Builds Jade Overland build (3 Viewers)

[prerunner221]

Back in October I purchased my 2016 GX460 Premium to replace the FJ I've been building for the last 7 years. The FJ was great, but I was done with the build, and the vehicle was missing some things I wanted, namely 4 doors and a v8. I looked at 4Runners, Tacomas, used Disco's and used GX's and settled on the GX as it ticked all the right boxes.

Because this vehicle's primary use is long distance travel I wanted to upgrade the video system to be able to view DVDs in motion. What I thought would be an easy mod turned out to be a little more involved than in past vehicles. Where I would normally just ground out the e-brake wire, an entire separate module had to be purchased and installed to trick the VSS, GPS and e-brake into thinking the vehicle was stationary.

With that done it was time for rims and tires. I opted fo Volk TE37's 18x9 +0 in Diamond dark gunmetal and Toyo Tires Open Country AT2s in 265x17r 18. I like the look with the Nebula grey color of the truck. Some minor molding of the front inner fender liners and minor trimming in the rear allowed them to fit without a lift. On the FJ I went with a pretty tall and wide tire. On the GX I chose to stay closer to stock size and just did a plus-1 size tire to keep the gearing close to stock and hopefully not crush my gas mileage.

Next was a roof rack. I went back and forth as to which one to get and decided on the FrontRunner slimline II. It looks good, is very strong and has attachments to install anything I could think of. I've has it on there for a few months now and it's proven to be a great rack.

 

[prerunner221]

I was pretty satisfied at this point and told myself to leave it alone. The truck looks nice and is plenty functional. "I will not do a full build like the FJ!" I drove it like this for a week, pretty satisfied...then I wasn't. Time for a lift. I've run OME, Toytec and Icon before and wanted something different this time. INitially I was going to install Kings, but my contact was telling me it could take him 4 months to get the set up I wanted in so I went another route. Enter Ironman 4x4 into the picture. I've heard and seen some good things from this company and they seem plenty popular in OZ, we just don't see them in the states much, but they were available immediately so I picked up the foam cell pro kit with UCAs. It's pretty beefy compared to factory. Install went smoothly and the ride did not change much at all. It's a little stiffer which is to be expected but it didn't lose the Lexus ride quality. After a couple months of having this installed and after doing a few hundred miles offroad doing the Georgia Traverse last weekend I can happily report the suspension works great. Very comfy ride that didn't have me feeling worn out at the end of the day, which was nice after doing 10 hours of off-roading a day.

 

[prerunner221]

Now that the vehicle's suspension was dialed in it's time to get the rack sorted. I do 2 different types of trips with the rig, so the rack needed to be ready for both. Some trips I do have me staying in cabins in N Georgia. I bring my dogs so my luggage has to go on the roof. The Thule box I use doesn't easily mount to my FrontRunner rack, so I made something I already had work for the job. The Thule Aeroblade Edge took a little effort but I was able to get it installed onto the rack without much issue.

With this installed I was able to mount the box.

The Maxtrax are installed just using bolts, washers and large wing nuts. Simple and inexpensive. They are not left on the vehicle full time like they were with the FJ, so I don't worry about theft as they're only installed while going out to the trails.

The other way we travel is more of a traditional "Oveland" style with a roof top tent and awning. I used FR tent mounts and FR awning mounts to attach the Smittybilt RTT and ARB awning.

Before going on our trip I wanted to put some more power outlets in the vehicle. After purchasing I realized it was a pretty major oversite when making this vehicle, but it was easily fixed. A 12V socket and dual fast charge USB plug was added to the rear of the center console. the 12V powers my Dometic 50qt fridge.

