The Bundu Gear Land Cruiser grows up!

[bunduguy]

We decided to show the changes to our Land Cruiser over the lat year.
We found a great condition 1998 100 Series Land Cruiser. It was a single owner, Phoenix owned vehicle with all dealer-serviced records and only 116k on the clock. We thought it would make a perfect platform on which to build our Bundu Gear Cruiser.

Our priorities were simple:
Daily Driver (though we do not have a commute!)
Family Friendly (wife, 2 yr old and a Golden Retriever)
Capable for off-road camping, but no serious wheeling.
Show/Display Vehicle for Bundu Gear, Howling Moon and Jurgens.

This is how she looked when we got her home from Phoenix:

More photo's and progress to come.

 

[bunduguy]

and so on...

First thing we wanted to do was get the color on her! That big plain white body was begging to grab some attention. This is how she came back.

and

Notice how the ride height was as stock as it comes, and we were looking for a little more clearance. After some advice from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters, we decided to go with an Old Man Emu Heavy Duty kit, which included rear 864 springs. What Kurt did not realize is that I was suffering from a delusional vision of how I saw the vehicle when it was finished!! I had ideas of long range fuel tanks, water tanks, and all sorts of other goodies. Problem is, I was contradicting the need to have this vehicle as a daily driver and family vehicle! But I wanted the heavy duties, and that is what I got.
What happened was a rather large lift and a very hard ride. Even after adding a roof rack, awning and a rooftop tent, this is what she looked like.

To level out the ride, we had to really crank the T-bars, which of course brings its own share of CV-axle issues etc.

 

[bunduguy]

...and on..

Of course, next thing we wanted to get rid of was the dorky bumpers and the running boards. But everything out there was really expensive, and the cost was hard to justify. We couldn't simply take the running boards off, since my height-challenged wife was already complaining about the height and getting the baby strapped in.

A wheeling trip in Uwharrie Forest in NC convinced my ripped bumpers and cracked mounts that I needed replacement steel bookends to my white Bundu-mobile.
So eventually we heard of Mike Smith at Bumpit Offroad http://www.bumpitoffroad.com/index.html . Bumpit Offroad makes great quality and super-tough equipment for Land Cruisers and 4-Runners and other vehicles. The work is super neat, the look is great and minor modifications are easily completed. After several calls and emails and an eventual chance visit to Mike's shop, I decided to take the plunge and get some front and rear protection and some sliders with enough of a step to keep SWAMBO happy!

So on the designated day, Mike and I did the install. First job is removing the stock bumper which leaves the frame exposed and ready to mount the replacement. 4 bolts on each frame rail and on she goes! I had asked Mike to change the standard design a little for me. I wanted just a single hoop, with no side light protection. I also wanted the center hoop a little lower. I also had Mike put in the recesses for 2 Rigid Dually Fog lights.
Before:

After:

The new bumper is super tough, really good looking, and besides vastly improved approach angles, really improves the lines of the car. It has a standard winch mount (which will soon be occupied), and recovery points. The powdercoating is also top notch and appears to be very durable.
More to follow...

 

[LJ_24]

Where did you get the bajarack? I looked on their site and could not find it

 

[Redline]

Nice :victory:

 

[bunduguy]

Where did you get the bajarack? I looked on their site and could not find it

Hi LJ,
So new it's not on their site yet, or ours! We're Baja Rack dealers, so we'd be happy to get one for you. Shoot me a PM and we'll give you the stats if you're interested!
Rou

 

[Ash]

Hi LJ,
So new it's not on their site yet, or ours! We're Baja Rack dealers, so we'd be happy to get one for you. Shoot me a PM and we'll give you the stats if you're interested!
Rou

The downwards wind deflector makes a lot more sense than the upwards one on my 80 series Maggiolina Bajarack. Nice to see they are still improving the design.

Ash

 

[bunduguy]

Hi Ash, What's also nice is that the guys will also listen to ideas. This rack suits my purposes since I have a jerry can holder on the back and probably will never need a basket style in the front. It gives a much lower profile, sleeker look to the vehicle.