Unstoppable Land Cruiser 80 Rock Crawler Episode 1. Budget Off-road Build.

Let's build a "budget friendly" crawler that can tackle the best trails in the USA!
This 1997 Lexus lx450 started life as a luxury SUV but few people know that these are built with some seriously tough parts.
This is actually an 80 series Land Cruiser with a bunch of extra stuff on it. Since you could order this from the factory with front and rear lockers, I would even argue that this is the original Rubicon trimmed 4x4.
Since shooting this video I already want to completely change the bumper design lol. I'm glad I put down the welder and walked away because I have some clarity and am ready to shoot the next episode.
Enjoy the video!
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#fabrication #offroad #landcruiser

[@rcmike09]

Your the father of your 5 year old. Never say you are babysitting him. You are being a father. And never feel you can't have him on your channel. He only adds to the awesomeness!!!

[@HOWBOXINGWORKS]

Think he meant like babysitting at work

[@michaelbotterbusch1100]

It’s not that deep

[@PNW_Rodeo]

Using a tennis ball with the porta-power to push on the panel helps push the dent without seams from the tool. Just a tip for future dent repairs. That rig is looking great. 🔥 👏 I say add a 2" lift and custom links with those longer shocks.

[@dcast777]

As someone with kids 4:05 was the best part of the video. That genuine excitement to use tools and take stuff apart was absolutely amazing.

[@JerryTurner]

I had to pause the video to come make this comment. Seeing his reaction and enjoyment of working with you on it, that was awesome!

[@jasonthompson1054]

Nate + Dave + LX450 = I'm all in. Really enjoying this series

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Sorry to see that Edward Shin couldn’t make it but love that you’re partnering with Dave on this one. Couldn’t believe they shut down Dirt Everyday on MotorTrend. Just voted for you guys!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you for the support! We need it!

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@DirtLifestyle yeah, looks like the other teams are really far ahead atm. Go vote everyone! Not that hard to make an OnX account!

[@northwestoff-roadopportuni7176]

I’m loving this man! You got this!!!

[@Vagitarian01]

@@lexus_offroad_adventures Voting will always be a popularity contest, not any measure of ability.

[@Vagitarian01]

You really can't ask for a better fab partner than Dave, all of his builds are creative and capable.

[@Flamewave]

Bull bar looks better imho, love the way it frames the grille. Also SUPER hyped you're going to be working with Dave! Rad guy!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I agree with you on both points. Do a bull bar with Dave.

[@GrantRTanner]

I also vote bull bar

[@henry78560]

My best joy was watching was seeing your kid helping you. Reminded me as a kid helping my mechanic dad. Thank you.

[@H4JI]

Bro, you aint babysitting, you're teaching your boy the work

[@99unclebob]

#2 Bullbar all the way, it suits the front end of the LC better than a stinger does, wow congrats to Ed for a career opportunity, he's a great buddy fo yours and i am sure he'll stop by to see how you and Dave Chapelle are making out on the build, with the 2 of you putting your absolutely mad skills together this will just get that much more super interesting and bring new energy to the build along with crazy off road knowledge , you two are gonna build one very interesting Land Cruiser, Woohoo 👍it just gets better from here forward

[@SomeGuy2436]

Screw the rules on this one! Letting your son help will definitely be more solid core memories for him later on! Also, it's just awesome to see he already likes building cool rigs like his dad!

[@ingluv]

I miss the days when the kids were little, "helping Daddy." Sure, I could do it in less than half the time by myself. Every bolt had to be broken loose first. Every bolt had to be torqued down at the end. They couldn't lift anything that wasn't really light. I had to hold parts in place while they started the bolts. There were other times when a tiny hand was perfect to reach into a space or like when bleeding brakes, all I needed was someone to push and release a pedal or hold something i couldn't reach. I just enjoyed the hours spending time together. Nate, if help from a 5 year old son "breaks the rules," I would argue that we have lost sight of what is important in life.

[@Nics574]

My 2 yr old daughter loves putting my blue gloves on and handing me bolts and wrenches. Start ‘‘em young

[@gwood69]

What I love bout Nate’s builds is he takes the time for the little details. As a perfectionist my self I know his pain. But we have to really appreciate the dedication so many guys would left the dents and holes from pulling the trim. Nate is top notch builder with a vision and you can tell every time he takes pride in all his work. Like I tell my wife “I’m gonna doit the right way if it’s got my name on it. I don’t half ass or I won’t claim it” 😂

[@MrMrsregor]

To use the free spool function without cutting the grill, look into warn remote air clutch, or warn air free spool.. I remember seeing the Aussie channel 4wd24/7 using something like this to select fee spool with the flip of a dash switch

[@awynne56]

