Sold the 80 bought a GX470 advice needed

[MooreEagle]

Ok so I literally wrote in my Craigslist ad that I would CRY the day I sold my 80. She served me well but her age and head gasket were scaring me. I sold my 95 80 for $6400 and bought a 2005 120 for $5800 So now I’ve got an immaculately maintained 120 sitting in the driveway with 210k miles on her. PO already did timing belt, water pump radiator and hoses for me. She’s got the Lexus Lean going on and a little clunk after I stop. Here’s what I’m thinking of doing and am seeking advice. I know I know search is my friend I’ve already done some searching but still lean on you guys who have beentheredonethat.

How to do Prado re-badge?
Coil conversion
Weather tech? Mats
Transmission flush
Diff and case fluid change
Grease driveline
Remove running boards
What else?

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Do the basic maintenance that remains like the transmission fluid change you mentioned. Im going to assume that brake fluid, rotors, and brake pads are good. Belts and filters are good too. 2005+ sometimes have air intake valve issues so research the bypass kit.

The upgrades really depend on what you want to use the gx470 for. If you will only go on mild and medium difficulty trails, then really good skinny tall 32” AT tires and removing running boards is all you need to hit the trails and get used to the gx470. There is a getting used to period on how it drives offroad when compared to an 80 series.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Oh when you remove the running boards, leave about 2” of the lip from the running boards around the front mud flap. You want a clean look and not the running boards ripped off by a rock look. Lol

Look at pictures of rigs without running boards to see what I’m talking about. Mine has the “trail ripped my running boards look”

 

[subspd]

I did the same. And the 120 is just got so much more power and comfort. But it just doesn't have the axles the 80 had. So that is the question... how will you use it? You can see my build for the Prado rebadge. I think it is a corolla front emblem that fits and then order a Prado 120 rear badge and that fits perfect.

 

[CarolinaGX]

A little more info is needed as to what you want to accomplish with the truck / purpose. Spring conversion for lift and offroad is recommended but not absolutely necessary (some guys wheel theirs with the bags).

 

[MooreEagle]

Thanks guys correction it’s a 2004. I’ll probably just do mild off-road nothing too serious. Now my diff lock just flashes and won’t engage. One more thing to work on.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

2004 doesn’t have the air intake valve, so bypass that mod.

Mild offroad you can do stock, but you won’t look cool. Just get all the maintenance done and you are good.

Without braking the bank, you can just get 255/75R17 AT tires, plastidip the stock oem wheels black, remove the running boards, cut the rear mud flaps. This gets you instant clearance and offroad powerness. This will set you back just the price of the tires

If you want to look even cooler but won’t be really doing hard rock trails, then get a basic lift (OME, Dobinson, Bilstein, etc), coil conversion kit, and rock sliders. Add about $2000 for these upgrades.

 

[subspd]

I run 255/80/17 on FJ wheels and with some finder liner plastic trimming have no rubbing with 0 lift. Just FYI
Personally I think that a budget mod that get some real everyday use is HID headlights and LED high beams. I am also a fan of trimmed bumpers.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Great to know that 33” skinny talls fit with just new FJ wheels and a little trimming and no lift. What are the specs on your Fj wheels? And what size and where you carry your spare?

 

[subspd]

Great to know that 33” skinny talls fit with just new FJ wheels and a little trimming and no lift. What are the specs on your Fj wheels? And what size and where you carry your spare?

I deflated the spare to fit (non-KDSS) same size 255/80. The FJ wheels give you a little more offset +10 so that there is no issues with the upper control arm rubbing. Some run a 285/70/17 this way. But I like a taller tire. Getting a full 33" without a lift is nice...

 

[chiz45]

I deflated the spare to fit (non-KDSS) same size 255/80. The FJ wheels give you a little more offset +10 so that there is no issues with the upper control arm rubbing. Some run a 285/70/17 this way. But I like a taller tire. Getting a full 33" without a lift is nice...

i tried stuffing a 255/80 ST Maxx fully inflated but it sits squarely against the pan hard. Do you have a tow package? I have the full factory big hitch, 3/4" in SSO spacers installed with the conversion, and 5100s with 0 lift. Do you have a pic of yours installed?

 

[subspd]

I don’t have the factory hitch. I have the SSO lil’hitch So I was able to get more clearance.

 

[MooreEagle]

So thanks to the help on here I successfully fixed my actuator leak. Thank you!!! What other maintenance do I need to do for my 2004 with 211k miles?
So far...
Timing belt and radiator and water pump
Diff oil
Trans, power steering and brake fluid change
Spark plugs
Serpentine belt
Air filters

What other maintenance items should I consider?

 

[subspd]

Start saving for a rear locker and an 8.2 rear diff...

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Nice job baselining all the fluids, belts, and cooling system.

If you are planning on off-roading far from civilization, you might want to check the alternator and battery.

At this point drive it offroad to see what else you need or want.