Rubithon 2018 is going on my article. 10-20-30. 10(summit),20(cruise moab),30(Rubithon). Made or will make them all in my GX!
Why do you own a GX 470 instead of a 100 series LC or LX? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter I6turbo
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Wow. They did it 10 years ago on the stock suspension (extended the front OEM shock shafts; tricked the rear airbags), lots of armor, 33" tires, and a rear locker. That's pretty impressive and here I thought you needed minimum 35s to do the Rubicon.
Hmmm. I'm just missing the rear locker and I'll be ready! LOL
I have wheeled east coast for a lot of years. I am still surprised when I go west. The trails have a lot of potential for bad outcomes, but the experience of wheeling in rocky, narrow, tree lined, snot storm wet clay then going out to perfect traction and wider trails makes them seem "easy" even when they aren't. I don't go nuts (and don't plan to this year) and find the best, easiest line vs. trying to test my rig vs finish the trail. That is my experience. It is also a LOT of fun to wheel in different places. Once you learn your COG and the traction in Moab for example, you feel like you can drive straight up the walls (and sort of can).
I just don’t like torsion bars 
That said I had a built 2001 lx470 on 35s and loved it. Never super happy with the ride Offroad. My father 1999 100 with the icon 2.5s on 35s seems to be a bit better then my ome setup but not groundbreaking.
Also currently have a very built 80 so the gx is more of a daily with light trail duty.
That said I had a built 2001 lx470 on 35s and loved it. Never super happy with the ride Offroad. My father 1999 100 with the icon 2.5s on 35s seems to be a bit better then my ome setup but not groundbreaking.
Also currently have a very built 80 so the gx is more of a daily with light trail duty.
I've owned 26 Land Cruisers over the years, including the ones I still own, and I have to admit, I've been happier with the GX470s than any of the others we've had (we also have a GX460, but I'm not as praiseworthy of it). I know there are pros and cons to the different models, but Lexus just seemed to get most everything right with the GX. Even in stock form with the rear springs converted, they're just really nice, capable trucks.
As the Land Cruiser models progressed over the years, Toyota made the next model a-little-to-a-lot better than the previous ones. For example, I think the 100 is an "overall" step above the 80, and the 80 is an "overall" two steps above a 60. Now, I'm not a hardcore wheeler, but for the mix of on-road/light rock crawling/overlanding I do, the GX is just a little bit better to me than the others. It's a great size, has ample power, has enough technology to keep it capable and comfortable, has all but the most recent safety features, it's VERY refined, and is nearly as comfortable and quiet off road as it is on. The icing on the cake is just how inexpensive they're becoming! For a vehicle with a genuine 500k+ mile engine, it's difficult to understand why they've gotten to the point that they can be had for, comparatively, so little.
The list of the reasons I like the GX is much longer. That being said, I also have no plans to sell any of the other Cruisers. I just think Toyota really did an exceptional job when they came up with the GX platform. All things being equal, I'd prefer to daily drive / wheel it over the others.
As the Land Cruiser models progressed over the years, Toyota made the next model a-little-to-a-lot better than the previous ones. For example, I think the 100 is an "overall" step above the 80, and the 80 is an "overall" two steps above a 60. Now, I'm not a hardcore wheeler, but for the mix of on-road/light rock crawling/overlanding I do, the GX is just a little bit better to me than the others. It's a great size, has ample power, has enough technology to keep it capable and comfortable, has all but the most recent safety features, it's VERY refined, and is nearly as comfortable and quiet off road as it is on. The icing on the cake is just how inexpensive they're becoming! For a vehicle with a genuine 500k+ mile engine, it's difficult to understand why they've gotten to the point that they can be had for, comparatively, so little.
The list of the reasons I like the GX is much longer. That being said, I also have no plans to sell any of the other Cruisers. I just think Toyota really did an exceptional job when they came up with the GX platform. All things being equal, I'd prefer to daily drive / wheel it over the others.
caz
Keystone Cruisers
A timely question!
I was searching for a family hauler to replace our aging LX450.
I looked pretty diligently for over a year before deciding that a 100 just wasn't in the cards for us.
I posted on the Keystone board and the guys over there suggested Sequoia and Highlander, but neither of these strike me as something I'd like to own.
I have always said I'd own a GX470, but I didn't realize how far the prices have dropped recently.
I found a great deal on a 2004 with 85k miles. I am loving it so far!
