Builds Lexus lx450 chinook expedition vehicle
- Thread starter SWCruiser
- Start date
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Awesome build! let me know if you ever decide to sell it!
- Thread starter
- #184
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...
danadog
Storm Trooper
Love the wood stove!
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!
- Thread starter
- #188
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
Supporting Vendor
this has really turned out amazing, first RV style build I have liked.
- Thread starter
- #190
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.
Outstanding thread. Subbed.
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
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.
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
Let's see some pictures of this thing in action!
- Thread starter
- #195
Thanks! Ive ripped to many cargo shorts on drawer pulls!!!!
- Thread starter
- #196
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.
- Thread starter
- #197
Ill post some up tomorrow. Ill also summarize a few things I plan on changing in case anyone else considers this build!
- Thread starter
- #198
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:
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.
The truck rides amazing. Other things I will be adding/changing: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.
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
dude ur truck is badass, that chinook fits perfectly, makes me want to do the same
Wow, amazing build so far. Definitely sub'd for more!
