Builds GXOG: My 2003 GX470

[GXO]

Probably true

 

[The Jade Bean]

Great looking truck Dan. I'm planning an overland build for the wifey and I to take through Mexico and Central America. The plan was a 4Runner or LC but i'm leaning towards the GX after seeing some of the awesome builds you and others have done. My main concern is the budget. I can afford the truck but I'm not sure if I can afford the build. How much more expensive was it to do what our done here than it would be to do on a 03 4Runner?

We've got an 05 V8 SR5 Full-time 4WD and after all our mods we'll be in for around an extra $12-$15k on top of the $20k we paid for it, but we're going for a full on expedition rig and I did 90% of the work myself. It also only had 60k on the odometer when we bought it.

-Daniel

Sent from deep in the mountains of Honduras using only sticks and rocks.

 

[kchristian]

Thanks for the quick response. From what I've read, there is some modifying to do because of the rear air system if I want to do aftermarket springs and shocks in the rear. I don't have the tools or space to do much of anything myself so I would have to pay someone to fab up whatever needs to be done to accept a lift. Would it be complicated or expensive?

 

[GXO]

You have to make spring cup top and bottom because the airbags bolt on. It isn't that complex.

 

[kchristian]

You have to make spring cup top and bottom because the airbags bolt on. It isn't that complex.

That doesn't seem too bad. So other than that, all other cost for the lift would be the same as a 4runner or FJC?

Do you recommend avoiding kdss models?

 

[GXO]

KDSS is fine. The rest of the lift is exactly the same as FJC or 4runner models.

I am running an FJC tie rod and CV in my PS front

 

[kchristian]

We've got an 05 V8 SR5 Full-time 4WD and after all our mods we'll be in for around an extra $12-$15k on top of the $20k we paid for it

I just checked your rig out on your FB page. Man that thing is beautiful. If the budget were there, I'd love to have something just like that. We are thinking decent lift, good tires and we should be able to camp off the beaten path a bit.

 

[kchristian]

KDSS is fine. The rest of the lift is exactly the same as FJC or 4runner models.

I am running an FJC tie rod and CV in my PS front

Thanks for the wisdom. Again, I love your truck.

 

[larsdennert]

Here's my solution for getting articulation out of the front end without KDSS.

Lars' Web Gallery :: Sway Bar Disconnects
I don't have many good pics but here are a couple old ones

 

[The Jade Bean]

^^^ I love your warning on the website!

-Daniel

Sent from deep in the mountains of Honduras using only sticks and rocks.

 

[larsdennert]

Yea. Too many people out there who,
A: Don't know how to drive.
B: Don't know how to drive offroad.
C: Don't know how to wrench on a truck.
D: Don't know how to fabricate stuff.
E: Don't know how to follow directions.

I used to sell disconnects for 3rd Gens. Now I just put the ideas out there and let people evaluate for themselves.

Never been to mainland Honduras but been diving in Roatan. Awesome place. Sole Searchers Dive Club, Inc. :: 2004-04-17 Roatan

 

[The Jade Bean]

Never been to Rotan actually... Would love to go sometime and do some diving.

-Daniel

Sent from deep in the mountains of Honduras using only sticks and rocks.

 

[larsdennert]

Anthony key resort looks good. I stayed at the bay island beach resort. It was ok but the food got some people sick.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Not to highjack too much but I just got back from Costa Rica. It's beautiful down that way. I'd really love to do a driving trip down there and go all through Central America. The wife and I have even kicked the idea around of someday driving the entire Pan-American highway. I'll need to build a really comfortable expedition rig before we tackle that though. The GX would def be on the list. I like the V8 full-time 4WD 4Runners too.

 

[GXO]

It would do perfectly!

 

[Sam Stewart]

It would do perfectly!

Maybe I'll just borrow yours since you've already done all the work for me...

 

[justbecause]

I am ready to see some SAS action.

 

[GXO]

Rear bumper is first....SAS is not in the cards this year due to cost, and a commitment to fly my family of 5 to Trinidad for Christmas.

 

[GXO]

 

[SouthernSS]

I've got a similar setup in my IS350 to handle the tuning.

You should get an intelligent dc-dc inverter ( Intelligent DC-DC Converter with USB Interface ) or You could run the inverter you've already got as a permanent fixture under your seat without taking up your cigarette adapter.