Looking for advice on taking a stock LR3 up a notch to be a bit more capable

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Drew888

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So our LR3 has been my wife's daily for years and occasionally we've gone out with family into the hills around Apple Valley CA. We've been told there are other trails to explore but we shouldn't consider it without tires and sliders.

So it's 80% on road, 20% off. I think it's time for a mild upgrade but I'm only looking for what is really needed and not wanting to get carried away. I have a tendency to that. I'm considering OEM 5 spoke 18's as they are cheap. Tires...whatever fits and allows the truck to still roll when fully lowered. Sliders are a must to protect the body-still researching which. I figure if they have a step built in, it can keep the taller rocks away from the side of the truck. After that, skids but which are most important? Am I missing anything else?

I have a lot of other questions but maybe I'll start a new thread for those.

Thx,
Drew
 

Houm_WA

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Sounds like you have it on lock. Get some 31" tires for those 18s. Sliders and a skid plate for the tranny....then assess.
 

CamelToephy

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You'll probably want to add one of the diagnostic tools like the GAP IID, Nanocom Evo or Nanocom Rover-IQ if you don't already have one.

Will fit without any real need to make mods, no issues fully lowered:
265/65/18
285/60/18
 

mflecklr3

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Keep us posted.

I'm in a similar situation. My research has led me to the following:
  • 265/60/18 tires: leaning towards the Falken Wildpeak based on consumer reports and reviews from other LR owners
  • sump guard: I've already bounced the stock one off a few rocks and it's not very tough. Plus I want to make the front attachment point more accessible. Mantec looks like a good option but there are others.
  • rock sliders: most people reco the Tactical Rovers but they're overkill for my needs. I think cheaper TerraFirma are enough. Notice I said "cheaper" and not "less expensive" Bearmach might be the happy middle ground but they're tough to find in the US.
  • air compressor guard: cheaper rock sliders plus this protection is still less than high end sliders

I figure bumper skins and other non-painted trim pieces are cheap to replace given the number of wrecked LR3s. I'd buy a power supply and portable fridge before I bought steel bumpers. Again, I'm not looking to get myself into trouble...just want the confident to get over random obstacles on the way to a remote camping spot.
 

magus

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I’m in the same boat and interested in what you do and the advice here. I have a 2012 LR4 that was a DD and now lives in Colorado and will see more off road and camping duty.

I am putting LR3 18” wheels on with the BFG 265/65s. I also liked the Falken 265/70s for their taller profile but want as little issue as possible with figment and also do not want the LR4 and taller than it is - some height restrictions where it is parked.

I added a Rhino rack and an iKamper roof top tent - awesome.

GAP tool has also been a good add in general and height adjustment very useful.

I’d like to add some under body protection as mentioned above and a refrigerator in place if the middle second seat is a consideration too.

Not going crazy with the OFFROAD options but something more durable and rugged as a start.

Keep us posted!
 

eloist

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I'm running 265/65/18 K02's, Tactical sliders, GAP IID Tool, and a lot of common sense.

This truck has never failed to get me where I am trying to go. <---EDIT:

My LR3 is a boss.
 
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m_lars

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Good tires and get out there! The only thing I really recommend to start exploring is a full size spare. I daily drive mine with 265/70/18 Cooper S/T Maxx. They rub if it drops to the bump stops, but it’ll still drive. I put a hidden winch mount and a 10k winch on mine since I’m usually out alone. All the armor is cool and I’ll add it someday, but unless you’re really dragging yourself on rocks it’s not necessary. And let’s be honest, the LR3 isn’t the best choice as a rock crawler. Use common sense when it comes to that gnarly terrain, unless you’re out with another vehicle you probably shouldn’t attempt it even if you're armored up.
 

eloist

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It has been a disappointment? Off road-wise?
No no no, just the opposite. i wrote that really poorly. Apologies.

My LR3 has never failed to deliver on any trail i have ever attempted. It's absolutely brilliant off road. I just thoughtfully pick my lines, and trust the Terrain Response system to do it's job.

265/65/18's are perfect for this rig. I wouldn't go any larger, or any smaller.
 

douglastic

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I took baby steps with the 265/60/18 Falken Wildpeak and absolutely love them.
Not sure if I will go 265/65 next time or not.

Biggest Pros: lighter, almost stock MPG, speedo less "off", easy fit full-size spare

I am not ******** - this is mostly my wife's kid hauler - but we have the option to be more adventurous with camping, and exploring all the local forest roads of the IE
 

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