Back in September 2014, after some unfortunate issues en route to Overland Expo EAST, we decided to start the search for a vehicle platform to base a family overlander build on. The criteria included:
- Plenty of space for a family of five
- Four-wheel drive with selectable low-range
- No older than 2000 model year
- Less than 100k miles on the odometer
- Parts availability in the event of a part(s) failure
- Aftermarket parts availability to upgrade based on our use of the vehicle
- Comfort both on- and off-pavement
- Reliability
- Cost less than $20k
- V8 powertrain to accommodate hauling the family, gear, and a trailer
After three months of researching and taking input from a LOT of people within the community, we opted on a 100 Series Cruiser (hence posting in this section). We finally found the vehicle in early January: a 2003 model with 95k on the speedo with the 90k service having been performed a month earlier. The previous owner had taken pretty good care of her and the truck had NEVER been off-pavement and was still in stock form.
Since making the purchase, I ensured all fluids (with the exception of repacking the bearings which will be done when we start Phase Two of the build) had been replaced and afterwards, our first item for consideration was to make maximize suspension capability, on a budget, without sacrificing on-road characteristics since the vehicle will be driven daily. We opted for an Old Man Emu setup with 2860 rear springs (medium rate) to allow for a "stiffer" ride but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable. This setup is very similar to the one we had on our diesel Grand Cherokee so we knew it would serve us well. Plus, we plan to do a trailer build as part of our family overlander package and the medium rate springs will accommodate this. The suspension installation was done by our Editor, Frank Ledwell, and a good friend in Houston, Sam Craven, on Sam's driveway on a brisk January morning. Here are a few photos of the truck prior to the install as well as during/after:
The Land Cruiser one day after bringing her home:
- Plenty of space for a family of five
- Four-wheel drive with selectable low-range
- No older than 2000 model year
- Less than 100k miles on the odometer
- Parts availability in the event of a part(s) failure
- Aftermarket parts availability to upgrade based on our use of the vehicle
- Comfort both on- and off-pavement
- Reliability
- Cost less than $20k
- V8 powertrain to accommodate hauling the family, gear, and a trailer
After three months of researching and taking input from a LOT of people within the community, we opted on a 100 Series Cruiser (hence posting in this section). We finally found the vehicle in early January: a 2003 model with 95k on the speedo with the 90k service having been performed a month earlier. The previous owner had taken pretty good care of her and the truck had NEVER been off-pavement and was still in stock form.
Since making the purchase, I ensured all fluids (with the exception of repacking the bearings which will be done when we start Phase Two of the build) had been replaced and afterwards, our first item for consideration was to make maximize suspension capability, on a budget, without sacrificing on-road characteristics since the vehicle will be driven daily. We opted for an Old Man Emu setup with 2860 rear springs (medium rate) to allow for a "stiffer" ride but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable. This setup is very similar to the one we had on our diesel Grand Cherokee so we knew it would serve us well. Plus, we plan to do a trailer build as part of our family overlander package and the medium rate springs will accommodate this. The suspension installation was done by our Editor, Frank Ledwell, and a good friend in Houston, Sam Craven, on Sam's driveway on a brisk January morning. Here are a few photos of the truck prior to the install as well as during/after:
The Land Cruiser one day after bringing her home:
