Easy Company's Prado 90 GXL

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I have been lurking around these forums for a while now, and done a few things to this vehicle... with many more major projects coming soon. So I guess it is a great time to start to document and share my experiences playing around with the rig. I am planning on building up this vehicle as a general tourer.

This vehicle was purchased second hand back in late October 2011. It had around 180,000km on the clock and was in great condition (a few scratches, but no major body damage.) It was completely stock, except for a 2" lift kit which the previous owner had installed.

Now, being the 19th July 2012, the vehicle has around 218,000km on the clock and is packed out with accessories both inside and out. It's like a never-ending list of things to purchase/change. Giant money pit... but a worthwhile money pit.

I am an apprentice, so my wage at the moment is not the greatest. So I am one for money-saving deals and DIY projects (well attempting them with great frustration at times.) Nearly all these modifications have been installed by me, unless it has something to do with the mechanics of the vehicle, then I have to consult my local mechanic (I don't have a mechanics mind, don't blame me, i'm just an apprentice electrician ) I have yet started working finding more 'horses' under the bonnet, but I do have a long range of plans (refer to future mods list.)

So far, the list of modifications carried out on the vehicle are as follows:
- 2" Lift Kit
- IPF 900XS
- Kumho Road Venture A/T
- IronOX Steel Roof Rack
- ICOM IC-400PRO (80 Channel)
- GME AE4703G 6.6dB Antenna
- Oricom UHF200 (40 Channel)
- Benelec 3.5dB Antenna
- Kenwood DDX4038 Headunit
- Fusion Sound System + Sub & Amp
- MCC 2.5m x 2.0m Awning
- Projecta Typhoon Compressor
- Rear Reversing Lights Bracket (Dual)
- Nite Stalker 166 (Rear Reversing Lights)
- MaxTrax MKII
- CarComm Galaxy S2 Cradle+Patch
- MobileOne 3G/CDMA Antenna
- Custom Rear Drawer
- Boss4 Recovery Points
- Various Recovery Gear
- Reversing Camera

Modifications currently on order/hold:
- ARB Coloured Deluxe Bar
- Tigerz11 12,000lb Dyneema Rope Winch (I currently have this item sitting on my bedroom floor, just waiting for the ARB Bar to arrive/be fitted so then they can finally be united)
- Century Battery (to accommodate for the winch)
- IPF 900XS Internal HID (35w 3400K)

Future Modifications (If I don't purchase a 120 Series before then)
- Dual Battery System
- Airaid Intake
- Unifilter Pod
- Lockers
- Rock Sliders (and hoping for custom brush bars if possible)
- New shoes (steel rims)
- LED Light Bar (for roof-rack)
- Rooftop Tent (thus meaning new roof rack, etc)

If people wish to find out how I did a specific thing or anything, I can elaborate on nearly everything listed above (Pictures are most probably available on that area, as nearly everything has been photographically documented to make it more visual and easier to understand (hopefully))

I wish I could have made it to this years 2012 PradoPoint GTG, but unfortunately I have not accumulated enough annual leave days from work to attend this event, so next year I hope to join in all the fun.

Thanks,
EasyCompany24

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Below are some images just showing things which have been installed on the vehicle. One of which is my homemade DIY Drawer.)



Awesome weekend spent in Robe, South Australia. It would be even better if accompanied by another 4WD. Anyone interested?



The work-light bracket was the first modification I put on the vehicle. Bought the bracket from a man from WA off eBay. I believe he makes them himself. Was quite pleased with how it turned out. Was a quick and simple installation; not so much running/terminating the lights mounted on them (fair enough it was the first time I have done something like this on a vehicle) ...but now, its piss easy



My homemade drawer. Was planning on finishing it within two weekends - but unfortunately this time grew longer thanks to constant cursing at tools and the wood. Ended up taking around a month, after purchasing so many new tools. Went with 50kg drawer runners as I wont be packing my draws full with heavy/bulky items. Its just for my recovery gear / spares. Unfortunately the floor in the back of the Prado 90 (well mine is) is uneven, so as I tightened the bolts into the floor, it pulled the box out of shape (but only slightly.) I tried putting packers underneath the drawer so it could sit flat. After about 10minutes trying to get the drawer sitting flat, I just gave up and left it how it is. Took too long trying to get the bolts through the bottom of the drawer and into the threaded holes on the Prado rear cargo floor.

Thanks,
EasyCompany24

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Onya Mate, looks the part. The 90's are a good beast and fairly trouble free. Make sure the timing belt has been changed (when you mention mechanic I presume it has been, due at 100thou each time) I like the ground clearance from standard on the 90 compared to the 120. Keep your eye on the radiator two with the klms starting to get up there now. These motors are good for 400tho plus if well serviced. Whack a locker in the rear and it will get you most places you need/want to go. Just be gentle with the front diff no free wheeling in the air and coming back down to earth and gripping while giving it the boot will see you replacing the front diff. Bit of a week spot but all vehicles come with them........Cheers Steve

[mkh Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mkh]

Very nice mate. Enjoy.

