2005 GX470 Build from stock (New to Overlanding) (1 Viewer)

[RedLeader21]

Hi everyone, I just purchased a 2005 GX 470 with the intent to build it into an overland truck for my wife and I. I am brand new to the community and was introduced to the GX/LX and IH8MUD by a friend who is also a member here (u/Brauski). I plan on tracking the whole build here so keep up with the thread and feel free to offer advice.

Who Am I: Raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, then went to college and worked on the east coast of Florida. I am a mechanical engineer and did some racing design work in college so I have a pretty decent grasp of the technical aspects of vehicle design/build. However, that was primarily all custom built so I am somewhat lacking in knowledge of model/brand specific information so I am always looking for advice in those areas. I am currently in Northern VA, but will be headed to Pensacola, FL in about 2 months.

The Truck: A 2005 Lexus GX 470 with about 158,000mi on it. I bought it for $12k from Atlanta Toyota unseen. They are shipping it to me now and it will be here by Tuesday of next week. It has an impeccable service record and is non-nav. Of note, It had the 90k service right on time and also saw a radiator replacement at 73k and then a new rear air suspension and shock absorbers at about 149k. I have not checked the diff lock yet, so my fingers are crossed... standby for that test result. It is a "Blizzard Pearl" exterior with a bit of paint coming off on the front of the hood. The interior is Ivory.

The Build: So far I have purchased the following:
5 x BFG K02 (265/70R17)
5 x Toyota TRD Wheels (17x7),
Lil B's Fab GX470 Hybrid Front Bumper (see images),
Wotefusi Snorkel (Amazon Cheapo)
Anglewide 3.5in Vortex Pre-filter
4 x Reindeer Recovery Traction Pads
VIAR 88P Portable Air Compressor

Things I am still researching are a car fridge, power setup, rear bumper/tire mount, GPS/Audio System, and recovery ropes.

Things I Intend to Fabricate:
-Storage system and organization for the rear: I have seen a few home built that I want to replicate. I would like to make some sort of rugged drawers that are strong enough to hold significant weight without seizing or drooping. Stay tuned for the build.

-Bull bar for the Lil B's Front Bumper: I really like the approach angle and looks of this bumper but the subtle bull bar was less than what I am looking for. I intend to bend some steel tube and weld a more aggressive bar. Stay tuned for the build.

-Rock Sliders: I have access to a tube bender, electronic readout mill, and a welder so I'd like to save the $700 and make my own. Let me know if you have made your own or have doubts about the ease of build.

-Rear Bumper and/or Tire/Jerry Can Mount: I really like the Victory 4x4 rear bumper and accessories, but I find it hard to dump that cash on something I am convinced I can make myself. We will see whether or not I end up building or buying. Please let me know if you have a source for bumper mounting dimensions/drawings so I can design a bumper. If not, I will pull some dimensions off of mine.

-Roof Rack: I have seen a number of fairly simple racks built and would like to make my own. Info on that is welcome as well.

-Accessory mounting interior/exterior: Looking at making my own laser cut mounts for the interior rear window area. As well as mounts for shovel/axe/traction mats. What are the common ways of mounting those?

Things I want information on:
-What sort of power system modifications (if any) would you recommend for running a fridge, extra lights, and compressor (I was a C student in Electrical Engineering)?
-What are the dimensions/measurements associated with fabricating a rear bumper, rock sliders, roof racks, and rear storage?
-What information do you have about fabricating those things?
-Aftermarket head unit and audio information and recommendations?

Thank you all for reading and I look forward to sharing this build.

 

[BuckEm]

Good Luck! I also recently picked up and 08 for the same purpose. Will definitely be following your build!

Cheers from Utah.

 

[RedLeader21]

Just received the truck on Friday and immediately went to work on it. First up were the wheels and tires, then removing the running boards. Running boards have 3 brackets on either side with 6 x 12mm per side. In addition, you have to remove the body panel snaps at the top of the boards. There is a specific tool for those snaps... you can use a flathead but you will almost certainly break them.

Wheels: Toyota TRD 17x7
Tires: BFG K02's (265/70R17)
No rubbing during regular driving, has not been tested off-road yet.

