what a great option! wish i knew before i got the dobinsons ones... (nothing wrong with the dobs, plus they're adjustable... but they weren't cheap)
Builds FastLane1000 Black GX Build Thread
- Thread starter fastlane1000
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #62
It took a little digging around in the 4runner forums to find those. They aren't as heavy duty either. Hopefully they hold up well.
- Thread starter
- #63
Just replaced the factory crossover / y pipe with the one from URD. I did not like how the stock pipe hung down below the transmission cross-member. It just looked like an accident waiting to happen when this thing gets off road eventually. The URD is not as tucked up as I thought it would be but it does not hang lower than the tubular supports going from the cross-member to the frame. I am very pleased with the quality of the URD piece. It fits absolutely perfect. The pipe is mandrel bent stainless steel with a proper Y section that isn't crimped. The stock piece is double walled where it hung below the transmission cross-member so the diameter you see is actually a lot smaller inside. The URD pipe will surely flow better plus it eliminates the rear cats. I also understand that the stock exhaust manifolds are prone to cracks and leaks. My thinking is that the crossover pipe getting hit off road may be a contributor to that cracking. I am hoping to avoid replacing the manifolds anytime soon. The rear section (cat back) is stock at this time. The sound difference is really not noticeable. My wife wouldn't notice any difference. There is a very slight increase in burble at idle and a very slight increase under heavy throttle. It does feel more responsive. I will see how fuel mileage is affected but I have only driven it to work twice so far. I suspect with the addition of a cat back system down the road it would sound very good! Pics below show the poor design of the stock pipe. It is in very good condition if anyone wants it. I have it on Ebay currently but would let it go to a MUD / GXOR member for a lot less $.
- Thread starter
- #64
And more pics
- Thread starter
- #65
I started hearing and feeling a wheel bearing growl from the front end of the GX a couple days ago. I felt and heard it while in a tight left sweeping turn on an entrance ramp. The left side was unweighted. I had just replaced my front wheel bearing/hub assemblies with units off Ebay from seller 8maggie. They were advertised to be Koyo bearings. After some research I determined they were counterfeit bearings. I messaged the seller and after going back and forth and threatening to contact Ebay, Paypal, credit card company (whatever it took) I would get my money back. He authorized the return. I swapped them with Bluepit hub bearing assemblies. Here are the differences and how to tell if bearings are genuine Koyo or not. The genuine Koyo bearings have smaller and deeper markings. The counterfeit bearings have nicks and burs on the outer edge. Also the magnet for the speed sensor does not have the same uniform look of the genuine bearing. Beware of all Ebay Koyo bearings in my opinion. Buy from an authorized dealer with a solid reputation over a number of years. Bluepit uses Japanese sourced Tezuka hubs (OEM supplier) and Genuine Koyo bearings assembled with Toyota, bolts, seal, and o-ring. They come with a new Toyota cotter pin as well. Andy is quick to reply and ship. I had mine the next day somehow. They shipped from KY. I am in Tennessee.
wow, good detective work and advice.
Thanks, I will be installing these on my buddy’s GX this weekend.
Wish I would have known about these before my OPOR Nutcert debacle! I told my buddy to buy anything but the OPOR’s. Oops did I say that out loud?
They are a tight fit on the driver side but once you get that rear u bolt in place its not bad. The passenger side is really easy.
I took one look at the OPOR’s and said nope! Terrible mounting design and if you actually use them as sliders they will be ripped off.
Why do you think that they will be ripped off?
Just lurking. Thanks Fastlane, for your time, info and posts! Really interesting stuff as I look at the Lexus as a future offroader
While they are not the best mounting design I will attest I have yet to rip them off and I hit them pretty much every time I go out. So they will hold up to some abuse.
- Thread starter
- #74
Thanks, I haven't updated in a while but I do have the temp control and 9" Android unit sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. I did replace the tie rods inner and outer with ProForged a few days ago. They seem to be well built. Also took my daughter and dad out in the canoe.
Most likely you are going to hit your gas tank skid before that spot. But as others have mentioned I don't think they are going anywhere. These have been on the market longer than most and no one has reported a failure from them taking a hit. Now the nutcerts that is TRUTH. They never should have been mounted with them. I didn't and many others have also found better ways that still don't require welding. Great looking truck by the way!
- Thread starter
- #76
I had repaired the front door speakers with flex seal but after a couple months the passenger side gave me problems again so I found some 8 ohm speakers on Amazon and put them in. They sound great. Also picked up a sub and amp used for $120. Not sure if its going in the GX or my car...
Were those door speakers plug-and-play with the adapter and connectors? I'm going to attempt to refoam mine but I suspect one of them is actually blown and the refoam isn't going to solve my issue.
- Thread starter
- #78
You know how speakers usually have one large terminal and one small one? Well these speakers had two large terminals so I was not able to plug the connectors in like normal. I did end up cutting off the red ends, strip back the insulation and attach through the holes in the terminal, twist, and tape. They could also be soldered but I did not. The adapters were a perfect fit.
Great build, I have lurked on your progress and wanted to essentially build our family GX the same.
I recently installed Dob's 3" lift and now just ordered 285/70 Falken AT3W's...
I wanted to know if you are running wheel spacers to fit your 285's?
I recently installed Dob's 3" lift and now just ordered 285/70 Falken AT3W's...
I wanted to know if you are running wheel spacers to fit your 285's?
- Thread starter
- #80
Yes I am. 1" spacers However, I have the new Icon Vector 6 wheels arriving Monday and won't be needing the spacers anymore. They have the same offset as the stock wheels and spacers. Would you be interested in mine? thanks for the compliment!