The last issue I wanted to fix before leaving on a lengthy off road trip was a lack of full size spare tire. Although I didn't go up in size much, my aftermarket hitch didn't allow for the full size spare to be mounted under the vehicle like I had expected. I'm really trying not to over-build this vehicle and for now don't want to do full bumpers, so a swing-out seemed the best option. I chose the Rigd Ultraswing for it's available options, and honestly the aesthetics. I got the optional Rotopax holder, but will be swapping that out for the FrontRunner table in the near future. The Ultraswing worked great on the trip and it was nice insurance having a full sized spare tire. Currently, I'm still wiaiting on my 5th Volk (still a month out), so I'me rocking the stocker with a matching Toyo AT2. Not a great look, but the swing out is only installed for trips where I run a Trasharoo anyway, so it's not a huge deal.

The last thing to be added before the trip was a little lighting. The factory headlights and fogs are really good on the GX, but when you're out in the middle of nowhere I like more. I ordered a set of Rago Fab ditch light brackets and Baja Design S1s to handle ditch lighting (and little forward lighting). For their size they throw good light and I was pleased with them.

Before my next trip I have a few things planned. ORW is making a simple light bar that allows for a couple lights to be installed in front of the grill. I'll be ordering that, as well as a pair of LP6's in amber to go on it. I had LP9s on the FJ and they were amazing, and I miss having that kind of light throw. I'm also hoping to have a new tent. The Smittybilt has worked great for what it is, but a hardshell that takes no time to set up and break down in my next big purchase. Currently looking at the Tepui/Thule Hybox. I like that it can be used as either a storage bin or a tent, and I'm excited to see what Thule upgrades on the tent now that they're acquired Tepui. Lastly I want a 270 degree awning. I would love an Alu Cab but just can't bring myself to spend the money, so it'll probably be a 23zero or something similar. I would like one that doesn't require legs to be stable.

So far that's it. I've only had it for a few months, so there's plenty more to come. If you have suggestions, please let me know. I'm always looking for new ideas or products.

If you'd like to see more pictures of the GX or my adventures, you can give www.instagram.com/Jade_Overland a look. Thanks for checking out my build and safe travels!

 

[Washingtontaco]

Welcome to the club, I recently joined as well.

 

[jmanscotch]

Nice rig

 

[r2m]

Very nice! I've been going back and forth on if I should get ditch lights.
I think it will happen when I add Crawl Control and M/T.
Reason: After I replace the console part that has the Crawl Control, I'll gut the 2 non-operational switches (Ride Comfort and Height) and use those for light switches.

 

[prerunner221]

I starter liking them after traveling to more remote areas. In the woods it's nice to be able to see the side of the road on the side of the vehicle.

 

[TX GX460]

Looks nice! Great work so far.

 

[prerunner221]

I got my fairing in from FrontRunner. What a difference it makes. Without it, the rack made a ton of noise, but with it on it's as quiet as it was before the rack went on. Highly recommend it if you are installing any roof rack.

 

[Tex68w]

Welcome and congrats on the new rig! I can relate with you on trying to convince yourself not to build it out, I said the same thing at first and that lasted all of a few months. I am running the same Ironman FCP's and I love the ride, much better performance off-road and very close to factory ride on-road. I want a roof rack as well and I am currently torn between the Rhino, FrontRunner, and the soon to be released Sherpa (improved Prinsu style), it would have helped greatly on our last trip to Big Bend. I ran the Prinsu on our last 5th Gen and while I love the look there were some major short comings in the design.

Do you have any intentions of going up in tire size now that you've lifted it? Bumpers, sliders, or any other improvements planned for the future?

 

[r2m]

I got my fairing in from FrontRunner. What a difference it makes. Without it, the rack made a ton of noise, but with it on it's as quiet as it was before the rack went on. Highly recommend it if you are installing any roof rack.

Yep, when I made my fairing, the noise difference was significant! I was able to talk at a decent volume to my wife instead of yelling.

 

[prerunner221]

Welcome and congrats on the new rig! I can relate with you on trying to convince yourself not to build it out, I said the same thing at first and that lasted all of a few months. I am running the same Ironman FCP's and I love the ride, much better performance off-road and very close to factory ride on-road. I want a roof rack as well and I am currently torn between the Rhino, FrontRunner, and the soon to be released Sherpa (improved Prinsu style), it would have helped greatly on our last trip to Big Bend. I ran the Prinsu on our last 5th Gen and while I love the look there were some major short comings in the design.