I actually like this build the best. Def more something most of us could do, not that most don’t have the skill, but most are limited in time, money, space and or tools. Thanks for making some great videos. Love your son helping you/ baby sitting. I think every person on here can relate 😂.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Glad to hear it! I really want this to be relatable 🙌

[@TJY2K]

I vote for 2, the bull bar! I like how the flat bar goes along with the grille. Also for the winch handle, could you cut a hole on the top of grille to where you could open the hood and reach your hand in behind the grille to move the lever? Or is the transmission cooler in the way? Also yeah throw in a small lift to call it good on the cutting and potentially damaging the body with the tires You guys have my vote. Can't believe two of my favorite KZbinrs are teaming up! 😅🥹🥲 go team Dave & Nate!!!!

[@ahmed91750]

In the Middle East we got the 80 series Land Cruiser in a base model called the “ GX “ that didn’t have those over fenders, the base model also came with a manual transmission and steel wheels and some of them even came with a factory winch on the front

[@goin200mph]

2! I hate stingers 😂 Dude, the other guys don’t have a chance with you and Dirt Head Dave being a team! WOW! This is going to be fun to watch!!!

[@larrybauerle4689]

Awesome content Nate! You've been busy, good thing you had your son helping you, love his enthusiasm! #2, nice clean classy look. Good luck!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@vincentcarriere183]

Super stocked to hear dave joining in on the project, the team of you will be one heck of a force to be reckoned with🤟 I vote for the bull bar 2 If the budget has the room I would leave the front suspension as is and would do a single trangulated rear witch would Allow you to stretch a few inches and alow more travel without choping a while bunch out of the body

[@Systems_Scholar]

#2. The lines of the Bull Bar looks perfect. Really clean and matches the overall look and feel of the vehicle. Looks great, rooting for you!

[@trashman1694]

I agree looks way better

[@DarkLinkAD]

When I was like 5 I used to help my grandpa with this, we would use a slide hammer that requires drilling a hole. It worked.

[@rebel1988us]

A flat football may have worked for the rear dent.

[@DirtLifestyle]

It would be cool to try!

[@rebel1988us]

@@DirtLifestyle its more of a last resort thing, but you did an amazing job with that little bit of space. I'm really loving this truck so far.

[@BeFree0_0]

A body lift might also help you winch clutch level issue as well.

[@NightOWLLIVE]

Not many body lifts on the trails. might as well drive a avalanche if you have a body lift here in Texas. You’ll get some shit no doubt 🤷‍♂️

[@JeeperSteve2011]

Option 2! That bull bar look is sick for that truck! At first when you released that this was the vehicle y’all chose I was really bored and more interested in the other rigs… with this video though.. I 100% see the vision and am stoked to see this come together! Might be one of my favorite rigs thus far that I’ve seen you build on your channel! Keep up the great work and good luck with the challenge!

[@AlfaRomeo156SWGTA]

Do both, stinger and bullbar, it wil be stronger, because triangels and look very good. Awesome build, 39s is a very bold move, but a big rig can take these. Just needs a tiny lift. I really like the quality of your work. LC is an excellent choice.

[@calvinclark8889]

So pumped to see you and Dave work together on this! My two favorite KZbin fabricators. Love what you’re doing. Keep it up!

[@overloadOverland]

1&2 tied together!! Great episode Nate!!

[@TheJeracuda]

lol I agree with your son taking things apart is always fun it's the putting things back together that isn't normally very fun

[@yehudagottesman8557]

For the winch clutch use a swivle socket with a long handle welded to it and some sort of bracket so you can get to it from right under the hood.

[@brianhowes6378]

Fun build! A friend built a Fj80 and he moved the rear axle back, centering the wheel in the wheel well eliminating the need to modify the door. On 40’s…

[@trashman1694]

That's what I was thinking, better departure angle, little more wheelbase. Of course gotta modify everything to push the axle back. Maybe if you're doing a doubler at the same time could keep the same rear drive shaft at least.

[@Shakshuka69]

"Oh his name is Dave Chappelle from The Dirthead Shed" As if it isn't the legendary Dave from Dirt Every Day that we all know and love

[@fabienlemasson6146]

Probably the best person to get you into UA!

[@pocoapocooffroad]

3:03 welcome to the cruiser club lol. That happens way more that you would imagine

[@markjames9205]

Just started wrenching with my six year old grandson and it was fun to see you doing the same with your son. Good Memories for sure.

[@LScout800]

I vote 2. Looks a lot better, matches the body lines a whole lot better.

[@tptrsn]

Incredible video from start to finish, and the addition of Dave is AMAZING!! He makes great content on his own, and you guys together will be excellent.

