Build Thread The Lobster, DaneJa's overlanding build

[DaneJa]

This first post will serve as an overview for the build that I’ll update as I go along. Most of this will just be me installing what my betters have built, or in some instances paying someone to do that, too. Here’s what I’m planning and what is done so far.

Completed:
Exterior Armor:

1. PPF wrap (final items and Grenadier USA Hood Badge)
2. GP Factor Fender Plate Kit
3. Owl Vans Pro-Line skid plates and differential skids
4. Abenteuer 4x4 Rock Sliders
5. Agile Offroad Rear Control Arm Skid Plates
6. Black Sheep Rear Skid Plate
7. NATO plug water ingress protection

Exterior Utility:

1. Benchmark Safari Roof Rack
2. Roam 128L Rolling Rugged Case with MaxTrax mount and Rugged roof rack mounts
3. Grenadier USA black anodized aluminum roof grab handles
4. ClimAir Window Wind Deflectors
5. Suma Performance Convex Side Mirrors
6. Buzz Overland Door Steps
7. Agile Offroad Spare Tire Carrier Relocation Bracket
8. Le Tech Ladder w/Jerry Can Storage
9. GP Factor Propane Cylinder Ladder Mount
10. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 255/85R17
11. Method 703 in Gloss Titanium (17x7.5 | 6x130 | 50/6.20")

Mechanical

1. Agile Offroad Power Steering Reservoir Gasket
2. Agile Offroad ARB Differential Breather Kit
3. Grenadier Works Transfer Case Cable Clamp
4. Votex M12 X 1.5MM Quick Easy Valve Oil Drain
5. Fox ATS 2.0 Steering Stabilizer
6. Steering stop adjustment

Lighting

1. Baja Designs S8 50" Light Bar, White Driver/Combo
2. Stedi Micro Touch scene and chase/reverse lights
3. Grenadier Works Map Light Glare Shields
4. Kingpin Equipped 12" F-Series Lights w/Rotary Dimmer Switch and Search Mount Kits
5. Grenadier Works License Plate Light Shrouds

Interior:

1. Sound Shield Sound Deadening
2. Custom audio upgrade (second post)
3. Grenadier USA Overhead Cockpit Shelf
4. Wolfbox G900 Pro on 67 Designs mount
5. Owl Vans Rosen Visors
6. Black Sheep Innovations Anti-Glare Cover
7. Owl Vans Dashboard Accessory Mounting Rail
8. Octodyne Steering Wheel Button Guards
9. Octodyne Keyhole Light
10. Grenadier USA Oversized Cup Holder Center Console Replacement
11. Blue Ridge Overland Grenadier Cargo Attic
12. Tougher Seat Covers
13. Cut battery box cover to access aux panel fuses
14. Agile Offroad Fire Extinguisher Bracket Kit w/Range Industries Quick Release Mount (second post)
15. Bison Gear Ceiling Shelf w/Under Shelf Compartment
16. Bison Gear Left Cargo Basket (modify to fit)
17. Grenadier Works Rear Gate Interior Pull Handle
18. GP Factor Tailgate Table (w/National Luna light)
19. Air Down Gear Up rear cargo drawer and Dometic drawer fridge
20. Mounted Morrflate Air Compressor
21. Grenadier USA Rear Door Handle

In the Queue:

• Alu-Cab Silenus roof conversion
• Front bumper w/winch and bull bar
• Agile Offroad in-grill offroad light Baja Designs upgrade kit
• GP Factor interior buildout
• Long Range America Aux Fuel Tank

Other Grenadier Accessories:

1. Overland Gear Guy Safari Window Mesh Screens
2. Owl Vans Safari Window Covers
3. Overland Gear Guy Open Top Door Storage
4. Modify Viair 450P air compressor to optionally use either the NATO plug or terminal clamps (NATO to Anderson adapter)

 

[DaneJa]

I picked up the truck yesterday and am very pleased with the whole process with the dealer, Red Noland, and Christine who I’ve been working with over the last year or so. They really made it painless and even sent a car to pick me up over an hour away. Christine was great about reaching out with updates, accommodating some modifications I made to the order, and generally keeping in touch with text/calls. I ordered in June ‘24 and it arrived at the very end of March ‘25, just in time to dodge the new 25% tariff on automotive imports.

