Anyone considering building a GX460?

[Colonal Angus]

Worldwide platform, V8, little brother to a 200 series, same offroad features as a 4R Trail, full time 4 wheel drive and more affordable than the 200.

Slightly used ones can be bought for $40k. I know $40k isn't cheap but it might be more cost effective to buy a 2010/11 Gx460 for $40k with 30,000 miles on it than to buy a 2006/7 100 series with 80,000 for $30k. I love the 100 series and am considering getting back in one but I think the 150 series are pretty ************ too though.


Issues that I see with the GX460 are the airbag suspension (which has been remedied on the built Gx470s on here), the huge front bumper that would need plastic surgery to fit an ARB and no aftermarket support in the States. Is it fairly easy to have 150 series Prado parts shipped in from Oz?

I'd really like to see one Slee'd or built by any other Toyota enthusiast that knows what they're doing. The GX470s here on ExPo are awesome...will the 460 be as great?

What are y'all's thoughts?

 

[40tude]

My thoughts.... I am in full agreement!

 

[Colonal Angus]

I'm surprised more people don't consider it. Should I have posted this in the FJ, Tacoma, 4runner section? I feel like the GX is an in-betweener. Land Cruiser folks maybe aren't too inclined to accept it as a Land Cruiser and the FJ/T4R don't care for paying the premium for a Lexus. Either way, the size and functionality seem to be a perfect recipe. Looks like they're pretty popular with the Australian folks. Aussies, please let us know how you feel about the Prados.

 

[2025 deleted member]

Its a landcruiser, but so is a fjc, and most of these guys would disagree. They would be nice built up.

 

[SOFME]

I thought about it. Saw a prado 150 here for sale. I would have pulled the motor and full drive line to bring back to the states. It was a rust bucket. But they wanted only 3 grand. It was sold before I could ask my wife permission. So sad.

 

[stonepa]

I see these heavily modified all over Iceland. Called a Land Cruiser Prado over there. Take a look http://www.arctictrucks.com/Frontpage/Brands/Toyota/LC150-Prado/AT35

 

[bjowett]

Before I picked up an 09 200 Series Land Cruiser for my wife, a GX460 was also in the running. I drove several.... they are a very nice machine. The 4.6 1UR-FE is a great engine with plenty of go , the 6 speed auto is nice, interior is great. Being a 150 Series platform allows many upgrades for T4R and FJC to be easily adapted... so no worries there. Do it, I'm in to help and supply if you want?

 

[Colonal Angus]

Looks like there is a standard version of the GX460 that doesn't have ride height control and has coil springs in the air bags systems place. This is a plus, I'd assume and would probably be easier to modify/lift.

Brian, I appreciate the feedback and support. The more I read about the 460, the more I like. I know it shares the same frame as the FJ and 4R, but what transfers from those vehicles over to the 460? In terms of steel bumpers, the ARB Prado bumper looks completely different from the 4R and FJ ARB bumper. So, could one of those be modified to fit. If so, at what cost? That's why I was wondering if the Prado TJM or ARB bumper could be purchased and shipped to me. I don't want to purchase the 460 and be left with no aftermarket support. Same goes for the snorkel...both ARB and tjm make prado snorkels but they're not sold in the US.

Here's the dilemma I'm in. I posted this another section with no advice. But here goes......

I get a truck allowance from my employer. Truck/SUV must be new, 4x4, 4 door and can only be driven for 150,000 miles. I average about 30-35k miles per year. I currently have a 2012 Tundra crewmax as my work truck that doubles as my overland vehicle. It's not an ideal set up for trails nor does the aftermarket really cater to it...plus, it's just too damn big. So, do I keep the Tundra and purchase a 150,000 mile 80/100 series $10k landcruiser to use solely as a camp truck (always keeping it loaded, ready to explore) or do I buy say a new Tacoma, 4runner Trail or GX460 to use as my work truck and camp truck, modifying it to my liking while using it for work...then, once I hit the 150,000 mile mark, I keep it as my trail rig and just buy a new "work" truck.

 

[ChuckB]

Here are a couple links for you:

The-Time-Has-Come-My-GX-build

Does-the-Prado-GX470-belong-Here

THE-BUNDU-GEAR-BUILD-LEXUS-GX470

Praise-for-Lexus-GX470-GX460

My new Lexus GX470

 

[ChuckB]

One more

 

[Colonal Angus]

Thanks, Chuck! I've seen most of those before except for the one about where the GX posts belong. My bad for posting in the wrong section. Those 470 builds are what led me down the 460 path.

 

[shane4x4]

We just picked up a 470 to become our daily driver, and are seriously considering the 460 for my wife's DD. Neither will be modded much (yet), but we have some plans for basic upgrades to the 470. The 460 indeed shares its frame with the 5th gen 4R, so it's a great option and of course it's a Land Cruiser

I'd love to see a full build on a 460!

 

[krnnerdboy]

I'm still considering one. If anyone with a gx wants to trade for an 01 100 w/88k mi, I'm up for it!

The gx is narrower, lighter, and slightly more efficient. And is more than enough for my small excursions.

 

[ChuckB]

Thanks, Chuck! I've seen most of those before except for the one about where the GX posts belong. My bad for posting in the wrong section. Those 470 builds are what led me down the 460 path.

No problem. I wasn't trying to call you out. I was just posting some links for community knowledge on the builds threads that are out there.

 

[Colonal Angus]

No problem. I wasn't trying to call you out. I was just posting some links for community knowledge on the builds threads that are out there.

I didn't take it that way, so, no sweat.

Krnnerdboy, those are my thoughts too. I have a Tundra right now and had a 100 series and 3rd gen 4runner prior. The Tundra is a yacht in comparison to both the 100 & T4R. I just want something smaller and don't want to wish that I had gone with an even smaller car than the 100. The 100 is a fantastic vehicle though and I'm still giving it a lot of consideration. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss my 100.