the same processes on my rig!

Also followed you on instagram, my username is connor618

 

[cainventure]

So here we go on the build plan and anyone chime in! So first is financial responsibility. This won't all occur at once so i'm going to lay it out there and hopefully prioritize it. Goal of the vehicle is for daily driver, expedition weekend status, plus 8 days ready, family ready, hopefully a shower. Now as it stands the vehicle is fully capable as it sits! Will this make it more capable? YES will it make it cooler? YES Most of all when it's done will it be safer for family and slightly more reliable on a remote place? YES

Needs and wants are difficult! They cross and mix and eventually they just blur so heres my thought list.

Expedition gear:
eezi awn tent
eezi awn awning
some sort of drawer system that doesn't cost 1/3 of the vehicle like i've seen!

Suspension:
the stage three kit from just differentials (any thoughts on this kick in)
Super Deluxe Suspension Package
I know i could go ome but lets face it icons better and i really am sold on the aluminum body shocks and rebuildable. I feel like suspension should not be cut short just to get a lift. But any thoughts on this kit if any one runs the UCA let me know!

Tires.
I have the stock 18s so thinking of running 275/70r18 i believe that's 33's and of course bf goodrich k02s

Protection:
arb front bumper old school style
arb rear bumper or slee rear bumper
some sliders slee or are
skid plates eventually I'm not going to kill any rocks in texas

Recovery:
winch still undecidable
maxxtrax (might get these sooner for beach)
arb air compressor (no clue which one to buy any advice)
rear arb air locker

Random:
extra fuel capacity
safari snorkel
kitchen gear
first aid kit
some sort of shower
conversion to a toyota diesel engine i believe hid fte (pending lottery winning)

 

[cainventure]

So after reviewing this me and my wife decided adventure first! So plan is in order of upgrades:

Expedition (minus drawers)
Suspension
tires
Recovery
Armor

of course this might change as it goes through our minds constantly!

First upgrade was the EEZI AWN k9 roof rack and of course my wife forced me to get one of the largest tents EEZI AWN offers so we went with the 1800 series 3 and this thing is HUGE!

 

[krice118]

I just came from Hawk Pride (Mountain) in Alabama, sliders and front skid plate will give you serious peace of mind.........I was not prepared. The OEM Skid took a lot of bashing and it is noticeable. I will be installing a front skid before my next outing

 

[cainventure]

I just came from Hawk Pride (Mountain) in Alabama, sliders and front skid plate will give you serious peace of mind.........I was not prepared. The OEM Skid took a lot of bashing and it is noticeable. I will be installing a front skid before my next outing

That's a goal of mine to but prioritized it lower due to Texas. If I was in Colorado or somewhere that list would change faster

 

[krice118]

@cainventure
I guess what I was getting at was I didnt really expect it to be as bad as it was and didnt like the sound of metal coming off of rocks. And it happens when you least expect it. The front of the 100 does not like to be clear of obstacles. This being said during 100sintheHills last year I only scraped in the front 2 times after 2 days of trails

But congrats on the RTT im debating on getting one in the next year.

 

[abuck99]

Now thats a Big List-


My 2cents- I like the Dissent bumper- its light and strong- very nice clean design- it doesnt look like a lump of 90* angles on the front of your truck. And you can fit a 12.5k winch in there-

Winches- lots of choices and price ranges. I went with a ComeUp Seal Gen2 12.5RS-waterproof, remote controlled, same weight and 5hp motor as the 9.5 just different gearing. Its not perfect ( I had to extend some wires) but its a lot of winch for the $. Alpha Expedition in Dallas has pretty fair pricing on these.

Suspension: I dont have any experience with Icon- I've read its a sweet kit, but dang its pricey and unless you are predominantly off roading in demanding terrain, probably overkill. I have been slowly installing the IronMan suspension kit step by step on mine and so far quite happy with the result. I started with replacing stock shocks with Ironman FoamCell Pros on stock TB's and stock rear springs. I just added the Ironman Torsion bars after adding a bumper & winch. I gotta say I was surprised. Ride is fantastic so far. I dont plan to add much more weight to the chassis or back end so I haven't installed the rear springs yet. They are still in the box, waiting for when I add sliders (metaltech). The Ironman Kit with FoamCell pros on 4 corners, TB's, TB reinforcing brackets, Rear Springs, is about $1300- and free shipping to boot-pretty good balance of value and performance IMO Landcruiser 100 Performance with FOAM CELL PRO shock suspension kit

Diesel conversions: Cool- I know a guy here in Atl thats been importing euro diesel motors for conversions. Spendy, but a cool mod.

