Shotts' 1997 Lexus "Rock Crawler" buildup:

[LexusAllTerrain]

Congratulations on working all the bugs???:clapsmile

My nightmare will begin soon, since I am planning a 2.5" OME lift after the summer months:exclaim:
Oh! and remember I am used to the stock suspension minus the all terrain tires.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

UPDATE: YOU MIGHT NOT RECOGNIZE ME ON THE TRAIL NEXT TIME YOU SEE ME!

For some, that's a GOOD thing!

After numerous rock vs wheel flair contacts AND this recent body damage from a HUGE rock, I've decided to make some added changes that should better my "Rock Crawl Buildup".

The rock and the obstacle that bit me on the Sutherland Trail:

I had my guy try to fix the damaged area. It still looked so bad....that scraped trim was aweful! So, it was time to make a change.

We ripped all the Lexus trim off (except for the rear hatch). Then. he fixed my bad dents from the huge rock.

Next, we used some spray-on lining to cover the old trim area along with partial hood coverage. Here's some sneak peeks:

Lastly we'll take that same 3/8" steel and side protect the rear quarters. When we're done I'll post up some pics.

I will say I have always liked the 80-series without the trim. It narrows the body, the tires stick out some and no more rock or tire catching on the flairs. This should be a good end result.

 

[adventureduo]

Looks good man.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Now put some decent size tires on that thing with rims with 1" less backspacing. Then you won't hit the body on the rocks so much.

 

[goodtimes]

Ya' know John, I have always found it pretty simple to avoid body damage on those 2.5 rated trails by simply driving AROUND the rocks...if there isn't enough room to drive around, then drive OVER them. Simple really.....


:shakin:

Are you sure about that 3/8" plate?!?! That is some heavy stuff! You are going to need permits to get that thing across state borders pretty soon! :cow:


When do we get to see it? And more importantly, when do we get to see it get dirty?

 

[MaddBaggins]

Copy-cat!!

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. :sport_box

 

[ShottsCruisers]

SOCAL: Thanks!

SLEE: It won't fit in the garage with 37's or I'd have them.

GOODTIMES: It was total driver error that I mangled the truck!

BAGGINS: Joe Chott was the first I seen without flairs. He doesn't have Rhino though. :wings:

 

[MaddBaggins]

BAGGINS: Joe Chott was the first I seen without flairs. He doesn't have Rhino though. :wings:

I mean the way you did the liner silly. It looks just like mine.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

I mean the way you did the liner silly. It looks just like mine.

I know!

I went up onto the hood because the truck came with missing paint from a rock deflector. I had to cover that!

 

[MaddBaggins]

I know!

I went up onto the hood because the truck came with missing paint from a rock deflector. I had to cover that!

Now, when are you gonna ditch that non-flexing 6" kit and get that thing working right? I've got my girl dialed in now, no more screwing around. She drives straight and true, castor is in spec, no vibes and flexes nicely.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Now, when are you gonna ditch that non-flexing 6" kit and get that thing working right? I've got my girl dialed in now, no more screwing around. She drives straight and true, castor is in spec, no vibes and flexes nicely.

I may not swap it out. Not sure. It's smooth and dialed in too. I do like the added breakover and ground clearance that ~7" up gives. It flexes much better since I lowered those rear top shock mounts. Running Sutherland first it was tippy and lifting wheels. Since the mount change I didn't lift a wheel on the same trail. I'll wheel the winter season then decide. Next might be lining the rest of the truck in bright RED. Seriously!