Newb - ‘16 GX460 toy project

[GX4sixty]

First off, thanks for posting sonmuch helpful info! Several build threads got me started off on the right foot. Particularly r2m’s thread which was super helpful!

‘16 GX460
#warnequipped Zeon 10s
#metaltech4x4 front & rear bumpers, sliders, lower rear links, heavy 3” rear springs
#methodracewheels MR306 17” x 8.5”
#iconvehicledynamics tubular UCA’s, front coil overs, rear shocks w/CVCD, rear shock shin guards, adj. track bar
#bfgoodrichko2 285R70x17
#roughcountry light bar & fogs
#pro_eagle 1.5T to install the suspensioN
#bajadesigns S2 Pro ditch lights

Bought it in March and started mods as a Covid-19 project.

 

[mmaguy]

Wow, you've done a lot of mods since March. Rig is looking good!

 

[GX4sixty]

Wow, you've done a lot of mods since March. Rig is looking good!

Thanks! It’s been a blast. Starting to see more and more stuff available for current model 460’s.

 

[r2m]

Okay... Now it's time for some pictures!

 

[GX4sixty]

Finally had the chance to take a few pics of the rig.

Made a rear camera mount very close to the original camera’s sight line so the coverage is very close to stock.

Also swapped out the hi-lift mount bolts for 12mm x 1.5mm bolts so I could use the same locking lugs for the wheels + spare + hi-lift. One lug key for all 3. Not as secure as padlocks, but enough to discourage casual theft.

 

[GX4sixty]

more pics

 

[GX4sixty]

And a few more.

 

[r2m]

VERY nice!!
Time to get that "Bad-Boy" dirty!!!
BTW, if get any Maxtrax, you can make an easy mount for them on the left side of your jerry can mount.
I've had mine there for some time now the it works quite nice because it doesn't block any more of the rear view window, cuts the wind instead of pushing wind and it leaves my spare tire open for my Trash-a-roo.
I was just looking on my build thread to where I mention them, and son-of-a-gun, I've never posted how I mounted them!
If you go here, starting at post #59: Builds - R2M 2013 GX460 Overland Build
You'll see them on the swing-out as it open.
Now I think I have to go and take some photos of how I put them on.

 

[GX4sixty]

VERY nice!!
Time to get that "Bad-Boy" dirty!!!
BTW, if get any Maxtrax, you can make an easy mount for them on the left side of your jerry can mount.
I've had mine there for some time now the it works quite nice because it doesn't block any more of the rear view window, cuts the wind instead of pushing wind and it leaves my spare tire open for my Trash-a-roo.
I was just looking on my build thread to where I mention them, and son-of-a-gun, I've never posted how I mounted them!
If you go here, starting at post #59: Builds - R2M 2013 GX460 Overland Build
You'll see them on the swing-out as it open.
Now I think I have to go and take some photos of how I put them on.

Thanks, r2m! Chassis armor, a roof rack, and Maxtrax are definitely in the plan. For the armor, leaning towards Bud Built. Any recs here?

 

[Littlehouse]

That looks awesome! Well done.

 

[GX4sixty]

That looks awesome! Well done.

Thanks!

 

[mmaguy]

Rig looks great! The black/black rocks! As far as skids/armor underneath, I have the RCI skids and they are great quality.

 

[GX4sixty]

Rig looks great! The black/black rocks! As far as skids/armor underneath, I have the RCI skids and they are great quality.

Thanks much!

The two armor pieces I was most interested in are the transfer case skid and the fuel tank skids. Can they be installed with the stock engine skid? Or does the full set need to by RCI? Asking because, on some of the sets, the pieces dovetail with each other, so you can't piece it together. For the fuel tank skid, is it pretty well supported (to the frame?) or is it more of a metal covering supported by the fuel tank?

 

[mmaguy]

Thanks much!

The two armor pieces I was most interested in are the transfer case skid and the fuel tank skids. Can they be installed with the stock engine skid? Or does the full set need to by RCI? Asking because, on some of the sets, the pieces dovetail with each other, so you can't piece it together. For the fuel tank skid, is it pretty well supported (to the frame?) or is it more of a metal covering supported by the fuel tank?

I do not know the answer to the stock skid fitment question as I had the full set put on by the shop that did my bumpers and lift.
The front RCI skid does overlap with the TC skid nicely (they are bolted to frame through same holes where they are fitted/overlap). The fuel tank skid is very well supported and bolted to the frame. The skids are tougher than hell and have taken a couple of (unintentional) beatings that would have otherwise probably been damaging. It's my daily driver and I don't get on the giant rocks or anything too technical/risky, but have been damn thankful the skids are there.

 

[jabandsnort]

Awesome build! Any tips on the ditch light wiring? I'm trying to figure out my relay power source, and the best way to get the switch wiring through the firewall. Also, what did you do for an interior switch?

 

[r2m]

A good place to run wire through the fire wall is right next to the steering column, sharing the same big-'ol rubber grommet.
Get a coat hanger or bailing wire and run it through from the wheel well and pick it up from the engine compartment.
I did this with my 100 series Landcruiser. Albeit, I had someone else do my current lighting since they were doing the rack, suspension and everything else.
As the story goes, either one has all the time in the world to do the work themselves and no money to pay for help, or one is working sooo much there is no time to do the work themself but they can afford the labor fees.
Sometimes I'm the former, sometimes I'm the latter.

 

[fizzer6]

Love the ditch lights! How did you mount them on? Is it bolted directly onto the hood? Is there a product you used or did you make it yourself? I'm very interested in installing that as well