1st mod - Bumper+winch or sliders?

[RL4x4]

Please excuse the newbie question, but I have spent the last twenty years focused on performance cars while mostly ignoring the off-road scene :oops:

I plan to do some off-road exploration/adventure type driving in AB and BC with my 80 Series Land Cruiser and I am wondering whether my first upgrade should be a front bumper + Warn winch combo or side sliders?

My inclination is to go with the winch package to save me if (when?) I get stuck in the mud but looking around it seems like most of the real off-road Land Cruisers ditch the running boards and go with sliders for real protection. Are western Canadian trails really rocky enough to warrant installing sliders?


Your advice please :confused:

[S/C '03 taco]

Well sliders will definately save your rocker panels when you slam into something on your side, but always start with bumper and winch as they are definately the most important armour to start with plus the front bumper gives you better recovery points..... But it is your rig and your choice ultimately.... But usually most people start with front bumper then sliders then rear bumper if you get right into the wheelin scene

[freeze]

Good questions Rob... It's one that everyone faces with a new Toyota that's going to see some trail time.

I would go for protection from the start. On your 80 series you have solid axles so you won't need a front skid plate as much as independent front suspended types.

If you have E-locker's, do go with an E-locker skid to protect your locker motor first.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/skidplates/sof1117_250.jpg
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_eguard.htm

Slider's are a great second addition as they protect your rocker's from getting damaged and potentially not being able to open your door.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/80_series_sliders/slider_test_6.jpg

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_sliders_main.htm


Also another important skid on the 80 series is the air conditioner dryer on the driver's side front wheel well near the front bumper and the transmission skid.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/skidplates/ac_skid_450.jpghttp://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/skid1.jpg
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/80_skidplates.htm

I believe Slee OffRoad is the place to go for most of your 80 series parts.

Bumpers front and rear would be a great next step. Now it depends on if you're doing solo exploration or with other people. We teach people to go with someone so you're not hooped alone, however, sometimes going over forestry roads/passes alone happens quite a bit. A winch at that point is really important if that's your intentions. If you're going with someone, a winch is further down the list as there are other items to get first that are more important.

Slee has a few variations on front bumpers. One is their own creation which has great approach angles and the other is from ARB. If it's ARB you like, ensure it's the one with the winch plate inside aka: the Deluxe!

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/front_bumper/sbb_6_450.jpg

The rear bumper may not be as necessary if you have a trailer hitch as you can use that for a recovery point. If you don't then a metal bumper with recovery points is highly recommended.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/bumper/bumper12.jpg

ARB does make a rear bumper for the 80, however, the departure angle is really not good at all.

Kaymar also has a rear bumper but again has a reduced departure angle, but is better than ARB's

http://www.kaymar.com.au/vehicles/toyota/toyota%20images/80%20series%201.gif

After all this weight.... you'll be looking into suspension :D

ooh and this is a great link for learning more about your 80
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm

[RL4x4]

Good questions Rob... It's one that everyone faces with a new Toyota that's going to see some trail time.

I would go for protection from the start. On your 80 series you have solid axles so you won't need a front skid plate as much as independent front suspended types.

If you have E-locker's, do go with an E-locker skid to protect your locker motor first.




Thank you for the informative post.

I will buy the Slee E Locker guard and likely a good transfer case skid plate too.

Re the front bumper/winch vs the sliders, I am definately leaning towards the sliders. My view is this - I don't plan to go mega mud bogging and if I do it will only be in the company of other 4x4s. For the most part my lifted LC with 33" tires and full locking diffs should be able to get out of trouble.....right :confused: Assuming YES, I should get the sliders to help protect the $body$ panels!


Feedback?

[Sprockett]

I think you should definitely get out on a run before making any plans. Your take on the kinds of trails you want to run and how you want to run them could effect your decision. I've seen where stock trucks can go and although heavy, your cruiser comes stock a heck of a lot better then most vehicles. I'd personally go with the smaller skids to protect to mechanicals as Nathan suggested then get out on the trails :cool:

BTW, Palmer's ls1 bimmer that you started is an animal.

[mookie]

... Are western Canadian trails really rocky enough to warrant installing sliders?...