The truck is a Trialmaster in Devil Red with Halo Red frame and contrast black roof. Other inclusions are the dual battery setup, high-load aux panel, safari windows, seat heat, tow hitch, and saddle leather steering wheel, brake, and grab handle wrap. I elected for the cloth seats in the hope they would be a bit cooler than leather; I also think they look better. I also had the dealer install the driver-side grab handle and XPEL windshield protective film.

The only real differences with the model year 25 Grenadiers is the inclusion of trailer wiring and the new color, Devil Red. That’s right, the rumors are, again, BS – no new software and no front drive shaft redesign. The color looks great and does that thing that all the Ineos color formulations seem to do where the lighting has a dramatic influence on the presentation. It’s a very striking color and, while not a perfect match, doesn't clash with the Halo Red frame.

First impressions:

• I love that it feels like a truck when driven, not a plastic toy. There are a million things that contribute to this that I’m not going to list, but suffice to say that despite its immediately obvious faults, the Grenadier is an incredible vehicle and I’m thrilled to have one finally.
• The steering is an absolute non-issue, except on the highway
• This thing is terrible on the freeway. My 1988 Land Cruiser is easier to keep in the lane. I don’t remember the test drive being this bad. The tires are at 47 psi so I’m going to take those down to 36 psi and see if that helps. If not I may have to have a shop check and maybe max out the caster.
• I’m 6’5” (195cm) so I’m used to seats not really being designed for me and it doesn’t usually bother me, but I was bothered by the lack of lumbar on these immediately. I enjoyed the seats in the test drive, so I’m going to play with settings and see if I can improve it a bit. The side bolstering is great and I appreciate the head rests actually being high and far enough forward to be useful since the vast majority are not.
• There is definitely a fair amount of wind noise, but not enough to bother me. On the other hand, the boominess of those large planar surfaces in the back is absolutely unacceptable. I’m sure having the truck loaded would help, but I drove straight from the dealership to a car audio shop to talk about fixing it with sound deadening material.
• On that note, the audio system is abysmal. I’ll be getting that fixed as well.
• The rear view mirror is comically useless. It might as well not be there. I’ve driven plenty of vehicles without a rear view mirror so it doesn’t bother me, but it does boggle the mind how that was considered acceptable. There should exist, at the minimum, a factory option for a camera rear view.
• The backup camera is embarrassingly poor for something built in the last 10 years. Small cameras are good and they’re inexpensive, so I have trouble understanding this hardware choice.
• The driver side grab handle I had the dealer install is totally unnecessary for me as a tall dude. The seat is at a great height to just hop right in. The handle projects into your view a fair amount, so I can see why Ineos did not include it from the factory. I may switch it back at some point, though it’s a little soon to make that call.

 

[RobP]

Congrats! I love the new color!
I tinted my safari windows and it really helped. I thought about covers, but I still wanted the openness they bring to the cabin.
Looking forward to seeing the build progress.

 

[Tazzieman]

"The driver side grab handle I had the dealer install is totally unnecessary for me as a tall dude. The seat is at a great height to just hop right in."

I agree. Even as a 5ft9 senior

 

[DaneJa]

Today was largely spent on logistics visiting and coordinating with local installers and distant fabricators, but I did get to installing some items. I'll break this post into several sections:

1. PPF wrap project brief and approval
2. Pulled the trigger a roof rack and coordinated with a local installer
3. Installed the Owl Vans Dashboard Gear Rail
4. Installed the Grenadier USA Overhead Gear Shelf
5. Installed the Owl Vans Rosen Visors
6. Installed the Grenadier USA Rear Door Handle
7. Installed the GP Factor Tailgate Table
8. Bison Gear rear-left basket failed install

PPF Project:
I dropped by the shop and went over the vehicle yesterday. Today I approved their proposal -- this is not a cheap vehicle to have wrapped. Here's the summary of what they're going to do.

