Perspective of watching people here descend into madness...

[Gasser18]

I understand where your coming from, but I don't think people on here really think they need all that to offroad.

It's fun to buy shit and upgrade cars, I feel like your totally missing the point. Why live a boring life on stock wheels? Might as well just eat bland veggies for life, skip all salt bc it's bad for you and not required, etc...

I'd rather be like this old fart on this video - true life goals right here!!

I was looking at this rig in person tonight. Cool guy and really nice gx550. But also over the top. I will probably wheel poison spider with him Saturday. I have a spacer lift and 35s and expect to have no problem keeping up. Already had 3 days in Moab and this thing rocks. So far just fins and things, elephant hill and Lockhart basin. Nothing extreme but also handled extremely well with no damage. 35x11.5 Toyo at3s are light and tuck nicely into fender wells. Wasn’t confident in my fuel efficiency for long rides so took the aero bars from my wife’s jeep and made a rotopax mount out of $20 worth of aluminum. Takes less than a minute to put it on and it’s lightweight. Definitely not winning the cool award for it though. Coming from rock crawling jeeps on 37s, I don’t feel like I’m giving up much with the LC. The ride is soooo much better on and offroad.

 

[Madscientist]

All of this brings me to the question on my mind: what's the best way to reduce likelihood of damage under my new LC--or getting stuck somewhere new--without degrading its performance? If a lift, I'm concerned about losing the good ride it has now. Larger tires might be a good way to gain 1/2" without too much loss in mpg/performance. Skid plates? Just try to do what I did yesterday and try to ride on the center-high sand, and only occasionally wish I had my old 4Runner and try to avoid damage?

I have the same mindset in keeping this rig close to stock, but adding a little capability for off-road excursions- restricting my mods to: engine/transmission steel skids (OEM; done), lightweight aluminum sliders (Greenlane; done), and slightly larger, slightly heavier tires (275/70/18; not yet done). Then its just a matter of choosing your lines and knowing when your limit has been reached.

 

[ultane]

I can't believe you quoted Eddy Merckx. He wasn't on my mind for decades and for some unknown reason I was googling him a couple of days ago, wondering how he is doing. And now his name pops up in this forum. He's doing great btw.

He was aa childhood hero of mine.

 

[ultane]

Somewhere there’s a millennial crying about a boomer pissing away their inheritance…

My four kids are..

 

[ultane]

They keep about -2mpg.

My biggish Yakima box on my 2012 Subaru 3.6R Outback cost me 2.5-3 MPG when ever it went on for a trip to the ski slopes.

 

[ovʀʟxnᴅ]

Good post, OP! Coming from a GX470, I lost quite a bit of storage room moving to the LC250. I carry less now than I have in a long time, but being forced to reassess my load out was good thing. I don't exactly travel light, but I've been able to maintain all of what I consider my essentials.

I started riding trails and camping in the late 90s. I was overlanding by happenstance. I grew up in southeastern VA, but the trails are all in the mountains on the other side of the state. Back then, I was curling up in the fetal position on the bench seat of my pickup after eating a dinner of tuna on crackers. It can still be done!

 

[colfishnski]

I’ve almost walked away from this forum a time or two over people talking about the craziest petty “mod” they’re gonna do/want. From ceramic coated paint to amber grill lights and “should I get red or blue tow hooks” to what protective thingy they’re gonna do to the inside B pillar so seatbelt don’t scratch it. I’m sorry but maybe I’m the odd man out. Grew up in south Texas ranch country hunting deer/dove, and working cattle on horseback. A “man’s” truck always had about a half inch of dust on the dash and mud on the cloth floor mats . Most of the people here, bless their hearts, came from the BMW luxury world it seems. The car is a tool to be used. Not polished and obsessed over like it’s a work of fine art. Very few people actually plan to use the LC for what’s its intended use is. And that is to be used! Again, maybe it’s just me.

I'm not big into mods, but enjoy doing most maintenence and wrench smaller things myself. I do honest 4 Wheeling into the backcountry and camp up to a week out. I hunt, fish, ski, and shoot.

I ceramic coated my own paint, I hand wash my LC once every week or two, I'm seriously considering something to protect the B pillar as with just 2k miles the seatbelt beats the hell out of it, I run a rag over the dash every few weeks, have full coverage all weather mats, and dammit if I didn't unbolt the factory tow hooks and paint them red! Does that diminish my manhood? LOL

You have a point, but an LC is not a ranch truck, it's a semi-luxury, capable off-road vehicle, and at the same time a solid city and road trip car. BMW drivers are a different breed, though I'd bet many an LC owner has a 10 or 12 year old bimmer or even a cushy well-kept Lexus sedan sitting in the garage.