 

[RedLeader21]

Just installed the Wotefusi snorkel over the weekend. I expected this to take 2-3 hours and it turned into an 8 hour ordeal. A couple lessons learned and instructions for installation (I could not find any for this specific kit).

1. Remove wheel well fenders. There are a few Torx screws and retaining snaps. The snaps on mine were dry cracking so about halfway through I committed to just replacing them all. See link below for replacement snaps.
Amazon product ASIN B07GWRD72G
2. Unplug senor on the air intake box, then remove the cover, filter and unscrew and pull out the rest of the box. Removing all this may not be necessary but I appreciated having room to work and it was easy enough to pull it all out.

3. Lay out the template and align the left edge with the door panel edge and the top with the top edge. Then drill out the holes on the template and coat the bare edges with a primer/sealer. I strongly advise you check the template against the actual bolts screwed into the snorkel for fitment issues. My top 2 holes became slots because the template was not perfect. Also the 4in hole became 4.25" but that one is harder to verify because fitment requires partially installing the internal channel.

4. Install the external portion of the snorkel and tighten down all the bolts internally. I left off the A-pillar bracket and plan on using some type of mounting tape instead of drilling into the pillar.

5. Last is the tricky part... you need to find a way to fit the hose clamps and rubber gaskets into the tiny compartment and seal them all together. This will likely involve some trimming of the pipes. You may have to uninstall and reinstall the snorkel a few times to get it right. Be patient... I ended up taking about 0.5-1.0in off each part and cutting one of the rubber gaskets in half laterally to make it fit. This is the part that is a real pain. I hose clamped one side then forced the whole thing into place then clamped the other side. If anyone sees this and wants a better description, let me know and I will see if I can explain better.

6. reinstall everything and replace all the snaps and bolts for good measure. Here is the end result:

 

[DRANGED]

Hi everyone, I just purchased a 2005 GX 470 with the intent to build it into an overland truck for my wife and I. I am brand new to the community and was introduced to the GX/LX and IH8MUD by a friend who is also a member here (u/Brauski). I plan on tracking the whole build here so keep up with the thread and feel free to offer advice.

Who Am I: Raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, then went to college and worked on the east coast of Florida. I am a mechanical engineer and did some racing design work in college so I have a pretty decent grasp of the technical aspects of vehicle design/build. However, that was primarily all custom built so I am somewhat lacking in knowledge of model/brand specific information so I am always looking for advice in those areas. I am currently in Northern VA, but will be headed to Pensacola, FL in about 2 months.

The Truck: A 2005 Lexus GX 470 with about 158,000mi on it. I bought it for $12k from Atlanta Toyota unseen. They are shipping it to me now and it will be here by Tuesday of next week. It has an impeccable service record and is non-nav. Of note, It had the 90k service right on time and also saw a radiator replacement at 73k and then a new rear air suspension and shock absorbers at about 149k. I have not checked the diff lock yet, so my fingers are crossed... standby for that test result. It is a "Blizzard Pearl" exterior with a bit of paint coming off on the front of the hood. The interior is Ivory.

The Build: So far I have purchased the following:
5 x BFG K02 (265/70R17)
5 x Toyota TRD Wheels (17x7),
Lil B's Fab GX470 Hybrid Front Bumper (see images),
Wotefusi Snorkel (Amazon Cheapo)
Anglewide 3.5in Vortex Pre-filter
4 x Reindeer Recovery Traction Pads
VIAR 88P Portable Air Compressor

Things I am still researching are a car fridge, power setup, rear bumper/tire mount, GPS/Audio System, and recovery ropes.

Things I Intend to Fabricate:
-Storage system and organization for the rear: I have seen a few home built that I want to replicate. I would like to make some sort of rugged drawers that are strong enough to hold significant weight without seizing or drooping. Stay tuned for the build.

-Bull bar for the Lil B's Front Bumper: I really like the approach angle and looks of this bumper but the subtle bull bar was less than what I am looking for. I intend to bend some steel tube and weld a more aggressive bar. Stay tuned for the build.

-Rock Sliders: I have access to a tube bender, electronic readout mill, and a welder so I'd like to save the $700 and make my own. Let me know if you have made your own or have doubts about the ease of build.

