The week after getting back from Montana it was off to Ouray, CO for the 12th annual FJ Summit.

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Getting "high" in Colorado (California Pass 12,960 feet)

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Lake Como

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Miscellaneous pics from the trail runs

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Swapped the front bumper out for the Southern Style Offroad one:

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And installed some TOTAL CHAOS Lower Control Arms, Spindle Gussets, and Rear Links:

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How are you liking the Elka coilovers? I'm thinking of swapping those in here soon.

Really digging their ride quality and the adjustability on them. I just put them through the wringer over the weekend out in Death Valley. Like a Timex, they take a licking and keep on ticking.

Some shots from the trip:

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Couple more:

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Looks great, I’d love to get that suspension for my gx but looks costly.

Hey patio, I know it’s been over a year since your last post here but wanted to see how you were liking the GX. I am at the point where you were in that my 3rd gen 4runner is getting too small for the kid, my wife, and 2 dogs mid size dogs with camping gear. Thinking of transitioning to the GX for a build and selling the 3rd gen.

Any regrets to your swap? Do you wish you still had the 3rd gen? Anything you have found that the GX doesn’t do better than the 4runner?

Just looking for opinions for someone who has made the transition.

Thanks.

I had a 2000 4runner limited which is the best of all 3rd gen’s IMO since it had the e locker...bilstein 6112/5100 ome in rear. Wife and 3 kids. Anyways, I bought an 04 gx470 and am very happy with the upgrade. Better in power, ride comfort, interior space. I don’t regret the swap. The only thing I wish I had is a locker in the back but haven’t been stuck in the gx.

Patio I would love an update on the elka suspension. Been doing all the research on high end suspension... elk, toytec boss aluma, radflo, king, bilstein B8 8112’s. I daily drive and don’t wanna rebuild that often but want a really nice off-road set up.... have you rebuilt the elka’s yet?

Thanks for the input. Guess I should clarify on the existing build of my 4runner. It’s a 97 with factory elocker and 180k. Fully built, geared, Trutrac front, 35’s tubbed and clearanced for full stuff no body lift. Armored, lotus axles, winch, etc. It works really really well for anything I have thrown at it. Just wanted to get thoughts on how a similar built GX would fair as a wheeler/ family camping rig compared to a built 3rd gen.

We have an 07 GX with 130k on it in great condition that my wife currently drives. ItÂ’s bone stock except for some RRW wheels and 265/70/17Â’s.

If we sold the 4runner and built the Lexus to the same level, would there be anything that you would still be left wanting? Brother has an 08 4runner and the ATRAC has surprised on a few occasions.

Stock for stock, I agree that a GX is a better platform but what about fully built with the current aftermarket support.