I bought this 2013 GX new in August 2012 after owning three pre-2007 Tundras over a period of 12 years. I have to admit my wife picked it out. I was not crazy with the styling. Too refined. Too much plastic. But, we had to haul stuff--dogs, luggage, trailers, motorcycles, building materials, and teenagers. I have pulled a 4,300 lb Tige RZ2. I have carted 6 passengers all over the Rockies. The GX has always had a spectacular engine, drive-train and off-road potential. Its been a great urban warrior in Austin with monthly trips to the ranch and yearly to the mountains.
Before deciding on a build, I looked around the truck and suv market, even classic land cruisers and defenders. I thought about a newer GX but the 2014+ grille is a deal-killer for me. There is nothing I wanted more than what I already have.
So the plan is low lift, sliders, wheels, all-terrain tires, roof rack, bull bar and rear bumper.
I am not a mechanic so the lift, wheels/tires are someone else's job.
I am a newby so I scoured IH8MUD forums and contacted Slee, Cruiser Outfitters, Filthy MS, Redline, Snake Racing, Steeler4X4, ARB, MetalTech, SSO, BajaRacks, JP-Carparts, Texas Hitch and more.
If I'm honest, I have to admit my ideas are from others on this forum. I will describe the build from an amateur's perspective, take advantage of feedback from the pro's and hope to encourage other newbys to take the plunge.
Suspension
I am a 51 professional and drive this GX to a parking garage everyday. There's only so much clearance. So, I went with OME's low lift package from Slee Offload (OME2883 & 2895E front and rear coil springs, N60080-S & N90010-S Nitrocharger Sport shocks and struts, SPC-25480 UCAs) and install by Texas Hitch. The OMEs mounted fine but alignment took a long time even with UCAs. They lifted the front 1.5" and the rear 3". The positive rake is a bit much, but Slee says it should come down some when loaded with a rear bumper. It might be a while to get a GX steel bumper but the positive rake does not bother me at this point.
Sliders
I debated cutting the running boards vs. J150 rocker panels. I decided to order the rockers and keep my running boards in storage. I ordered from JP-Parts.com (75805-60060-CO & 75806-60050-CO RH & LH rocker panels, 75865-60010 x 4 panel retainers, 75865-60020 x 4 panel retainers, 76924-13020 x 2 mudguard retainers, 75867-12040 x 2 panel clips). After I finish mounting I will tell you if I ordered too much or not enough. I ordered on 11/14/17 and received the shipment from Japan in 10 days. Its not cheap. The same day they arrived, I removed the stock running boards. That took 30 minutes using a Torx -25 and phillips bit, 10 mm and 12 mm deep sockets, 6" extension and ratchet. I used a precision flat head and small channel locks to release a couple tabs and wiring harnesses. The GX460 running boards are very easily removed. I loosely test fit the right hand J150 rocker panel in 10 minutes, just to see that it will line up. It does. I am not permanently mounting panels until after I receive the rock sliders so they can be test fitted without the panels in the way. But, I will say that the J150 rocker panels extend much further down the wheel wells than the custom cut panels some of you are using. That was a surprise, and I don't know yet how that will work with the rock sliders. Will report back.
Near Future
SSO 4R rock sliders
17" FN Wheels
Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tires
Baja Racks basket (GX460 production 2018)
Bull bar & rear bumper (no clue who)
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