-Rear Bumper and/or Tire/Jerry Can Mount: I really like the Victory 4x4 rear bumper and accessories, but I find it hard to dump that cash on something I am convinced I can make myself. We will see whether or not I end up building or buying. Please let me know if you have a source for bumper mounting dimensions/drawings so I can design a bumper. If not, I will pull some dimensions off of mine.

-Roof Rack: I have seen a number of fairly simple racks built and would like to make my own. Info on that is welcome as well.

-Accessory mounting interior/exterior: Looking at making my own laser cut mounts for the interior rear window area. As well as mounts for shovel/axe/traction mats. What are the common ways of mounting those?

Things I want information on:
-What sort of power system modifications (if any) would you recommend for running a fridge, extra lights, and compressor (I was a C student in Electrical Engineering)?
-What are the dimensions/measurements associated with fabricating a rear bumper, rock sliders, roof racks, and rear storage?
-What information do you have about fabricating those things?
-Aftermarket head unit and audio information and recommendations?

Thank you all for reading and I look forward to sharing this build.

View attachment 2654981

View attachment 2654982

View attachment 2654983

View attachment 2654984

WELCOME!!
nice start! I need to read through this whole thread (sub'd now too )

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Just installed the Wotefusi snorkel over the weekend. I expected this to take 2-3 hours and it turned into an 8 hour ordeal. A couple lessons learned and instructions for installation (I could not find any for this specific kit).

1. Remove wheel well fenders. There are a few Torx screws and retaining snaps. The snaps on mine were dry cracking so about halfway through I committed to just replacing them all. See link below for replacement snaps.
Amazon product ASIN B07GWRD72G
2. Unplug senor on the air intake box, then remove the cover, filter and unscrew and pull out the rest of the box. Removing all this may not be necessary but I appreciated having room to work and it was easy enough to pull it all out.
View attachment 2672889 View attachment 2672898View attachment 2672899View attachment 2672900

3. Lay out the template and align the left edge with the door panel edge and the top with the top edge. Then drill out the holes on the template and coat the bare edges with a primer/sealer. I strongly advise you check the template against the actual bolts screwed into the snorkel for fitment issues. My top 2 holes became slots because the template was not perfect. Also the 4in hole became 4.25" but that one is harder to verify because fitment requires partially installing the internal channel.
View attachment 2672903View attachment 2672904

4. Install the external portion of the snorkel and tighten down all the bolts internally. I left off the A-pillar bracket and plan on using some type of mounting tape instead of drilling into the pillar.

5. Last is the tricky part... you need to find a way to fit the hose clamps and rubber gaskets into the tiny compartment and seal them all together. This will likely involve some trimming of the pipes. You may have to uninstall and reinstall the snorkel a few times to get it right. Be patient... I ended up taking about 0.5-1.0in off each part and cutting one of the rubber gaskets in half laterally to make it fit. This is the part that is a real pain. I hose clamped one side then forced the whole thing into place then clamped the other side. If anyone sees this and wants a better description, let me know and I will see if I can explain better.

6. reinstall everything and replace all the snaps and bolts for good measure. Here is the end result:
View attachment 2672927

Love it. I really want to do a snorkel for both our 470 and 460. I’d also use some 3M VHB or similar adhesive rather than drilling the a-pillar.

 

[RedLeader21]

A lot has happened since my last post, including moving down to the Florida Panhandle. I will break it up into segments so follow all the way to the end if you want to see the results.

First off is a bunch of aesthetics: I wanted to change out the colors from gold and white to black and white (and red at first). To take the badges off the rear and front, I heated them with a heat gun then carefully pulled them off. After painting, I applied some 3M glue specifically for badges and stuck them back on. Here is the before and after:

Next, I painted the front grill and badge... I went with red on the badge thinking it would match the TRD logos on the wheels, but it never really came together, so I ended up changing it a week or so ago and now it looks great. Standby for that update. Last thing for this post was a complete engine detailing. I wanted to take an opportunity to clean the hole engine and try and identify and rust or problems with the engine, accessories, or frame. Before and afters for that are below as well.

