Builds First timer 2022 GX overland build (3 Viewers)

[WBrown999]

CURRENT THEME: OEM+ build with improved off road capabilities.

DONE:

• Gamiviti Expo ++ rack
• Dobinsons IMS lift 2”
• Dobinsons UCAs
• RCI Sliders, 5 degree with top plates
• Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper
• Come Up Winch (Seal 9.5k RS)
• TRD Pro Wheels in 17x7
• Falken Wildpeak AT4W in 265/70/17
• Budbuilt Stainless Steel front skid plate

PLANNED:

• TBD

CONSIDERING (open to suggestions):

• Rear recovery points
• Rear bumper trim

Hi everyone — new to the off road and overlanding scenes. Long time car/truck enthusiast, but first time modifying myself. Here is a log about my build:

February 2021: Purchased a 2021 GX460. I made sure to get a unit without air suspension because I had heard that it is a point of failure. This is my first time ever purchasing a brand new vehicle and I was upgrading from an extremely unreliable clunker.

I drove around with the vehicle completely bone stock for about a year. It was always able to meet my needs, even during an unexpected snow and ice storm here in Houston, TX.

Shortly after that, I received a call from the dealer offering to sell me a 2022 at MSRP under the condition that I traded in my 2021. The dealer was not allowing any sales over MSRP on new sales, but they could tack on an additional premium for used vehicles. Long story short, I got to upgrade to the new interior for an even trade. I finally did my first upgrade: new tires! Fit it with a slightly larger 265/65/18 set of Michelin Defender LTX.

Although a very, very modest upgrade, they really made the vehicle ride better and gave it a slightly better filling of the wheel well. Very happy! Considering more aggressive tires once I have more experience off road. I read that the Defenders are perfect for someone like me who spends 99% of my time on the highway.

Next upgrade: cross bars and a roof basket. I wasn’t ready to install a full on rack, so I opted for something a little less expensive and more modular so I could take it off when needed. The Yakima Off-Grid basket fit my needs perfectly.

More pics and updates in next posts...

 

[WBrown999]

I was able to take the GX to Big Bend for my first real trip. I was impressed by how much of the park it could run, basically everything but Black Gap.

That inspired me to do my next upgrade: suspension lift! I opted to go with a 2” Dobinsons IMS lift with the upper control arms. Lift was installed by Jeboost Sobe at Teq Automotive and Off-Road in Houston.

I am extremely satisfied with the lift. Similar ride quality in terms of comfort but a massive improvement in handling. Feels more planted with less body roll. Excited to see what it can do off road.

 

[WBrown999]

Decided to go with a full length, low profile rack. I really liked the solid construction and tubular design of Gobi, but Gamiviti fit my needs better with the flat top. Very happy with it!

 

[WBrown999]

Reserved.

 

[WBrown999]

Reserved.

 

[r2m]

Congrats on your new, NEW GX!
Definitely driver what you have for a wee bit and see what kind of terrain you and the family like to go out on.
Then put together an end game plan on what to do to your rig so you and the family can go wherever you like and not worry about getting hurt, breaking down or any other type of damage.
Overlanding can range anything mild with just suspension, tires and traction boards, to over-the-top (kind of where I went...). and everything in between.
Look at the build posts and find something similar to where you want your rig to be and ask questions.

Enjoy!!

 

[WBrown999]

Congrats on your new, NEW GX!
Definitely driver what you have for a wee bit and see what kind of terrain you and the family like to go out on.
Then put together an end game plan on what to do to your rig so you and the family can go wherever you like and not worry about getting hurt, breaking down or any other type of damage.
Overlanding can range anything mild with just suspension, tires and traction boards, to over-the-top (kind of where I went...). and everything in between.
Look at the build posts and find something similar to where you want your rig to be and ask questions.

Enjoy!!

Thank you! I am definitely enjoying the process so far and intentionally moving very slow so that I don’t get ahead of myself.

I currently live in Houston, so my off-road needs are pretty small at this time. My plan, long-term, is to make modifications as I identify hurdles with the current state of the build. Like when I went to Big Bend NP, I was limited by clearance on Black Gap Road. Made the prospect of getting a modest lift attractive, so I did it! Will tinker as needs change.

 

[WBrown999]

Sliders ordered! Hoping that I get them before Texas Toyota Jamboree in a few weeks. The good people at RCI said they would try their best. Fingers crossed!

 

[r2m]

Awesome! Straight out or tipped upward?

 

[WBrown999]

Awesome! Straight out or tipped upward?

I elected to go straight out (technically a 5 degree upward angle). My wife really insisted I get them relatively flat so she can have a place to step up, which makes sense.

 

[WBrown999]

Here is a pic I sourced from the GXOR Facebook page. I messaged the guy who owns the truck and he said he loves them. Really excited!

 

[r2m]

Also, depending upon how tall your wife is or how agile, having them tip up adds another inch or so to the height of the step, which with a raised vehicle just makes it a wee bit more difficult if there are already mobility issues.

 

[Thealmightyme]

You also need to do something about that front end. A CBI stealth bumper or something to improve approach angle

 

[WBrown999]

You also need to do something about that front end. A CBI stealth bumper or something to improve approach angle

I’m not wanting to do a bumper yet. Thinking about a trim job at this point.

 

[WBrown999]

Major decal addition.

 

[r2m]

View attachment 3294373

Major decal addition.

Betcha that added 5-7 MPG and 9-13 HP!

 

[vegasfj40]

Betcha that added 5-7 MPG and 9-13 HP!

And increased his articulation!

 

[GX460TX]

As a fellow GX owner and Houston resident I applaud your GXOR efforts and will watch for your postings/results. So far, I've only: swapped out the 19" rims/tires (I'm on the LTX tires now) and removed my 3rd row seats / added the ADGU drawer/sleeper system. I have aspirations for sliders and roof rack in the future.

 

[WBrown999]

As a fellow GX owner and Houston resident I applaud your GXOR efforts and will watch for your postings/results. So far, I've only: swapped out the 19" rims/tires (I'm on the LTX tires now) and removed my 3rd row seats / added the ADGU drawer/sleeper system. I have aspirations for sliders and roof rack in the future.

Howdy

Whatever works for you! I have been in touch with Tim at Gamiviti and I think I am going to move forward with that rack. My current basket is fine, but it’s surprisingly tall and becoming a bit of a headache. I really like what Gamiviti is doing with their tubular designs.

Are you going to make it to TX Toyota Jamboree?

 

[GX460TX]

Howdy

Whatever works for you! I have been in touch with Tim at Gamiviti and I think I am going to move forward with that rack. My current basket is fine, but it’s surprisingly tall and becoming a bit of a headache. I really like what Gamiviti is doing with their tubular designs.

Are you going to make it to TX Toyota Jamboree?

I hadn't thought about TX Toyota Jamboree before you mentioned it - my off-roading has been limited to rough dirt roads in The Badlands (which probably doesn't qualify for "off-roading"). I see they have beginner trails available - that might be a good way to grow my experience.

For your sliders, are you going to connect the puddle lights or just disconnect and not use any?