• SunTek satin wrap all around
• Hard-wearing black wrap on the kick, step, and lower door panels
• Chrome delete on the grill
• Satin wrap on interior piano black trim
• Mount fender armor plates
• Replace hood badge
• Emphasis on protecting door hinge forward surfaces and lower step areas

Roof Rack:
I ordered the Benchmark Safari Roof Rack with a white-only drive/combo OnX6 light bar. I'm not interested in the high/low beam feature or amber lenses and this will drastically simplify the wiring install. Estimate to shipping is 6-7 weeks. It will be a simple install, but since I'll be solo and can't easily receive freight where I live I'm going to have a local place do it. It's a great looking rack and should suit my needs just fine. It's probably not ideal for rooftop tents, but I won't be using one. My only concern is how much the light bar protrudes into an already limited upward visibility for traffic lights. In case you haven't seen it, here's a picture of their setup.

Owl Vans Dashboard Gear Rail:
This was a very easy install and the trim pry tool they included was greatly appreciated. It looks quite nice and works well. I may have to find another phone mount/charger, but at least I won't have to look at that obnoxious 'Merica-munition logo except on the occasion that my phone isn't on there. When the audio installers do their thing they will run a flat USB-C through the dash to the charger.

Grenadier USA Overhead Gear Shelf:
This was also extremely easy to install. Nice attention to detail on this product with the custom flange washers to mount using the OEM screws. For now my sunglasses live up there as I was having a hard time finding a good place for them otherwise.

Owl Vans Rosen Visors:
These are excellent. They're expensive, but damn are they nice. I may be biased since they're closer to what I'm used to in aircraft, but they really are the way to go to preserve the already somewhat narrow and downward focused forward view.

Here you can also see how that driver side grab handle protrudes like a needle in the eye.

Grenadier USA Rear Door Handle:
This is also a very nice piece and is about a 2 minute install. A small trim piece or something to fill the gap around the rotational mechanism between the handle and the door would be a nice touch, but the handle looks very nice from the usual angles. I forgot to snap a picture of that gap, but Bodhi did a video on it if you want a deep look.

GP Factor Tailgate Table:
Other than the million screws to remove and replace, this is also a quick and easy job. I should have done this first to get a bit more working surface area since I was an absolute mess working around all the crap I had piled in the back. The table feels solid as hell and I have no worries about it rattling. I tossed a couple of the OEM screws in the top corners to hold it in position while I worked through the others then replaced them. There's some kind of florescent orange fluid that I think approximates Loctite Blue in case you don't have any at hand. I left the protective film on since the audio installers will have to remove the table in a few weeks anyway.

The tray in the back right on the cover over the high-amperage relay was a nice place to put screws.

The emergency kit fits nicely in the cubby still. The audio installers will run 12v to the National Luna light when they install the Wolfbox camera.

Bison Gear Basket failed install:
I must have missed the note on their website about some Grenadiers having a different panel shape on the left cargo area. I imagine this is must be for the inverter. My bad, but this is the risk one runs when ordering accessories ahead of the vehicle's arrival. This basket may be sacrificed to create a molle panel grill for the custom subwoofer box on the other side.

 

[bigleonski]

47psi - yeah that has to change. Take 10 out and there’ll be significant improvement.

 

[Dokatd]

With all the cash you're putting in, take a moment to order the new version of the Agile steering damper. Get the adjustable version for sure. It will almost certainly fix your highway issues combined with dropping to 36psi or even lower. The demo trucks are a bit more worn in and don't suffer as much as the new trucks. You can put some miles on it and get it feeling better, but it's even better with the Fox unit.

 

[DaneJa]

I dropped the tire pressure to 36 psi but haven't driven it yet. I'll take it for a drive tomorrow and see how it feels.

Also in case anyone is curious about the Devil Red and Halo Red color match, here's a shot that reflects pretty well what it looks like in person. The Halo Red is a bit more orange, but not shockingly so.

 

[CRH]

With all the cash you're putting in, take a moment to order the new version of the Agile steering damper. Get the adjustable version for sure. It will almost certainly fix your highway issues combined with dropping to 36psi or even lower. The demo trucks are a bit more worn in and don't suffer as much as the new trucks. You can put some miles on it and get it feeling better, but it's even better with the Fox unit.

