2007 GX 470; Silver; totally stock; recommened upgrade suggestions

[rtpatter]

I have a 2007 GX 470 that is completely stock. It has 175k miles. I have replaced timing belt and water pump and replaced the air suspension last year. I am handing this vehicle down to my 16 yr old as his first car. I need to transform it from the standard grocery getter to something a little more masculine for a teenager. Since I just replaced the rear air bags I would like to stay away from a lift kit. He won't be off-roading anyway.

The tires need to be replaced so I would like to know what recommendations you have for something a little more sporty that would work with out a lift and wouldn't rub the wheel wells when turning. Also would like to maintain the lexus ride and handling if possible. I have reviewed several post on the forum on removing the running boards; however I don't really see how you can make the front molding trim look right once they are removed. I read where someone took tin cutters to keep the piece of molding on the front but I don't trust my skills enough to pull that off. Also I wonder what impact that will have on resale value. However, once they are removed it definitely has a higher profile.

Also would like to install led lights in the front. I want to change all 3, low beam, high beam and fog lights so that they match. I have watched videos but wonder if a novice can pull off the install. Any recommendations on what bulbs/kit to purchase.

Also have a tire pressure battery that is setting off the sensor, any idea on what the battery typically cost to replace?

Any other suggestions for how I can cheaply/easily man up the vehicle. I don't want to invest too much given the mileage and the fact he will probably wreck it in the first year.
Thanks

 

[Mahalol]

It really sounds like you want to do all these changes more for yourself!

You can keep the stock tire size 265/65/17 but how about an all terrain? No rubbing with that.

This is a very helpful tutorial on the running board removal and trim. It doesn’t look that bad if you don’t reuse and cut down the plastic. Also, if you think your son is going to mess it up who cares about resale??
Lexus GX470 Running Board Removal

Led headlight replacements can be tricky. If you get a cheap set you’ll actually get less light output than oem. Not as safe. The better brands are usually more expensive. Don’t know if you are willing to make that investment.

I like the website headlightrevolution.com because they research and make sure the lights they sell create a nice beam pattern. Installation is plug in play with LED’s. You can access everything from behind the headlamps in the engine bay. It’s very easy.

Regarding your tire pressure sensor (tpms) you can purchase replacements on amazon or online and have them replaced when you buy new tires. I’ve seen them run anywhere from $25-$50 a piece. Tire stores can use a wireless sensor thing and place it by each tire to figure out which one is not working. You also have one in the spare too.

It’s hard to give suggestions if you don’t want to pour money into this truck. Tires and running board removal are the best 2 things you can do visually for not a lot of money.

 

[rtpatter]

Thanks for response; yes I like tinkering; but it will be his truck. Good call on having the tire sensor replaced with the tires hopefully that will save some labor cost.

I would like the leds but only for added safety if the light is less than OEM then I wouldn’t want them. I checked your link but see the gx 470 listed. What led brands are considered good.

Definitely going to with AT tires this time any suggestions on which brand? Goodrich seems to be popular on this forum.

The running board link was the one I saw just not sure about taking tin snipers to the vehicle

 

[CarolinaGX]

I would leave the running boards on if not off-roading, i think it looks better. I have the Hikari Led low beams from Amaozon that Vlad has and I like them. You can do the airbag trick to make it run a little higher in the rear but that doesn't address the front. Maybe you can do a strut spacer in the front to change the stance? for AT tires, I had cooper AT3's on my previous truck and I really liked them.

 

[rtpatter]

Thahis. I’m thinking I may leave running boards alone for a while and see how it looks with new tires.

what wattage bulbs are u running xenondepot bulbs gave 3 options with highest being $130 a set.


Also, I have a leaking shock on right rear, have been told it will be $900 to replace, there has to be cheaper options isn’t there.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Rear oem shock is expensive because it has electronic dampening controls to set the valving on the shock as sport, normal, or comfort.

Most everyone ends up replacing shocks and springs with aftermarket ones which lose you the electronic dampening.

