• RME Gear & Apparel

Land Cruiser de-evolution

I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
New wheels! There wasn't a single thing wrong with my black wheels, other than I can't find a 5th matching one. But, Method has a closeout special going on that I couldn't pass up. :)

Before:


After: (but I hadn't put the center caps on the rear yet)


The black MB wheels (which will be for sale) are 18x9, +25 offset. The Methods are also 18x9, but +18 offset--so they'll poke out 7mm more, no big deal. That will probably be enough to eliminate the rubbing on the radius arms, but will also make the rubbing at the back of the fender liner a bit worse.
 
I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
Taking inspiration from Delta Vehicle Systems awesome panhard lift bracket for the 80 series, I made this:



I didn't go to the extra effort to make it bolt on, I just left a little extra material on the "tail" that I'll cut to fit and weld in place.

But, when I went to install it, I discovered the 100 uses smaller hardware than the 80. 14mm vs 16mm. Ooops.



A little redesign, make new parts, trim and weld:



Add paint:



Go get another new bolt, and done.



I'm excited to see if it makes any noticeable difference. The 80 guys rave about how it helps their handling, so we'll see. My short test-drive didn't feel any different, but I also didn't really have any complaints about how it drove before. There are a couple specific bumps on the highway that I'm thinking might feel different.
 
gorillaxj

gorillaxj

Always building hardly wheeling
Location
SLC
Awesome work as always. Love this setup, combines my favorite setups into one. Your work is incredible.

Ready to give the FZJ80 back ;)
 
I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
Gravy said:
Looks nice. I still might consider boxing the bracket.
I'm sure it's better than stock though.
Click to expand...

I thought of that after it was painted. :) But then I realized it's already mostly "boxed", via the tube spacer around the lower bolt being welded to both plates. So I'm not terribly concerned.
 
I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
I added a steering stabilizer...there are a couple specific bumps I hit regularly that shake the wheel a little bit. Kinda like the beginnings of a wobble, but it doesn't persist. Still, adding a shock to dampen the oscillations can't hurt. :)

I made a clamp-on bracket for the tie rod, and cannibalized an 80 series frame-side mount for the axle end...just cut it shorter and welded it on.





These fell off:



And this is what it looks like without them. I realize now, looking at the pic, that I forgot to remove the frame weight/dampener on the passenger side. I'll yank it off later, once I get going on the sliders.

 
I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
Finished the sliders up--made them a couple weeks ago, got them powdercoated, then finally installed today. I neglected to take any pics before install...but this is what they look like. 1.75" tube and 14ga steel with dimpled holes. I resisted the temptation to make them fancier with a kickout or something at the back, and just went with simple and easy.



Much lower profile than the running boards were, just a higher step for those who want a step. :)



They're just welded to the frame. It's always hard for me to get decent pictures under the rig, so you'll have to use your imagination. :D The frame plates wrap under the frame, with the exception of the rearmost one--since it's right over the lower control arm mount.

 
I Lean

I Lean

Mbryson's hairdresser
Vendor
Location
Utah
A couple weeks ago I took advantage of a local guy changing his mind about his rear bumper, and picked this one up: one of Dissent Offroad's new "no cut" rear bumpers. After getting it coated and hassling a little with the install, here we are! Still need to pick up some lug nuts for the spare. (3 are included, but will not fit my Method wheels) I also haven't taken the time to wire up the reverse lights, license plate light, or trailer plug.





It has a flip-up table on the back of the tire carrier, which I think will come in handy for camping.



I do have the second swing-out arm, but I'll leave it off until I come up with a design I like for a basket for a couple jerry cans. Normally I'd just do something pretty simple, but since this bumper has the aluminum tire carrier stuff and it's pretty fancy, I might try to match the styling a bit. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top