I find in Ab,Bc, the sliders also protect you from the trees. You can pivot and or slide around trees if you ever find yourself side hilling and wedged. Good for long wheel based trucks.

[RL4x4]

I think you should definitely get out on a run before making any plans. Your take on the kinds of trails you want to run and how you want to run them could effect your decision. I've seen where stock trucks can go and although heavy, your cruiser comes stock a heck of a lot better then most vehicles. I'd personally go with the smaller skids to protect to mechanicals as Nathan suggested then get out on the trails :cool:

BTW, Palmer's ls1 bimmer that you started is an animal.


Thanks for the feedback. I understand your position that I need to get my feet wet (so to speak ;) ) before dumping tons of money on mods and I give this same advice to car guys before they do their first track day.

My concern is that I don't want to end up stranded 200kms from home or with $$$ body damage because I didn't have the right gear on my Land Cruiser!

Some under body armor and sliders will be a good place to start without dumping over $2500 for a good bumper and winch.


Rob

P.S. I still miss my old LS1-powered E36!

[Sprockett]

Some under body armor and sliders will be a good place to start without dumping over $2500 for a good bumper and winch.

This is true. We should definitely get you out soon, we've gone the past two weekends! I want to get out to waiparous at least one more time before Mar15th when the new winter only trails close.

As for getting out before spending money, well...I'm should not be one to speak...last week was the first time I had the taco out :oops:

[freeze]

Yeah there's nothing wrong with going all out off the bat, but you do learn quite a bit by doing little mods at a time. Slider's and some under armour are huge in money savings. Like Kevin (mookie) said.. sliders can help pivot around things that normally your body would have done.

You'll be plenty capable with the lockers and with armour. Especially if you're going with people, you won't need a winch right away.

[canadian bum]

In case you don't know about this site. http://www.ih8mud.com/
Careful its an addiction mmm... Land Cruisers. Haha I am having fun poking fun at my friends with 80 series cruisers calling them "Soccer Dad SUVs"

[freeze]

I am having fun poking fun at my friends with 80 series cruisers calling them "Soccer Dad SUVs"

Dad's that play soccer sure know how to use their Toyota's!

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/41309/2635302250034696539S600x600Q85.jpg

http://www.team-nick.com/03/images/29.jpg

http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/images/ARB_Bull_Bar_Bumper_for_80_89_Toyota_Landcruiser_6 0_Series.jpg

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/images/productimages/arb/80seriesBullBar.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3596237361_e15507e637_b.jpg

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/articles/buying-used/images/wallpapers/toyota-80-series-1024.jpg

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/shed/images/uploads/big/320_8895__DSC00280001.JPG


Kinda hard to poke fun at a Toyota that pretty much has the biggest and baddest hardware ever under a Toyota 4WD. Full floating F/R, F/R Locked, Centre Diff Lock, 9.5" ring gear F/R, coils F/R, strongest factory alloys, offset rear diff housing, mechanical lock up converter, serious aftermarket support and found around the world.

[Winch]

Full floating F/R, F/R Locked, Centre Diff Lock, 9.5" ring gear F/R, coils F/R, strongest factory alloys, offset rear diff housing, mechanical lock up converter, serious aftermarket support and found around the world.

Just a tiny correction. The 80 series have an 8" reverse cut front ring gear, not 9.5. :)

[freeze]

haha... how could I forget that!! I've got one in my 81...

Thanks Gary!

[canadian bum]

It's easy to poke fun at the soccer dad crowd sure they got some nice hardware but its too cushy 40 and 70 series are for me. I'm not a fan of the 60's they look like a station wagon but I guess they are okay haha.

Just ask Utopoo how much fun gets poked his way.

[RockDoc]

I'm not a fan of the 60's they look like a station wagon but I guess they are okay haha.

Have fun sleeping in the back of your 40 :p Too each their own. I think one of the reasons I love the 62s is that the general style and 4 square lights remind me of the station wagon my folks had from before I was born till after I moved away. That and the amount of crap I can haul with it.

As for what to get first, I crushed my rockers and ripped off my exhaust long before I ever needed the use of a winch. Nice to have if you are out in a small group though....

[canadian bum]

I'll be sleeping on the back of the 45 haha. You will have to see what I build when its done.