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[WildSouth]

Welcome to my Land Cruiser 100 Series VX Limited build thread.

Recently I made the decision to sell my old faithful - my 1997 Toyota Surf KZN185. It was a truck that did pretty much everything I ever needed. It got me to most fishing and hunting spots, and was very reliable over the time I had it. However, after some recent trips with a few more people in the truck, I started to realise how small it really was. Also, when loaded up, it definitely felt like it was struggling. I needed more room, and more grunt.

So, I’ve bought a “Hundy”. Supposedly the best truck ever built. I picked it up a couple of days ago from Nelson, from an elderly couple who have had it from new. To give you an idea of the truck:

1998 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series VX Limited (HDJ100R)

• Gun metal grey
• 159,000kms since new
• 1HD-FTE engine
• New Zealand new (not imported)
• Limited model, so heated seats, leather interior, memory seats etc
• Fastidiously maintained with receipts throughout it’s life

The plan is similar to my last truck: to build it into a comfortable daily driver, but also a weekend adventure wagon. We do a lot of South Island road trips, so I was looking for a cushy, smooth open-road driver, which is exactly what the 100 Series is.

The planned mods list is as follows:

• 2" suspension lift
• Maxxis AT980 285/75r16
• 16" black steel rims 0 offset
• MCC Winch bar
• Snorkel
• Roof cage
• Light bar (42" flood beam)
• Spotties (LED, spot beam)
• GPS tracker
• Alarm/immobiliser
• Auberins EGT gauge
• RAM mount for iPad
• Fire extinguisher
• Drawer/storage system
• LED interior lights
• Straight piped exhaust

 

[tmarx]

Wow, that is indeed a clean slate !

 

[WildSouth]

Wow, that is indeed a clean slate !

Thanks mate! She's in great shape.

 

[WildSouth]

RIMS AND TIRES FITTED!

After driving the truck around for a few days to get a feel for it, I decided to start the modifications.

The first thing on my list was to get the new tires and rims put on. As is often the way, spare cash flow is a bit tight, so I am not lifting the truck right away. So, having ordered a set of 285/75r16's I shopped around for advice on the "best" offset to run. I decided to go with 0p.

A lot of my touring is done on gravel/shingle roads, hard rocky riverbeds and dirt - not so much mud (although I will encounter some!). With this in mind I decided I should go for an All Terrain, in order to keep the Cruiser nice to drive with decent road manners for everyday use. I settles on five new Maxxis AT980's and I love them so far!

After I fitted them I noticed a bit of rubbing and also noticed the 20 year old suspension has sagged a bit, causing the truck to sit pretty low. Hoping to wind up the factory torsion's a bit until I can lift her properly with new suspension.

Photos coming soon

 

[Sirlongrod]

 

[VidereStudios]

Can't wait to watch this build. My dream rig!

 

[WildSouth]

WINCH BAR ON, SNORKEL FITTED, FACTORY TORSIONS WOUND UP!

Some great progress recently! I have fitted my MCC front winch bar, along with a snorkel.

We have deep rivers here in New Zealand, and with very unpredictable weather they are prone to rising rapidly, so a snorkel was a must.

As mentioned in my previous update, the tires rubbed a wee bit on full lock, so I decided to wind up the torsion bars. Also, as it is currently sitting on factory suspension, it's now 20 years old and sagged a lot most likely - so I am considering lifting it sooner rather than later.

What are peoples opinions on the following suspension brands:

- Old Man Emu
- EFS
- Dobinson

So far I am really loving the Cruiser. Whilst it is more sluggish off the mark than my old KZN185 4Runner (1KZTE Intercooled), it's low-end power/torque is really there which I love, in addition to the following:

- Cruise control is amazing (how have I never had this before!)
- The roominess of the cabin (muuuuch better than my old truck)
- The great centre console storage
- The flip down tailgate
- Plus much more!






post image link

 

[WildSouth]

ROOF CAGE AND TIDYING TIME!

Today was a day to tidy a few things up: I cleaned and vacuumed fastidiously, and gave the outside a decent wash too. Then it was onto the next thing.

I found a second hand roof cage (full length) for relatively cheap, so I bit the bullet and bought it. Considering that I have a sunroof, I was initially wanting a 3/4 length cage, but with $500+ difference between new and used, this will do me in the meantime. It seems nice and sturdy and in decent condition, and it will be a great platform for mounting various things: awning, hi-lift jack, jerry cans perhaps, lightbar, etc etc.

Heading on a trip soon....so stay posted!

 

[cruiserpilot]

Hey, really nice rig. What kind of bracket is that for the ipad? Interesting.