Looking to pick-up and build a first gen gx-470. I have a few ?

[Britt]

Hey guys, new here.

I currently have a 5th gen (150) 4runner that is pretty well built up for trail use (re-geared, lockers....) I really like it.

However, I've been getting the itch to build another rig (more of a luxury overland oriented rig) and the first gen GX has caught my eye. There seems to be some good deals to be had on used ones, but I have a few questions before I attempt to pick on up.

I would definitely want to remove the air suspension and lift it, run 33s with some AT type tires. Probably skids and sliders. Maybe a rear locker.

So here are my questions.
1. What years are the best (I'm thinking 2005-2009)
2. What years had KDSS as an option. Can you remove the airbags and still use the KDSS? Since this will spend a lo of time on the road, I would like to keep the swaybars on it.
3. What version of ATRAC do these have. On 5th gens it actually works really well, but you have to manually engage it in 4LO. It's not as good as lockers... but it really helps and actually works better than lockers in some unique situations (like really slick off camber).
4. Do they all come with a center diff lock and 4LO?
5. I noticed that most don't seem to have a hitch. Can one be bolted on pretty easy? I don't pull a trailer but I do put a moto and MTB bikes on a receiver carrier often.
6. Do they all have a 5sp transmission? or did the 6spd become available in the 1st gen.
7. Can the 3rd row seats be removed pretty easily. I don't need those.
8. Anyone make bumpers (front and rear)

Thanks for all the help.

BTW, I would love to see some builds of first gens, so please post a link to your build thread if you have one.

 

[TFJ4runner]

http://www.toyota120.com/html/lexus_gx470.html

 

[Britt]

Thanks, that answered some of my questions. Still wondering about 2, 3, 7, 8.

The KDSS is a double edged sword to me. Great when it works, expensive and painful when it fails.

I guess how well the ATRAC works in 4LO is what I'm most interested in hearing about. Even with 33s it works pretty darn good on my 4Runner.

 

[GXO]

1. What years are the best (I'm thinking 2005-2009)

This gets you the updated engine, but also limits some options (non-Nav hard to find for aftermarket stereo, KDSS makes sliders tricky, etc)

2. What years had KDSS as an option. Can you remove the airbags and still use the KDSS? Since this will spend a lo of time on the road, I would like to keep the swaybars on it.

KDSS is not connected to the air suspension, so no worries. I have my swaybars on, non-issue. Refer to the above link for years with KDSS.

3. What version of ATRAC do these have. On 5th gens it actually works really well, but you have to manually engage it in 4LO. It's not as good as lockers... but it really helps and actually works better than lockers in some unique situations (like really slick off camber).

ATRAC on the GX is the best IMO. It fires in 4H, 4L, locked or unlocked. There is a CDL, but no option for Lockers. I don't run any lockers and have wheeled it MUCH harder than you seem to plan on with no issues and good traction.

4. Do they all come with a center diff lock and 4LO?

Yep! CDL and a manual shift t-case with 4H and 4L (full time 4WD)

5. I noticed that most don't seem to have a hitch. Can one be bolted on pretty easy? I don't pull a trailer but I do put a moto and MTB bikes on a receiver carrier often.

Yes, some have the dealer option hitch which you can find. The aftermarket bumpers have that option as well.

6. Do they all have a 5sp transmission? or did the 6spd become available in the 1st gen.

I have a 4S with an overdrive (2003). I believe they did add a 5th gear in the later models (check that link above)

7. Can the 3rd row seats be removed pretty easily. I don't need those.

VERY easy. They are modular and are made to be removed/added in minutes.

8. Anyone make bumpers (front and rear)

Southern Speed Style are currently the only GX specific bumpers (front and rear). I imported an Iron Man for the Prado and modified the bumper and my sheet metal to work. I had a custom rear bumper built locally.

 

[JLee]

#6: 2004+ had the 5 speed transmission.

I have an '07 with KDSS (sport package) and nav. I like it. 2007 had a navigation refresh; from what I read, the general consensus is to get a non-nav setup if you are going pre-07. Some say avoid nav altogether, but I'm happy with mine (I don't use onboard nav anyway, cell phones are newer). I am very happy with the Mark Levinson sound.

I have yet to see a case of KDSS failure. I'm sure it happens...but...certainly not often.

