I am currently building a bolt on steel plate winch bumper for the Gx470 (requires no fender modifications), that will eventually be for sale to the general public. I've got a template mocked up and have estimated the total weight of the bumper and winch at about 260-270 lbs. This may be an overestimation especially if I upgrade to synthetic line.

This is my wife's daily driver and I am going with the radflo setup for the front coilovers. In all reality, the truck will seldom see offroad duty but should be capable when necessary AND maintain its road manners with relative comfort or I risk NEVER hearing the end of it. The plan is to also make it so that the bumper and winch can be removed easily and the stock replaced if she feels like a classier look. With this in mind, should I go with the 600 lb coils or the 650? I've already got some split spoke sequoia wheels with some 285/70-17 tires that are waiting on the coilovers but I'm really torn on how the truck will handle and feel with a 650lb coil and no weight on the front vs a 600 lb coil and 250+ lbs.

Should I just get the 600lb and not concern myself with this or do you think its necessary to have the 650lb coils to handle that weight?

such a lively crowd in here.....went with the 650lb radflo setup. I should be getting them in this Tuesday. I'll post some pics after the install, as if anyone will comment on it anyway.

You will get more opinions over at:

120-Series Toyotas

and

GX470 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I went with ICONS and just tricked the rear airbag.

The whining from your wife will start as soon as you take off the running boards... So have some sliders ready that can function as a step too...

yeah, thanks for the info.

I've already got the rock sliders on order and they should be in by the end of this week. The bumper will begin getting tig welded up come Saturday or Sunday. She's excited about that.

Why not the ARB?

Well, we've started our own company that produces aftermarket parts for the Lexus niche. It started with a hood sealed intake that fits the IS250/350 and GS350/450h that produces 9whp, which is almost double what anyone else can claim in PROVABLE horsepower. Plus, I think the price point that ARB sells at is a little much... I mean I'm not knockin their product, believe me, but 1499+ prices a lot of folks out who are just looking for something that fits without cutting fenders to hell and does what a winch bumper should do.

She was adamant about not slicing the truck to pieces to make different parts fit and since we bought the truck with the intention of wheeling it a little, it just seemed natural to produce our own line of products for the GX, too. We're still in the startup phase but, my hopes are high.

I just got her lifted tonight and BOY, do I love that truck even more. I opted for some split spoke Tundra wheels finished in a dark graphite with custom Lexus center caps wrapped in some 285/70s destination MT's and I really love it. She does too, which is always a plus.

Just waiting on the bumper build (very nervous about that) and I'll slap that 12,000 lb winch I've been staring at in the corner of my garage for months now. Rocks sliders too.....it's been a busy week. I hope it stays this busy.

My username is SouthernSS over at clublexus. I've got a few folks interested, but a picture truly is worth a thousand words. I'll be sure to post some up here in the next few days and weeks.

To be honest you are going to have to have one hell of a good looking bumper with comparable fit and finish as the ARB to be able compete.

4wheelparts has the ARB #3421410 available for $1298+tax w/ FREE to store shipping. I plan on grinding the bumper not my fender.

I wish you luck but it's going to be tough... I am looking forward to see what you come up with.

Oh - if you ever get some pics of your lifted GX - I will add the picture to the first post of my build thread with a link to your build thread (if you have one).

My Build Thread
BonnerBB's Lifted GX470 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

yeah, I know its a challenge, but anything in life worth doin, isnt easy. I'll be sure to post some pics up in the next few days.

some pics:

Nice... Those are actually the wheels I have been looking for

Do you have a build thread anywhere?

no not really, maybe I'll get off my lazy ass and make one this weekend. The bumper build got pushed back to next weekend anyway....

Any update on the bumper build or pics?

Stu

Yes! Just finished it all up last night. I'll be taking some picturese today and posting them up on the Ih8mud forum later.

Thats where I've been focusing my time recently. I joined a toyota based club called Louisiana Land Krewesers and their local hang out is there.

Cool thanks for the update. I'll be checking out the other site!

Stu