Builds GX470 - Weekend Overland Build

[BlackUSK56]

Hey Guys,

I want to thank you for all the contributions you make to the 120 sub forum, and more specifically about the GX470. I have been looking for a platform to build for trail driving and extended camping trips with the family. After drooling over LC100s that were over my budget, I discovered the GX. I now believe it to be the best kept secret in the off road community. After studying and searching for almost 5 months, and having several of them get sold before I could even look at them, I finally got one.

This is my new-to-me 2005 GX470

139k miles, one previous owner, no accidents, serviced by Lexus dealer every 5k miles.
I decided to go for a simpler no navigation, no Mark Levinson, no KDSS model.

I can't wait to start tearing into this thing. I have a few maintenance items to take care of first. The rotors feel like they have warped, check all fluids, and one torn axle boot. Then I need to get a few things its missing, a lug nut, a second row headrest, and a shift knob.

2015 Summer Build Plan:
Remove the running boards
Toytec 3" with Bilstein 5100s
Light Racing UCAs
285/70/17 Cooper Discoverer STT Pros
Dual battery system
Removable rear drawers
Fridge/freezer
ROLA Roof basket
Hi-lift Jack
USB power ports

Then when time is available I plan on building all custom bumpers, sliders, and roof rack, as I have a welder and plasma cutter at my disposal.

I look forward to sharing this build with you, any advice you have for me on this new project, and the possibility to go wheelin' with any of you in the South East.

 

[madney]

Awesome! I'm buying one in the next couple months and definitely want to follow along as you build yours out! I'll be using mine for the exact same things you are.

 

[BlackUSK56]

Awesome! I'm buying one in the next couple months and definitely want to follow along as you build yours out! I'll be using mine for the exact same things you are.

I'm sure you will find the one that's right for you. I spent about 5 months looking and had to go 200 miles to get mine. This is fortunately, a third vehicle for my family, and it wont really be driven unless we are looking for adventure (mostly going to state parks for now).

Well, after replacing the missing front passenger locking lug nut, with a standard lug nut, the vibration in the steering wheel has been drastically reduced. The locking lug nut key was no where to be found in the car, so I had to use a 3/4" 12 point deep well socket and a 4 pound hammer to remove the other three, and replaced them with standard lug nuts.

Ebay has been my friend. I was able to score an OEM shift knob and headrest for cheap, both with free shipping. Since I bought it with out a single floor mat, Weather Tech mats have been dropped in. The GX feels more "complete" now without little pieces missing everywhere.

Next, I need to order a cv axle boot kit and take care of the only mechanical issue I have been able to find. Then the modding can begin!

 

[JLee]

I'm sure you will find the one that's right for you. I spent about 5 months looking and had to go 200 miles to get mine. This is fortunately, a third vehicle for my family, and it wont really be driven unless we are looking for adventure (mostly going to state parks for now).

Well, after replacing the missing front passenger locking lug nut, with a standard lug nut, the vibration in the steering wheel has been drastically reduced. The locking lug nut key was no where to be found in the car, so I had to use a 3/4" 12 point deep well socket and a 4 pound hammer to remove the other three, and replaced them with standard lug nuts.

Ebay has been my friend. I was able to score an OEM shift knob and headrest for cheap, both with free shipping. Since I bought it with out a single floor mat, Weather Tech mats have been dropped in. The GX feels more "complete" now without little pieces missing everywhere.

Next, I need to order a cv axle boot kit and take care of the only mechanical issue I have been able to find. Then the modding can begin!

Yep, it's worth waiting to find the one you want. I flew out of state to get mine.

 

[orion]

After drooling over LC100s that were over my budget, I discovered the GX. I now believe it to be the best kept secret in the off road community...

I agree 100%...

Good lines, really capable, comfy inside, and cheap compared to similar options!

Sounds like you got a good base for your project - Keep us updated.

- Brian

 

[BlackUSK56]

I installed an extended ROLA roof basket, but I was so excited I forgot to take any pictures. I will share some later.

My wallet is now empty because of the amount of parts I have recently ordered.

Inner and outer cv boot kits
Metal Tech 4x4 DIY coil conversion kit
Used 4runner upper coil isolators with integrated bump stops
SPC Light Racing upper control arms
Toytec 3" Lift with Bilstein 5100 front coilovers
Swaybar relocates

Sadly, I was just called by Toytec and informed that the rear 5100s are on backorder until Friday or Monday.
I should get the front lifted, and I will do everything else on the rear, until the shocks come in.

I am currently looking at tires. I need to stay with the stock wheels as rims are not in the budget for this build.
I am heavily leaning towards set of Cooper STT PROs, in a 285-70-17.

My question is will I need wheel spacers with the 285s on stock wheels?
I am prepared to remove the running boards, do the body mount chop, and make adjustments to the fender liners.
I did search. I believe the answer to be "No spacers", but would appreciate any direct answers.

 

[GXO]

285s will rub at full turn on stock wheels.

