Dumb questions from a new GX 470 owner (1 Viewer)

[Luke642]

I Just got a 2006 GX 470 with 124k. Drives nice and I'm happy with my purchase. I hope to do some mild offroading and camping. In college I camped on the beach in Oxnard and loved it. The closest place near me now is North Carolina.
I started to measure for a bed platform and noticed that there were ants in the back. Then I found the foam under the cargo carpet was wet. Probably the rear windows like this guy:
This has set me back but I'm moving forward.

Dumb questions:

1. Why does everyone get new wheels? Do the TRD wheels just look better or do they fit different tires? I would get it if everyone was buying 18 inch rims but most are not.
2. Do I need larger tiers for going on beach? These ok: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...Model=All-Terrain+T/A+KO2&partnum=67SR7KO2RWL

3. Do I need a lift? This Bilstein lift video looks doable: Gmail - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#sent/KtbxLthdpTnvTPnnmLTbzRjWLFMPHMZvlq?projector=1

4. I want at least front attachment points but would consider a front bumper. $130 for a piece of steel seems expensive (I worked in a machine shop years ago). Do the front bumpers come with attachment points?

Classic Off Road Bumper Suited For Lexus GX470/Toyota Prado 120 - https://ironman4x4america.com/classic-off-road-bumper-suited-for-lexus-gx470-toyota-prado-120/?sku=BBCD008K&msclkid=63552a28d6fe1918f09c4b5fd643dddc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20NonTM%20-%20Bumpers%2FBull%20Bars&utm_term=4588674340346089&utm_content=1109%20%7C%20Lexus%20GX470%20%2F%20Prado%20120%20Commercial%20Deluxe%20Bull%20Bar%20%7C%20%241199

or would this work: Aegis Black Angular Bull Bar With Skid Plate | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/383811591702?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D70a090bd7e17460eab67ed9f2970faff%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D255076712543%26itm%3D383811591702%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A21b9367f-35bd-11ec-9254-ae18ae239e0e%7Cparentrq%3Ab89a5f6917c0a7b267d5ef9dfff6953c%7Ciid%3A1

5. So, if I get bigger tires, then I have to mount it on the back (saving roof for possible tent)? Anything cheaper than $1000? GX470 Tire Carrier 2.5 - https://www.jwoffroad.com/collections/tire-carriers-1/products/copy-of-gx470-tire-carrier-2-5-bundle-2-center-camera-slot-and-diy-plate

6. I like the Prinsu rack and Superlite tent. But could I build my own
Seems like if its just to hold a tent, why spend so much on a rack?

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Hey Luke. Everything you do to your GX470 can be based on need or want. Nothing is really required as the stock GX470 should be able to handle loading some camping gear and going to the beach. Just let some air off the tires and you should be good for camping at the beach.

Now, if you want to spend money to make the GX470 look meaner and cooler or you want to upgrade its capabilities, then here's my answers to your questions.

Q1: I feel that most people get new wheels for two reasons. (1) Aftermarket wheels look way cooler than stock wheels, (2) Stock wheels limit your tire choices due to the +25 offset. Most people like fatter tires like the 285/70R17s and the stock wheels can only handle up to 255/75R17s without additional modifications like spacers, a lift, body mount chop, or trimming the wheel well. Also, I've noticed recently that wheel mfgs are marketing bead grip technology for running with low air pressure. Oh, and 18" wheels are bad for offroading. You want a large sidewall, so 16" or 17" are the best for 33" to 35" tires.

Q2: You don't need new tires to go on the sand. Just let air out and make sure your thread depth is good.

Q3: A lift is not required unless you need to replace your current shocks/coils because they are going bad. Or you want to lift the GX470 to get more clearance to fit taller tires or to go on rutted rocky roads where clearance is needed.

Q4: Front bumpers are not required at all for mild/medium trails. Front bumpers will cost over $1000 with shipping and tax. If you want to look cool, then get the front bumpers, but the recovery points will be like 90% cheaper than a front bumper. And that front bull bar adds zero capability other being a damage multiplier.

Q5: You can mount 255/75R17s in the stock spare location. Some people even deflate 285/70R17s to fit in the spare stock location (no KDSS, and can't remember which tow hitch allows it). So, you don't need a carrier unless you want that cool look.

In the end, it's up to how much money you want to spend.

If you want to want to do basic upgrades at a lower cost, then stay with 255R17s tires, re-use the stock wheels, add a 2" lift in the front, keep your rear air suspension (refresh the air bags if they are original), replace rear shocks, and remove the running boards to get extra clearance.