 

[IanB]

I was not aware the '03's had a 4A tranny, thought they all had the 5A. Learned something new today!

 

[Britt]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm getting excited about the possibility a GX now. I'm not sure what it is, but I really like the way they look when built up....

I do have a few more quick follow on questions.

1. Will 33s clear easy with a 3" lift and minor trimming.
2. Will most 4th gen 4runner skids fit. (seems like there are some GX specific sliders available)
3. Any issues taking out the air bags and putting in springs. I noticed MT had a kit.

Here is quick shot of my t4r on an occasion when it was clean. I really like it also.

Clean t4r

• Britt
• Jan 14, 2015

 

[470SNC]

1. 33s will clear with a 3" lift but you will need to remove running boards, trim a lot of the fender liner, and the inner portion of the front bumper sides to clear when turning.

2.all 4th gen 4runner skids will fit, for sliders the front two mounts are different on the GX and will require work, if you have KDSS, more work.

3. the airbags are held in with a simple clip up top, but releasing the air lines are a PITA. the MT rear conversion kit is the only way to go to coils unless you make your own spring perch hold down

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Clean t4r

• Britt
• Jan 14, 2015

[/QUOTE

Wow, that's nice!

 

[JLee]

I believe the passenger side sliders will work with KDSS, but the driver's side will require custom fabrication to clear the KDSS hydraulics.

 

[GXO]

I suggest you also browse the build threads in this section. Most everything can be answered and you can choose the build/look you want and duplicate or ask specifics of that person to get what you want.

 

[sledge916]

I have KDSS on 07, I had to modify the driver side slider middle post slightly, was not a big deal. Our 33 " Falkens clear with 2.5 inchs of lift with some trimming. I had to modify the front Budbuilt skid plate to work with KDSS also, again not a huge deal, the driver side front sway bar drops down quit a bit, we had to cut the skid to make room.

Seth

 

[GXO]

I am about to test going sans front sway bar since my Iron Man lift is super firm. If it is stable in the corners I am leaving it off.

 

[470SNC]

I'm running no front sway bar and I daily my rig. The difference is there but not drastic as the awd system definitely helps with the body roll a bit. It was a lot worse in my old FJC.

 

[JLee]

I am about to test going sans front sway bar since my Iron Man lift is super firm. If it is stable in the corners I am leaving it off.

I had no swaybar in my Tacoma (ToyTec coilovers). It was certainly drivable; I ran it that way for over two years. It had some definite (severe) body roll, though.

I'm running no front sway bar and I daily my rig. The difference is there but not drastic as the awd system definitely helps with the body roll a bit. It was a lot worse in my old FJC.

An FJC with part time 4wd has the same physical components as a full time 4wd vehicle like the GX - you still have a front differential, front CV axles, etc. There may be a difference in handling between the two vehicles, but it's not because of AWD.

 

[470SNC]

Yeah, I guess I meant the handling. My GX basically has my old FJC exact setup. I drove my FJC without a swaybar and full icons for 6 years. The FJC had way more noticeable body roll and brake dive than the GX does with the exact same setup. Since the FJC is part time/most of the time rear wheel drive and the GX is all time awd, I figure that is the cause for the difference in handling.

 

[JLee]

Yeah, I guess I meant the handling. My GX basically has my old FJC exact setup. I drove my FJC without a swaybar and full icons for 6 years. The FJC had way more noticeable body roll and brake dive than the GX does with the exact same setup. Since the FJC is part time/most of the time rear wheel drive and the GX is all time awd, I figure that is the cause for the difference in handling.

Yeah, could be weight/balance differences, center of gravity, tires, brake balance/etc - bunch of stuff.

 

[470SNC]

the truth, but I ain't complainin haha the FJ was pretty extreme, my passengers would be like what's wrong with your suspension, and I would say oh nothing and smile

 

[JLee]

the truth, but I ain't complainin haha the FJ was pretty extreme, my passengers would be like what's wrong with your suspension, and I would say oh nothing and smile

lol I had a buddy driving my Tacoma once, with an engine in the bed...I forgot to tell him there was no swaybar and he hit a portion of the freeway where it had a fairly decent turn. He just about left his lane, it was so bad...

That's why I flew out of state to pick up a KDSS GX, haha. I wanted to keep my on-road niceness.