I agree, it's a shame many of these LCs will never see their capability used. Oh well, makes for a really good used car in 10 years.

It's all good, man. Stick around, there's valuable info in almost every thread here. A car is a tool, but a good one is also a work of art.

 

[t3lcfe]

Interesting thoughts....EGG ZACT LY the way I think about things. Decided to forego the roof rack and put 3 Victory X-Bars on my current roof rails. Looks good and problem solved!

It's easy to get sucked into the mod mindset. But, everything I got interested in, I started thinking "do I want all that extra weight"? and ended up going cold on the idea. Or, do I really want to spend x thousands on this or that. Mine came with OK offroad tires (Nitto Ridge Grapplers) and with the X bars, there isn't really much I want to do with mine (LC Premo). But, to each their own....burn your $ how ever you see fit.

 

[BB3]

Loving the vibe here as compared to other cesspools of the internet. I am a going to offer a perspective to many of you that you need to hear....buckle up.

Me? I am an experienced off-road driving instructor with a few decades of experience in everything from type III fire rigs to open wheel buggies and endless "overland" driving before that was a word that we used.

Here is a short list of things for you to consider:

1. You can ruin a 4wd faster by bolting things to it than taking things away. HP per ton is important. A 4cy 4wd is great, until you make it live its life as a V8 4wd. Repeat after me; mechanical sympathy.

2. Here is a tale as old as time: I need more storage. I need a roof rack for storage. I buy a roof rack for more storage. I need a secure way to store things on this roof rack. I need a non-aerodynamic roam case or pelican box to mount to my roof rack. Spend, Spend, Spend. Goals accomplished...ish.

Alternative history; I need more storage. Get crossbars and a very aero Yakima box. Done.

The second option is cheaper, easier, less annoying and weighs less. If you want a roof rack for the looks? Go nuts. But, there is a better way, young padiwan.

I am not just talking about roof racks here. I have had the same 12v air compressor for 3 decades. It is fantastic. I have moved it around and lent it out. You can't do that if you are gonna hide it under the hood. If hiding air compressors in your truck blows wind up your skirt, fine. Go nuts. But, it is not better in any way. It's just more money.

3. EVERY OUNCE MATTERS. Every skid plate, light bar, seat cover and tool you carry matters. Weight matters. It adds up...fast.

4. I had a 1988 FJ62 for years. It was fantastic off-road...and terrifying everywhere else. The 250 is great on road. The road is how you get to where you are off-road. Its performance there is important, like really important. Statistically more important than the off-road performance. You are not Indiana Jones...I dig your spirit though...and hat. Is that an Akubra?

5. I have had stock 4wds clear obstacles with 3 min of rock stacking and a good spotter. It's your money, but, will you really be off-road enough to offset the loss of MPG, cost of suspension upgrades, tires and the like? Also, if you lift, swap tires, bolt things to...the LC 250 is gonna really lose some tow capacity and payload. How much? Well, we don't know...nor do you.

6. The cyclist Eddy Merckx used to say, "Don't upgrade rides, ride up grades." It applies here too. Get some training, get some practice and learn. Quiet confidence is better than a SEMA rig any day.

7. Good scotch is expensive. Good Bourbon is not. It isn't really important to this discussion, but true as hell. Johnny Drum is my go to.

Ha, Eddy Merckx! love it, not expecting to see him referenced in this forum, well done.

 

[deero]

Merckx raced and trained on a single speed for the track. One of the best to do it.

 

[Rijk Liebemshats]

I think Eddy should become the celebrated Patron of this forum.

 

[Smokester]

Loving the vibe here as compared to other cesspools of the internet. I am a going to offer a perspective to many of you that you need to hear....buckle up.

Me? I am an experienced off-road driving instructor with a few decades of experience in everything from type III fire rigs to open wheel buggies and endless "overland" driving before that was a word that we used.

Here is a short list of things for you to consider:

1. You can ruin a 4wd faster by bolting things to it than taking things away. HP per ton is important. A 4cy 4wd is great, until you make it live its life as a V8 4wd. Repeat after me; mechanical sympathy.

2. Here is a tale as old as time: I need more storage. I need a roof rack for storage. I buy a roof rack for more storage. I need a secure way to store things on this roof rack. I need a non-aerodynamic roam case or pelican box to mount to my roof rack. Spend, Spend, Spend. Goals accomplished...ish.

