Builds DRANGED's GX470 build/ownership thread

[BigNick]

Ya.. over here in TX they apparently don't give a rats arse.. had it inspected.. they just said. "It passed, it's a beast" so. I retain the oem if ever..gotta admit , I do like the oem Prada lights and the prices are good.

I don't need the bu lights though, the sp9100 turns on the bumper floods when I shift into reverse..

 

[DRANGED]

Ebayed some just now. Found some used OEMs with the bulb sockets installed, so no need to buy those (since I heard the Prado and GX ones are different). Almost went with the smoked ones BigNick suggested, but in the interest of keeping the rig “legal-ish,” went with non-smoked.

Bumper has been sitting at UPS’ freight partner in Denver for almost a week and no one can tell me why it’s not being delivered. Ugh. Need to get it to a welder to fill in the light holes, then powder coat (probably about time to just buy a welder And do it my damn self!). I guess this gives me time to get the tails installed beforehand.

I was thinking of making a back-set insert as reflectors for those light holes. Just a plate that will screw into the light mount area, but wrap a reflective sticker on it, so those light holes have a reflective inset plate in them... Makes sense to me at least
I opted for PC (i wrestled with bare metal vs coated and even coastal vs V4x4, but in the end parsimony won...simplest and done)...

Yes, the prado sockets differ from GX.. That was a learning curve after the lights arrived (I have writ-ups in a couple threads about that) but props for finding them with sockets installed! Simpler! The wiring mod is straight forward enough (depending on your source)...
good luck with getting your freight moving along, that's gotta be frustrating!!!!

 

[DRANGED]

Prepping for repair...

 

[DRANGED]

 

[DRANGED]

Progress!

I called Victory yesterday and this GX bumper batch is in production now, so should get shipping notification (hopefully) within the next 2 weeks.

Then (eventually) to figure out how the tighten up that (soon to be) low dangling exhaust.

 

[DRANGED]

details of KDSS with 265x70 17 BFG KO2 LRE in stock location

 

[fourleggedfish]

I was thinking of making a back-set insert as reflectors for those light holes. Just a plate that will screw into the light mount area, but wrap a reflective sticker on it, so those light holes have a reflective inset plate in them... Makes sense to me at least
I opted for PC (i wrestled with bare metal vs coated and even coastal vs V4x4, but in the end parsimony won...simplest and done)...

Yes, the prado sockets differ from GX.. That was a learning curve after the lights arrived (I have writ-ups in a couple threads about that) but props for finding them with sockets installed! Simpler! The wiring mod is straight forward enough (depending on your source)...
good luck with getting your freight moving along, that's gotta be frustrating!!!!

Adding a screw-in reflective plate in those holes is a great idea. Gives you options down the line if you ever want lights there. I guess I have the option too, I'll just have to cut new holes and burn the C-note I paid to have it welded! I asked Victory if they would make it without holes, and they said no mods on their stuff. Too bad, but I get that they want to keep production moving. I got mine PC'd after I got the light holes filled, but paid significantly more than the $150 that Victory charges.

I saw those threads for the Prado tails and it looks like a pretty easy deal. I'll make an effort not to short anything
Unfortunately, one of my tails had both tabs with the holes that bolt the the ruck broken off, so I haven't gotten them installed yet. Dude in Japan siad he'd look for another as a replacement, but not holding my breath. JB welded it today, so we'll see how that works.

Install on the bumper went fairly easily, except the PS wing brace was a bear to get the bolt hole lined up on the frame. I had to use a semi-load ratchet strap to pull it far enough towards the back of the vehicle to get the bolt through the hole. It almost seemed like the angle on the PS wing was off a bit - either that, or my frame is bent! DS fit like a glove. Also, the bumper did not line up perfectly centered - it is offset to the passenger side maybe half an inch or so, even pushed all the way to the right in the slots. Once I cranked the wing to get that bolt in place, it pushed the bumper it out even a tad more. It's not something you can notice with a quick glance, but I'll never not see it. Hopefully yours is a better fit. One tip - I would install the latch catch plates before you put the bumper on the truck if you're doing a swing-out - it's a ton of fun to try to do it once the bumper's on.