If you want to do a lot of mods, spend lots of money, ...then do the following:
1. Get new wheels and tires. Most people get 285/70R17s on 17x8.5 wheels. Get ready to do some trimming in the wheel well. Might need aftermarket UCAs. Might need BMC.
2. Do a coil coil conversion in the rear and get new suspension front/rear. You can choose from basic to expensive.
2.5. Rock sliders and skid plates if start to go crazy on the rocks/trails.
3. Get a rear bumper, front bumper, and a winch.
4. Add a rooftop tent and a ladder.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Oh, yeah...check out the basic upgrades these guys do to sell the GX470s at a premium. They do about $4K to $5K in upgrades (parts and labor) to sell over $20K and sometimes in the $30K price range.

Largest Inventory for Used Toyotas | Miramar Motorsports | San Diego

Your One-Stop Shop for ALL used Toyota Vehicles. We offer the largest selection of Toyota Trucks in San Diego guaranteed! Visit us Today!

www.mmsportinc.com

They basically do the following to most of their GX470s and 4Runners:
1. Water pump/Timing belt
2. New wheels (TRD Pro or Methods in 17x7.5 or 17x.8.5) and tires (285/70R17s)
3. Coil conversion with basic lift: OME or Dobinson shocks/coils

These upgrades get people to buy at a premium, looks nice, and upgrades basic offroad capability.

 

[VSPro9]

I Just got a 2006 GX 470 with 124k. Drives nice and I'm happy with my purchase. I hope to do some mild offroading and camping. In college I camped on the beach in Oxnard and loved it. The closest place near me now is North Carolina.
I started to measure for a bed platform and noticed that there were ants in the back. Then I found the foam under the cargo carpet was wet. Probably the rear windows like this guy:
This has set me back but I'm moving forward.
View attachment 2821034View attachment 2821035
Dumb questions:

1. Why does everyone get new wheels? Do the TRD wheels just look better or do they fit different tires? I would get it if everyone was buying 18 inch rims but most are not.
2. Do I need larger tiers for going on beach? These ok: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...Model=All-Terrain+T/A+KO2&partnum=67SR7KO2RWL

3. Do I need a lift? This Bilstein lift video looks doable: Gmail - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#sent/KtbxLthdpTnvTPnnmLTbzRjWLFMPHMZvlq?projector=1

4. I want at least front attachment points but would consider a front bumper. $130 for a piece of steel seems expensive (I worked in a machine shop years ago). Do the front bumpers come with attachment points?

Classic Off Road Bumper Suited For Lexus GX470/Toyota Prado 120 - https://ironman4x4america.com/classic-off-road-bumper-suited-for-lexus-gx470-toyota-prado-120/?sku=BBCD008K&msclkid=63552a28d6fe1918f09c4b5fd643dddc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20NonTM%20-%20Bumpers%2FBull%20Bars&utm_term=4588674340346089&utm_content=1109%20%7C%20Lexus%20GX470%20%2F%20Prado%20120%20Commercial%20Deluxe%20Bull%20Bar%20%7C%20%241199

or would this work: Aegis Black Angular Bull Bar With Skid Plate | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/383811591702?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D70a090bd7e17460eab67ed9f2970faff%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D255076712543%26itm%3D383811591702%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A21b9367f-35bd-11ec-9254-ae18ae239e0e%7Cparentrq%3Ab89a5f6917c0a7b267d5ef9dfff6953c%7Ciid%3A1

5. So, if I get bigger tires, then I have to mount it on the back (saving roof for possible tent)? Anything cheaper than $1000? GX470 Tire Carrier 2.5 - https://www.jwoffroad.com/collections/tire-carriers-1/products/copy-of-gx470-tire-carrier-2-5-bundle-2-center-camera-slot-and-diy-plate

6. I like the Prinsu rack and Superlite tent. But could I build my own
Seems like if its just to hold a tent, why spend so much on a rack?

I can answer your beach driving questions: 265/70r17 on some Michelin defender all seasons are just fine. Air down between 12-14psi and you are golden. Mud tires are bad for the sand, they tend to dig. All seasons are actually very good, all terrains also. My grandpa ran dune rides in Michigan and Colorado and used old airplane tires on his chopped power wagons.

As for rims, i found some dude with a 4Runner who sold his stock set for cheap, they have a good fitment and look nicer than oem Lexus.

