Build Lexus lx450 chinook expedition vehicle

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I am glad to see your progress. The details you're putting into it are really neat to see and obviously well thought out. Just showed my wife and even she was impressed.

Thumbs up on one of the coolest builds I've seen. Loving it!
 
Thanks Bryan. When I get back I hope to really do a better job of detailing the build. I'm usually flying through things and forget to take important pics that show how and why I designed it that way.
 
Letsgomoreplaces said:
Awesome build! let me know if you ever decide to sell it!
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Just differentials... thank you.. I've thought about it but only because I've have some new ideas on a version 2! I was considering posting it for sale to see if the price would justify starting a second one... I have another lx450 already..I absolutely love this thing... the size is perfect and it's so easy for setting up camp. I've since installed all new suspension bushings and icon 2.5 shocks. A few more things and it will be complete...
 
Thanks. I bought some glass and stove gasket. Just need to cut the stove, mount the glass and then paint and should be complete.
 
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This thread is beyond epic! First few pages, I'm thinking this guy is an absolute madman, buying a truck and chopping it up in some guy's yard. By the end of it, I was scratching my chin thinking this might be one of my new life goals. Awesome build!
 
Thanks.. I kind of had the same feeling before the first cut... how many people would let you Sawzall and grind a truck in their yard? Mount a camper. Loan you a car. Help for a day and a half. All for a $100. If you make it through a build like this you will enjoy the truck more than u can imagine.
 
1973guppie. Thanks for the compliment. I still have the underbody boxes to construct. I have a plan to connect them to the auto locks on the lx so I can open and close with the doors. I'm lazy and hate having a growing set of keys.. I think the boxes will pull it all together aesthetically.
 
This thing is awesome! My dream 80!
 
Very cool, thanks for the hint in the for sale ad. Would like to see more about the wood stove. How you ran the flue, mounted and insulated it. All the great details.
 
Let's see some pictures of this thing in action!
 
mdsims said:
Very cool, thanks for the hint in the for sale ad. Would like to see more about the wood stove. How you ran the flue, mounted and insulated it. All the great details.
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I haven't fully mounted it yet. I ordered some heat shield (stuff used for wrapping turbos) and will apply this to the side fiberglass. I also plan on building a heat shield/ diverter on the back of the stove to direct the heat toward the front. Exhaust will be out the back- Ive mocked it all up but have been held up with the glass window on the stove. I will be installing heat resistant glass so I can also enjoy watching the flames! Ill post up as soon as complete.
 
LS1FJ40 said:
Let's see some pictures of this thing in action!
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Ill post some up tomorrow. Ill also summarize a few things I plan on changing in case anyone else considers this build!
 
I just went through all my pics from an archery elk hunt and whitetail hunt and I only found one poser shot! Did I mention I suck at taking pics!!! Good thing my brother in law loves photography as I wouldn't have any pics of the actual hunt. Anyway here is a pic in the Chiricahuas. So far everything has been working well. I have a loose muffler mount which keeps tearing loose from the bracket. On my other lx450 I installed an additional support and have solved this reoccuring issue. Ive ordered parts to do the same on this build. Since the last post I have installed all new suspension bushings and Icon adjustable shocks... :) The truck rides amazing. Other things I will be adding/changing:
CHINOOK.FRONT.webp
Install heavier duty rear sway bar
e-locked axles
Icon 3" heavy rear springs- Maybe order the autocraft ones. The rig sits low in the rear.
Washer caster mod
new steering stabilizer
rebuilt gear box
Lower cargo storage--- i know Ive been saying that for awhile

Other changes I will make down the road.
I would change the lift mechanism. Probably use actuators. Less noise and potentially simpler design. Can also raise and lower to different heights
Bed area- I would have this at the lower roof level. Just no way to move around once its set up. The ladies like to sleep in so makes more sense if the floor area has some space to move around
outside access to cargo area below seat/bed area- This are is just to big and deep to access from inside. The cushions are in the way and you have to be hunched over to really access it. I would make this more shallow and narrow. Then have a closed off area which is accessed from the outside. I store mostly chairs and longer items there which dont need to be inside. If on the outside I can also install an outdoor cooker.
 
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