ufg8r
SILVER Star
About time you fessed up!
Builds '05 GX470 "build"... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter orion
- Start date
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Great thread. Haha, I just did the opposite. I (very sadly) sold my FJ62 for a GX470. Looked like the fraternal twin of your new baby.
- Thread starter
- #103
Thanks...and I'm happy to post/share. I've gained a lot of knowledge here...just doing my part and giving back.
Funny how that goes...
Enjoy your GX470, they really are great trucks.
- Brian
subscribed for page 1 side step trimming.
Are you using any part at all of the MetalTech rear coil conversion kit, or did you source isolators separately (or go without)? The $60 kit looks like it'd be effectively replaced by the HF castor wheels and generic spring isolators, but the expensive kit comes with much fancier stuff.
I believe the HF castors ended up being a squeaky annoyance and is not recommended. Just buy the $60 kit from MT and source the Isolator online with the Toyota part number.
Ahh okay, thanks!
WHERE DID YOU BUY ALL THE PARTS SIR?
I used castor from lowes instead. They fit much better and no noise whatsoever.
Great post !
- Thread starter
- #111
Looks like it's been about a year since I updated this thread...wow. So, to address that ^^^ (squeaky rear springs)...yes, mine were creaking when I went over decent bumps. Metal springs moving on the metal upper spring perch...wasn't obvious at first, seemed to develop over time.
I honestly couldn't hear it all the time, and only when the windows were down...but it's clear that the upper end of the spring was twisting as it compressed and uncompressed...and that made a little noise.
There needs to be something between the spring and the metal...anything would do, really. But I figured I'd add a small amount of height PLUS fix the chance of creaking / squeaking when I had a couple free hours this weekend.
To that end, I pulled the rear springs and put a 1/2" thick piece of HDPE on top of them (basically, cutting board material...high density plastic).
Here's a couple pics:
And installed, with new grade 8 hardware:
That plastic is really tough, and should allow the spring to twist without making noise.
Added exactly 1/2" in height, as you would expect.
...
So, other than this minor update...I've done nothing but drive the truck around town, and occasionally to the national forest with my kids. I've found nothing not to like about the GX470...just wish I lived somewhere where I could get if off road a little more!
- Brian
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I just read through this forum yesterday and I must say thank you to orion for being a lifesaver on some of these topics. The detailed processes help a ton. Here is my 07 470.
Also on the topic of rear shocks, when you were saying the shock is pretty much the limiter on your travel. Here is a picture of my buddies FJ with long travel shocks and only 3in Pro Comp lift springs (his long travel springs are on backorder)
Where I differed on the install was by NOT using FJ Cruiser upper spring perches (something like $60/each, no thanks). I was brainstorming on how to keep the spring centered in the upper perch, and came across an idea at Harbor Freight (yikes!).
Solid plastic caster, 5.25" diameter, $6. It's not holding any load, it's just keeping the spring in place and centered. The spring is riding on the metal upper perch where the airbag used to reside.
Another pic, installed:
Works great, no creaks or moans from the the rear suspension...and should be very durable in this role.
So this takes place of the conical upper spring isolators. Did you use the Metaltech kit for the bottom?
Also, what size bolt did you use to bolt the caster to the body underside?
Thanks
- Thread starter
- #115
Yes...the caster wheel is my DIY / cheap-ass method to keep the spring centered in the upper "cup". See above on this page, though - With the spring directly on the metal, it was squeaky on occasion...so plan to make something to go between the spring and the frame.
I made my own lower spring retainers - The springs sit directly on the 'bump' on the axle where the airbags sat, and I bolted on a metal retainer to hold the springs down.
3/8-16 bolt...just long enough to go through the caster wheel, plastic isolator / spacer, and hole in the upper cup. Nylon lock nut + washer used on top.
Hope that helps...
- Brian
That is fantastic info. I really appreciate it.
BTW, I enjoyed reading your Vortec swap thread very much. It may or may not have been part of my 4AM bed time.
BTW, I enjoyed reading your Vortec swap thread very much. It may or may not have been part of my 4AM bed time.
- Thread starter
- #118
Looks like it was #41240
2005 Lexus GX | Cargo Mat and Trunk Liner for Cars SUVs and Minivans | WeatherTech
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EDIT 7/2018:
Sold my GX470 last weekend
I didn't think that was worthy of 'bumping' this thread, so I figured I would just put an edit here, for posterity.
The new owner will use it properly, I'm sure. And I really enjoyed owning and driving it - Great vehicles. I'll still be around 'Mud, of course...have a couple 60-series to keep me busy these days.
- Brian
2005 Lexus GX | Cargo Mat and Trunk Liner for Cars SUVs and Minivans | WeatherTech
...................................................
EDIT 7/2018:
Sold my GX470 last weekend
I didn't think that was worthy of 'bumping' this thread, so I figured I would just put an edit here, for posterity.
The new owner will use it properly, I'm sure. And I really enjoyed owning and driving it - Great vehicles. I'll still be around 'Mud, of course...have a couple 60-series to keep me busy these days.
- Brian
Last edited:
Keep in mind the part number is different if you're RSES-equipped or not. The front passenger mat is different.
