Builds 2017 GX460 luxury

[vovkus]

It is over a year since we got GX460. Been busy at work and not able to do anything with the project.
But time is the most valuable asset what we have. So, I decided to invest more time in things, which I really like to do.

Now it is official. My build is started.
It is 2017 GX460 luxury with all wistles on board.

At this point:
MTS controller is updated.
ARB compressor is installed: ARB compressor installation

I added 4 pins connector to the harness between compressor assembly and switches for easy maintenance/removal of compressor bracket.
All other things are just regular, nothing new.

Now next project: FTM450-XDR installation.
My plan is to build bracket for the radio under driver seat. On the bracket I will install EMI filter for radio(s) power and power distribution block.

Few questions:

1. Need some ideas for aux speaker installation.
2. Need ideas about antenna coaxes routing to the roof rack.

 

[vovkus]

My initial plan was to install RAM rail on the center speaker grill and attach holder for FTM-400 and FT957 control heads on it.
For right now I decided to install permanently only VHF/UHF radio. For HF will do different setup later.

Still not 100% sure where to install radio itself. Without mods like 3rd row elimination there are only two reasonable options:
1. Under the front seat. Pros - easy. Cons - potential water damage in case of high water crossing.
2. Jack compartment. Pros - more protected area from water. Cons - more work for setup, extension for mic and speaker needed.

At this moment will install under the driver seat. Bracket under construction will post some details soon.

 

[vovkus]

Bracket is done. A little issue with components. I ordered Rigrunner 4004U, which is 4 ports plus 2 USB ports. Will be delivered next Monday.
Put another model just for photo.

 

[vovkus]

Got Rigrunner 4004U delivered. Looks like I have room for Yaesu FT857d (HF/VHF/UHF) on the same bracket. Yes I am a radio nerd.
FTM400 will be used for local contacts and APRS, FT857 for HF and contests.

This is my previous contests setup: ARRL VHF Jan 2016 - https://goo.gl/photos/AcqBjPdHeBbsHiYv7


Next step will be roof rack.

 

[vovkus]

Got roof rack today. Not installed yet.

 

[BigSwede]

Got Rigrunner 4004U delivered. Looks like I have room for Yaesu FT857d (HF/VHF/UHF) on the same bracket. Yes I am a radio nerd.
FTM400 will be used for local contacts and APRS, FT857 for HF and contests.

This is my previous contests setup: ARRL VHF Jan 2016 - https://goo.gl/photos/AcqBjPdHeBbsHiYv7


Next step will be roof rack.

View attachment 2630300

View attachment 2630301

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Do you use an external speaker?

 

[vovkus]

Do you use an external speaker?

Not yet. There is no room for it. I think about integration to center speaker using this: Speaker wizard

 

[BigSwede]

Not yet. There is no room for it. I think about integration to center speaker using this: Speaker wizard

Worth a try for $40.

BTW I just noticed your moniker - did you used to have an Isuzu Trooper? That moniker seems familiar.

 

[vovkus]

Worth a try for $40.

BTW I just noticed your moniker - did you used to have an Isuzu Trooper? That moniker seems familiar.

Yes. I use to have 2001 Trooper for 19+years. Did a lot of mods including custom transmission and custom engine rebuild. Sold it to another Isuzu guy in TN. He fly to CA with all his family and did trip back to TN.

2001 Trooper LS · Friday, Dec 6, 2019 📸

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[BigSwede]

Yes. I use to have 2001 Trooper for 19+years. Did a lot of mods including custom transmission and custom engine rebuild. Sold it to another Isuzu guy in TN. He fly to CA with all his family and did trip back to TN.

2001 Trooper LS · Friday, Dec 6, 2019 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

I thought so! I was BigSwede on 4x4 Wire and Planet Isuzoo also for many years. Funny how we have both ended up here.

I am going to meet the old Isuzu gang in Green River again in May (used to be Moab, moved to Green River this year to get away from the crowds).

 

[vovkus]

Front Runner rack is installed. Jerry can holder is mounted. Some things which I need are out of order. Especially need wind deflector.
Plan for tomorrow:
1. Fabricate bracket for the antenna mount.
2. Install antenna and route antenna cable to the radio.

 

[vovkus]

Sliders are arrived. Slee did very good job on packaging.

 

[vovkus]

Slee rock sliders are installed. Few words about product and installation:
1. Outstanding manufacturing and packaging quality
2. No frame drilling is needed. Only cutting plastic parts and KDSS lines skid plate.
3. Installation is a little bit intense but nothing hard. I did it alone in one day with brakes to watch soccer game.
4. On GX460 light kit can be installed after sliders installation. I did it before, which is much easy.

 

[vovkus]

I know I am very slow with this build. Slow for many reasons but step by step it is getting better.
At this point:
ARB compressor
Frontier roof rack
Frontier awning
MTC mod
Yaesu 400 XDR radio + 144/440 antenna (VHF/UHF)
Mount for ATAS 120 antenna (HF)
Power distribution/fuses panels for future electrical/radio projects
Slee rock sliders
Ironman 3" Foam Cell Pro suspension
Metal Tech rear upper and lower links
RCI aluminum skid plates full set
-------------------------------------------------
Upcoming:
BMC mod with some plastic trimming
SCS BR6 17x8.5 -10mm offset with..... Not decided yet

Between all this mods I went to few trips to North of CA and AZ got some scratches on the stock wheels, body and rock sliders.

 

[vovkus]

 

[vovkus]

After alignment there is a little rubbing on body mounts both sides. So BMC is needed. Tires are Falken Wildpeak AT3 285/70/R17