Alternative history; I need more storage. Get crossbars and a very aero Yakima box. Done.

The second option is cheaper, easier, less annoying and weighs less. If you want a roof rack for the looks? Go nuts. But, there is a better way, young padiwan.

I am not just talking about roof racks here. I have had the same 12v air compressor for 3 decades. It is fantastic. I have moved it around and lent it out. You can't do that if you are gonna hide it under the hood. If hiding air compressors in your truck blows wind up your skirt, fine. Go nuts. But, it is not better in any way. It's just more money.

3. EVERY OUNCE MATTERS. Every skid plate, light bar, seat cover and tool you carry matters. Weight matters. It adds up...fast.

4. I had a 1988 FJ62 for years. It was fantastic off-road...and terrifying everywhere else. The 250 is great on road. The road is how you get to where you are off-road. Its performance there is important, like really important. Statistically more important than the off-road performance. You are not Indiana Jones...I dig your spirit though...and hat. Is that an Akubra?

5. I have had stock 4wds clear obstacles with 3 min of rock stacking and a good spotter. It's your money, but, will you really be off-road enough to offset the loss of MPG, cost of suspension upgrades, tires and the like? Also, if you lift, swap tires, bolt things to...the LC 250 is gonna really lose some tow capacity and payload. How much? Well, we don't know...nor do you.

6. The cyclist Eddy Merckx used to say, "Don't upgrade rides, ride up grades." It applies here too. Get some training, get some practice and learn. Quiet confidence is better than a SEMA rig any day.

7. Good scotch is expensive. Good Bourbon is not. It isn't really important to this discussion, but true as hell. Johnny Drum is my go to.

I was right with you until #7. There's a reason for that.

 

[Pavman2473]

Loving the vibe here as compared to other cesspools of the internet. I am a going to offer a perspective to many of you that you need to hear....buckle up.

Me? I am an experienced off-road driving instructor with a few decades of experience in everything from type III fire rigs to open wheel buggies and endless "overland" driving before that was a word that we used.

Here is a short list of things for you to consider:

1. You can ruin a 4wd faster by bolting things to it than taking things away. HP per ton is important. A 4cy 4wd is great, until you make it live its life as a V8 4wd. Repeat after me; mechanical sympathy.

2. Here is a tale as old as time: I need more storage. I need a roof rack for storage. I buy a roof rack for more storage. I need a secure way to store things on this roof rack. I need a non-aerodynamic roam case or pelican box to mount to my roof rack. Spend, Spend, Spend. Goals accomplished...ish.

Alternative history; I need more storage. Get crossbars and a very aero Yakima box. Done.

The second option is cheaper, easier, less annoying and weighs less. If you want a roof rack for the looks? Go nuts. But, there is a better way, young padiwan.

I am not just talking about roof racks here. I have had the same 12v air compressor for 3 decades. It is fantastic. I have moved it around and lent it out. You can't do that if you are gonna hide it under the hood. If hiding air compressors in your truck blows wind up your skirt, fine. Go nuts. But, it is not better in any way. It's just more money.

3. EVERY OUNCE MATTERS. Every skid plate, light bar, seat cover and tool you carry matters. Weight matters. It adds up...fast.

4. I had a 1988 FJ62 for years. It was fantastic off-road...and terrifying everywhere else. The 250 is great on road. The road is how you get to where you are off-road. Its performance there is important, like really important. Statistically more important than the off-road performance. You are not Indiana Jones...I dig your spirit though...and hat. Is that an Akubra?

5. I have had stock 4wds clear obstacles with 3 min of rock stacking and a good spotter. It's your money, but, will you really be off-road enough to offset the loss of MPG, cost of suspension upgrades, tires and the like? Also, if you lift, swap tires, bolt things to...the LC 250 is gonna really lose some tow capacity and payload. How much? Well, we don't know...nor do you.

6. The cyclist Eddy Merckx used to say, "Don't upgrade rides, ride up grades." It applies here too. Get some training, get some practice and learn. Quiet confidence is better than a SEMA rig any day.

7. Good scotch is expensive. Good Bourbon is not. It isn't really important to this discussion, but true as hell. Johnny Drum is my go to.

