2003 MITSUBISHI L200 GLS (Animal)
Beauty Shots
INTRO
I bought her in February 2008 and christened her 'Elle'.
This was an upgrade from my previous car; a 2003 MITSUBISHI Lancer GLX (CS3) as I wanted a new automotive experience (diesel engines and 4x4 off-roading) and a new toy that supported my weekend warrior lifestyle.
Powered by MITSUBISHI's venerable 4D56 8V SOHC direct injection intercooler turbo diesel engine that runs on their Dakar proven Easy Select 4x4 drivetrain.
This isn't no girlie-truck as it has a 5FWD manual transmission (V5MT1) - No auto tranny !
When I got her she was thoroughly stock - not a single modification nor accessory that wasn't bolted on at the assembly plant of her birth in Thailand.
STOCK PICS:
Factory fit front MITSUBISHI chrome and vinyl grille guard and chrome mirrors
Factory fit rear chrome bumper
Stock fabric interior
Collapsible rear seat back
Duraliner Tray Liner
Factory 16" Alloy Rims
Factory Aluminium Running board
She's no baby doll of a truck either. Her first owner was a leasing company that leased her out to industrial companies where she was used for the purpose that MITSUBISHI designed her for - utility. She thus proudly wears some of the scars of that trade - a minor knicks and small scratches in a couple of places.
Utility Pics:
As with all of my vehicles, immaculate care and loving attention was in store for her. First priority was to sort out all mechanical problems that were existing.
This included:
ENGINE WORK:
Full engine work:
1. Stop oil leak from one of the high pressure oil lines.
Both high pressure oil lines and a couple oil seals in the engine head and block. Removed the entire engine to do this.
2. Full 100,000km service:
Change of Timing (cam) belt (Gates)
Change of Balance shaft belt (Gates)
Change of Timing belt tensioner (NTN)
Change of Balance shaft belt tensioner (NTN)
Change of brake and clutch fluid
Change of coolant (Shell)
Change of all filters (Sakura)
Change clutch release bearing (NTN)
Change all engine belts:
2 Alternator belts (Gates)
Air Condition Compressor Belt (MITSUBOSHI)
Powersteering Belt (Gates)
3. Removal, strip down and complete cleaning of intercooler, then a fresh coat of paint
SUSPENSION & DRIVETRAIN WORK:
1. Rebuild front drivetrain velocity joints. Race and Cage on inner velocity joints changed, boot rubbers changed and repacked with grease.
2. Change worn steering ends (555)
3. Change worn stabilizer bar bushings (RBI)
4. Re-grease free-wheel hubs
5. Change oil in gearbox, transfer case, front and rear differentials (Redline Synthetic Racing 75W-90 Gear Oil)
6. New Roadstone Rodian HT M+S Tyres (265\70\16)
7. Change front brake disc pads (Mintex) and rear brake shoes (OHK)
Custom Tray Protection Work:
I did some work to protect her tray\cargo area from the long term effects of weathering. This was the application of two coats of tar-based underbody coating, topped with two coats of industrial paint to her metal tray surface.
The Duraliner tray liner does a good job of protecting against teh damaging effects of loaded cargo, but not the weather.
This was done as follows:
1. Removal of the Duraliner tray liner and treatment of the metal tray with rust remover and then coating with metal oxide protective coating
2. The 2 coats of tar-based underbody coating was applied:
3. The 2 coats of industrial black paint was applied
4. Replaced the trayliner
MODIFICATIONS:
GReddy GTT3 Turbo Timer
PIAA Super Plasma GTX Headlamp bulbs
Pics to come
PIAA Extreme Super White Hoodlamp bulbs
PIAA Extreme Super White Maplight bulbs
K&N Free Flow intake drop-in air filter (Model# 38-9207)
Poriro G-Speed Competition Sports Pedals with Adjustable Heel-Toe Plates
Stainless Steel Muffler
TOYO Open Country A/T Tyres
18" Michelin Optimum Frameless All-weather wiper blades
Heavy Duty 3 piece HS floor mats
pics to come
Vinyl Decals
Passenger Door
Hood
Official Animal Worldwide Freeride Hood Decal (UK styling)
Titanium Shift knob (on range selector lever)
Audio:
All Pioneer
Pioneer DEH-2000MP Tuner\MP3\CD headunit
4 X 6.5" TS-G1642R 180W speakers (doors) and 2 x 4.0" TS-G1041R 110W (dashboard)
Custom Tray Bar
Built by Kennicon Engineering Limited. This tray bar is not the usual chrome decorative type found on most pickups. It is made entirely of Schedule 40 steel and painted to match Elle's factory colour scheme. the result a beautiful an rugged finish that can extend her utilitarian functions
Auxillary Lighting
PIAA 1400 Series Dichroic Ion Crystal Fog colour (85W x 2)
KC Hilites 57 Series Long Range Spotlights (100W x 2)
KC Hilites 26 Series Backup Lights (55W x 2)
CAR CARE PRODUCTS:
SOME VIDEOS
Driving through stream in Icacos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q803x3dFzB4
Scary beach fun run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab1rSavFW4I
Donuts on Icacos Beach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7BwacbvCCI
Donuts and Drifting on Columbus Beach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RPyBxlxm70
Drive along the beach crossing rocks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThBnQKOVbzs
Recovering a stuck Hilux SR5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLHE2t0ikaA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmSDCq5SEGE
Driving through a trail in Brasso Seco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuxP2gYfz20
Stuck on a trail in Brasso Seco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-fteyJ9QtE
Driving through a trail in Brasso Seco. Following my friend's Ranger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgK3BrvD92Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdxNXmWYpFI
Recovery while stuck on a trail in Brasso Seco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfkhQbqqydI
FUTURE PLANS:
Utility upgrade
Custom build steel bumper
Off-road upgrades
Digital compass
Locking Diff ? ? ?
Lift kit ? ? ?
Interior upgrades
Many possibilities
Street upgrades
Running Board lights (green)
20% Emerald Green metalized window tint
SOME OF MY AFFILIATIONS:
Trinituner Trucks & Pickup Forum
http://forums.trinituner.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=41
http://www.trinituner.com
L200 Owners Club
http://www.l200.org.uk
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Thank you for taking the time to view my page. I hope you like what I have done to my '03 Animal and that you are inspired by what you have seen here.
Please sign my Guestbook and leave your comments.
Alas, the time came for me my my beloved Elle to part ways before I could have completed all the upgrades listed above. I have since sold this vehicle and do miss her dearly. I still see her around and take comfort that the new owner takes care of her.
Upgraded to newer 3.2L L200 Sportero, new page soon to be built