You don’t NEED a lift but you want one right? There’s a couple threads with really good budget options for a 1-2” lift.

2006+ have a much more strengthened front tie down that goes through the frame. I have used them for gentle recoveries of half and 3/4 ton trucks bogged in sand multiple times. I have a thread on here discussing front recovery points that had some great posts.

Depending on how willing and able you are @racwerx has a $300 Jeep Wrangler swing out fabbed up with a little welding and cutting.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Re: 2006+ have a much more strengthened front tie down that goes through the frame. I have used them for gentle recoveries of half and 3/4 ton trucks bogged in sand multiple times. I have a thread on here discussing front recovery points that had some great posts.

The front tie down points are not connected to the frame. They attached to an extension bar (like a horn-like structure). The Apex Overland tow points do connect directly to the frame. Just saying...so you don't get overconfident that the 2006+ front tie down points can be used to yank you out of mud.

 

[VSPro9]

Re: 2006+ have a much more strengthened front tie down that goes through the frame. I have used them for gentle recoveries of half and 3/4 ton trucks bogged in sand multiple times. I have a thread on here discussing front recovery points that had some great posts.

The front tie down points are not connected to the frame. They attached to an extension bar (like a horn-like structure). The Apex Overland tow points do connect directly to the frame. Just saying...so you don't get overconfident that the 2006+ front tie down points can be used to yank you out of mud.

The discussion we had about it was here, without aftermarket front recovery points, what should i use? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/without-aftermarket-front-recovery-points-what-should-i-use.1256645/page-2#posts

 

[Luke642]

Thank you all. It has all terrain tires now that I think will last till next spring. I will definitely look at at the front tie down discussion and the Jeep Wrangler swing out .

I'll keep looking at roof top tents and racks.

 

[VSPro9]

Thank you all. It has all terrain tires now that I think will last till next spring. I will definitely look at at the front tie down discussion and the Jeep Wrangler swing out .

I'll keep looking at roof top tents and racks.

heres a good thread for you GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/gx470-primer-for-the-ideal-mild-build-for-under-3000.1052612/

 

[Rednexus]

FYI I'm running SRQ Fabrications front recovery points (Off Road Bumpers, Grilles, Suspension, & Lighting for Toyota & Ford Trucks. - https://www.srqfabrications.com/store/4th-5th-4Runner-FJ-Cruiser-GX460-470-Recovery-Points-p281994036). They are beefy as heck - you'd bend the frame before they came off. At $125 they are IMO a pretty good deal - since they are made out of 1/4" steel they really aren't something that could be DIY'd without a hefty shop press, plasma cutter, welder, and grinder. I have yet to use them for anything but it's good to have them when I eventually need them (to pull or be pulled).

 

[VSPro9]

Saw this deal today, not bad at all for a beginner recovery kit Save 30% on select product(s) with promo code 30JWBA9J on Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/AVC2OMP846IV9

 

[markthegrea]

I have a Roofnest Sparrow XL RTT and love it. I am using the stock rack with Apex Overland crossbars (about $187). Simple and easy. I drove out west in Idaho on bad roads and have a stock suspension and Cooper offroad tires. I was completely happy with the stock setup. YMMV.

 

[Luke642]

I have a Roofnest Sparrow XL RTT and love it. I am using the stock rack with Apex Overland crossbars (about $187). Simple and easy. I drove out west in Idaho on bad roads and have a stock suspension and Cooper offroad tires. I was completely happy with the stock setup. YMMV.

Thanks. How many additional cross bars? and you think the stock rack rails are good enough. My mom is in Idaho but I usually fly to visit her.

 

[Luke642]

Saw this deal today, not bad at all for a beginner recovery kit Save 30% on select product(s) with promo code 30JWBA9J on Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/AVC2OMP846IV9

That looks like a good deal. Thank you.

 

[markthegrea]

Thanks. How many additional cross bars? and you think the stock rack rails are good enough. My mom is in Idaho but I usually fly to visit her.

I just have 2 crossbars. The stock rack is solid but the stock crossbars are just average. The stock crossbars have plastic ends. Also, they are a bit curved so a RTT might not work on it.

 

[McDuff123]

Rooftop tents DO work with the stock crossbars.
I had a Free Spirit soft sided (170 lbs) mounted to my stock bars for awhile with no problem.
However, I did add 2 additional stock crossbars to distribute the load.
I’ve since gone to a Prinsu rack…
If anybody in the Portland area needs (4) stock crossbars, or the roof rails, I’ll make a great deal on them.