If I may ask. At what hp/ton should one become concerned with this vehicle? I am thinking of getting additional skid plates (mine just has the front skid plate) for the underside since I do light off roading and there is always the critter that dashes out in front of you. Thanks in advance. Cheers

 

[bigthom]

If I may ask. At what hp/ton should one become concerned with this vehicle? I am thinking of getting additional skid plates (mine just has the front skid plate) for the underside since I do light off roading and there is always the critter that dashes out in front of you. Thanks in advance. Cheers

Just be thoughtful about it. Think about what you can expect to face off-road where you wheel. Skid plates are only part of the equation. I am not saying go break something first, just try and a do some light wheeling with a good spotter and evaluate the weak points. When you do come to an obstacle that is going to test your skill or the truck, go as slow as possible and as fast as necessary. That way, any under body scraping is light and unlikely to cause damage.

You only have 1687lbs of payload. Including passengers, add-ons, hitch weight. That's wheels, bike racks, roof racks, skid plates, air compressors, fuel and everything else. But, skid plates can do some good.

I sold my 5th Gen 4r. I have wheeled it much more than most, mainly in the high Sierras and Death Valley. I had the factory skids. There were no marks on them on our last day. They did provide a bit of piece of mind, though. I did get light scratches on my sliders, so light, I wonder if I really needed them or if they did any good at all. Who knows?

As far as animal strikes? If it fits in a skillet, kill it. Anything smaller than a chupacabra is getting smoked...or grilled.

 

[Goldie]

Loving the vibe here as compared to other cesspools of the internet. I am a going to offer a perspective to many of you that you need to hear....buckle up.

Me? I am an experienced off-road driving instructor with a few decades of experience in everything from type III fire rigs to open wheel buggies and endless "overland" driving before that was a word that we used.

Here is a short list of things for you to consider:

1. You can ruin a 4wd faster by bolting things to it than taking things away. HP per ton is important. A 4cy 4wd is great, until you make it live its life as a V8 4wd. Repeat after me; mechanical sympathy.

2. Here is a tale as old as time: I need more storage. I need a roof rack for storage. I buy a roof rack for more storage. I need a secure way to store things on this roof rack. I need a non-aerodynamic roam case or pelican box to mount to my roof rack. Spend, Spend, Spend. Goals accomplished...ish.

Alternative history; I need more storage. Get crossbars and a very aero Yakima box. Done.

The second option is cheaper, easier, less annoying and weighs less. If you want a roof rack for the looks? Go nuts. But, there is a better way, young padiwan.

I am not just talking about roof racks here. I have had the same 12v air compressor for 3 decades. It is fantastic. I have moved it around and lent it out. You can't do that if you are gonna hide it under the hood. If hiding air compressors in your truck blows wind up your skirt, fine. Go nuts. But, it is not better in any way. It's just more money.

3. EVERY OUNCE MATTERS. Every skid plate, light bar, seat cover and tool you carry matters. Weight matters. It adds up...fast.

4. I had a 1988 FJ62 for years. It was fantastic off-road...and terrifying everywhere else. The 250 is great on road. The road is how you get to where you are off-road. Its performance there is important, like really important. Statistically more important than the off-road performance. You are not Indiana Jones...I dig your spirit though...and hat. Is that an Akubra?

5. I have had stock 4wds clear obstacles with 3 min of rock stacking and a good spotter. It's your money, but, will you really be off-road enough to offset the loss of MPG, cost of suspension upgrades, tires and the like? Also, if you lift, swap tires, bolt things to...the LC 250 is gonna really lose some tow capacity and payload. How much? Well, we don't know...nor do you.

6. The cyclist Eddy Merckx used to say, "Don't upgrade rides, ride up grades." It applies here too. Get some training, get some practice and learn. Quiet confidence is better than a SEMA rig any day.

7. Good scotch is expensive. Good Bourbon is not. It isn't really important to this discussion, but true as hell. Johnny Drum is my go to.

bigthom, as someone preparing for the next 3 decades, what air compressor are you using, you sold me.

 

[bigthom]

bigthom, as someone preparing for the next 3 decades, what air compressor are you using, you sold me.

I have a Viair 400p. Its great, but, it is not constant so to check the gauge, you need to turn the compressor off to check... Although, I suppose you could just use the app to monitor. The chuck that came with it sucked, but you can get an upgrade lock on brass version from amazon for a few bucks.

 

[dobermancruiser]

I just had a conversation with a friend who warned me off of the wheels I was looking at over how much they weighed. By the time I load me and my dogs into the truck, we've got 350# payload and I haven't pushed to "go" button yet. Need a slide rule for this mess. Great list, and props for the Eddie Merckx and scotch references.