Howdy All.
I've lurked here for well over a year and am now happy to report that I just recently acquired a 2004 GX (finally!). I have been looking for a new project for some time now, having been out of the wheeling scene since about 2003 when I sold my SAS 1986 Toyota short-bed truck (owned since new!). I started out looking at 100-Series/LX470's but was put off by the asking prices relative the condition of the vehicles out there and my budget. I think I started my lean toward the GX thanks to the Budu Gear build of their GX: THE BUNDU GEAR BUILD - LEXUS GX470 - Expedition Portal and later on, Dan's GX project.
That, plus the rising prices of 4th-Gen 4Runners, sealed the deal. I was more or less waiting to be completely moved back west after a 10-year sentence living in Michigan. Now that we are here and settled (Seattle area), the time was right! Mine has fairly high mileage (~200k) but has a fully-documented service history from day one and 13 miles: two timing belts/water pumps, new radiator, new brake calipers, new CV boots, x-fer and diff fluid changed as recommended by Lexus as well as other fluids, filters, etc. It's got NAV but other non-NAV examples either had sketchy service histories or questionable title status. The truck runs great and has no squeaks or rattles to speak off!
Some of you may remember me from the old 4x4Wire and Off-Road.com/TLCA Mailing List days ("WTF is a 'mailing list'?" ). I'm no stranger to Toyotas or off-roading so if you recognize me, say hi (@little_joe). In a past life I was a Toyota tech and eventually moved over the corporate side, working for Toyota at their powertrain R&D Centers in Los Angeles and later, Ann Arbor, Michigan. "Home" has always been the PNW though, so I hope to spend a lot of time getting into the back country and exploring this beautiful area.
Just a rough list of preliminary plans for the GX, not in any kind of order:
I've lurked here for well over a year and am now happy to report that I just recently acquired a 2004 GX (finally!). I have been looking for a new project for some time now, having been out of the wheeling scene since about 2003 when I sold my SAS 1986 Toyota short-bed truck (owned since new!). I started out looking at 100-Series/LX470's but was put off by the asking prices relative the condition of the vehicles out there and my budget. I think I started my lean toward the GX thanks to the Budu Gear build of their GX: THE BUNDU GEAR BUILD - LEXUS GX470 - Expedition Portal and later on, Dan's GX project.
That, plus the rising prices of 4th-Gen 4Runners, sealed the deal. I was more or less waiting to be completely moved back west after a 10-year sentence living in Michigan. Now that we are here and settled (Seattle area), the time was right! Mine has fairly high mileage (~200k) but has a fully-documented service history from day one and 13 miles: two timing belts/water pumps, new radiator, new brake calipers, new CV boots, x-fer and diff fluid changed as recommended by Lexus as well as other fluids, filters, etc. It's got NAV but other non-NAV examples either had sketchy service histories or questionable title status. The truck runs great and has no squeaks or rattles to speak off!
Some of you may remember me from the old 4x4Wire and Off-Road.com/TLCA Mailing List days ("WTF is a 'mailing list'?" ). I'm no stranger to Toyotas or off-roading so if you recognize me, say hi (@little_joe). In a past life I was a Toyota tech and eventually moved over the corporate side, working for Toyota at their powertrain R&D Centers in Los Angeles and later, Ann Arbor, Michigan. "Home" has always been the PNW though, so I hope to spend a lot of time getting into the back country and exploring this beautiful area.
Just a rough list of preliminary plans for the GX, not in any kind of order:
- 255/80-17's on stock rims or FJC take-offs
- FJ Cruiser-Trail Teams take-off suspension
- Skid plates
- Snorkel
- ARB or Ironman Bull Bar
- Lighting
- Rear storage
- 3rd Row delete
- A VERY thorough detailing and cleaning, especially the interior