so i figure its time to start my build thread here on my GX.
i bought it at 131xxx miles, from a dealer in Tacoma Wa on Dec 24th 2014. had been looking for a replacement daily driver for my aging 97 4runner that i had bought in 2010 after returning home from Iraq. and over the next 4 years i proceeded to put 100k miles on it and build it from 100% stock to a full expo ready wheeling rig. the Rescue Runner build thread - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum anyhow with 300k miles on the clock it was time to get something else to daily drive. so the search began. at first i was looking at 100 series LCs but their price was higher than i wanted, and the mileage sucked. so then it was to the 4th gen 4runner, but they seemed a little cramped for room and over priced. then i stumbled across a build thread for a GX, and learned that it shared the same platform as the 4th gen 4runner (120chassis). so i started looking at them, and learning about them. i found that i wanted one without navigation, and i wanted the 3rd row seating. it took me a few weeks of looking across the country but i finally found one, and it was fairly local.
the goal for this build is to be a daily driver, but yet capable of mild off roading(needs to perform as a SAR rig, as well as family camping rig).i want it to remain looking fairly stock, at least to most people. it will not be getting bumpers(as there are none that i like available for it at this time). it will get a hidden winch, and at least a rear locker along with the OME BP51 suspension when ARB releases it for the 120s. im also wanting to put some sliders on it, either the OPOR from MT or do a custom slider that replaces the running boards support structure, leaving the running boards on to look stock.
so onto the mods i have done... so far its been pretty basic. the first thing i did was order a full set of weather tech floor mats. i upgraded all the interior lights to LEDs, and reprogrammed some of the programmable parameters such as turning off the DRLs and changing the remote unlock function. i have also installed a HID low beam kit from TRS (4500k) and upgraded the high beams to LED (5500k). i have installed a set of PIAA LED DRLs in the bumper vents. i have put a slight lift on it using struts and a spacer from a FJC. at first i just dropped the AHC sensors to trick the computer into putting more air into the rear bags to match the front. but then i got around to pulling the rear bags and using the rear coils from a FJC with spacers there as well a set of ICON shocks i got. -total cost for me was like $160(bought it from a friend who totaled his rig and was going LT on his next rig). i scored a set of 5 FJC 6 spoke wheels for $50 on craigslist and then picked up a set of used 285 70 17 KM2s(not impressed with them BTW) for $300, at 70% tread. im not sure what all the rage is or was about these tire, but yeah im not impressed. anyhow i just bought a new set of Cooper ST MAXX in 285 70 17 from discount tire for under $1000! i also mounted my Totron 50" curved LED bar over the windshield, Land Cruiser Northwest made the mounts for me. other than that i have just been going through and replacing any broken or missing clips or trim parts.
anyhow yeah so this will be my build and i will be updating this as i do things. i also will post up pictures of the mods i have done so people can see them, and ask questions.
i bought it at 131xxx miles, from a dealer in Tacoma Wa on Dec 24th 2014. had been looking for a replacement daily driver for my aging 97 4runner that i had bought in 2010 after returning home from Iraq. and over the next 4 years i proceeded to put 100k miles on it and build it from 100% stock to a full expo ready wheeling rig. the Rescue Runner build thread - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum anyhow with 300k miles on the clock it was time to get something else to daily drive. so the search began. at first i was looking at 100 series LCs but their price was higher than i wanted, and the mileage sucked. so then it was to the 4th gen 4runner, but they seemed a little cramped for room and over priced. then i stumbled across a build thread for a GX, and learned that it shared the same platform as the 4th gen 4runner (120chassis). so i started looking at them, and learning about them. i found that i wanted one without navigation, and i wanted the 3rd row seating. it took me a few weeks of looking across the country but i finally found one, and it was fairly local.
the goal for this build is to be a daily driver, but yet capable of mild off roading(needs to perform as a SAR rig, as well as family camping rig).i want it to remain looking fairly stock, at least to most people. it will not be getting bumpers(as there are none that i like available for it at this time). it will get a hidden winch, and at least a rear locker along with the OME BP51 suspension when ARB releases it for the 120s. im also wanting to put some sliders on it, either the OPOR from MT or do a custom slider that replaces the running boards support structure, leaving the running boards on to look stock.
so onto the mods i have done... so far its been pretty basic. the first thing i did was order a full set of weather tech floor mats. i upgraded all the interior lights to LEDs, and reprogrammed some of the programmable parameters such as turning off the DRLs and changing the remote unlock function. i have also installed a HID low beam kit from TRS (4500k) and upgraded the high beams to LED (5500k). i have installed a set of PIAA LED DRLs in the bumper vents. i have put a slight lift on it using struts and a spacer from a FJC. at first i just dropped the AHC sensors to trick the computer into putting more air into the rear bags to match the front. but then i got around to pulling the rear bags and using the rear coils from a FJC with spacers there as well a set of ICON shocks i got. -total cost for me was like $160(bought it from a friend who totaled his rig and was going LT on his next rig). i scored a set of 5 FJC 6 spoke wheels for $50 on craigslist and then picked up a set of used 285 70 17 KM2s(not impressed with them BTW) for $300, at 70% tread. im not sure what all the rage is or was about these tire, but yeah im not impressed. anyhow i just bought a new set of Cooper ST MAXX in 285 70 17 from discount tire for under $1000! i also mounted my Totron 50" curved LED bar over the windshield, Land Cruiser Northwest made the mounts for me. other than that i have just been going through and replacing any broken or missing clips or trim parts.
anyhow yeah so this will be my build and i will be updating this as i do things. i also will post up pictures of the mods i have done so people can see them, and ask questions.
2015-09-10_08-44-27
IMG_9278
IMG_9284
IMG_9281
20150520_091649
IMG_20150616_092849634
2015-09-10_08-47-11
IMG_20150630_070554
IMG_20150629_220023
IMG_20150611_160807488
IMG_20150611_175138282
IMG_20150611_194144
IMG_20150605_131758
IMG_20150605_141237
IMG_20150719_095007
IMG_20150530_213921840
IMG_20150530_213941127
IMG_20150530_214110781
hey! ... you got a camera,?
) somewhere between Louisiana and California ... we have three here on Mud just in Baton Rouge ... #woodgrainwarriors !
