🛠️ Member Build 2026 Cruiser Build

[aamays]

I’m back once again with more updates, nothing too crazy this time. I did finally finish up the diff breather kit. There are actually five breathers total, with two on the transfer case. I’ll do a full write-up on that in a separate thread (spoiler: it was a PITA).

Other than that, I got my ham radio and dash cam swapped over from the Power Wagon installed. Lastly, added the ObiSan 3D rear lighting setup

How do you like the rear lighting setup? Did you do both sides? Did you do the ones with the switch?

 

[jrmudder]

How do you like the rear lighting setup? Did you do both sides? Did you do the ones with the switch?

Love them. Yep both sides. Very bright. I did the switchless ones but was sent the switch ones. I just kept them.

 

[jrmudder]

Been a busy guy lately with a few more mods.

First up, I found a decent deal on a set of BBS wheels, so I made the switch. I also painted the wheel lettering bronze and added matching bronze center caps, which really tied everything together.

Next, I installed the HPS intake hose along with a K&N air filter. The turbo noises are noticeably louder now and sound fantastic.

Lastly, I added the Land Bully sunglasses holder. Simple mod, but absolutely worth it.

 

[jrmudder]

Lastly, I tackled the skid plates. I decided to go with the upgraded factory skid plate since they're fairly inexpensive and easy to replace if they get beat up on the trail.

For the rest of the protection, I went with an RCI aluminum fuel tank skid, along with their steel shock guards and lower link guards. It seemed like a good balance between protection, weight, and cost.

Edit- Forgot to say I also added the SLEE Heavy duty radiator crossmember reinforcement

I also added a set of side handles to the roof rack, which should make accessing gear on top a lot easier.

That pretty much wraps up the latest round of mods for now, anyway. We all know how that goes.

 

[DubDub]

I also painted the wheel lettering bronze

Curious how you tackled this? I was considering a chemical etch but am fairly certain there is a thin coating over the depressed lettering. I was going to try and darken them to a charcoal, but at the replacement cost of these wheels decided to just let it ride for now.

I also see that you have the same affinity as me for orange. I tried to coat my entire roof rack orange but my wife vetoed it. I still think it’d look rad

 

[aamays]

Been a busy guy lately with a few more mods.

First up, I found a decent deal on a set of BBS wheels, so I made the switch. I also painted the wheel lettering bronze and added matching bronze center caps, which really tied everything together.

Next, I installed the HPS intake hose along with a K&N air filter. The turbo noises are noticeably louder now and sound fantastic.

Lastly, I added the Land Bully sunglasses holder. Simple mod, but absolutely worth it.

Can you post a video of the intake? Looks like the black hose is on back order until August. Where did you buy it?

 

[aamays]

Lastly, I tackled the skid plates. I decided to go with the upgraded factory skid plate since they're fairly inexpensive and easy to replace if they get beat up on the trail.

For the rest of the protection, I went with an RCI aluminum fuel tank skid, along with their steel shock guards and lower link guards. It seemed like a good balance between protection, weight, and cost.

I also added a set of side handles to the roof rack, which should make accessing gear on top a lot easier.

That pretty much wraps up the latest round of mods for now, anyway. We all know how that goes.

Did you paint the Toyota logo on the skid?

 

[LCDakota]

Lastly, I tackled the skid plates. I decided to go with the upgraded factory skid plate since they're fairly inexpensive and easy to replace if they get beat up on the trail.

For the rest of the protection, I went with an RCI aluminum fuel tank skid, along with their steel shock guards and lower link guards. It seemed like a good balance between protection, weight, and cost.

I also added a set of side handles to the roof rack, which should make accessing gear on top a lot easier.

That pretty much wraps up the latest round of mods for now, anyway. We all know how that goes.

Rig looks great.

 

[jrmudder]

Curious how you tackled this? I was considering a chemical etch but am fairly certain there is a thin coating over the depressed lettering. I was going to try and darken them to a charcoal, but at the replacement cost of these wheels decided to just let it ride for now.

I also see that you have the same affinity as me for orange. I tried to coat my entire roof rack orange but my wife vetoed it. I still think it’d look rad

I used a bronze sharpie Paint pen then use qtips with finger nail polish remover to clean them up. Yea im trying to offset some coloring and I just love orange haha.

 

[DubDub]

I used a bronze sharpie Paint pen then use qtips with finger nail polish remover to clean them up. Yea im trying to offset some coloring and I just love orange haha.

I’ve got orange handles, orange license plate bracket, orange key fob, orange phone case, orange Ridge key holder, orange ridge wallet… I’m always looking for something to tag with more orange.

Loving the skid plate accent. Hell, I may go see if I can orange my “BBS” and “Pro” lettering now.

 

[jrmudder]

Did you paint the Toyota logo on the skid?

I did I used a Sharpie Paint pen. Did 3 coats

 

[jrmudder]

I’ve got orange handles, orange license plate bracket, orange key fob, orange phone case, orange Ridge key holder, orange ridge wallet… I’m always looking for something to tag with more orange.

Loving the skid plate accent. Hell, I may go see if I can orange my “BBS” and “Pro” lettering now.

Oh heck ya! That's the move. I may do that also down the line

 

[jrmudder]

Can you post a video of the intake? Looks like the black hose is on back order until August. Where did you buy it?

The video


I bought it from HPS. Hopefully they come back in stock sooner

 

[aamays]

The video


I bought it from HPS. Hopefully they come back in stock sooner

How much of the sound is from your snorkel vs the HPS tube?

 

[jrmudder]

How much of the sound is from your snorkel vs the HPS tube?

Gosh that's hard to say. Don't think I can answer that just because I've had the snorkel on here for a while.

 

[jrmudder]

Well, it's been a few months, and a lot has happened! The biggest news is that we've officially moved back to North Carolina, which has been incredibly exciting. Between getting settled back home, I've still managed to knock out a few major projects on the Land Cruiser.

• Iruri D-Pillar Grab Handles
• EasySlide ES-150 Plus Lowering Slide
• Colfax Platform Kit
• Grill lights
• ARB 12V Brushless Air Compressor
• CPW Rear Side Inner Panels
• Optima YellowTop battery

The rear cargo area is finally starting to come together. It's much more functional now, with better organization, easier access to gear, and an onboard air system that's ready for the trail. There are still a few things left on the list, but it's getting closer to being exactly where I want it.