So here we go on the build plan and anyone chime in! So first is financial responsibility. This won't all occur at once so i'm going to lay it out there and hopefully prioritize it. Goal of the vehicle is for daily driver, expedition weekend status, plus 8 days ready, family ready, hopefully a shower. Now as it stands the vehicle is fully capable as it sits! Will this make it more capable? YES will it make it cooler? YES Most of all when it's done will it be safer for family and slightly more reliable on a remote place? YES

Needs and wants are difficult! They cross and mix and eventually they just blur so heres my thought list.

Expedition gear:
eezi awn tent
eezi awn awning
some sort of drawer system that doesn't cost 1/3 of the vehicle like i've seen!

Suspension:
the stage three kit from just differentials (any thoughts on this kick in)
Super Deluxe Suspension Package
I know i could go ome but lets face it icons better and i really am sold on the aluminum body shocks and rebuildable. I feel like suspension should not be cut short just to get a lift. But any thoughts on this kit if any one runs the UCA let me know!

Tires.
I have the stock 18s so thinking of running 275/70r18 i believe that's 33's and of course bf goodrich k02s

Protection:
arb front bumper old school style
arb rear bumper or slee rear bumper
some sliders slee or are
skid plates eventually I'm not going to kill any rocks in texas

Recovery:
winch still undecidable
maxxtrax (might get these sooner for beach)
arb air compressor (no clue which one to buy any advice)
rear arb air locker

Random:
extra fuel capacity
safari snorkel
kitchen gear
first aid kit
some sort of shower
conversion to a toyota diesel engine i believe hid fte (pending lottery winning)

 

[cainventure]

@cainventure
I guess what I was getting at was I didnt really expect it to be as bad as it was and didnt like the sound of metal coming off of rocks. And it happens when you least expect it. The front of the 100 does not like to be clear of obstacles. This being said during 100sintheHills last year I only scraped in the front 2 times after 2 days of trails

But congrats on the RTT im debating on getting one in the next year.

Man i really want to hit up 100 in the hills i just know my rig needs under skids to do it. Like i said i'm a novice offload my plan is this summer of next summer for 100's in the hills. The roof top tent is awesome man just awesome i'll post a picture in a moment

Now thats a Big List-


My 2cents- I like the Dissent bumper- its light and strong- very nice clean design- it doesnt look like a lump of 90* angles on the front of your truck. And you can fit a 12.5k winch in there-

Winches- lots of choices and price ranges. I went with a ComeUp Seal Gen2 12.5RS-waterproof, remote controlled, same weight and 5hp motor as the 9.5 just different gearing. Its not perfect ( I had to extend some wires) but its a lot of winch for the $. Alpha Expedition in Dallas has pretty fair pricing on these.

Suspension: I dont have any experience with Icon- I've read its a sweet kit, but dang its pricey and unless you are predominantly off roading in demanding terrain, probably overkill. I have been slowly installing the IronMan suspension kit step by step on mine and so far quite happy with the result. I started with replacing stock shocks with Ironman FoamCell Pros on stock TB's and stock rear springs. I just added the Ironman Torsion bars after adding a bumper & winch. I gotta say I was surprised. Ride is fantastic so far. I dont plan to add much more weight to the chassis or back end so I haven't installed the rear springs yet. They are still in the box, waiting for when I add sliders (metaltech). The Ironman Kit with FoamCell pros on 4 corners, TB's, TB reinforcing brackets, Rear Springs, is about $1300- and free shipping to boot-pretty good balance of value and performance IMO Landcruiser 100 Performance with FOAM CELL PRO shock suspension kit

Diesel conversions: Cool- I know a guy here in Atl thats been importing euro diesel motors for conversions. Spendy, but a cool mod.

Hey we got to dream big right! I've always owned toyotas and thought about doing stuff to them like this but never committed i guess if i'm in i'm in! I really appreciate your input i'll definitely look into those winches. That's why i'm doing this thread to have respected and 100 owners that have been there give me there 2 cents all appreciated.

Now on the icon suspension they have three stages i'm looking at 2 or 3 but the third is just soon soon expensive and i'm not sure how much i'll like getting out to adjust. I'm semi ocd so i'd imaging i'd be adjusting a lot and annoying my wife or just get the stage two and just ride and then be ocd and think man i could of adjusted there! Maybe the adjusting is just another mod that doesn't need to be there. Shocks without remote reservoirs such as ome have performed just fine for years! You know or anyone know any experience with these?

Also diesel conversion is only pending a lottery winning! lol Out of curiosity how much is it by they way i've never truly looked into it?

 

[cainventure]

Couple picks of the wife testing out the EEZI-AWN k9 roof rack and the roof top tent in the drive way! Stay classy!

 

[krice118]

that thing is HUGE