[@brandonwheezus9356]

I saw this video like the week it was published and was trying to find this build series again ever since, because I forgot to subscribe lmfao, glad I found it again

[@jday343]

2! Bull bars and Dave's are where it's at!🎉😂

[@scubbarookie]

I'm loving the fact that you include your son in this build. It reminds me of my Dad & Uncles back in the day that I would help. I have a feeling that your probably gonna really like this ride after the work & trials are done! I got my money on this one! Have fun, and be safe as always! See you on the next one!

[@miniwolverine6227]

I like your idea of using both bars and tying them together Nate! Would look sick! 👍🏻

[@Kingsize24]

This was a nice change. Do more on her project. Back to black on the black plastics, restore the headlights or upgrade them with LED. And do a small push bumper.

[@PainKillerSuspension]

#2 Bull Bar! It vibes with the already square look of the cruiser.

[@seanhine6929]

Production on your videos keeps getting better and better. I appreciate the time and effort you put into this for your viewers.

[@bigblack74k5chev8]

Love seeing Dave join you! Two awesome fabricators! I'd rock the stock components, but that's just me.

[@amorton94]

Wow, I can't believe Nate is a full on Toyota guy now. I never would have seen it coming. Sike, this is one of the few worth liking 😂

[@captnhook236]

CABLE... Twist pull style right in the cab! BAM!!! Simple

[@toastedhappyness]

My first thought for the free spool situation would be make some kind of extension so that you can pop the hood and actuate it from above the grill. Not sure how it would work but I think you can figure it out.

[@yjsaabman]

Stick with me while I share my accumulated thoughts on this build thus far! Yes, door mods take time! I only have one side done on my ZJ and really need to match it on the other side. Next time you're doing body work like the rear arches maybe try some panel bond instead of filler on that edge joint. It's structural and will be more weather resistant than the fiberglass filler. Maybe try an extension piece on the free spool lever than extends out through the grille. It may need to have a bell crank with the way the lever turns, but would be a trick setup without having to cut the grille. Sorry to Ed can't do the build, but I wish him luck on his new endeavor! Dave will be a great build partner and I think the two of you work in a similar fashion. Bullbar hoop fits the shape of the FJ80 better.

[@marc.ambrose-brown]

Great advice!

[@Jotin8664]

I love that you’re son is involved at such a young age! You’re a great example.

[@Greenislerustproofing]

i definitely like the stinger in the middle of the bull bar, classic trail gear crawler style. i have 2 lx450s and have the old man emu stock height springs in them front and rear. 861 and 862. for 200 bucks a pair, they will work alot better for you than the lx springs which are softer than lc springs stock. you can limit your travel and make the stock rear springs work, but even adding a full cooler will affect your static height. the old man emu springs will be alot more predictable and still flex like a sick giraffe

[@off-roadtimes8930]

Tow mater has a remote free spool on his winch, maybe see how his is setup and do that.

[@stevec5280]

Could always say you paid your son in PB&J's

[@jonathanwelter]

PB&J still costs and with inflation it would be something like $80.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol true

[@reuterindustries8240]

I look forward to cringing when you mash all that sheet metal up, when you win and are on UA. Lol. Great work Nate!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

Stoked your partnering up with dirt head Dave !

[@Beacon_Offroad]

New fav vehicle on the channel. Im down with #2.

[@legione1capone]

Your sons enthusiasm makes me so happy! Keep up the good work dad.

[@AMMO1Sarge]

Option 3 bull sting! Relief cut the bull bar where the stinger would touch in the front and weld it all together.

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

My grandpa used to tell me how cool stingers were when he was young. Lol.

[@qdoggyrufruf]

Tow mater used welded flex extentions to reach his free spool from inside the truck. Might work for you! A welded flex extention to maybe be reachable from inside the grill?

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

General rule is 3% per 1k feet lost O2. 10k feet =loss of 30% O2. Which is the same chart for loss of power...

[@austinsmith1816]

Now you gotta teach the kid to love putting stuff back on 😅

[@cordcd7]

As an FZJ80 owner, I love to see when these machines are revived and kept alive. Hope to keep mine going for years and hopefully pass it down.

[@tj_offroad]

Bro, your kid is so dang cute. He killed me with the taking things off like Legos :) Enjoy them when they're small and cherish these moments. Also like how your using drywall techniques to plug those holes.

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

Teaming up with UA Chronie is great strategy for making it to UA, Onyx challenge win or not! You're a smart man... Can't wait to see how this thing turns out! Thanks for bringing back that old commercial back from the past, I remember that one!!

[@hunterbrock2347]

The bull bar is definitely the look for this

[@4estadventureclub]

Definitely stinger with side bars looks awesome! Great content

[@mightymite7711]

Warn makes a remote clutch handle option, both a manual and an air version.