$1000 can easily buy you front coil overs and rear shocks (no rear springs)

 

[CarolinaGX]

I agree with @HomersCanyonero about the shocks. I have the 5100's and I like them. they ride similarly to the "sport" setting of the factory shocks. But, you loose the ability to select the ride. Considering he is 16, I doubt he will be too critical of the ride quality.

These are the LED's I have Hikari LED

 

[rtpatter]

Are you saying I can replace front and rear with after market and just lose the valving control on the shocks, which we don’t use anyway.

Also, how much to put a small lift in? I have heard of doing the air spring trick where I guess you trick the rear suspension to staying in high all the time and just lifting the front 2inches. Not sure how to do that? I think I saw someone with 5100 raise them 2 in and try to match the back end level by trickingairbag. Where would one go to find someone who specializes in this after market mods?

Also did you replace high beams and fog lights. I only saw one set of Hikari leds you linked to amazon.

Thanks

 

[CarolinaGX]

Super simple. Yes, the fronts have springs over the shocks aka coil over. The 5100's and 6112's (HD version of 5100) has 4 ride height options which are selected when assembling the spring on the shock. Each option provides ~0.75" of lift for the front. So, if you use the stock springs in front and select the second option from the lowest setting, it would remove the rake from the truck and make it close to level.

The air bag trick simply involves unbolting the ride height sensor from the frame, add a few washers and slightly longer bolts, and reassemble. easy peasy

Tires - you could do 265/70r17 and fit a spare in the stock location and there are TONS of options in this size

TPMS - I ordered 5 Denzo sensors from RockAuto and had Discount Tire install them when they installed my tires. They didn't charge me an install fee. Be sure to order all 5 because even if only 1 has died, they are all the same age and the others will go as soon as you pull out of the parking lot of the tire store (Murphy's law)

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Here’s a thread that might help...

GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000

You just got your GX470 and want to do a mild build to improve looks and off-road capability. You want to stand out over the mall cruisers and soccer moms, but want to keep costs under control. This primer doesn't consider any other repairs or basic maintenance your GX470 needs. First, lets...

forum.ih8mud.com

Also, Search for “airbag trick” and there’s threads with instructions and photos.

For 3 years I ran the front with Bilstein 6112 shocks and their 600# coils and the rear with tricked newer air bags and stock oem shocks.

The tricked air bags seemed a little stiff and rode kinda harsh, but my rear oem shocks were 14 years old at the time. rear airbags were functional and the lo, normal, high worked fine. I could lower or raise the rear when needed.

Truck was leveled pretty evenly at 22.5” hub to fender in both rear and front. This level stance meant I was raised about 2.25” in the front and about 1.25” in the rear with the trick.

I suggest you get matching brands of shocks, so you don’t run into issues like I did with picking digressive front shocks and progressive rear shocks. That worsened my ride.

The good thing with keeping the rear air bags initially is that you can buy time to research the conversion kit or contemplate getting variable rate coils or go long travel.

Also, keep in mind that getting all terrain tires starts the process of changing your ride from stock to sporty and eventually off-roady as the build progresses.

 

[rtpatter]

Currently looking at a 2" lift for front and back with 275/70R17 KO2s. With the modest lift we are planning would it make more sense to try 285/70R17 tires instead of 275/70R17 or will those not fit and/or create rub issues?

 

[Tawcoma26]

Currently looking at a 2" lift for front and back with 275/70R17 KO2s. With the modest lift we are planning would it make more sense to try 285/70R17 tires instead of 275/70R17 or will those not fit and/or create rub issues?

I'd say, it depends on the driving you/ son intend to do. You mentioned he wont be partaking in much offroading, so why the need for a larger tire? You get the aggressive look with the 70 series and keep cost down by sticking with the 275.

But will they fit? Yes. Rubbing? Of course they will. Will they look good? F yea.

 

[TahoeLX450]

I'd say, it depends on the driving you/ son intend to do. You mentioned he wont be partaking in much offroading, so why the need for a larger tire? You get the aggressive look with the 70 series and keep cost down by sticking with the 275.

But will they fit? Yes. Rubbing? Of course they will. Will they look good? F yea.

