My 04' Tundra Mistress - Keep my LX or Build the Tundy
- Thread starter rickashay
- Start date
Lecoq
Explorer
I think you should get a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons. Preferably with a friend that isn't biased. Also keep in mind that it could be hard to get money out Tom Cruiser if you decided on selling, although I'm sure you would take a bunch of parts out and reuse them on the Tundra build.
Either way, I want to go wheeling with you in Crowsnest before the year is over. Missed out on 2 trip this summer already.
Either way, I want to go wheeling with you in Crowsnest before the year is over. Missed out on 2 trip this summer already.
haddix
Adventurer
Easy decision IMO keep the LX and sale the tundra. The tundra is a very nice platform but I'm a huge fan of any landcruiser. Plus with all the work you have done on the lx it would be hard to get rid of. I still kick myself for selling a couple of my older built toyotas(4runner specifically)
If you sale the tundra and then decide you think you would rather build up a tundra use the $ from selling the tundra/lx and get a Dcab tundra to build.
.02
If you sale the tundra and then decide you think you would rather build up a tundra use the $ from selling the tundra/lx and get a Dcab tundra to build.
.02
rickashay
Explorer
I think this is simply quote worthy due to the 100% truth behind it. Damn vehicles....
Your probably right. However I'm on the quest for the vehicle that suits my needs the best, trying to elliminate all nostalgia, emotion, and rarity from the equation.
Well the LX is by no means unreliable, but it feels substantially older than my Tundra and definitely has more bugs to work out. Thanks for the compliments on the LX though!
I've actually looked into it. And Slee does a turn key 2UZ swap for the 80 series Cruiser. However I have heard it comes with a $20-$25K price tag. Not to mention, with me being in Canada any major alteration done to my vehicle outside of the country can enable them to not let me drive it back into Canada. That being said I've done some research on my own for the 2UZ 80-Series swap and I think it's doable I just dont know if its worth the hassle for the power/torque gains. The 2UZ is awesome but anyone who has driven a 100 series would tell you that it's not overly powerful. It does way better in the lighter Tundra Access Cab. An LSx would be the motor of choice for an 80 series petrol swap IMO. But again, that leads me down a very very expensive pathway. I could build the Tundra for less than the cost of the motor swap (not including vehicle cost).
Well don't read into it too far. I like difficult and technical trails for the mental challange behind them, but I would not say I will beat the **** out of either of them ever. Even the Rubicon can be done without bruises if approached the right way. You wont see either of these rigs in Johstone Valley or anything much gnarlier than the Rubi. I like shiny trucks!
Glad the Tundra owners are coming out. I'll be searching for some photos of your rig after I send this reply. From your sig. it looks very nice. I have a Borla cat-back exhaust en route for the Tundra and would probably do Doug Thorley headers as I have seen dyno charts proving 25ish whp on the 2UZ. Other than that it would remain stock and well maintained.
lol is all I can say there.
For long range trips I think the tundra is your bet really the only other option is motor swap in the lx... I am rather biased to the tundras tho...just to get ur wheels turning...
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Tundra looks great!
I think you should get a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons. Preferably with a friend that isn't biased. Also keep in mind that it could be hard to get money out Tom Cruiser if you decided on selling, although I'm sure you would take a bunch of parts out and reuse them on the Tundra build.
Either way, I want to go wheeling with you in Crowsnest before the year is over. Missed out on 2 trip this summer already.
I agree, maybe I'll drag Vicchi out this week and talk to him about it. He's always good for Toyota advice. I would take a loss on Tom Cruiser if I sold it, however I would not be scared to list it quite high as like I said I literally believe its the nicest or one of the nicest 80 series in Canada. There is not a spec of rust anywhere on it (undercarriage included) and it is accident free. I already have had a couple PM's asking if I wanted to sell it.
Yah, you gotta come to Crowsnest! It's awesome...we'll get you down here soon enough!
I have always followed your builds and they are always very nice (especially your 3rd Gen!). You seem to bounce around vehicles quite often also and I assume it comes down to the above quoted statement to some degree "building is more fun than having". I probably would kick myself if I sold the 80, no denying it. However I want the best platform for my needs keeping a budget in mind. I could build the 80 into anything really but it's not going to be cheap.
I like the D-Cab Tundras but they are too long for any sort of semi-technical wheeling IMO. If I'm in the 1st gen Tundra, it will be an AC.
Thanks for all the discussion. Keep in coming!
bkg
Explorer
just to fuel the fire a bit...
in your first post: "I will be running the Rubicon in the next two years. " < not with the Tundra, you won't.
If the LX is pulling during braking, you have some tuning to do on the suspension. Does it have a caster correction kit?
Also, throw 5.29's at the LX and you'll be much happier with the engine - well, except for mileage.
Also, once you're done building the Tundra, you may not find it quite as nice a long-distance ride. It will likely still be nicer than the LX, but it won't be as nice as it is now.
