New to me GX470 (1 Viewer)

[Rednexus]

The rear bumper is actually super, super easy to remove. It has a maybe 6-8 clips and a handful of bolts. You can pull it off in <10 minutes, although a helper is suggested to avoid scratching it.

But it might be possible to install it without removing the rear bumper. The little insert above the hitch (in the Bell Lexus photo) should pop out by itself.

 

[Mike NXP]

The rear bumper is actually super, super easy to remove. It has a maybe 6-8 clips and a handful of bolts. You can pull it off in <10 minutes, although a helper is suggested to avoid scratching it.

But it might be possible to install it without removing the rear bumper. The little insert above the hitch (in the Bell Lexus photo) should pop out by itself.

Sounds good , thanks for the info.


Whats your bluetooth setup? USA spec has been out of stock for a while Crutchfield says this will work

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_936SL3BL/Vais-Technology-SL3b-L.html?carstereo=Factory

 

[Rednexus]

Sounds good , thanks for the info.


Whats your bluetooth setup? USA spec has been out of stock for a while Crutchfield says this will work

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_936SL3BL/Vais-Technology-SL3b-L.html?carstereo=Factory

I have a Phoenix PX6 in mine (came in the rig when I got it). It's certainly Chineseium and is not without it's faults, but has wireless AA/Carplay and allows me to run Android mapping and ODB2 apps.

 

[Mike NXP]

OK good to know. I ended up ordering the Vais Tech model linked above. They have a labor day sale and free shipping so it's worth a shot.

Looking forward to stretching this rigs legs a bit and getting out there....I don't want to make it a proper off roader but this truck deserves more than just pavement

 

[Rednexus]

OK good to know. I ended up ordering the Vais Tech model linked above. They have a labor day sale and free shipping so it's worth a shot.

Looking forward to stretching this rigs legs a bit and getting out there....I don't want to make it a proper off roader but this truck deserves more than just pavement

With good tires, stock wheeling ability on a GX is only limited by the crappy clearance. I wheeled mine a lot at stock height and was always impressed on where it would go.

 

[Mike NXP]

Yeah for sure, such a great rig.

I noticed that my owners manual says I shouldnt tow if I have ride adjustable suspension or something like that.

Dont all gx470s have same suspension, I wonderwhy it is telling me not to tow?

Hope I dont have to ditch this plush ride for traditional suspension setup.

 

[Rednexus]

Yeah for sure, such a great rig.

I noticed that my owners manual says I shouldnt tow if I have ride adjustable suspension or something like that.

Dont all gx470s have same suspension, I wonderwhy it is telling me not to tow?

Hope I dont have to ditch this plush ride for traditional suspension setup.

All of them are air-ride OEM and rated at 6,500# with the proper hitch (which you purchased). Air bags are IMO superior to coils for towing - I deleted my bags before getting a camper (as they were leaking), and have no added aux bags inside the coils. In hindsight I would have considered extended-length aftermarket bags meant for lifted GXs.

One thing I forgot to mention is that there should be a metal bracket on the rear cross member that connects down to the center of the OEM hitch (08925-35870). My GX had it from the factory, despite (to my knowledge) never having a OEM 6,500# hitch on it. It might just be some of the early GX models that didn't have it. Here is an old thread with some photos of how it goes together. I'd look up under your bumper and see if the bracket is there.

Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) - Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - Here are the parts I used for my Hitch detail (Class IV 6500lb). Take in mind that my 2004 GX did not have the tow package and needed everything from the relays to the wire harness. Oh, and I wanted this hitch as if it was from...

www.clublexus.com

 

[Mike NXP]

All of them are air-ride OEM and rated at 6,500# with the proper hitch (which you purchased). Air bags are IMO superior to coils for towing - I deleted my bags before getting a camper (as they were leaking), and have no added aux bags inside the coils. In hindsight I would have considered extended-length aftermarket bags meant for lifted GXs.

One thing I forgot to mention is that there should be a metal bracket on the rear cross member that connects down to the center of the OEM hitch (08925-35870). My GX had it from the factory, despite (to my knowledge) never having a OEM 6,500# hitch on it. It might just be some of the early GX models that didn't have it. Here is an old thread with some photos of how it goes together. I'd look up under your bumper and see if the bracket is there.

Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) - Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - Here are the parts I used for my Hitch detail (Class IV 6500lb). Take in mind that my 2004 GX did not have the tow package and needed everything from the relays to the wire harness. Oh, and I wanted this hitch as if it was from...

www.clublexus.com

Very helpful, thanks. Im going to check out that thread and ive finally got time today to crawl under the lexus to check for that adapter

 

[Mike NXP]

Well just as the panic set in because that part may be discontinued. I went outside popped the cover and was relieved to see I think I've got what I need and this rig should be all setup and ready to receive the OEM hitch

Next up on my to-do list

• Remove rear bumper, clean up any rusty crusty areas
• Drop spare tire , consider replacing if original
• Inspect airbags on high for any cracks
• Remove those little cross brace things that hold the 7-pin in place

Then just gotta wait for receiver and brake controller to arrive. Then the big question is if I should pull my new little 16' camp trailer to Alaska on my upcoming road trip or stick to the 100 series...hmmm

 

[Mike NXP]

Otherwise I think she's looking pretty good for a 20+ year old rig

 

[Rednexus]

That's the right bracket. Your bags look good as well, although my opinion is online-only . You could always buy a spare aftermarket bag or two and throw them in the camper, so you aren't totally screwed if one craps out on you in a remote area. Looks like aftermarket replacements are around $100 per side.