 

[RedLeader21]

Next was a bit of rust repair for the frame, tow hitch area and rear sections of the driveline housings. I took a wire brush angle grinder and a couple hand brushes to it and cleaned the rust down to the bare metal then coated it with a rust reforming primer paint. Here are those results (forgot to take the before pictures).

 

[RedLeader21]

I built a storage box for the rear of the truck. I basically just measured the space I needed to fill with the middle row of seats up and the height that would make the box level with the seats (when laid down) to allow me to blow up and air mattress in the back. If there is interest, I can provide more dimensions and instructions on building the box. It also hooks into the second row car-seat hooks for stability when the drawers are extended. It just took some ply-wood, table saw, flex seal, wood stain, handles, L-brackets, and a drill. It took about 2 days of work, first days work is shown in the truck loaded up, then the final product is shown:

The right drawer is lined with flex seal to prevent damage and keep things from sliding around in there. The Left drawer was built to hold my Coleman grill and has worked great so far. I am looking forward to doing a longer trip and really getting to use the grill/fridge. So far it has just been used for some bbq by the river after a day of trails.

 

[RedLeader21]

I built a DIY roof rack for the GX that I found on Youtube (see link below). This gentleman is referencing a design he found on GXOR. I basically did exactly what he did. Still not 100% certain about how strong it is. I have read on here that the factory mounts are rated to 300lbs dynamic, but I have not seen that in any official Toyota publication. However, I do agree with the general sentiment that the mounting brackets are the weakest points on this DIY design. Currently the rack just holds my cheapo max tracks and a shovel, but I am kicking around taking the financial ruin and buying a RTT. Here are some pictures from my build and final rack.

KRT LYFE Build Video:

 

[RedLeader21]

This next modification will take a bit of time to age... I had the entire hood rhino lined before installing my bumper. The chipped paint was starting to have some surface rust, so in order to stop the rust I went ahead and had them do it. The lining is great, but the look before the front bumper leaves a lot to be desired. See what I mean:

 

[RedLeader21]

I also had my front bumper Rhino lined by the same company, they did not take the front winch plate and headlight filler plates off before spraying (like I asked them to) so that will need to be fixed at some point, but its fine for now. I had to peel the lining off near the headlight fillers, so I could move them into place. The bumper is from Lil B's Fabrication and overall I like the design, I am not crazy about the winch area, because it does not leave much room to fit the solenoid of most winches (you'll see my fix for that later). Here is the bumper install:

 

[RedLeader21]

My next work was on the headlights, I saw a video by Logan King on youtube and was inspired by his blacked out headlights with white halos and accents. I decided that was the route to go with my own GX. I decided against the halos for now but may end up doing it in the future. Check out Logan King's video on his headlights for a how to on pulling them apart. It was easier than I expected.

After that, I set to wiring some off-road lights. I forgot to take pictures during, but I will attempt to describe the wiring process. I clipped the existing connector off of the fog light wiring and spliced the new lights into those lines. Then I used water tight heat shrink to seal those connection and then wrapped the lines with conduit. Hopefully this setup is water tight. I have fully submerged it with no issues, so let's hope it holds.

This first picture is with just the white accents and white badge.

These are of the headlight black out process:

This is the end result:

 

[RedLeader21]

My last update of the day is the Winch. I ended up going with an X-Bull 13k winch. I saw some good reviews on it and the price point was what I needed. I don't foresee needing 13k but it was only $30 more than the 10k, so why not. I measured the opening for the winch ahead of time and knew that most winches would require modifying the bumper. This is because the usable height of the winch housing on this bumper is only about 7 or 8 inches and there isn't anywhere else I could think to put the solenoid. So I did what any caveman would do and took an angle grinder to my bumper and freed up a 1.5in slot to accommodate the winch. See the pictures below:

 

[Dean62]

Just saw you’re post on the FL Panhandle Toyota page
You gotta good build going so far
I also grew up in Hampton Roads and then relocated down here after getting my Mechanical engineering degree from ODU in VA

 

[RedLeader21]

Just saw you’re post on the FL Panhandle Toyota page
You gotta good build going so far
I also grew up in Hampton Roads and then relocated down here after getting my Mechanical engineering degree from ODU in VA

Hell yeah, let's go wheeling sometime