Builds GXOG: My 2003 GX470 (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter GXO
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- Thread starter
- #42
Thanks! More to come!
Nice!
- Thread starter
- #44
The Build
Ok, so work got a little bit crazy and my work schedule won't afford me the time to write a full article for publication. I am seeing a lot of people starting GX projects/continuing theirs so I wanted to get this information on the web to help out.
So here it goes:
My based vehicle is a 2003 GX470, no nav, no KDSS, with AHC that I bought with 95k miles, all maintenance done including a new rad, 100k services, water pump, etc. I really got a good deal on it and the POs were super clean and careful (the woman didn't allow ANY drinks or food in it).
Step one was to get basic protection in place.
I recruited ACC in Atlanta because of the experiences I and my friends have had with them. They are good people, I have known them for years, and I trust their work. Brian at ACC mocked up some build specs and I pulled the trigger, it was too cool not to!
Phase I: Lift and under armor
Parts:
I chose Iron Man 4x4 for the lift. The price was right and they know the truck as a Prado, so it made sense. They are also new to the US game so I wanted something a bit unique.
Total chaos UCAs
IM front adj shocks 12710GR
IM front springs TOY056C
IM rear shocks 12682GR
IM rear coil & spring bucket TOY056C
ASFIR aluminum skid plates
Goodyear Dura-Tracs 285/70/17s
ACC fabbed custom sliders as well as providing the spring buckets for the rear (top from an FJ, bottom are customer fabbed).
This was my first swing at making this truck a wheeler!
Pics of parts:
Ok, so work got a little bit crazy and my work schedule won't afford me the time to write a full article for publication. I am seeing a lot of people starting GX projects/continuing theirs so I wanted to get this information on the web to help out.
So here it goes:
My based vehicle is a 2003 GX470, no nav, no KDSS, with AHC that I bought with 95k miles, all maintenance done including a new rad, 100k services, water pump, etc. I really got a good deal on it and the POs were super clean and careful (the woman didn't allow ANY drinks or food in it).
Step one was to get basic protection in place.
I recruited ACC in Atlanta because of the experiences I and my friends have had with them. They are good people, I have known them for years, and I trust their work. Brian at ACC mocked up some build specs and I pulled the trigger, it was too cool not to!
Phase I: Lift and under armor
Parts:
I chose Iron Man 4x4 for the lift. The price was right and they know the truck as a Prado, so it made sense. They are also new to the US game so I wanted something a bit unique.
Total chaos UCAs
IM front adj shocks 12710GR
IM front springs TOY056C
IM rear shocks 12682GR
IM rear coil & spring bucket TOY056C
ASFIR aluminum skid plates
Goodyear Dura-Tracs 285/70/17s
ACC fabbed custom sliders as well as providing the spring buckets for the rear (top from an FJ, bottom are customer fabbed).
This was my first swing at making this truck a wheeler!
Pics of parts:
- Thread starter
- #45
Next up was the lift, which ACC was up for:
Step 1: redo front suspension (it is the same as an FJ, Tacoma, 4R, etc)
I had the rotors resurfaced and had nice EBC pads installed.
Step 2:
Add rear suspension...this was a bit more tricky.
We removed the entire AHC system, pump, airlines, bags, shock, etc. ACC had to rebuild from scratch:
Upper buckets from an FJ:
Sexy lowers by Brian at ACC:
Fabbed up a ramp and raised tube to retain the spring a la stock setup:
Step 1: redo front suspension (it is the same as an FJ, Tacoma, 4R, etc)
I had the rotors resurfaced and had nice EBC pads installed.
Step 2:
Add rear suspension...this was a bit more tricky.
We removed the entire AHC system, pump, airlines, bags, shock, etc. ACC had to rebuild from scratch:
Upper buckets from an FJ:
Sexy lowers by Brian at ACC:
Fabbed up a ramp and raised tube to retain the spring a la stock setup:
- Thread starter
- #46
Once the rear and front were setup, it was time for skids and sliders.
Skids:
Skids:
- Thread starter
- #47
A few nice touches included extended sway bars in the rear:
ACC also reinforced the skid cross member with some square tube.
The sliders were next up.
ACC also reinforced the skid cross member with some square tube.
The sliders were next up.
- Thread starter
- #48
These are the best looking/most stout sliders I have seen in my day. LOVE THEM:
BEEFY:
BEEFY:
- Thread starter
- #49
The final product....she looks good!
Compared to a normal GX:
Compared to a normal GX:
- Thread starter
- #50
Before and After:
- Thread starter
- #51
Yes, she wheels great!!
- Thread starter
- #52
Next mods:
I have an Iron Man fridge going in today.
The Iron Man commercial deluxe bumper should be almost here.
The Iron Man snorkel is on the same boat as the bumper.
The Iron Man 9500 winch is coming with that same order.
I think I may also get the slide for the fridge.
Little things to do:
change steering, diff, t-case fluids
hardwire a DC outlet to the rear for the fridge
start thinking of dual batteries, mount positions for the LED aux lights
start designing the customer rear bumper
I have an Iron Man fridge going in today.
The Iron Man commercial deluxe bumper should be almost here.
The Iron Man snorkel is on the same boat as the bumper.
The Iron Man 9500 winch is coming with that same order.
I think I may also get the slide for the fridge.
Little things to do:
change steering, diff, t-case fluids
hardwire a DC outlet to the rear for the fridge
start thinking of dual batteries, mount positions for the LED aux lights
start designing the customer rear bumper
Looks nice. Have you thought about ditching the front swaybar to get a little more flex out of the front? Assuming the IM front springs are heavy enough to compensate a bit.
- Thread starter
- #54
Yes. I probably will once I get the bumper and winch on. I think the front is a little light for my taste with such a beefy spring and no extra weight right now. I did that on my 80 and it was a lot better offroad and no different on.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Cruiser Jimmy
Moderator
This is on my list of Toyota products to have....and mod for A/C wheel
Great work so far.
O...have you thought about debadging the Lexus out of it?
Great work so far.O...have you thought about debadging the Lexus out of it?
- Thread starter
- #56
No way! I like the leaning L 
Importing Prado tags is an offense if it isn't a diesel in my book.
I will drive my father-in-law's 2011 Prado in Trinidad if I want the real thing
Importing Prado tags is an offense if it isn't a diesel in my book.
I will drive my father-in-law's 2011 Prado in Trinidad if I want the real thing
Seriously nice ride. I remember when I saw it last fall. She's come a long way. We need to go wheeling, I want to see what a GX can do. I didn't read the whole thread, but do you have any bumpers planned? I think the ARB looks killer on GX's
- Thread starter
- #58
I am building all Iron Man for this truck (even the fridge!).
This is on the way:
Ironman 4x4 Deluxe Commercial Bullbars
This is on the way:
Ironman 4x4 Deluxe Commercial Bullbars
I like that bumper, it will look mean when you get it on. Those sliders are killer too.
Lookin' just dandy there DK...
