120 Series General Tech and Classified (1 Viewer)

[dnp]

Since most of the other series are discussed here, I thought it was time to bring in one that I've found to be pretty impressive (at least, so far)

Right before this year's crawl, I decided to abandon my year-long search for an '03-'05 Blue / Grey 100 and totally switch directions by buying - with the intent to "build up" - an '04 GX470. Val had driven one for 10 years, and I always liked it....not to mention it was probably the best all-around vehicle we've ever owned.

The GX has the 2UZ and A750 5-speed transmission, so it's "powerful enough" to get out of it's own way (it's certainly no 3UR, but it's also a far cry better than a 1FZ); it's ultra smooth and quiet; with stock tires, it'll actually get fairly decent fuel mileage; and for a daily driver, the GXs are "advanced" enough to have been given most of the newer safety features. On the mod-side, it'll accept most every suspension component that will fit on an '07-'09 FJ Cruiser, so there are quite a few options available.

I'm just in the beginning stages on this one, but so far, I'm EXTREMELY impressed and satisfied with the performance results. So far, I've:

• Removed the running boards (of course)
• Installed a 3" ToyTec lift (consisting of front and rear Bilstein shocks, Superflex [Eibach] front and rear springs,
• Installed SPC adjustable upper control arms, and
• Changed the tires to 285/70-17 BFG A/T KO2s).

On the road, it's as well-mannered as it was before the modifications. Granted, you can hear the ATs, but they're really not any louder than OEM. Also, totally gone is the mushy, rear-bottoming characteristics of the OEM suspension with adjustable shocks and rear air bags. In fact, in both on and off road situations, this thing is coffin-like quiet and the suspension is very compliant. No rattles, no leather squeaking like a 100, etc.

In any event, I just thought it was time to throw a 120 platform into the CLC mix........

 

[dnp]

Few more...

And, yes, I did take the tire off the roof. I never liked it up there and never intended to leave it; however, I didn't have anywhere else to carry it on our trip to NE Alabama

 

[wngrog]

I drove it. I'm super impressed.

 

[fountainhead]

Love it...do the GX's not have AHC?

 

[dnp]

Love it...do the GX's not have AHC?

Well, sorta. While the LX has a much more complex electrohydraulic system, both front and rear, the GX has a pneumatic self-leveling system only in the rear. You can adjust all 4 shocks, but the only suspension height control is in the rear.

In comparison to an LX, removing the AHC on a GX is cake. Remove the air lines and take out the air springs (they look like air bags on top of shock bodies).

 

[pmccraney]

 

[MEMCruiser]

I dont have to hit play to know the dialogue.

I got a friend looking for a car and trying to steer him to this for daughter

 

[MScruiser]

Looks great, David. Especially without the running boards.

 

[dnp]

Looks great, David. Especially without the running boards.

Thanks. The running board delete takes off about a thousand "visual pounds"

 

[ntsaint]

Very cool

 

[Bomar]

Very sweet....Does it feel faster than the 100?

 

[pmccraney]

Well, sorta. While the LX has a much more complex electrohydraulic system, both front and rear, the GX has a pneumatic self-leveling system only in the rear. You can adjust all 4 shocks, but the only suspension height control is in the rear.

Yeah, I got all that (or not):

 

[jynx]

Momma wants a GX. When we get done with this house and get a few other things squared away I got a feeling we will be on the lookout.

 

[dnp]

Very sweet....Does it feel faster than the 100?

Ha! Funny you should ask: Val and I would run each other occasionally, and her GX was very slightly faster than my '03 LX (5 speed).....which means it should be a good bit faster than my 2000 LC

 

[wngrog]

So, what kind of money are you taking about for this suspension?

What's next?

 

[ntsaint]

@beno mentioned at crawl he could get all the Toyota badging for that truck...just FYI.

 

[wngrog]

Would it be red?

 

[ntsaint]

Dang right it would. The red plays.

For a while anyway. I kept my stock stuff for when the red gets old.

 

[MEMCruiser]

Only negative...no tailgate.

 

[Nottajeep]

I like DNP's rig and the newer 4 runner's a lot more than the FJC.