I did get the generic license plate relocate kit, but once I looked at it, I'd have to pull the center cap on the spare to hang it, and also removing the bracket every time I want to rotate the tires or change the spare seems like a pain, so I just tucked my plate behind the top of the receiver lip and tapped two holes to bolt the top of the plate on. I'll wire up a plate light when I do the tails.

Overall, I like the look and it's a super-stout bumper. The swing-outs are ultra-beefy and solid. I wish they offered a single arm option though. Latches are nice and tight, and should hold really well. I am concerned about departure angle, because it doesn't seem to gain much from stock, so I may end up pulling this off and going with the 4X4 labs one...grrr

 

[BigNick]

I don't think your frame is bent. I had the same problem or similar with my metal tech. Didn't line up right. They come twisted from fab shop because they don't take the time to normalize (look it up) the bumper after welding it up. Or simply DID NOT weld it up in a jig. I fought with mine for 2 days, gave up and just got it on there best I could. It's solid but it ain't right. You pay that much for a bumper it should jump out the crate onto the frame and every bolt slide in like butter.. I ended filling the gaps with rubber bulb seal material.. If I ever have the truck up in Washington state one of the first places its going is to metal techs shop so they can see their handiwork..

 

[fourleggedfish]

Ouch! I was ticked about mine, but yours is off by a bit more. I totally agree - given the cost of these can rival a used Toyota Yaris (not that I’d be caught dead driving one!), there should be some better QC on these. Did you reach out to MT?

Here’s hoping Dranged’s bumper goes in nicely!

 

[BigNick]

Ouch! I was ticked about mine, but yours is off by a bit more. I totally agree - given the cost of these can rival a used Toyota Yaris (not that I’d be caught dead driving one!), there should be some better QC on these. Did you reach out to MT?

Here’s hoping Dranged’s bumper goes in nicely!

The guy that runs the place is Mark and he's actually a nice guy. We're on good terms. I talked to him many many times about it. There was no resolution other then bring it by when I'm in the neighborhood. I probably could've sent it back but didn't want to go through the hassle so that part is on me.

 

[BigNick]

Left side then right. I ended up with a floor jack under the left and added a 1/4" steel spacer plate on top the frame and under the MT mounting plate. Then cinch it all down in the pissed off state. I was able to close this gap enough to just add bulb seal for asthetics.. Anyway, sorry to take over your thread.. For those viewing i guess just be advised about MT bumpers. Nice bumpers but twisted.

 

[DRANGED]

Adding a screw-in reflective plate in those holes is a great idea. Gives you options down the line if you ever want lights there. I guess I have the option too, I'll just have to cut new holes and burn the C-note I paid to have it welded! I asked Victory if they would make it without holes, and they said no mods on their stuff. Too bad, but I get that they want to keep production moving. I got mine PC'd after I got the light holes filled, but paid significantly more than the $150 that Victory charges.

I saw those threads for the Prado tails and it looks like a pretty easy deal. I'll make an effort not to short anything
Unfortunately, one of my tails had both tabs with the holes that bolt the the ruck broken off, so I haven't gotten them installed yet. Dude in Japan siad he'd look for another as a replacement, but not holding my breath. JB welded it today, so we'll see how that works.

Install on the bumper went fairly easily, except the PS wing brace was a bear to get the bolt hole lined up on the frame. I had to use a semi-load ratchet strap to pull it far enough towards the back of the vehicle to get the bolt through the hole. It almost seemed like the angle on the PS wing was off a bit - either that, or my frame is bent! DS fit like a glove. Also, the bumper did not line up perfectly centered - it is offset to the passenger side maybe half an inch or so, even pushed all the way to the right in the slots. Once I cranked the wing to get that bolt in place, it pushed the bumper it out even a tad more. It's not something you can notice with a quick glance, but I'll never not see it. Hopefully yours is a better fit. One tip - I would install the latch catch plates before you put the bumper on the truck if you're doing a swing-out - it's a ton of fun to try to do it once the bumper's on.

I did get the generic license plate relocate kit, but once I looked at it, I'd have to pull the center cap on the spare to hang it, and also removing the bracket every time I want to rotate the tires or change the spare seems like a pain, so I just tucked my plate behind the top of the receiver lip and tapped two holes to bolt the top of the plate on. I'll wire up a plate light when I do the tails.