To me, all of the "issues" with the LX are correctable...
in your first post: "I will be running the Rubicon in the next two years. " < not with the Tundra, you won't.
If the LX is pulling during braking, you have some tuning to do on the suspension. Does it have a caster correction kit?
Also, throw 5.29's at the LX and you'll be much happier with the engine - well, except for mileage.
Also, once you're done building the Tundra, you may not find it quite as nice a long-distance ride. It will likely still be nicer than the LX, but it won't be as nice as it is now.
To me, all of the "issues" with the LX are correctable...
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da10A
Adventurer
Yep, what he said.... Everytime I considered a vehicle finished, I would find myself looking for another one within a year, if not just a few months. Did that with all my jeeps wranglers, Land rover D2 and Volvo XC90. Now am driving a Rubicon 10A and am going real slow with the mods cause I plan on keeping it a long time... Right😋
ExploreNorthernBC
Observer
It sounds like you want a vehicle with more power and better comfort. You either need to do an engine swap in the LX, build the Tundra or sell both and seek out a new one. I suspect that you'll be happiest if you go out and find a rust free landcruiser (100 series perhaps) and start from scratch. Neither of your current vehicles will do what you want without major alterations.
Dutchman82
Dutchman82
I am in the same boat, I have two 80's and have lots of little issues. The lack of power, bad gas mileage, the seats in my 1993 80 series (my offroad trip vehicle) leave something left to be desired, I am 6'5'' so I get it. They are, however, super tough and able to take some serious abuse, and I love having such overbuilt rigs. I have had the plan to sell at one point or another but I can't bring myself to do it. Both have seen Moab, just got back from the Rubicon in my 1993 80 series, and although I like to complain about the power and the seat, I know that as soon as I toss it in 4 low and engage the lockers it will eat any terrain I throw at it. I have looked at many different power mods/upgrades, and the price tag is a tough pill to swallow. If I ever dedicate a rig to purely overland and nothing more than mild trails I would buy a Tundra or a 100 series in a second. I like over landing to difficult semi-rock crawl destination, or at least have the capability. So I am keeping them both. A 100 series or tundra would be the best of both worlds with a solid front axle swap, until I hit the lottery I am just going to keep working on my 80 series and enjoy it's reliability and capability.
Attachments
01tundra
Explorer
just to fuel the fire a bit...
in your first post: "I will be running the Rubicon in the next two years. " < not with the Tundra, you won't.
If he builds it like he is planning to I think he could run the Rubicon OK. But it will take some good driving skill and body armor to make it through it in one piece. This is based on having a rear locker, heavy duty front axles, bobbed bed, and other major mods as described.
character zero
dangerfoot
Man, that is a tough call. I've seen your Tundra over at TS so I'm familiar with it. I might have gotten an LX if it weren't for wanting dirty storage that is separate from the cab...my Tundra is a work in progress too.
Keep us posted!
Keep us posted!
MojaveMadMan
Observer
I vote Tundra!!!
I will follow that up with I have not owned a Tundra or LC so I don't have real experience with either. That said I have been in this world for a long time, and a lot of experience with what works and what doesn't (don't let the post count fool you).
Here is my 2 cents on each rig:
- LC - This is a rich mans trail toy. Like you have experienced these are older rigs and require in my opinion a full re-build in order to be considered truely reliable for long overland trips. The engines need significant attention or replacement to avoid the head gasket problems and most of the parts are 15+ years old and time does take a big toll on plastic and rubber parts. I have been through both your 4runner and LC builds and I know you like a high level of attention to detail, and I can see where you are strugguling to want to fork out money to make the rig completely up to your standard. For many people, it would be a little overkill, but it seems your standard is higher and if you can't reach it, well you can't reach it... As others have said they are about as capable as a 4 door rig can get. I think if you are trying to take the family on lots of local trail runs through moderate terrain, then that is the rig for you. If you are starting to focus on the real overland type stuff where you are logging a lot of miles/km's than it does leave a few things to be desired. For trail rigs the creature comforts are optional, but for long trips a nice interior that works as advertised and is comfortable is very important. I can see how a LC is a dream rig, I have gone down that rabit hole a few times and wanted one but research constantly shows me that I just don't have the budget to do one at this time...