That said, I still run them and dont care if I hear a rub every now and again

 

[The Great Him]

if you get a set of tundra split spoke 17s or the solid 6 spoke FJC wheels their offset is enough that the rubbing is very much reduced to barely noticeable ie only backing up out of my driveway and onto the road transition part. i dont mind it at all and love the look. that being said i did add a slight light and now i have a bit more rubbing -same thing happened to me with my 4runner. with the stock wheels you will need spacers, your tires will hit the UCA especially with a lift. the reason for this is as your suspension cycles or drops the UCA dips down and into the tire. as you lift any IFS vehicle with "a-arm" type control arms the front track narrows -the further you lift the narrower the track gets. thus sucking the tires into the control arms as they drop into (arc downwards) into the tire. i ended up going with LR UCA (SPC UCA) because of their adjustability and sealed ball joint design. they have worked amazing on my old 4runner and all the wheeling i have put that through, not to mention they are almost half the cost of other uniball design brands like total chaos or allpro or camburg ect, and they have no adjustment abilities...

 

[BlackUSK56]

So to make this clear as mud (pun intended), my build is a 3" lift with the light racing UCAs to properly adjust camber...
Lets see if understand correctly, cause it almost seems like two different answers...?

Dan, are you saying, I can fit 285s without spacers but will rub at full lock. As in the tire shoulder will rub the inside of the fender, pinch weld bumper or similar? Most likely with more rubbin' under compression?

GreatHim, are you saying, do to the IFS geometry (which I completely understand ), lifting the vehicle will require a wheel spacer for 285s to clear the UCAs with stock GX wheels?

I don't mind the rubbing inside the fenders, but if its going to be in contact with the UCA that's not gonna do the job.

 

[The Great Him]

So to make this clear as mud (pun intended), my build is a 3" lift with the light racing UCAs to properly adjust camber...
Lets see if understand correctly, cause it almost seems like two different answers...?

Dan, are you saying, I can fit 285s without spacers but will rub at full lock. As in the tire shoulder will rub the inside of the fender, pinch weld bumper or similar? Most likely with more rubbin' under compression?

GreatHim, are you saying, do to the IFS geometry (which I completely understand ), lifting the vehicle will require a wheel spacer for 285s to clear the UCAs with stock GX wheels?

I don't mind the rubbing inside the fenders, but if its going to be in contact with the UCA that's not gonna do the job.

what i am saying is that stock wheels with stock UCAs and 285s and a lift is a recipe for rubbing... the LR UCAs will be fine. i was simply stating that it is possible to run 285s without lift or spacers with some wheels, (the stock wheels im not sure about) -iknow the tundra split 5 spoke wheel and the FJC solid 6 spoke wheel work with 285 and no lift and do not require spacers.

you are going about this the best way and using the LR UCA you will be fine and should not require any spacer

 

[BlackUSK56]

ROLA roof basket, with center extension, pics:

Price was the main reason I went with a ROLA basket. I also saw another member that had one and liked the look.

And yes, my house looks like a Toyota dealership.

 

[BlackUSK56]

I had to deal with a torn inner cv boot. After hearing about issues with aftermarket axles and a new one from Toyota not fitting in the budget, I decided to replace the boots.

I had to buy a brass hammer to separate the joints.

I think this was one of the messiest jobs I have ever done. Grease everywhere. I think I threw away a dozen shop towels.

Back together, and I think I will just replace the entire axle when I tear a boot again.

 

[BlackUSK56]

Removed the running boards.

Trimmed the rear mudflaps with a utility knife.

 

[BlackUSK56]

It was finally time for the good stuff. Toytec 3" lift with Bilsteins shocks, Toytec Superflex HD rear coils, diff drop, swaybar relocates, Metal Tech DIY conversion kit, used 4runner upper coil isolators, a case of Amsoil gear oil for all three differentials. The rear shocks were on back order and had not arrived yet.

Installed

Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires, 285/70/17, this is what a truckload of awesomeness looks like.

Mounted, balanced, and everything aligned.

So what do you guys think?

 

[little_joe]

Damn that is nice!

 

[valeo175]

The coopers look Great! It's awesome when people put the White letters OUT! It looks like a large Tonka toy! WHEEL ON my friend!

 

[orion]

Looks great...it's coming along nicely!

- Brian

 

[J Fonz]

Excellent color choice! I have the same.

 

[GXO]

Very nice!

 

[woody]

Love the laces out with a darker paint color! We've got AT3's and @Pearl470 wouldn't let me do laces out...but with a white GX, it doesn't need the contrast. Pretty sure she wouldn't allow the SST Pro's tho...too aggress for her taste Went with FN Wheels (she loved their designs), but @SCSPerformance also has some great designs (just didn't have my sizes/backspacing available when we needed them)

Great looking build...we also have rubbing at steering lock, but a little careful trimming of the fender trim on the back side and a little heat gun/massage work in the front alleviated most of it.

Just dropped a new Optima YELLOWTOP in ours as well, and have a snorkel waiting for install. HER baby, and she wanted it!