Build Chicken's GX

[stupidchicken03]

Well, I had been looking for a GX for about a month, and finally locked in on one. Went to take a look at it locally last week, and bought it this morning.

2005 GX470 in Ash Blue Mica


Currently have a first gen Tundra that I inherited from my grandfather. Ive had it for almost 4 years and put on less than 3k miles (Truck currently had 80,000 original miles). But with 2 kids in car seats and a large dog.. Truck wasnt cutting it for weekend work. Ill be putting the truck up for sale in the coming week(s). Truck build thread here: Chicken's Truck - https://www.tundras.com/threads/chickens-truck.81575/

My daily is a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek that I bought new in Sept 2017.
Works great for both car seats, but dog doesnt fit in the rear. Ive done a lot to it, my journey here:Model Years 2018 to 2023 - Chicken's Crosstrek - https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/chickens-crosstrek.141530/

Im going to keep the 2nd post of this thread up to date with things as i get to them.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Mod list​

As of 2/16/2026

Engine
-Stock

Wheel/Tire
-Method MR701 17x8.5 0 offset
-BFG KO2 265/70/17

Exterior
-OEM Sport headlights
--Diode Dynamics SL1 lo beam bulbs (*Direct link to them here*)
-LED yellow fog light bulbs (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2NZ8Z1H?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=dcbf6981c53ce74d04e1ba7863f18336&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
--DIY fog light pod mod (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK4S5MKY?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=5183925fd61f402af7e8ea57fd7c2193&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-Paint matched grill in Ash Blue Mica
--Added LEDs to grill powered by DRLs (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q2QHXHC?ie=UTF8&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=f0fb2a36dc9ea06d3da6a71378a932b1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-Replaced chrome window trim with black
-Clearview towing mirrors
-Window visors (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZBKHJG?tag=ihco-20)

Interior
-Wood panels vinyl wrapped (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQJ8PKX?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=38349f1bfd05178314233ca4692939bd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-HEM all weather mats (first, 2nd, and cargo)
-HEM sunshade
-Yatour Bluetooth audio adapter (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Yatour-Bluetooth-Adapter-Changer-Connector/dp/B06XHM36FQ?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=d4b5dbbe840ef5b1b2271ba1284d709c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=ihco-20)
-DIY 3rd row storage solution (DIY writeup: DIY: Third row storage solution - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/diy-third-row-storage-solution.1331031/#post-15404420)
-Dongar mirror power tap (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FQ7C9B8?psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=bbcb5852a73ba3dc671e3bd91866c8c2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=ihco-20)
-RJ11 to USB radar power cord (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9TKJ846?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=4eeb133424e68b572689417064ef41be&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=ihco-20)
-Relocated rear AC controls to front dash
-SBE Precision rear audio to USB replacement plate.
--Amazon link to USB inserts for the SBE plate above ^
-Coverado seat covers from Amazon.
-Handheld radio mount using these two: Ram mount and clip holder.
-Blue Dog Design +2 switch bezel from here.
-Redarc trailer brake controller from eTrailer.
-

Misc.
-ADJ key fob
-RAM cell phone mount on dash (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008JH0XH6?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=a3cd72a59f9d065f7f46e578ed2ada00&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl with Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FE66K86?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=6e113bd6c89a77013d4f7d6be21d6f72&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-Lizard hitch receiver (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NNMLKQF?psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=7a8f5f7f35ee9dc97a8968f080e3517a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-shift mech pin/spring replacement (120 Prado / GX 470 auto shift lever repair kit | AMTS 4x4 - https://amts4x4.square.site/product/120-prado-gx-470-auto-shift-lever-repair-kit/2)
-shift mech bushing replacement (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NHG3S2X?psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=dcf22813de6bc77063e5d82ba5bf92ad&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=ihco-20)
-Diode Dynamics hitch light w/ C1R (HitchMount LED Pod Reverse Kit - https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit.html)
--Had to DIY a harness for the GX470 using: (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B653NH2K?psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=b54de48c07b5894b85b12d85a4239f27&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) AND (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N5VC7V3?psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=a70725d41dd54c2c87af5a2c90e5f831&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
-DIY front fender liners (rubber used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016C5FM8Q?&linkCode=sl1&tag=thibben-20&linkId=30c3a6de01b58aefbafe0d22a69fb1b7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl )
-Goliath Offroad trans cooler mount
-Hayden 698 trans cooler


