Hey all,
I've been lurking on these forums for a few months, on and off, and figured today I would make an account and introduce myself (and my situation). First I wanted to say that I've really appreciated observing this community here (and on the 200 forums), you guys all seem both very friendly and knowledgeable.
I am an American Army Officer currently stationed in Singapore. I currently do not own a car but I'm moving back to the US this summer and planning on buying a GX460 (ideally a MY13). I only know for sure that I will be in the US for one year, after that I am not sure where in the world I will live (this is relevant, I promise). For the guaranteed year I am in the states I want a good DD that I can use for light overland, hauling kids around, and car camping (also with at least one kid). IF I end up in the states longer, I want the flexibility to fully build the rig into something capable of more hardcore offroading. However, I also don't want to modify it too much in the first year, in case I have to sell it or put it in long term storage for another long overseas assignment.
I used to own a Nissan Xterra with OME suspension, ARB bumpers, and a winch; which was more than capable enough for most of the offroad driving enjoy, but it wasn't a Toyota and it didn't have a third row. Originally I was looking at a 200 series LC (used of course) but ultimately I think that's a little too much money for my lifestyle/income level.
So in conjunction with all those caveats up there, I am thinking of buying a +-MY13 LX (with Crawl Control I think) and keeping the initial mods very basic.
Thinking a Front Runner Roof Rack initially and maybe a Hidden Winch (depending on how removable they are). Then longer term maybe shift to suspension and bumpers and the various minor accouterments that overland builds tend to accumulate. So if you all don't mind, I have a few basic questions (and I did search, but couldn't find anything conclusive)
1: Can the stock suspension handle a hidden winch and a roof rack without effecting daily drivability (I really want to leave the suspension stock until I know for sure how long I'm going to have the truck)
2: Can the various hidden winch mounts be easily removed (or at least have their presence hidden) in case I have to sell the vehicle again quickly
3: Can the full size Front Runner rack be installed with a few crossbars missing in order to still use the moon roof? I don't want the smaller racks, because I have a giant foamy surfboard and a kayak I want to be able to mount across the full length of the roof if possible....
Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling....
I've been lurking on these forums for a few months, on and off, and figured today I would make an account and introduce myself (and my situation). First I wanted to say that I've really appreciated observing this community here (and on the 200 forums), you guys all seem both very friendly and knowledgeable.
I am an American Army Officer currently stationed in Singapore. I currently do not own a car but I'm moving back to the US this summer and planning on buying a GX460 (ideally a MY13). I only know for sure that I will be in the US for one year, after that I am not sure where in the world I will live (this is relevant, I promise). For the guaranteed year I am in the states I want a good DD that I can use for light overland, hauling kids around, and car camping (also with at least one kid). IF I end up in the states longer, I want the flexibility to fully build the rig into something capable of more hardcore offroading. However, I also don't want to modify it too much in the first year, in case I have to sell it or put it in long term storage for another long overseas assignment.
I used to own a Nissan Xterra with OME suspension, ARB bumpers, and a winch; which was more than capable enough for most of the offroad driving enjoy, but it wasn't a Toyota and it didn't have a third row. Originally I was looking at a 200 series LC (used of course) but ultimately I think that's a little too much money for my lifestyle/income level.
So in conjunction with all those caveats up there, I am thinking of buying a +-MY13 LX (with Crawl Control I think) and keeping the initial mods very basic.
Thinking a Front Runner Roof Rack initially and maybe a Hidden Winch (depending on how removable they are). Then longer term maybe shift to suspension and bumpers and the various minor accouterments that overland builds tend to accumulate. So if you all don't mind, I have a few basic questions (and I did search, but couldn't find anything conclusive)
1: Can the stock suspension handle a hidden winch and a roof rack without effecting daily drivability (I really want to leave the suspension stock until I know for sure how long I'm going to have the truck)
2: Can the various hidden winch mounts be easily removed (or at least have their presence hidden) in case I have to sell the vehicle again quickly
3: Can the full size Front Runner rack be installed with a few crossbars missing in order to still use the moon roof? I don't want the smaller racks, because I have a giant foamy surfboard and a kayak I want to be able to mount across the full length of the roof if possible....
Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling....
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