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I figure it's about time I write up a little intro...
I bought my Land Cruiser nearly two months ago. I wasn't originally planning on getting a 90 series. In fact, I was looking at 80 series models for quite some time. I wanted the front and rear lockers, and the solid axle.
But, after test driving a number of different candidates, I became a bit disappointed. Every one I looked at was visibly worn, and some were quite beat up. Interiors were generally not in good shape, and lockers were frequently broken. Moreover, the diesel engine with manual transmission seemed like a lot of work to drive. I had trouble seeing myself using it as a daily driver.
When I tried out the LC90, with the D-4D engine, I was pleasantly surprised. The vehicle was a bit more nimble, on the road, and the engine was much easier to work with. Moreover, a couple of the models I saw were in pretty good shape. Although I was originally going to get a manual transmission, I ended up getting automatic, as I found one in really good shape, at a good price. Engine and drivetrain have been well taken care of, according to the mechanic who serviced it. The only downside was some rust on the underside, especially in the back. And, the mileage was nearly 120,000. But, I figure this can go well past 200,000, if I take care of it.
I was concerned—and I'm still concerned—whether automatic was the right choice. So far, I've been happy with it. But, I haven't towed with it, nor taken it up mountain roads, nor even off road. I guess I'll find out, in due time. The 2nd gear start option, and reading about possible modifications involving a torque converter lock override switch, convinced me that the change might be worth a try.
I've been making modifications to the Land Cruiser, ever since. I added a lift, so that it would have better clearance and articulation off-road. I then added a winch, so that I could cope with more difficult situations, and not have to worry about getting stuck—not have to 'turn back,' when the going got tough. The differential drop was necessitated by the steep CV joint angles. And, the dual Optima batteries—well that's perhaps a bit of overkill. I probably only needed one deep-cycle battery, for the winch, and not necessarily the biggest one. But, I got two big ones, partly to add more weight to the front. If I add a decent battery management system, it will be a complete solution for all battery needs into the future.
I don't know how much more modifying I will do. It's almost ready for the trail. I still need to add decent tyres, which will probably be BFG AT KO, either 265/75R16 or 285/75R16. I don't really need mud tyres—I'm not a big fan of mud. If I have to get through some mud, then so be it. Otherwise, I avoid it. Moreover, most of the driving will be on highways and motorways. But, I do think I should add the rear diff breather extension, for those water crossings. I have all the parts. I just haven't drilled the hole yet to run the tube through.
Then, of course, there is the front locker. ARB seems to be the only choice. I've been holding off on doing this, as seems like a tricky operation. But, that's the reason I was looking at the 80 series, in the first place! So, I might do this, at some point. And, if I do that, I might as well install an air compressor capable enough to inflate tyres.
As I mentioned, I still haven't taken it off road. Well, I took it on a 'green lane,' but I don't think that counts. I'm hoping to make some trips, this summer. Also, I would be open to a group off-road trip, if there is something planned. At the very least, it would give me a chance to test the capabilities of the vehicle in a low-risk setting.
I don't want to turn my Land Cruiser into a trail monster. So far, all my modifications have been fairly conservative. And, they have had very little affect on appearance. In fact, I lucked out with J66P's winch mount, as I was originally planning on installing an Aussie-style bumper. With the more conservative appearance, I might keep the running boards intact (if I can).
Whew! I didn't mean to write that much. And, it's more about the vehicle then about me. I joined the forum mainly to get technical advice. I've off-roaded before, but that was a long time ago. I have an engineering background, so I'm quite comfortable with design issues. But, getting my hands all greasy and messing around with the grinder is bit foreign to me. Well, it's not so foreign anymore. I'm currently living in the UK, west of London, but I tend to get around.
Cheers,
BlueRock
p.s. Here's a pic, as of May 2011...
I bought my Land Cruiser nearly two months ago. I wasn't originally planning on getting a 90 series. In fact, I was looking at 80 series models for quite some time. I wanted the front and rear lockers, and the solid axle.
But, after test driving a number of different candidates, I became a bit disappointed. Every one I looked at was visibly worn, and some were quite beat up. Interiors were generally not in good shape, and lockers were frequently broken. Moreover, the diesel engine with manual transmission seemed like a lot of work to drive. I had trouble seeing myself using it as a daily driver.
When I tried out the LC90, with the D-4D engine, I was pleasantly surprised. The vehicle was a bit more nimble, on the road, and the engine was much easier to work with. Moreover, a couple of the models I saw were in pretty good shape. Although I was originally going to get a manual transmission, I ended up getting automatic, as I found one in really good shape, at a good price. Engine and drivetrain have been well taken care of, according to the mechanic who serviced it. The only downside was some rust on the underside, especially in the back. And, the mileage was nearly 120,000. But, I figure this can go well past 200,000, if I take care of it.
I was concerned—and I'm still concerned—whether automatic was the right choice. So far, I've been happy with it. But, I haven't towed with it, nor taken it up mountain roads, nor even off road. I guess I'll find out, in due time. The 2nd gear start option, and reading about possible modifications involving a torque converter lock override switch, convinced me that the change might be worth a try.
I've been making modifications to the Land Cruiser, ever since. I added a lift, so that it would have better clearance and articulation off-road. I then added a winch, so that I could cope with more difficult situations, and not have to worry about getting stuck—not have to 'turn back,' when the going got tough. The differential drop was necessitated by the steep CV joint angles. And, the dual Optima batteries—well that's perhaps a bit of overkill. I probably only needed one deep-cycle battery, for the winch, and not necessarily the biggest one. But, I got two big ones, partly to add more weight to the front. If I add a decent battery management system, it will be a complete solution for all battery needs into the future.
I don't know how much more modifying I will do. It's almost ready for the trail. I still need to add decent tyres, which will probably be BFG AT KO, either 265/75R16 or 285/75R16. I don't really need mud tyres—I'm not a big fan of mud. If I have to get through some mud, then so be it. Otherwise, I avoid it. Moreover, most of the driving will be on highways and motorways. But, I do think I should add the rear diff breather extension, for those water crossings. I have all the parts. I just haven't drilled the hole yet to run the tube through.
Then, of course, there is the front locker. ARB seems to be the only choice. I've been holding off on doing this, as seems like a tricky operation. But, that's the reason I was looking at the 80 series, in the first place! So, I might do this, at some point. And, if I do that, I might as well install an air compressor capable enough to inflate tyres.
As I mentioned, I still haven't taken it off road. Well, I took it on a 'green lane,' but I don't think that counts. I'm hoping to make some trips, this summer. Also, I would be open to a group off-road trip, if there is something planned. At the very least, it would give me a chance to test the capabilities of the vehicle in a low-risk setting.
I don't want to turn my Land Cruiser into a trail monster. So far, all my modifications have been fairly conservative. And, they have had very little affect on appearance. In fact, I lucked out with J66P's winch mount, as I was originally planning on installing an Aussie-style bumper. With the more conservative appearance, I might keep the running boards intact (if I can).
Whew! I didn't mean to write that much. And, it's more about the vehicle then about me. I joined the forum mainly to get technical advice. I've off-roaded before, but that was a long time ago. I have an engineering background, so I'm quite comfortable with design issues. But, getting my hands all greasy and messing around with the grinder is bit foreign to me. Well, it's not so foreign anymore. I'm currently living in the UK, west of London, but I tend to get around.
Cheers,
BlueRock
p.s. Here's a pic, as of May 2011...
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