Overall, I like the look and it's a super-stout bumper. The swing-outs are ultra-beefy and solid. I wish they offered a single arm option though. Latches are nice and tight, and should hold really well. I am concerned about departure angle, because it doesn't seem to gain much from stock, so I may end up pulling this off and going with the 4X4 labs one...grrr

View attachment 3313353

View attachment 3313358

View attachment 3313359

View attachment 3313360

View attachment 3313361

Ugh indeed.

Looks good, but I see the offset too. That's a bit of a bummer to be sure.
Yours delivered now suggests you may have been on the early side of the same batch. I think we each ordered around a similar time...
We'll see how mine is, but I don't think yours is the only post of offset I've read. But @BigNick from MT too, Oi vey!! Grumblegrumble indeed!!!

I didn't get swingouts, and the DA gain sounds disappointing. . . . Grumble.
Mine'll end up being covered by my insurance payout so a slick way of getting a steel bumper, but I do like a tidy package in the end...
I'm having the bumper shipped straight to the body shop, so making the reflector inserts on the truck will be how I do it. I read about installing the latch catches off the truck, and hope access to the reverse light mounts is okay on the truck... Yours looks great with the plates in there and your $$ for PC is probably better quality than what I've read of the one they offer...
so it goes. . .

Is the bottom totally open or is there a lip where the plate goes under?
I kinda liked the Coastal for closing some of that stuff on the sides, but weight..

-dunno-

What's the hitch insert depth front center of pin hole inbound toward where the spare would be?

 

[DRANGED]

Left side then right. I ended up with a floor jack under the left and added a 1/4" steel spacer plate on top the frame and under the MT mounting plate. Then cinch it all down in the pissed off state. I was able to close this gap enough to just add bulb seal for asthetics.. Anyway, sorry to take over your thread.. For those viewing i guess just be advised about MT bumpers. Nice bumpers but twisted. View attachment 3313673View attachment 3313674

UGH!! Dayum... and I'm sure WA isn't exactly on your way to anywhere. . .
I must say though, i do love the x-terra-style steps in the MT bumper.... @fourleggedfish Is the top of the V4x4 bumper deep enough to be used as a step or not really?

 

[fourleggedfish]

Ugh indeed.

Looks good, but I see the offset too. That's a bit of a bummer to be sure.
Yours delivered now suggests you may have been on the early side of the same batch. I think we each ordered around a similar time...
We'll see how mine is, but I don't think yours is the only post of offset I've read. But @BigNick from MT too, Oi vey!! Grumblegrumble indeed!!!

I didn't get swingouts, and the DA gain sounds disappointing. . . . Grumble.
Mine'll end up being covered by my insurance payout so a slick way of getting a steel bumper, but I do like a tidy package in the end...
I'm having the bumper shipped straight to the body shop, so making the reflector inserts on the truck will be how I do it. I read about installing the latch catches off the truck, and hope access to the reverse light mounts is okay on the truck... Yours looks great with the plates in there and your $$ for PC is probably better quality than what I've read of the one they offer...
so it goes. . .

Is the bottom totally open or is there a lip where the plate goes under?
I kinda liked the Coastal for closing some of that stuff on the sides, but weight..
View attachment 3315033
-dunno-

What's the hitch insert depth front center of pin hole inbound toward where the spare would be?

I ordered mine mid-Feb. (16th), so that should give you an idea.

I don’t see how you’d get lights after a bumper is on. I think you’d have to pull it. Very small gap from about 1 1/4” to 1 3/4 between frame and bumper.




On the plus side, the receiver is pretty much flush with frame rail, so should not interfere with your spare

 

[fourleggedfish]

UGH!! Dayum... and I'm sure WA isn't exactly on your way to anywhere. . .
I must say though, i do love the x-terra-style steps in the MT bumper.... @fourleggedfish Is the top of the V4x4 bumper deep enough to be used as a step or not really?
View attachment 3315027View attachment 3315028

I’m pretty jealous of that step also. I had contemplated having the welder fab a step for mine, but was already into it for too much $$$, so passed.

