ElRob GX470 Build

[ElRob]

Year: 2003
Make: Lexus
Model: GX470


The main reason for purchasing this vehicle was the ability to cary additional passengers on longer trips, while the FJ is a great platform and tremendously capable, it lacks room in the back seat for long trips. Specifically lacking room for a rear facing car seat.
The GX also has a larger fuel tank (24 gal) compared to the FJ (19 gal) all the while retaining the same fuel mileage.
It also features the same 4wd system as the land cruiser 100 series (although some say better) utilizing the renowned Toyota TRAC system.
So enough of the background, now onto the build...

This is how she sat when I brought her home. Screaming soccer mom. Man the ride was so smooth.


The next move was to get the front end lifted to accommodate larger tires. After speaking with the guys at Sierra Expeditions, I ordered a set of Ironman springs and shocks of the "B" rating.


After this, the move was to bigger tires. Having good luck with Treadwright in the past, I decided to go with the TW Warden in 285/70r17.


I have an Indel B fridge mounted in the back wired directly to an optima yellowtop under the hood.
Also just received a set of ARB skids to protect the bottom side from TRDParts4U. Pics and installation will be happening this weekend.

That picture was taken on the HWM trip with Central Overland. And is how she sits today.

Future plans include front and rear bumpers, winch, cargo barrier with rear storage configuration, and LED interior lights.

Stay tuned...

 

[ElRob]

A few pics from the HWM trip. Courtesy of LAOutbackTrail.

 

[chrisinkorea]

Seen a few of these around Korea. Never would have thought they were capable offroad. Good to know. Oh, and nice lookin rig

Sent from my SHV-E120S using Tapatalk 2

 

[ElRob]

Last weekend I decided that since I would have to remove the factory tin skids in order to fit the new ARB ones, I might as well go ahead and change the oil. I have run Mobil 1 in my last 3 vehicles and have been pleased with the performance it offers. So, naturally I figured that I might as well switch the diffs over to Mobil 1 as well.
The lexus service history noted that the diff fluid was changed back at 30k and with 115k on the clock, plus a trip through some high water (breathers extended) in the last month, I wanted to see how they held up as well as the condition of the oil.
To my surprise, the diff oil looked nearly new. It was slightly darker than new oil, but in very good shape. There were fine shavings caught by the drain bolt magnet, but that is normal. No large metal pieces from abnormal wear. Also, no water.
Unless I am confident that I have water in my diffs, or start hauling a lot, I do not see the need to change the fluid again for another 80k.

These are pictures of the drain bolts:
Before


After


After all the mess was cleaned up, I installed the ARB skids. The install was very straightforward and as usual, ARB provides a great installation manual to make the process very easy.
These are by no means "rock crawling" skids, but they are mean to protect the vitals underneath your vehicle should you happen to encounter an obstacle that could cause damage. They do not provide the same coverage as budbuilt or man-a-fre, but they are not designed to. From what I can tell, they look very similar in design to the ASFIR skids that others have used on the GX.









The only problem I had was the transfer case skid. It is not a full skid like many of the other manufacturers, but rather is of the same design that of the stock one, only made out of thick material. The mounting bolts did not match up correctly so I will have to do some rearranging of mounting points. Other than that, everything lined up correctly and tight, no rattling.

My next purchase for underbody protection will be a fuel tank skid. The GX's tank hangs rather low and could possibly be in danger of damage at some point.

My next project will be a front bumper and slider. Shrockworks has a great slider design that clamps "around" the frame rather than bolting or welding. The only drawback is the price.
Options for the front bumper I have narrowed down to Ironman or ARB. My original plan was to go with a local guy who makes them for the GX, but the price (while validated) is just a little too much for me to spend at this time.

 

[ElRob]

Seen a few of these around Korea. Never would have thought they were capable offroad. Good to know. Oh, and nice lookin rig

Sent from my SHV-E120S using Tapatalk 2

Thanks! She's getting there