Maintenance/Service:
Previous owner(s)
-12/21/2004 (6): Pre delivery inspection
-05/19/2015 (113,423): oil change, coolant flush
-05/25/2021 (158,921): 120k service, timing belt, coolant flush
-03/30/2023 (184,623): oil change, air filter replaced
My Ownership:

- 12/07/2023 (191,730): Both valve cover seals replaced
- 12/30/2024 (193,490): Both front CV axles replaced
- 06/26/2025 (194,776): Oil/filter change
-12/23/2025 (195,866): New radiator, hoses, coolant, thermostat, serpentine belt, Hayden 698 trans cooler, 3 qrt ATF swap
-02/16/2026 (196,013): new power steering reservoir, passenger side hoses, and full system flush/fluid replacement

List of DIY threads by me
-DIY: Third row storage solution - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/diy-third-row-storage-solution.1331031/​

 

[stupidchicken03]

Truck and Trek

GX as it sits - brought it home about 5 hours ago

 

[GrizzlyClint]

It it were me I'd dump the Subaru and keep the Tundra. Welcome to the GX family nonetheless!!

 

[AmericanKing]

I was just reading your tundra build on Tundras.com lol. Welcome to the GX family. We have 03 with 223k miles. Great family/outdoor rig. Been looking to add a 1st gen or 2nd Tundra to our fleet. I miss my brodozers days before I needed car seats lol

 

[CarGuyCarl]

Nice! Love the Ash Blue, my favorite color. It needs some Methods now also!

 

[stupidchicken03]

It it were me I'd dump the Subaru and keep the Tundra. Welcome to the GX family nonetheless!!

Sadly, out of any of our cars (Truck, GX, wife's Telluride, the Subaru gets the best MPG haha. I work from home most of the time now, but when I do have to go into the office, it's 33 mile trip one way. And I cant take more than 1 kid at a time in the truck right now. Im swapping the truck and gx to have multiple kid hauler options haha.

I was just reading your tundra build on Tundras.com lol. Welcome to the GX family. We have 03 with 223k miles. Great family/outdoor rig. Been looking to add a 1st gen or 2nd Tundra to our fleet. I miss my brodozers days before I needed car seats lol

hahaha nice! That forum has so much info for the trucks.

Another big push to sell the truck were the insane car prices in the PNW.
I called one of the dealers that was shown selling my same truck. He offered me 15-16k for it.. and since he's a used dealer he's gotta make money when he sells it, so I know i could sell it for more myself.

Nice! Love the Ash Blue, my favorite color. It needs some Methods now also!

Thank you!
Id assume 90% of the ones around here are white or the champagne color, another 7% black, and this is only the 2nd blue ive seen.

 

[stupidchicken03]

edit: answered my own question

 

[stupidchicken03]

Service: 191,730 miles
12/07/2023

Noticed a pretty good oil leak when I first got it. Dropped it off at a local shop and both valve covers were leaking.
They steam cleaned the engine, replaced both valve cover gaskets and needed grommets. They also put some dye in the oil for me to drive it around for the next few days and bring it back to see if there are any other leaks.

Also replaced a turn signal bulb and daylight running light bulb.

Already got a few things arrive in the mail - mostly basic fixes for things.
-2 new hood struts (OEM original are totally blown and will not hold the hood at all)
-radar mount and wiring
-gas door spring

Had just recently put a brand new battery in the Tundra, and the GX one is looking a little crusty. Since they use the same, ill just swap those over. Ill also swap wheels/tires over and got some blue anodized lug nuts (the red from the tundra would looks silly) for the GX.