Leave the original on and let it bed in. Once it frees up it will slowly recentre to about 10-20 degrees. Can let go of steering wheel on straight motorway and it holds steady. You can always wobble it and get nothing but it's just slow, hold gently with 1 hand and it works perfectly.
From a thread i read on here the aftermarket damper needs refurbishment after a certain amount of use whereas I'm assuming the stock item is designed to last and probably why it needs to be run in. Mine is on just short of 20,000 miles and the steering is totally normal to me and not a problem. I can jump in a modern Abarth 595, Porsche, Fiat Panda or a 67 car with worm and roller steering and back to the Grenadier and not notice or have any issues.

 

[Tazzieman]

I can jump in a modern Abarth 595, Porsche, Fiat Panda or a 67 car with worm and roller steering and back to the Grenadier and not notice or have any issues.

Likewise, though my bed hopping involves a '73 Landy, '66 Benz, '64 Fiat and a '78 911.
I detest modern power assisted steering. Makes me feel like a "soccer mom".

 

[Dopplemax]

This first post will serve as an overview for the build that I’ll update as I go along. Most of this will just be me installing what my betters have built, or in some instances paying someone to do that, too. Here’s what I’m planning and what is done so far.

View attachment 7891794


Completed:
Interior:

1. Grenadier USA Overhead Cockpit Shelf
2. Owl Vans Rosen Visors
3. Owl Vans Dashboard Accessory Mounting Rail
4. GP Factor Tailgate Table (w/National Luna light later)
5. Grenadier USA Rear Door Handle

In the Queue:
Exterior Armor:

1. PPF wrap
2. Abenteuer 4x4 Rock Sliders
3. Agile Offroad skid plates
4. Agile Offroad Shift Cable Support Bracket Kit
5. Black Sheep Rear Skid Plate
6. Front bumper w/winch and bull bar – considering Dissent Offroad
7. GP Factor Fender Plate Kit
8. NATO plug water ingress protection

Exterior Utility:

1. Benchmark Safari Roof Rack
2. ClimAir Window Wind Deflectors
3. Suma Performance Convex Side Mirrors
4. Agile Offroad Spare Tire Carrier Relocation Bracket
5. Le Tech Ladder w/Jerry Can Storage

Lighting:

1. Agile Offroad in-grill offroad light Baja Designs upgrade kit
2. Baja Designs OnX6 Light Bar
3. Scene and rear lighting upgrade
4. Grenadier Works License Plate Light Shrouds

Interior:

1. Sound deadening, custom audio upgrade, and additional USB-C ports
2. Wolfbox G900 Pro on 67 Designs mount
3. Octodyne Steering Wheel Button Guards
4. Grenadier USA Oversized Cup Holder Center Console Replacement
5. Bison Gear Ceiling Shelf w/Under Shelf Compartment
6. Bison Gear Left Cargo Basket
7. Rear cargo drawers

Unfixed Grenadier Accessories:

1. Overland Gear Guy Safari Window Mesh Screens
2. Owl Vans Safari Window Covers
3. Overland Gear Guy Open Top Door Storage
4. Modify Viair 450P air compressor to optionally use either the NATO plug or terminal clamps

View attachment 7891792

Add the Agile Off-road drivers side grab handle and Owl billet grab handles. Huge improvements. Xpel your windshield and ceramic coat it.

 

[DaneJa]

I'm not going to be changing any mechanical components on the truck until I have a pretty solid feel for it from factory, if I do change any that is. I'll likely do the shocks and springs at some point, but not until the build is pretty much done, the weight settled, and I know well how the stock components perform.

Add the Agile Off-road drivers side grab handle and Owl billet grab handles. Huge improvements. Xpel your windshield and ceramic coat it.

The dealer did put Xpel on the windscreen. Unlikely they ceramic coated it though. Think that'll prolong the film taking scratches?

 

[Dokatd]

Leave the original on and let it bed in. Once it frees up it will slowly recentre to about 10-20 degrees. Can let go of steering wheel on straight motorway and it holds steady. You can always wobble it and get nothing but it's just slow, hold gently with 1 hand and it works perfectly.
From a thread i read on here the aftermarket damper needs refurbishment after a certain amount of use whereas I'm assuming the stock item is designed to last and probably why it needs to be run in. Mine is on just short of 20,000 miles and the steering is totally normal to me and not a problem. I can jump in a modern Abarth 595, Porsche, Fiat Panda or a 67 car with worm and roller steering and back to the Grenadier and not notice or have any issues.

