It has been a while since my last update and a good bit has changed on the GX. After removing the step bars I trimmed both the front and rear bumpers. Just yesterday I finally installed the Robinson 2.5" HD suspension that I picked up from Kyle at TOO. I couldn't be happier with this kit, especially for the price. The install wasn't too difficult but it did require some creative thinking, but I completed it by my self with standard hand tools.
Bumper trim:
My pre lift heights were as follows: (from the floor to the fender lip)
Drivers front: 35 1/8
Drivers rear: 35 3/4
Passenger front: 35
Passenger rear: 35 1/2
Post lift heights:
Drivers front: 37 7/8
Driver rear: 38 1/2
Passenger front: 38 1/4
Passenger rear: 38 3/4
Judging by my pre lift numbers I opted to use one of the 1/4 inch spacers included in the SSO coil conversion kit on the passenger side and none on the drivers, but it looks that I could have used none on each side and been fine.
End Result:
I love the way it sits now even with the 265s
I found that a sawzall is the fastest way to remove the hight sensors from the front struts. And that a wire hanger makes easy work of the air bag clips.
The most difficult part of the install to me was getting the nut and washer in place for the drivers side coil conversion. With the location of the rear pan hard bar you can only access it from one side but after some cursing, and a fine application of painters tape it was able to get it done.
A few things I wish I had known before hand:
Removing the front sway bar makes the from strut removal/replacement 100x easier, this may be common knowledge but I learned the hard way. Also I found it easiest to not bolt the coil conversions in prior to trying to put the springs in. If you slide them in together, you can put a socket and wrench in-between the spring to secure the conversion seats.
In other news, I spent a little time this afternoon making a super simple mount for my iPad mini. It fits perfectly in front of the clock/info display and I used another magic mount to hold it in place. This appears like a decent option for the time being.