You can get half a foot sideways on that top lip, after stepping up from the back corner of the bumper, but it might get sketchy when wet (thought the Victory PC seems to have a bit of texture). I think just using the back of the bumper and the sliders will be sufficient for my needs though.

 

[ORST]

details of KDSS with 265x70 17 BFG KO2 LRE in stock location

Which tow hitch are you using? Is that the factory one? I tried installing a draw-tite hitch a couple weeks ago and could not get the spare 265/70R17 KO2 spare to fit with KDSS.

 

[DRANGED]

I ordered mine mid-Feb. (16th), so that should give you an idea.

I don’t see how you’d get lights after a bumper is on. I think you’d have to pull it. Very small gap from about 1 1/4” to 1 3/4 between frame and bumper.




On the plus side, the receiver is pretty much flush with frame rail, so should not interfere with your spare

View attachment 3315172

View attachment 3315173

*EDIT* Oh that threaded hole is in the bumper rail, but yeah I see there's no space to get into the V bumper for the reverse light pod mounting (mounting-post tab is below the pod holes) once the bumper is mounted...

RE: step, @CO_Hunter did something like these on his, but I hear you, maybe 1"1/4 deep on top of bumper...
I mostly climb on slider and tire, then climb around to bumper, which is why that side corner of the metal would be sweet...
and I hear you on cost of mods after cost of product, shipped.. etc.

The tuck of that hitch is nice. The factory hitch has all these spacers in it so its way down there from the bumper rail... Looks like you gain like 1.5"-2" with the victory bumper and hitch.

Actually, i wish there was an easy mod to put the hitch in the rear member, like more modern rigs have and some hundos seemed to have it as an option...

 

[DRANGED]

Which tow hitch are you using? Is that the factory one? I tried installing a draw-tite hitch a couple weeks ago and could not get the spare 265/70R17 KO2 spare to fit with KDSS.

@ORST Yeah that's the stock 6500#-rated one.

 

[fourleggedfish]

Okay, so the lights are a threaded hole for post mount...i think i see...
RE: step, @CO_Hunter did something like these on his, but i hear you, maybe 1"1/4 deep on top of bumper...
I mostly climb on slider and tire, then climb around to bumper, which is why that side corner of the metal would be sweet...
but i hear you on cost of mods after cost of product, shipped.. etc.

The tuck of that hitch is nice. The factory hitch has all these spacers in it so its way down there from the bu,per rail... Looks like you gain like 1.5"-2" with the victory bumper and hitch.

Weird, I didn’t have any spacers like that. Mine was bolted straight up to the frame (same 65k hitch). I wonder if one of ours was a dealer option? Perhaps that’s why my fender gap is larger towards the front of the vehicle, vs. the back end. Hmm.

Edit - NVM, you can’t for those spacers in when puttin the bumper on, so disregard.

I do like like those after market steps, and for ten bucks, I may just add those to mine!

 

[DRANGED]

Weird, I didn’t have any spacers like that. Mine was bolted straight up to the frame (same 65k hitch). I wonder if one of ours was a dealer option? Perhaps that’s why my fender gap is larger towards the front of the vehicle, vs. the back end. Hmm.

Edit - NVM, you can’t for those spacers in when puttin the bumper on, so disregard.

I do like like those after market steps, and for ten bucks, I may just add those to mine!

I think mine may have been dealer installed. I forget if it was in the port deliver spec sheet or if the seller had it installed from a dealer...I think the latter.
It is an odd setup though but looks like it was meant as such. There's also a spacer piece between the side rails and the frame (see below)...
Also looks like I'd need to dismount the hitch from the spacers to get it apart, as it is, I can't actually remove the 2 bolts that go up into the bottom of the bumper...

But the blank which mounts to the bumper as the stock pintle hitch would, which also would only be a scosh tighter to the frame than this full hitch set-up... Odd..

Pardon Our Interruption...

I've also seen different plastic inserts. Probably the higher one works without the spacers and I suspect withthe stock pintle hitch...

ALSO, the rear-most 17mm bolts spun the captives in the frame, so that'll be fun for the body shop to sort out... UGH.

There's not much room to fiddle a stick nut in there, ther's an access hole by the body mount.