I have a 2007 GX 470 that is completely stock. It has 175k miles. I have replaced timing belt and water pump and replaced the air suspension last year. I am handing this vehicle down to my 16 yr old as his first car. I need to transform it from the standard grocery getter to something a little more masculine for a teenager. Since I just replaced the rear air bags I would like to stay away from a lift kit. He won't be off-roading anyway.

The tires need to be replaced so I would like to know what recommendations you have for something a little more sporty that would work with out a lift and wouldn't rub the wheel wells when turning. Also would like to maintain the lexus ride and handling if possible. I have reviewed several post on the forum on removing the running boards; however I don't really see how you can make the front molding trim look right once they are removed. I read where someone took tin cutters to keep the piece of molding on the front but I don't trust my skills enough to pull that off. Also I wonder what impact that will have on resale value. However, once they are removed it definitely has a higher profile.

Also would like to install led lights in the front. I want to change all 3, low beam, high beam and fog lights so that they match. I have watched videos but wonder if a novice can pull off the install. Any recommendations on what bulbs/kit to purchase.

Also have a tire pressure battery that is setting off the sensor, any idea on what the battery typically cost to replace?

Any other suggestions for how I can cheaply/easily man up the vehicle. I don't want to invest too much given the mileage and the fact he will probably wreck it in the first year.
Thanks

I think you're right, you could add some inexpensive auxiliary lighting which would add a second kind of cool and be functional. Like driving lights wired to his high beams so he doesn't get in trouble blinding on coming traffic. If not off road he wouldn't need say a Rigid Industries lights for hundreds of $$ because they're built to handle vibration and abuse. You can add them to the OEM bumper. Also consider a really stylish set of wheels that will set his apart from the soccer moms. There are a lot of GX460 18" take offs on Craig's List that take the truck look into more of a street direction.; and you could go 20"s and a fat low profile street tire look...maybe sacrilegious here on MUD but could look really cool and youthful at stock height.

In the interior there are tons' of options to assist with gear storage too. What type of activities does he like? Possibly some rack accessories to carry sporting equipment up top. Also, consider a high flow muffler...what young person doesn't like a little increase in performance sound and not many V8s rumbling anymore. Real cheap: just have a muffler shop delete the rear resonator and fit up a new tail pipe.

In addition, if your GX has a ML sound system it was designed for jazz and more mellow music so you could add a more teen/young adult sound system that's designed for more rock and rap music.

 

[robertjskelton]

Hi, congrats on the new vehicle for your son. I found this thread because someone linked to my blog above (rskelton.com)

Things I've done on the cheap to make my GX nicer (all links to detailed posts in my blog).

• Android head unit
• exterior lights.
• interior lights.Cover the fog lamps yellow.
• Black out the chrome with plastidip, and replace the chrome window trim with black Prado trim.
• Running board removal (heck yeah tin snips!)
• You can find take off 4 runner rims for pretty cheap. I spent $300 on some 5th 4runner rims with OK tires for $300. Painted them bronze, bought some new Wildpeaks for about $300 to put on. Very aggressive for affordable.

I think I did all of those mods for maybe $1,000-1,100. Not too bad.

As far as your leaky air bags and not wanting to break the bank - do a spring conversion kit. Much cheaper than a full lift, just replace the bags at the back with that kit and and springs. That's what I'm planning on doing when my air bags eventually die.

Good luck on your new vehicle, they are awesome. I would have loved to have one of these as my first car instead of a $1,700 Mustang! Ha

 

[rtpatter]

Robert - Thanks for your help I feel like I’m ripping off all your ideas as we are copying a lot of your build. When removing the boards how badly does the under frame show? We are adding a 2” lift once that is done I’m breaking out the tin snipers so I may enlist your help when the time comes; about to go order the rock lights; already got interior and headlight LEDs on the way

 

[CarolinaGX]

I have a ~3" lift and you don't see the frame unless you are standing way back. The only real issue is that the front fender flare blends with the factory running board. This picture is with my home made sliders and factory bumpers with ~1.5" lift

 

[robertjskelton]

I have no lift but took the running boards off, and did not add sliders. You can see the bottom of the frame a little bit.

 

[rtpatter]

That's a good looking truck; how did you make the homemade rock sliders and what to they cost?