🛠️ Member Build Project Lucy

[DrockinWV]

Hey All!
Wanted to keep a rolling diary as such to just document our LC250. This is my daily driver, so I would not expect a massive lift and 40's. But I would like to document some smaller projects and exploration trips around the US, along with some camping here and there.

Here is the first photo taken after purchase! Bought Lucy at Dan Cava in White Hall, WV. Made a deal that was about $5k below invoice the day after it was delivered to the lot. Purchased with 1 mile on the dash, so I feel that we received a pretty decent deal overall.

First thing was first though, we needed new wheels and tires, as the stock 20" wheels are not going to cut it. After about a week of research I decided on some Method MR318 17" wrapped in some Toyo 34x10.5x/17s. There were a lot of other tires I considered, but really wanted a skinny to save as much MPGs as I could, and have decent performance during the winters. The Toyo seemed to be the best option, but time will tell. I have received two of the five wheel/tires and anxiously waiting to get them installed.

A week after ownership and less than 100 miles on the clock, we took Lucy on a short shakedown trip. Super easy trail that was mostly gravel, but was fun to get off the pavement. I did become quickly aware of how much the newer wheels/tires will help!

After a little over a week of ownership, we are very happy with our decision! My wife does daily a 2022 2-Door Bronco Badlands manual, we we are excited to get both out on a trail soon.

I think the next upgrades will either be some proper skids, or maybe some sliders. Any thoughts as which would be more critical? I would think some skids, but curious to know anyone else thoughts!

 

[RideWithYanu]

I’m looking forward to following along on your build!

 

[TimHerald]

Very nice. Congrats and we will be following along.

 

[FifthToyota]

I also use my Build Page as a rolling diary for maintenance, build history, and other highlights. Looking forward to seeing how your wheels/tires look on your Meteor Shower once you get them installed.

For your next upgrade, I think you should consider the Toyota front and transfer case skids, combined with the Slee HD Radiator Crossmember Reinforcement.

 

[wpage]

Nice looking rig...
Keep us in the loop for further build outs.

 

[DrockinWV]

I also use my Build Page as a rolling diary for maintenance, build history, and other highlights. Looking forward to seeing how your wheels/tires look on your Meteor Shower once you get them installed.

For your next upgrade, I think you should consider the Toyota front and transfer case skids, combined with the Slee HD Radiator Crossmember Reinforcement.

The rest of the wheels/tires should be here tomorrow, excited to get them installed!

I haven’t thought much about the Toyota skids. I have mostly been looking into the RCI versions. How thick are the Toyota skids? Good looking out on the crossmember, I’ll give it a look!

 

[FifthToyota]

I don't know how thick the Toyota skids are, but I know the thickness info can be found somewhere on the internets. They are thick enough for my needs. I recently installed a set, and even more recently they took a few hits/skids on some mild trails. Some of those contacts were very close to the radiator crossmember, so the Slee crossmember reinforcement is next in line for my "upgrades".

 

[DrockinWV]

I don't know how thick the Toyota skids are, but I know the thickness info can be found somewhere on the internets. They are thick enough for my needs. I recently installed a set, and even more recently they took a few hits/skids on some mild trails. Some of those contacts were very close to the radiator crossmember, so the Slee crossmember reinforcement is next in line for my "upgrades".View attachment 73696

Looks like it is earning its keep! I found out that the Toyota skids are 3mm and 6.3mm for the RCI. Not that I plan on bashing it lol, but good piece of mind.

 

[RideWithYanu]

I don't know how thick the Toyota skids are, but I know the thickness info can be found somewhere on the internets. They are thick enough for my needs. I recently installed a set, and even more recently they took a few hits/skids on some mild trails. Some of those contacts were very close to the radiator crossmember, so the Slee crossmember reinforcement is next in line for my "upgrades".View attachment 73696

I had the other Toyota skid before I upgraded, but it was fantastic, other than the mounting location. It did a great job (though it eventually was bent very badly out of shape), and I recommend it (along with the Slee support bar) for most owners, who are likely primarily doing light off-roading.

 

[DrockinWV]

I had the other Toyota skid before I upgraded, but it was fantastic, other than the mounting location. It did a great job (though it eventually was bent very badly out of shape), and I recommend it (along with the Slee support bar) for most owners, who are likely primarily doing light off-roading.

I think with the RCI being less than $100 more, I might just go the buy once cry once route. But will definitley grab the support bar as well, thanks for the heads up on that! Always so much to learn when you grab a new vehicle, and first Toyota!

 

[Matthew@LC250Mods]

Great looking rig. Looking forward to following along!

 

[DrockinWV]

I was able to get the new shoes installed this morning and man what a difference. They really transform how the vehicle looks. Decided to go with Toyo AT3 34x10.5/17 on Method MR318 +25mm 17”s in bronze. Have only driven about 10 miles so far, but no rub to report. Once I hit a few trails I’ll report back. Another positive, the new setup is really only about 9lbs heavier per corner. So I’m hoping MPGs don’t take much of a hit.

 

[DrockinWV]

First road trip is in the books. Drove to the in laws this weekend for my brother in laws wedding. Trip is really only about 2.5 hours each way, but was nice to drive to a destination further than my office. Was assigned a lot of setup for the wedding so was able to get a good bit of driving done and test a lot of loading and unloading people and flowers lol.

Also went to breakfast and came out to a fellow L250 owner that parked next to me. It was definitely a fun surprise!

Lucy rolled just over 1,000 miles over the trip, so first oil change comes tomorrow!

 

[DrockinWV]

Nothing crazy today, just the break in oil change at 1255 miles. Same as any other oil change, super straight forward. The next few will be done at the dealer for my free changes. Also received the Sherpa rack the other day. But I will probably wait until next weekend to get it mounted up!

 

[RideWithYanu]

I think you’ll love the Sherpa rack!

 

[DrockinWV]

I think you’ll love the Sherpa rack!

Everyone that has one seems to love theirs. Although it was a pretty tough decision, there are some other good ones out there, that are very interesting.

 

[RHINO4X4]

niceeeee we built trucks like you!

 

[DrockinWV]

niceeeee we built trucks like you!

Shes a beaut! I may be there one day, but it's gonna take me a bit lol

 

[RHINO4X4]

Step by step, my friend!

 

[DrockinWV]

Was able to get a few free hours on Saturday to get the Sherpa installed. Removed the lame stock rack in about five minutes (will be looking for a buyer or having it sit in my garage for the indefinite future). The Sherpa just took a few hours, and over all super easy to install. Now I just need to find some stuff to haul to test it out. Need to grab some more T Nuts and then some eye bolts for easy tie down points. I was also very surprised at home quiet the rack was at highway speeds. I did not notice any difference in noise after adding the rack, which was a neat surprise!