My dad likes it so much he is looking for one now, as is a buddy from work.
It is in a pricing sweet spot right now. An unbelievable value for what it is!
CAZ
I was searching for a family hauler to replace our aging LX450.
I looked pretty diligently for over a year before deciding that a 100 just wasn't in the cards for us.
I posted on the Keystone board and the guys over there suggested Sequoia and Highlander, but neither of these strike me as something I'd like to own.
I have always said I'd own a GX470, but I didn't realize how far the prices have dropped recently.
I found a great deal on a 2004 with 85k miles. I am loving it so far!
My dad likes it so much he is looking for one now, as is a buddy from work.
It is in a pricing sweet spot right now. An unbelievable value for what it is!
CAZ
I have wheeled and loved my 80 series for years, in fact I’m on my third one. That being said I have always had my eyes on the GX and just picked up a 2003 for 5K. I’m going to sell the 80, and pour the proceeds into the GX!
As much as I love my 80 (and don’t plan on selling it), you won’t be disappointed with that plan of action.....plus, is it not unbelievable that you can now get THAT much vehicle for that little money??? That used 4 wheeler-range money!
The GX is the hidden gem in capable off roader market. With the failing air suspension and air injection problem lot of people got panicked and start dumping this vehicle. This are golden opportunity for people like us to replace it with higher quality off road suspension.The air injection are easy enough to bypass as long is was taken care before the limp mode got activated.
I used to own 100 series. I really like the style but the suspension sucks before ICON/KING/Fox are available. Got rid of it back in 2008 and been out from off road world since then.
I bought the GX because the latest development in bypass shock really intrigued me. GX was chosen because it was cheaper than 4runner or Tacoma.
I was actually blown away by KDSS, stock front shock and rear strutmaster coil conversion. It was still really fun to drive. I might hold off upgrading just because the current setup meet my expectations. That is totally different than my test drive of 4Runner and Tacoma that cost less than $15K. My GX cost almost half that. For $15k I would already have BP-51 suspension and locking diff front and rear.
I used to own 100 series. I really like the style but the suspension sucks before ICON/KING/Fox are available. Got rid of it back in 2008 and been out from off road world since then.
I bought the GX because the latest development in bypass shock really intrigued me. GX was chosen because it was cheaper than 4runner or Tacoma.
I was actually blown away by KDSS, stock front shock and rear strutmaster coil conversion. It was still really fun to drive. I might hold off upgrading just because the current setup meet my expectations. That is totally different than my test drive of 4Runner and Tacoma that cost less than $15K. My GX cost almost half that. For $15k I would already have BP-51 suspension and locking diff front and rear.
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fun thread. I too have owned a built 80, 100, also the 120... main reason we didn't get a second 100 is the wife thinks it's too big, and it's her car. I miss the tail gate, disappointed there aren't power wing windows in back, can't understand why there is no rear heat only rear AC? I like driving the GX, compared to our other cars it's fast, though it does feel a little tight when it's full of dudes but for the family it is just right.
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Also Dan I have done the Rubicon (in the 80). You're built well and can totally do it.. was the trip of a lifetime for me, 3 days in 1st gear could have had a spotter the entire way. One advantage the GX will have over the bigger trucks is how skinny it is, so many of those obstacles are difficult because it's a big rock on one side, 2 big rocks and a tree on the other side, not many options for where to go. So being narrower, and shorter wheel base, better approach and departure angles, will totally work to your advantage. Like gas can rock- I am not sure you'll even drag there.
couple pics to get you excited... yeah that was me in 2008
ok resume GX content.
couple pics to get you excited... yeah that was me in 2008
ok resume GX content.
Can't wait! Will have 50 gallons of gas underneath and a heavy duty valve body and torque converter lock up installed by then too! Thanks!
Also Dan I have done the Rubicon (in the 80). You're built well and can totally do it.. was the trip of a lifetime for me, 3 days in 1st gear could have had a spotter the entire way. One advantage the GX will have over the bigger trucks is how skinny it is, so many of those obstacles are difficult because it's a big rock on one side, 2 big rocks and a tree on the other side, not many options for where to go. So being narrower, and shorter wheel base, better approach and departure angles, will totally work to your advantage. Like gas can rock- I am not sure you'll even drag there.
couple pics to get you excited... yeah that was me in 2008
ok resume GX content.
