Builds ChompSticks's Build Thread (1 Viewer)

[Chompsticks]

So new here and live in Birmingham and Atlanta. Picked up an '05 GX with 200k in white a few months ago. Planning some light overlanding, exploration trips and slowly gathering parts to make her mine. Figured I'd just make a thread with all my updates and or questions and more! Also find me on ig @Chompsticks

1st question is, what kind of maintenance should I expect or do around this mileage?
- Water pump and timing belt were done at 190k,
- Rear airbags were replaced, but I believe the sensor is bad (removing it anyways)

What has been done
- Pioneer 4400NEX (best investment so far with the wireless carplay)
- Well window visors
- Hewitt bypass kit
- WeatherTech Mats

Things to come very soon (ordered)
- 3" Dobinson lift kit
- Dobinson upper control arms
- 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks
- Method Racing MR701 in Bronze

What I want
- Everything!

Day I picked her up

Dash is cracked, but thankfully right on the edge of the dash that I hardly notice it

First off-road trip to Stoney Lonesome OHV park in Alabama as well as the added visors, which will prolly get ripped off on a trail one day. Hah

Some stock flexing

Last day trip up the 601 at Talladega National Forest. Hit a few rocks trying to get this picture.

 

[GBinAZ]

Thats a very sweet looking rig.

Congrats !

 

[Racerman27410]

i would go ahead and put some new valve cover gaskets and oil seals for the coil packs ( in the valve covers) i would bet good money yours are hard as rock if not already leaking.

 

[Chompsticks]

i would go ahead and put some new valve cover gaskets and oil seals for the coil packs ( in the valve covers) i would bet good money yours are hard as rock if not already leaking.

I'll have to take a look at that, Never done a valve cover before on my own, but it doesn't really seem all that difficult.

 

[GxOver]

200k and the seats look new! GL with your build.
I picked up an 05 pearl with 130k

 

[Cdm1983]

OP: did your GX come with Nav stock? Any issues with your hvac controls switching to the Pioneer? I

 

[Chompsticks]

OP: did your GX come with Nav stock? Any issues with your hvac controls switching to the Pioneer? I

Mine was a non-nav GX

 

[Chompsticks]

Update! Got my lift installed, tires and wheels! Took her on the trails and man she rides comfy still.
Also worked up a new platform to cover the spare tire and make a bed. It's not perfect but it works well for the time being until I muster the strength to order some bumpers.
Next on order are some rad engine covers, CVJ axles and axle seals and a few fluid changes.

 

[PNWGX]

Love your build!
I am also considering the 3' Dobinsons lift.. How do you like it?
Also wanting 285/70/17 Falkons, how is that size when flexing? Are they too big when you flex hard?

 

[Dharma Dude]

Update! Got my lift installed, tires and wheels! Took her on the trails and man she rides comfy still.
Also worked up a new platform to cover the spare tire and make a bed. It's not perfect but it works well for the time being until I muster the strength to order some bumpers.
Next on order are some rad engine covers, CVJ axles and axle seals and a few fluid changes.

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A beauty. How high did you make your platform to line up with the second row seats. And what you put over the seats? A foam pad?

 

[ElliottB]

A beauty. How high did you make your platform to line up with the second row seats. And what you put over the seats? A foam pad?

It's about 11". I am in the process of building my platform at the moment.

 

[Chompsticks]

Love your build!
I am also considering the 3' Dobinsons lift.. How do you like it?
Also wanting 285/70/17 Falkons, how is that size when flexing? Are they too big when you flex hard?

So far I am loving it. the ride is pretty comfortable and off-roading has bee great so far. As far as the tire size, it is a good size, though you will need to do some fender liner adjustments as I rubbed here and there. I also hammered in my pinch weld as well because at stock height it rubbed and I figured I would need to do for when the rig flexes a lot.

A beauty. How high did you make your platform to line up with the second row seats. And what you put over the seats? A foam pad?

This platform is higher than it should be to line up with the second row seats because I have the spare tire underneath it. I had an old couch cushion to get the height to match over the seats, this is far from perfect. The platform was mainly installed as a flat space on top of my spare tire and place for my dog.

 

[Chompsticks]

Update: Changed my CVs as my boots tore immediately after my lift! Got CVJs with the red boots. Install was pretty straight forward including changing the axle seals and all diff and transfer case fluids. Still keeping an eye on any drips from the axle seal.

 

[Chompsticks]

Upgrade my brakes this past weekend due to it pulling to the right. Still having issues with emergency braking though - so I might get an alignment and see if that helps or get a zero point calibration. Also having issues with the heat, it will only come on at full max heat, otherwise it always blows cold. Maybe there is a problem with some blend flap or temperature sensor.

If you are curious the brake part numbers:

Brake Motive - Caliper and pad set for a GX460 at the link below
Centric Front Rotor - 120.44174
Centric Rear Rotor - 120.44128
Stoptech - Braided Lines Front 44007 and rear 44507. Stock Length

The install was extremely straight forward requiring no modifications.

Front+Rear Brake Calipers + Ceramic Pads For 2010 - 2018 Toyota 4Runner GX460 | eBay

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Pioneer 4400NEX for wireless carplay, one of the best upgrades I have done.

Decided to go on a quick trail run. Maybe I should have gotten long travel... Haha

The sunset was amazing at Talladega after a storm rolled through

 

[D21FJ60]

Looks good man, def do your Tbelt and WP if they haven't been done, and change the heater hose T's as well.

 

[ADVFamilyHauler]

Great looking GX. Nice wheel choice!