Im now scouring the web for write-ups on installing power folding mirrors. Since this is a non-daily driver, it will get backed into the garage and tucked as close to the passenger side as possible. I retrofitted JDM power folding mirrors onto my 05 Subaru STi and loved them for the same reason I want them on the GX.

 

[dovetails]

It it were me I'd dump the Subaru and keep the Tundra. Welcome to the GX family nonetheless!!

I'd have to disagree! We have a '21 Forester for the family, and the GX for me! Toyota + Subaru is the best combo

 

[stupidchicken03]

I'd have to disagree! We have a '21 Forester for the family, and the GX for me! Toyota + Subaru is the best combo

I bought an 02 WRX in 2007 and fell in love. Sold that in 2014 to buy an 05 STi and it was a beast (built motor, big injectors, big turbo, tuned on E85). Bought the Crosstrek in 2017 for a daily driver and non of them ever skipped a beat in the snow. We live 20 minutes outside of Sacramento California and only 80 minutes to Tahoe. We spend a good amount of time up there in the snow and ive never been let down

 

[stupidchicken03]

Found the original window sticker tucked away in the car over the weekend

 

[stupidchicken03]

Got a handful of things taken care of over the weekend.

-hood struts installed
-gas door spring replaced
-AJT designs key fob cover
(Products | ajt-design - https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/Injection-Fob-IF008-2008-2014-FJ-Cruiser-HERITAGE-BLUE-p109350170)
-swapped in a brand new battery
-swapped some yellow LEDs into the fog housings (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2NZ8Z1H?tag=ihco-20)
-swapped the Methods with KO2s from the Tundra over

had to get some blue lugs to better match the GX lol

 

[dovetails]

Looking great! Wheels are awesome!

19MPG highway.. I wish!

 

[dovetails]

I bought an 02 WRX in 2007 and fell in love. Sold that in 2014 to buy an 05 STi and it was a beast (built motor, big injectors, big turbo, tuned on E85). Bought the Crosstrek in 2017 for a daily driver and non of them ever skipped a beat in the snow. We live 20 minutes outside of Sacramento California and only 80 minutes to Tahoe. We spend a good amount of time up there in the snow and ive never been let down

Yeah here in Upstate NY we have a ton of wet snow/black ice/freezing winds in the winter, so Subaru is obviously very popular here.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Yeah here in Upstate NY we have a ton of wet snow/black ice/freezing winds in the winter, so Subaru is obviously very popular here.

Yea everything in Truckee/Tahoe area are Tacomas, Subaru, and Audi hah.

I sold the STi in March 2020 right before all the lock downs. It was a blast of a car, but literally never drove it. I think in the 6 years I had it, I put on roughly 8k miles. Cost more in insurance to sit around in the garage.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Took the GX back to the shop today on my lunch break. They broke out the black light to scan around the block to see if any of the oil dye showed up... Nada thus far. Put 71 miles on since they replaced the valve cover seals and put the dye in.

They said if i wanted, i could bring it back again in a few more weeks for another check.


Got a couple more small parts in the mail/awaiting install. A RAM mount for my cell phone, couple different colors of vinyl wrap to cover some of the interior fake wood panels, and some lamin-x film to coat the fog lights.

Has anyone successfully programmed the Homelink buttons in their car? Ive followed the instructions (both regular and rolling code) that is in the owners manual to no avail.

Also still looking for any write ups on installing some power folding mirrors.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Got my radar mount installed yesterday
the one i got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083JQLQB5?tag=ihco-20

The vinyl showed up. I think I like the right color better, but it's textured (I didnt know that when I ordered it) so might just use the left.
Going to wrap all the fake wood trim, wanted to do something different than just black or "carbon fiber". If I dont end up liking it, ill just go with black or carbon fiber

EDIT: links to vinyl removed because they both are terrible to work with lol. I figured i'd give them a try, even thought it was a different brand than what im used to working with - thought it couldnt be that bad... they were. So now probably going to change the color up since the vivvid stuff i normally use doesnt have any similar colors as above.

 

[stupidchicken03]

Let the fun begin

 

[stupidchicken03]

vinyl used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084YBBMXW?tag=ihco-20