I love the suffer and wait it out for a marginal result attitude.

Why are people soooo opposed to changing out a steering stabilizer, it's just a crazy mentality to me.

Especially when money is not typically the issue. Worst case you get a better part than stock and it feels about the same. Best case it makes the truck drive right down the highway. Having driven the roads in Colorado in a stock Gren I can speak from experience, the stock setup blows on those roads.

 

[Itsdchz]

Just confirming- The Ineos Emergency Kit- Was this included in your purchase, or did you add? My build spec has it listed, but dealer said that wasn’t on the MY’24 in USA, and was only listed and spec’d for European market. If you can confirm, as I will be calling my dealer. Thanks!

 

[Dopplemax]

I'm not going to be changing any mechanical components on the truck until I have a pretty solid feel for it from factory, if I do change any that is. I'll likely do the shocks and springs at some point, but not until the build is pretty much done, the weight settled, and I know well how the stock components perform.


The dealer did put Xpel on the windscreen. Unlikely they ceramic coated it though. Think that'll prolong the film taking scratches?

Yep

 

[Zimm]

Take it to an alignment shop that's good, max the caster, add a little toe in, and you can ignore the psi change. I'm running 44 front and 46 rear. I don't notice a damn thing different at 37. I can't speak for the damper, I decided not to change it. After driving a dealer loaner that was high 40's and really stable in the highway for a week, I went at the alignment, and I've concluded the obvious, that getting the front axle right is the foundation.

 

[Dokatd]

Take it to an alignment shop that's good, max the caster, add a little toe in, and you can ignore the psi change. I'm running 44 front and 46 rear. I don't notice a damn thing different at 37. I can't speak for the damper, I decided not to change it. After driving a dealer loaner that was high 40's and really stable in the highway for a week, I went at the alignment, and I've concluded the obvious, that getting the front axle right is the foundation.

Most certainly getting the front end right is key. I very much think most of these earlier deliveries were not aligned at all. I haven't played with toe just yet, but I plan to. My truck drives pretty nicely as it sits though.

 

[DaneJa]

Just confirming- The Ineos Emergency Kit- Was this included in your purchase, or did you add? My build spec has it listed, but dealer said that wasn’t on the MY’24 in USA, and was only listed and spec’d for European market. If you can confirm, as I will be calling my dealer. Thanks!

I did option it for $95. It's called the "Roadside Emergency Kit" on the order summary and "Emergency Equipment in Comb b" on the window sticker.

 

[DaneJa]

Take it to an alignment shop that's good, max the caster, add a little toe in, and you can ignore the psi change. I'm running 44 front and 46 rear. I don't notice a damn thing different at 37. I can't speak for the damper, I decided not to change it. After driving a dealer loaner that was high 40's and really stable in the highway for a week, I went at the alignment, and I've concluded the obvious, that getting the front axle right is the foundation.

Thanks, I may give that a shot down the road a bit.

 

[DaneJa]

Bison Gear Overhead Cargo Shelf:
Mounting the overhead shelf was pretty straightforward, though I made it as difficult for myself as could be. I highly recommend putting the back piece and, if you have one, the suspended shelf on BEFORE putting the large shelf platform on the support brackets. It's the obvious way to do it if you actually lay things out ahead of time, but I'm an idiot. I was also too lazy to take the shelf platform down to do things the easy way after realizing my mistake, apparently. Anyway, this thing is really nice. I couldn't find instructions but it's intuitive. You do have to drill holes in the plastic covers over the mounting points on the ceiling. To locate those holes I ran the screws into the mounting holes then used a Sharpie to put some ink on the screw heads then pressed the plastic covers in place, which transferred a nice ink ring in the inner surface.

From there it's a simple matter of assembly.

Owl Vans Safari Window Covers:
These are quite nice as well and only take a couple minutes to setup. They come with a compact storage bag with 4 magnets to stick to the windows. I just cleaned the window surface with some alcohol wipes, located the magnets centered on the screens' landing pads, and pressed the screens into place. When you remove the cover the magnets will be stuck right where they need to be. The forward end of the covers have magnets inside that stick onto the hinge mount, no install needed.

For those of you that may have been worried I might lose this incognito truck in parking lots, I don't think that will be an issue.