GX470 - a few Q's, please enthrall me with your acumen....

[tlin]

Going from an 80 series to a 120 series seems like I am on another learning curve. As stated electric trickery!

Stole that quote from another thread in here....seemed appropriate

Strongly considering getting a GX470 as a new overland build (my 80, despite how much I love it, isn't the best platform for some planned longer road trips in the next couple of years and I just feel ready for another offroad'er). Been doing some homework but a few updates from the experts would really be appreciated:

1. KDSS - hold out and get this or don't bother? YES, I will be doing some moderate wheeling (pretty consistently). Just can't tell if this is really the bees-knees or not.....
2. Pizza Cutters - are 33's doable or is this too tall a tire? I'm aware of some needed heat-gun treatment to the fender wells when fitting new tires but....are 33's OK to consider?
3. New/taller gears - I've only seen mention of the front clamshell diff being an impediment to re-gearing, has this been figured out?
4. Towing, not an immediate need but I foresee a trailer at some point for base camp setups. <=3000 lbs going state-to-state.....concerns?

I think I have a good handle on a lot of the other details (am at least comfortable with most of this), thanks in advance for responses against the items above.

--t

 

[GXO]

1. If you aren't going long travel get KDSS.
2. 33s are fine. I run 34x10.50R17s with a full Icon lift. You will need to chop the body mount, pound the seam, and do some heat gunning.
3. I have done 4.56 and ARBs in mine. Just get the right parts. Work great.
4. 3000# is nothing. No worries.

 

[Prof H]

1. KDSS equipped GX470s aren't all that common, and KDSS makes it hard to fit sliders. I didn't think it was worth it, and when I got my GX, I focused on finding the vehicle with the best overall condition and least miles. KDSS would have made that harder.
2. 33s will fit with enough lift and enough willingness to cut plastic. I'm running 285/70/17s. I have had to cut plenty of plastic, but no metal.
3. Even with my lift and tires, the V8 feels peppy. I haven't felt any need to regear, so I haven't looked into what's available.
4. I've towed a loaded Uhaul with my GX, and it towed nicely on I-70 from Denver to Utah over the mountains. No problem with power.

 

[tlin]

Great stuff, thanks guys!