Do you have any intentions of going up in tire size now that you've lifted it? Bumpers, sliders, or any other improvements planned for the future?

I went with the FrontRunner due to the rack being pretty overbuilt and the amount of accessories they make for it. With the fairing, this is perfect.

As for tire size, I'm going to stay with these for now. I really would like the look of a 295 /70 but it would have a negative effect on gas mileage and gearing like I had on my FJ, and I'm enjoying not having those issues. I'm using the Expedition Overland line of thought. I went plus 1 on tire size, gearing is still good, gas mileage wasn't really affected and it doesn't look bad. I ran it like this and was able to do the entire Georgia Traverse without any issues caused by tire size or tread pattern, and I wasn't putting extra strain on the drive train.

The plan to leave it as stock as possible. Mission failed. I did the same thing with my FJ, and that thing was a full build by the time I sold it. I have a 5th Volk coming to me (running a full size spare tire on factory rim mounted to a Rigd Multifit). The only thing I am buying for now is a pair of LP9s and an Off Road Warehouse grill mount for them.

I thought I would need bumpers after the Georgia trip (really thought I would hit and drag both front and rear on the trail) but after not hitting anything, they're not needed, and I am trying not to add additional weight if I don't have to. I will still be installing sliders, don't know from who yet, and aluminum skids, probably RCI's.

I'll also be switching out my tent and awning. What I have has been great, but I want a Tepui Hybox when Thule releases the new one under their brand, and a 270 awning of some sort. I really want to speed up my set up and break down times for camp.

 

[Mena661]

Off Road Warehouse grill mount for them.

Do you have a link for those?

 

[prerunner221]

Do you have a link for those?

I don't think there's a link. You have to contact him on instagram. Mike ORW Tell him Jade_Overland sent you. I don't have mine yet, I was going to order this week with lights, but with the apocalypse kicking off I figured I could wait a week. Don't you guys go and buy them all lol.

 

[2ABJJRN]

Great looking ride, started following you on IG. Looks exactly like what I wanna build. What are the specs on the ironman set-up to manage the weight of the RTT & ultraswing? Would your suspension set-up allow for 17x8.5 -10 wheels before the new bumper? TIA

 

[Washingtontaco]

I got my fairing in from FrontRunner. What a difference it makes. Without it, the rack made a ton of noise, but with it on it's as quiet as it was before the rack went on. Highly recommend it if you are installing any roof rack.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[prerunner221]

Great looking ride, started following you on IG. Looks exactly like what I wanna build. What are the specs on the ironman set-up to manage the weight of the RTT & ultraswing? Would your suspension set-up allow for 17x8.5 -10 wheels before the new bumper? TIA

When I ordered the suspension from them I told them the plans for the truck and they sent the correct weight springs. I believe they're +600-700 pounds. Ya, the rims should be fine as long as they clear the brake caliper.

 

[prerunner221]

So earlier this week I had the an Ironman Premium bumper installed at my local dealer. Their master tech did the work on my FJ Cruiser and now does everything I don't want to mess with on the GX. This bumper was one of those things. As usual he did a great job and after 2 days I went to pick it up. Here are some progress pics and the final product.

Dropping it off:

Getting into the install

All done:

 

[Turbohardtop]

wow, very nice ride. Are you planning to do the rear bumper too? I am torn between going with full bumpers or just get a swingout tire carrier like you did.

 

[prerunner221]

wow, very nice ride. Are you planning to do the rear bumper too? I am torn between going with full bumpers or just get a swingout tire carrier like you did.

I would really like a rear bumper, but the cost vs how usefull it would be is keeping me away. I only really like the Kaymar becauseit sits higher and is lower profile, but damn it's expensive. The swingout is perfect for now, and Rigd is making more and more for the Multifit to make it better. For the cost of the Kaymar and install I can travel for a few weeks, so that's what I'm doing. We'll see how that line of thought pans out though, this project started out with the plan being for a very bare bones build and that's gone sideways pretty fast lol.