I want to firstly thank all of you here who have directly and indirectly help make the most educated car buying decision. With out a doubt I would have bought a much worse vehicle with out your help. Because I know my other thread will get lost in time, I will restate the rundown.
Its a green (cypress pearl) 2007 GX470, nav, non kdss, 3rd row, 180K (been Lexus dealer serviced every 5k for 176k, timing, alternator, and radiator done at 140k) It was a Chicago car until 2016 and then made its way to AZ.
So Here is what i know I need to do to get it back up to like new. I need to replace the power steering rack, I will need to replace the suspension (it still has the original front shocks, and bushings).
My perspective of this rig is that its a business tool, thus it will be treated as one, I dont want to risk it doing fun dumb s***, but I dont want to be limited in where I can take it within reason.
My short to long term goals with this machine is to turn it into a goat like pack mule that I can load it up with all the stuff I need to sell my leather wares at art shows, said artsy leather stuff, everything I need to live for 3-4 days, be comfortable, not loose to many MPG to modifications, and be capable of getting me to and from free camping near the shows. Long term is to do all of this while dragging it behind a converted highway bus. It will also be a daily driver. I also want it to fit in when I am in a fancy area of town at an art show so as not to draw too much attention or get hassled by the local authorities.
Things I know I want to do:
Hard shell RTT, I know it will cost me mpg but the ability to set up and take down quickly, and to save every bit of internal room for more stuff to sell and more stuff to live with. I can also take it off when not needed.
Upgrade the suspension but not raise it too much, 1-2" tops.
Picked up some FJC wheels with nearly new 265 70r 17s
Those Dissent off road bumpers... I eventually want to use them as tow points for the bus, so probably need steel over alumium? I will ask around when that bridge needs to be crossed.
Might do the rear bumper but that is not very high on my list.
Re-badge it as a Prado, but I am thinking about getting some of my graphic designer friends to come up with a retro re-envisioned design.
That Tesla style radio!
Things I know I will need your help with:
Are there any how to's on the power steering that anyone can recommend.
I know there are GOBS of advice on how to achieve maximum lift but how about minimum lift?
if I am replacing the bushings and I want to to pull this thing behind a bus and use it as a dinghy it probably needs a robust suspension.
I am always open to advice, suggestions, constructive criticism. I will always read and think about your comments weather or not I choose to follow/accept them. If you see something you think I might like or it would work for me dont hesitate to DM me or post it here. This is as much for me as it is for you. Its a place to show my successes and failures, its a place to show my questionable life choices, and its a place to talk about these things.
Its a green (cypress pearl) 2007 GX470, nav, non kdss, 3rd row, 180K (been Lexus dealer serviced every 5k for 176k, timing, alternator, and radiator done at 140k) It was a Chicago car until 2016 and then made its way to AZ.
So Here is what i know I need to do to get it back up to like new. I need to replace the power steering rack, I will need to replace the suspension (it still has the original front shocks, and bushings).
My perspective of this rig is that its a business tool, thus it will be treated as one, I dont want to risk it doing fun dumb s***, but I dont want to be limited in where I can take it within reason.
My short to long term goals with this machine is to turn it into a goat like pack mule that I can load it up with all the stuff I need to sell my leather wares at art shows, said artsy leather stuff, everything I need to live for 3-4 days, be comfortable, not loose to many MPG to modifications, and be capable of getting me to and from free camping near the shows. Long term is to do all of this while dragging it behind a converted highway bus. It will also be a daily driver. I also want it to fit in when I am in a fancy area of town at an art show so as not to draw too much attention or get hassled by the local authorities.
Things I know I want to do:
Hard shell RTT, I know it will cost me mpg but the ability to set up and take down quickly, and to save every bit of internal room for more stuff to sell and more stuff to live with. I can also take it off when not needed.
Upgrade the suspension but not raise it too much, 1-2" tops.
Picked up some FJC wheels with nearly new 265 70r 17s
Those Dissent off road bumpers... I eventually want to use them as tow points for the bus, so probably need steel over alumium? I will ask around when that bridge needs to be crossed.
Might do the rear bumper but that is not very high on my list.
Re-badge it as a Prado, but I am thinking about getting some of my graphic designer friends to come up with a retro re-envisioned design.
That Tesla style radio!
Things I know I will need your help with:
Are there any how to's on the power steering that anyone can recommend.
I know there are GOBS of advice on how to achieve maximum lift but how about minimum lift?
if I am replacing the bushings and I want to to pull this thing behind a bus and use it as a dinghy it probably needs a robust suspension.
I am always open to advice, suggestions, constructive criticism. I will always read and think about your comments weather or not I choose to follow/accept them. If you see something you think I might like or it would work for me dont hesitate to DM me or post it here. This is as much for me as it is for you. Its a place to show my successes and failures, its a place to show my questionable life choices, and its a place to talk about these things.
