Not a build thread (yet), but going to start the modding process on my 2015 GX460. I've been doing a lot of reading and searching on this forum, and I think I finally figured out what I want/need. I'm not that familiar with modding the GX yet (all the money goes to the FJ40) so I just wanted other opinions or ideas. I'll try and keep this thread updated when I make the changes.
Background - Stock 2015 GX460 Premium? Has KDSS but not the air suspension. Primarily used for camping/roadtrips mild offroading in the California Deserts and Sierras, but not a DD so I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit in comfort/mileage if needed. Only modifications so far is a FrontRunner roof rack to hold my RTT, and rear seats have been removed for more storage space and weight reduction.
Current Plans
Lift - 2-3" Max. Thinking of the Dobinon's MRR, but not sure what type of springs I'd need. On trips I usually have a pretty full load so I'm leaning towards the heavy springs, but not sure if it's too stiff. Don't want to go too high and affect my drivetrain too much unless necessary. Are there any other things I need to consider when lifting ? Is it recommended to replace the upper or lower control arms with this amount of lift? Do I need to extend the brake lines or anything else?
Skids - Still waiting for RCI or Budbuilt to come out with GX460 specific set. I know I could mix and match the 4runner set, but unless I find a used set at a significant discount, I'd rather buy one specifically made for the 460. Still debating steel or aluminum, don't really have preference. I don't do any rock crawling but I've already damaged the stock ones.
Sliders - I like the SSO sliders, but haven't really looked at many others. I really want to get rid of the OEM steps, but the family still needs steps to get in. Plus I like to have something to stand on when loading/unloading the roof rack, so having something wide enough to use as a step is essential.
Front bumper - The main reason is to gain more approach angle, the stock bumper is like a giant shovel off road. Secondary use is a place to mount some aux lights. I have an old warn winch laying around I may mount in the future, but not really a high priority, I don't do a lot of winching normally. I've seen Ironman/ARB, and the new Metaltech front bumper. Ironman looks like a knockoff of the ARB but less weight which is nice. Metaltech is twice the price, but keeps all the functionality of the sensors and headlight washer. I'd like to keep the sensors, but don't care too much about the headlight washers.
Tires - From what I've read 265/65/18 is the largest tire that will fit in the stock spare location, so I'm guessing that limits my tires size even if I get a lift. I know some people have fit slightly larger, but I have the factory tow hitch and KDSS so I think that's going to prevent anything larger. Can I upgrade my tires to 265/65/18 while keeping the original (265/60/18) spare? The difference in diameter is 1" Some people have said all tires have to be the same size, but I don't know how close in size. Planning on keeping the stock rims unless there's a good reason to change. Most likely will be getting BFG K02 or similar.
Anyone have any comments or recommendations with these plans? Also looking for vendors for each of these.
Background - Stock 2015 GX460 Premium? Has KDSS but not the air suspension. Primarily used for camping/roadtrips mild offroading in the California Deserts and Sierras, but not a DD so I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit in comfort/mileage if needed. Only modifications so far is a FrontRunner roof rack to hold my RTT, and rear seats have been removed for more storage space and weight reduction.
Current Plans
Lift - 2-3" Max. Thinking of the Dobinon's MRR, but not sure what type of springs I'd need. On trips I usually have a pretty full load so I'm leaning towards the heavy springs, but not sure if it's too stiff. Don't want to go too high and affect my drivetrain too much unless necessary. Are there any other things I need to consider when lifting ? Is it recommended to replace the upper or lower control arms with this amount of lift? Do I need to extend the brake lines or anything else?
Skids - Still waiting for RCI or Budbuilt to come out with GX460 specific set. I know I could mix and match the 4runner set, but unless I find a used set at a significant discount, I'd rather buy one specifically made for the 460. Still debating steel or aluminum, don't really have preference. I don't do any rock crawling but I've already damaged the stock ones.
Sliders - I like the SSO sliders, but haven't really looked at many others. I really want to get rid of the OEM steps, but the family still needs steps to get in. Plus I like to have something to stand on when loading/unloading the roof rack, so having something wide enough to use as a step is essential.
Front bumper - The main reason is to gain more approach angle, the stock bumper is like a giant shovel off road. Secondary use is a place to mount some aux lights. I have an old warn winch laying around I may mount in the future, but not really a high priority, I don't do a lot of winching normally. I've seen Ironman/ARB, and the new Metaltech front bumper. Ironman looks like a knockoff of the ARB but less weight which is nice. Metaltech is twice the price, but keeps all the functionality of the sensors and headlight washer. I'd like to keep the sensors, but don't care too much about the headlight washers.
Tires - From what I've read 265/65/18 is the largest tire that will fit in the stock spare location, so I'm guessing that limits my tires size even if I get a lift. I know some people have fit slightly larger, but I have the factory tow hitch and KDSS so I think that's going to prevent anything larger. Can I upgrade my tires to 265/65/18 while keeping the original (265/60/18) spare? The difference in diameter is 1" Some people have said all tires have to be the same size, but I don't know how close in size. Planning on keeping the stock rims unless there's a good reason to change. Most likely will be getting BFG K02 or similar.
Anyone have any comments or recommendations with these plans? Also looking for vendors for each of these.
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