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Thanks Steve M and mkh.

Yeah, the timing belt has recently been changed. The next major service due is on the 4WD gear boxes. In regards to the radiator, you wouldn't happen to know what could go wrong with them? I've been meaning to empty out the radiator coolant overflow container as its a browny color liquid inside there, as opposed to the green liquid. Hopefully its a good sign, oh well. Cheers for the heads up

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Hmm.. I like the storage system! I've had several different ones, I keep changing them for different needs :S

[Torrie 72 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Torrie 72]

Good on ya mate. Keep up the good work.
The radiator sounds like it could do with a flush and the correct coolant will be red in colour. Make sure you get the right stuff.
Hope to see you on the tracks soon,
From a fellow apprentice sparky

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Thanks glen_ep I would've loved to have made a full drawer system for the back, sorta like yours; but I could only make one half so my dog could still come for a ride Either way, they're a beast of a thing to have in a 4WD.

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Cheers Torrie 72.

Whayy, we have three things in common. Prado 90/95; Radelaide and both Apprentice Sparkies. One for the team /high5. Sounds like I best flush out the container this weekend before it makes any real damage to the radiator. What coolant do you use? Just outta curiosity.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Mate Id do a complete flush of the cooling system by the sounds of it. It should not be brown. It should be either red/pink colour if they used genuine coolant or aftermarket is generally green (have seen a pale goldy colour before).(I only ever use genuine parts) Make sure the heater tap is on hot to allow a flush through. If you mix coolants they can gel which will result in a blocked radiator, Id probably use a flush through it first and give it a couple of flushes till it flushes out clear water before you spend your $$ on nice new coolant, make sure its clean first. With those klms Id probably also change all the hoses and keep the old ones as spares and I would only buy genuine coolant and hoses. You will see for your self the difference in thickness of a genuine hose to say a trident hose, big difference in thickness, yes toyota will be dearer but when you think about it the ones on there now have lasted 200k bet a trident hose wouldnt. As far as radiator goes they do crack with age (refering to tanks) as there only plastic and go brittle. Also they tanks seep from where they are clamped together to the core. For around $100 (well thats what I payed anyway) I pulled the radiator out and took it myself to get rodded and acid bathed, cleaned etc and they will also check the tanks, I would do this firstly because it sounds like the cooling system is dirty, 2 because of klms, and 3 summers coming so you dont want any issues. There a robust motor in my opinion but like anything if there not serviced they wont last. If your local mechanic hasnt noticed the coolant or said some thing to you about it then I would seriously be finding some one else. Even if you didnt have it to him for that particular reason any good mechanic would/should notice some thing like that and bring it to your attention. If you were closer to me I would have no hesitation in helping you do the job to save some $$, its not hard to do if you have a bit of an idea, maybe you can get a mate to help. I would also get your hands on a gregorys manual they are very handy to have. Pop up on ebay every now and then if you cant afford a new one............Im sure if I have lead you astray in my reply some one will let you know......Cheers steve

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

Cheers one again. I will be definitely looking at this problem tomorrow after work; hopefully I don't bust something... highly doubt it tho. Thanks for basically providing me an instructional procedure for this issue.

_____

Booked the vehicle in ARB on the 24th August to get the Colour Coded Deluxe Which Bar installed - Cant wait! Also bought the 55w 4300K HID Internal Ballast Kit for my IPF 900XS; wonder how these will perform. Now to play the waiting game.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Here you go http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Gregorys-...#ht_500wt_1361 Cheers Steve

[Playdoh96 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Playdoh96]

Nice looking rig ec24!! Should get in and sort that coolant out as soon as possible. I would only use genuine stuff as mention before, being a alloy motor if neglected for to long it will be eat the alloy from the inside out ( not a good look). Keep up the good work, next time you are off to robe let me know, love to get down there again!
See you round sometime Kris

[EasyCompany24 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EasyCompany24]

So I just dropped the vehicle off at ARB ready to get the ARB Deluxe Winch Bar installed (Colour coded to the wheel arches) ..cant wait to pick it up.

Since the last time I posted; there has been some extra stuff which have arrived in the mail.

- A 20" 4,800 Lumen LED Light Bar (Mounted on roof rack) and a Stebel Nautilus 139dB Horn (Yet to be installed.)

[ LED Light Bar Image Coming Soon ]



Should be able to mount the winch tomorrow; so its all fun and games

[MDST Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDST]

Good looking Prado you got there!!!

Let's see the new ARB bar!!

Cheers