- Tundra - This is truelly an ideal rig in my opinion for what you want to do. I really wanted to do an overland Tundra and plan on doing one in the future. They are the perfect combination of stock features like the V8, higher payload, larger size for family and level of comfort mixed with a platform that can be transformed into an overland and moderate trail runner. First thing is the engine/trans/transfercase are all ready to go stock and will not require any upgrades at all. Just do the normal maintenance and you are always ready to go. Plus this package has been used a lot by Toyota so you will never have a hard time finding parts from any of the parts stores if you have an issue while on a trip. If you do decide to do an upgrade, it will be something that is more fun, not an engine swap because you are lacking anything. The two drivetrain issues that you have already mentioned, lockers and axles are both things that can be addressed very easily. Yes doing ARB's and gears in the front/rear diff will be expensive up front, but after that you will have some seriously solid diffs that will not leave you ever wanting more. The front axles, carrying spares is very easy and relatively cheap if you want to go that route. Getting a factory set from the junk yard and re-building them is not too expensive and will ensure you will not be stranded on the trail. Or there are some good options out there for aftermarket parts that can fill that hole. One company a lot of people miss is Solo Motorosports. They do a lot of baja type stuff with axles, but there is no reason they can't make a factory length set with upgraded 930 cv's or u-joints that fits a stock width truck. If you want to do a great mid travel system that is straight up overkill they make great UCA's and fully fabricated 4x4 spindles that have uniball replacements for the upper AND lower ball joint as well, talk about a front suspension that could handle just about anything!!! The rear suspension is a no brainer with many great leaf options and Icon/Fox/King all make great shocks that offer on the spot adjustability so you could really dial in your suspension and have a truelly adjustable rig that can be adjusted on the fly once you get off the road and hit the trail. Bobbing the bed is a cool route, still gives you a lot of space for gear and a RTT on a bed cage is the icing on the cake. Honestly for an overland rig I don't see a much better way to go than a Tundra. You don't really see them out there built like this and I don't know why? Once you put 35's and armor on it you have a completed rig that will leave most people very jelly, even some of the LC guys, haha.
I will follow that up with I have not owned a Tundra or LC so I don't have real experience with either. That said I have been in this world for a long time, and a lot of experience with what works and what doesn't (don't let the post count fool you).
Here is my 2 cents on each rig:
- LC - This is a rich mans trail toy. Like you have experienced these are older rigs and require in my opinion a full re-build in order to be considered truely reliable for long overland trips. The engines need significant attention or replacement to avoid the head gasket problems and most of the parts are 15+ years old and time does take a big toll on plastic and rubber parts. I have been through both your 4runner and LC builds and I know you like a high level of attention to detail, and I can see where you are strugguling to want to fork out money to make the rig completely up to your standard. For many people, it would be a little overkill, but it seems your standard is higher and if you can't reach it, well you can't reach it... As others have said they are about as capable as a 4 door rig can get. I think if you are trying to take the family on lots of local trail runs through moderate terrain, then that is the rig for you. If you are starting to focus on the real overland type stuff where you are logging a lot of miles/km's than it does leave a few things to be desired. For trail rigs the creature comforts are optional, but for long trips a nice interior that works as advertised and is comfortable is very important. I can see how a LC is a dream rig, I have gone down that rabit hole a few times and wanted one but research constantly shows me that I just don't have the budget to do one at this time...
- Tundra - This is truelly an ideal rig in my opinion for what you want to do. I really wanted to do an overland Tundra and plan on doing one in the future. They are the perfect combination of stock features like the V8, higher payload, larger size for family and level of comfort mixed with a platform that can be transformed into an overland and moderate trail runner. First thing is the engine/trans/transfercase are all ready to go stock and will not require any upgrades at all. Just do the normal maintenance and you are always ready to go. Plus this package has been used a lot by Toyota so you will never have a hard time finding parts from any of the parts stores if you have an issue while on a trip. If you do decide to do an upgrade, it will be something that is more fun, not an engine swap because you are lacking anything. The two drivetrain issues that you have already mentioned, lockers and axles are both things that can be addressed very easily. Yes doing ARB's and gears in the front/rear diff will be expensive up front, but after that you will have some seriously solid diffs that will not leave you ever wanting more. The front axles, carrying spares is very easy and relatively cheap if you want to go that route. Getting a factory set from the junk yard and re-building them is not too expensive and will ensure you will not be stranded on the trail. Or there are some good options out there for aftermarket parts that can fill that hole. One company a lot of people miss is Solo Motorosports. They do a lot of baja type stuff with axles, but there is no reason they can't make a factory length set with upgraded 930 cv's or u-joints that fits a stock width truck. If you want to do a great mid travel system that is straight up overkill they make great UCA's and fully fabricated 4x4 spindles that have uniball replacements for the upper AND lower ball joint as well, talk about a front suspension that could handle just about anything!!! The rear suspension is a no brainer with many great leaf options and Icon/Fox/King all make great shocks that offer on the spot adjustability so you could really dial in your suspension and have a truelly adjustable rig that can be adjusted on the fly once you get off the road and hit the trail. Bobbing the bed is a cool route, still gives you a lot of space for gear and a RTT on a bed cage is the icing on the cake. Honestly for an overland rig I don't see a much better way to go than a Tundra. You don't really see them out there built like this and I don't know why? Once you put 35's and armor on it you have a completed rig that will leave most people very jelly, even some of the LC guys, haha.