[@RichardBauer_]

Who cares for the rules when Chris gets to help and so excited about it! We need more Chris and his flashing shoes 🎉

[@thousandoaksauto1696]

Nate, cool idea's, go with # 2, "Bull Bar" better functionality! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@aliergun3288]

I’m so glad to find this series. I have the exact same vehicle. I wanted to remove the plastic cladding but didn’t know the best way to go about it. Now I do. I just don’t have the skills. Wish me luck.

[@Notagreatgolfer_az]

Thank you for spending some time on the bodywork filming. It’s truly appreciated by me… the guy who hasn’t ever done it but needs to do a ton of it

[@TheTreadLife_]

2x4 from behind is how I pushed mine out. Previous owner had those tail light guards and they make those dents perfectly every time.

[@rangefreewords]

That bull bar idea looks good and can match closely with the new 2023 Lexus 450E Grill contour.

[@jacobfreeman6625]

Bull bar for sure and good for Ed and his opportunity but Dave will be a great teammate for this comp

[@Hard_7_Iron]

I like the stinger addition idea.

[@Nick-hm9rh]

Buddy drove trough one shallow river with his 2016 tacoma and hydrolocked it. Save to say snorkels are definitely worth it even outside of general air quality. Also love this. You just mangling on it does hurt but the 80s might be my dream car and this is pretty sick

[@ALMX5DP]

****ing Dirtheadshed is joining the team!?!? Hell to the yes!!!

[@thebigdustin]

Love the bad lands floor Jack. I have one and it was one of the better investments I made last year. Came in super handy when I needed it

[@MrEmmers13]

That’s not babysitting thats great father son time!

[@TheGoproGuy]

Definitely the bull bar! Looks way cleaner

[@outdooreng4973]

We all love to take off the socket until we reassembling back where the pain is began 😂😂

[@nicksaw937]

Team Pickled Chaps!! Two of the best offroad personalities!! WOOO! Dream team. Voting for y’all right now!

[@TheRightLine]

Love that winch mount on top of the rails. 👍👍

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@benlzicar7628]

Loving the philosophy and execution of this build. Can't want to see you in the competition man!

[@nelsonglass6]

Great idea with the mental tabs to fill hole… a great time saver

[@rayjon237]

Trust me do 4.88 and transfer case gears, 5.29 have a weak pinion and with the high and low range reduction gears and 4.88 is a strong combo..nice build and yes I have a cruiser addiction I own way to many…

[@donbloom3809]

#2. It goes with the look and style of the front end.

[@ephjay6t87]

I love your competition, but you got my vote by bringing a Land Cruiser. When you go 1-tons, dibs on your 80 axles please. Digging the portal axles on the Samurai too.

[@Relyk711]

Stinger for sure. Custom truck needs custom look and that 'bullbar,' look doesn't fit, what this rig will become. Great as always Nate. So stoked on the 80 build

[@user-ru9br5ti5u]

I vote to keep the stock suspension points, radius arms up front and 4 link in the rear is hard to beat. Upgrade to a beefy lower control arms and beef up those lower control arm frame mounts. I'm digging the no-lift mentality! Spend your money on low gears in the transfer case and axles lockers. Beef up transmission skids and bumpers. Use the leftover cash on a 7 PSI turbo and get the horsepower to drive over Colorado passes at the speed limit!

[@3.2.1.adventure4]

Damn pulling in the ringer with Dave I like it

[@user-ve9id1ut6b]

Love seeing your son Chris in your videos! Reminds me of when I was little helping my dad in the garage. America need to go back to father and sons in the garage!!

[@tjeff8439]

Every 1/4 inch counts when you're trying to fit it into a tub. No truer words have been spoken!

[@miniwhatt]

Great content. Great vid. Up the yota. Tons of lifted 80’s down under here in Aus but this is so sick on 39’s, rock crawler spec stuff hell yea

[@bomb69tech]

Number 2. Bull bar looks awesome.

[@brianthompson9136]

I love this rig already! Smart to think long term too and make it exactly how you want now.

[@ThePogoIV]

it's nice to see you have your little helper. this kind of stuff is great for kids, to see their dads working and problem-solving. Good job

[@joeculver6227]

The quality of your work is fantastic. And your videos are edited really well. Watching you work, and staying updated by the voice over is mesmerizing. Great work. Love your videos.

[@jimstratfordfl]

I was screaming at the screen to mount the winch on top on the frame rails 😂. Dave will be a great addition to your team. I voted!

[@cadenkrieger475]

I like the combination ball bar stinger idea, but I would mount the stinger lower to the wench plate so that you have four points of contact, much stronger.

[@chrismc.893]

Home working with a fresh back injury, this helps along with some Advil haha!! Love this channel!!