Builds GX470 - Weekend Overland Build

[BlackUSK56]

Thanks for all the compliments. At the begining of October my family went on an 8 day, 1,600 mile trip. Half of it was a corporate meeting in Orlando, and the other half was camping in FL and GA. Much of my build this past summer was to have the GX ready for the trip. I had to make a few last minute modifications to the rig the week before we left. I had to break one of my rules and travel without properly having a chance to field test everything.

The first thing I added was 6 USB power ports. My wife and kids having functional electronic devices was mission critical to the 9.5 hours of driving on the first day. The ports are wired to my auxiliary battery and controlled with a toggle switch. That allows me to have constant power whenever I want. Yes, my dash is crappy, but Lexus will be taking care of that.

USB Power added in both rear passenger doors. Power on each side helped keep the kids in their own personal space. Running wire through the accordion grommet thing between the doors and body was much easier than I anticipated.

And with the USB power up front, I picked up an iOttie tablet mount and an Asus Zenpad 8S, to use for navigation.

 

[wingysataday]

nice.

 

[BlackUSK56]

The next big task at hand was my drawer box. I got a bit cheap on the original build and used some pieces that would have otherwise been scrap and ended up with a drawer opening that was only 7-7/8" tall. It just wasn't big enough to be practical. So I rebuilt the sides and top of the box. The battery was relocated to the driver's side and is fully secured and enclosed in its own compartment. To be honest I'm still not satisfied with this design and will modify it again before I install actual drawers or the fridge slide.

Since we were headed to FL and planned on driving on the beach, I wanted to be able to air the tires down. More importanlty, I wanted to be able to air back up. I installed an ARB CKMA12 air compressor. It is attached to the side of the drawer box and wired to the auxiliary battery.

I found a nice little blank space to install the compressor switch.

The main issue we experienced was the heat from the air compressor was more than the cheapo coiled vinyl tubing air hose could handle. After a few minutes of running the hose got soft and popped. I had to cut the busted section out and re attach the hose. I attempted to use a cool wet rag to keep it from bursting again, but it wasn't enough. I ended up buying a new air hose from the store which worked well the rest of the trip.

 

[GmonkeyMan]

Ohh!
More!
More!

 

[JLee]

I like the USB ports...that's pretty slick.

 

[dnp]

Did your build require wheel spacers? I, too, put a Toytec/Bilstein/Superflex/SPC lift kit on my truck, and while my tires are not yet ready, it "appears" my new 285/70-17s are going to contact the UCA. Again, it's just from looks, so that's why I'm concerned I'm going to need spacers.

Did you?

 

[BlackUSK56]

I have no wheel spacers. Staying with the factory wheels, I only rubbed at full lock, going in reverse, on the front side of the fender liner. Heat gunning the plastic a reshaping it was quick and easy. The tires clear the UCAs and the body mount.

 

[GXO]

285s on stock wheels WILL contact the frame in flex offroad, and it will get worse as the lower control arm bushings start to fail a bit.

 

[THeGeNTLeMaN]

Oh so thats what cracked dash looks like WOW ... never actually seen a pic of what happens, that's worse than i thought ... No offense i know it a recall its just not what i expected
Build looks great @BlackUSK56 ... Iv been stirring some ideas for a rear drawer shelf storage setup in mine so im taking notes ...
I was thinking of doing a 3 drawer tool box on bottom right, with a top access door for an AUX battery and emergency storage behind the tool box, then a slide out drawer on the bottom left ... leaving the top deck open for fridge and luggage like you did ... may have to just do a half box though so i still put my 3rd seat in the rear so the whole family can travel comfortable

 

[THeGeNTLeMaN]

I found a nice little blank space to install the compressor switch.

.

OH quick question bc i see it in the pic .... what does that ^ button do? ... the one directly below the ARB switch ... looks like a deflated tire on it

 

[Bailey27]

OH quick question bc i see it in the pic .... what does that ^ button do? ... the one directly below the ARB switch ... looks like a deflated tire on it

I believe it resets the TPMS

 

[SouthernSS]

no it switches from two sets of wheels and tires with tpms in them. I thought you knew all Lexus owners have two sets of wheels and tires each programmed with tpms?

 

[THeGeNTLeMaN]

sure ... for my racing tires and grocery tires

 

[Scat Adams]

Love the usb setup definitely adding it to my list.


Anyway you can flex this thing out and see how close you are to hitting the uca's?

Im running bfg k02 285/70's with spacers and had to cut/grind into my body mounts and dtheremel'ed a ton of plastic fender well out before I was comfortable with taking it out on a trail.

 

[BlackUSK56]

Love the usb setup definitely adding it to my list.


Anyway you can flex this thing out and see how close you are to hitting the uca's?

Im running bfg k02 285/70's with spacers and had to cut/grind into my body mounts and dtheremel'ed a ton of plastic fender well out before I was comfortable with taking it out on a trail.

No rubs for me... Sorry guys...

 

[wingysataday]

My 275/70 17's bfg at2's are just perfect. I even left my factory rock sliders on and had to do very little work. Biggest work was on the factory steps.

 

[The Great Him]

About that button/switch for the dual tpms, where did you get the switch at?

Sent from my XT1080

 

[THeGeNTLeMaN]

About that button/switch for the dual tpms, where did you get the switch at?

Sent from my XT1080

It's just part of the vehicle. .. you should have it in your too ... it's down by your right shin ... unless you have an older model without it?

 

[The Great Him]

I have a blank knockout there. I was wondering what was supposed to be there. So thats a factory switch? -mine does not have tpms thank God.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[GXO]

03 here, no TPMS. Also, if you dont have rub, you likely have better bushings in the control arms. As those age and wear the deflection will increase and you will likely have rubbing.