Here's some pics I took at the beach yesterday of my certified pre-owned (aka used ) 03 GX470. It's Dorado Gold Pearl (same exact paint used on '03-'05 T4Rs) and so far I love it. However, I do miss shifting the gears in my '00 5spd T4R as well as the retracing rear window I'm thinking of getting some of the 18" six spoke Limited wheels, some of the folks on ClubLexus have made the switch and they look great on the GX IMO.

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new sig pic

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Congrats! Can I ask what made you do this?

Thanks. Well I've always liked the GX, in fact I still have an old '03 brochure that I picked up when they first came out. I really like that it has the 3rd row - my brother and his family fly in to visit frequently and having the 3rd row will be great, no more taking 2 cars everywhere. Also, I like that it can tow 6,500 lbs cuz I have an old muscle car that I'd like to trailer to car shows in other states without putting miles on it. And now that I'm getting close to 40 I guess I'm just starting to reach the age where I want a cushy ride, and the fact that I have to drive by a Lexus dealer every day on my way to work doesn't help
I'm gonna attach a pic of my old Cougar so I can add it to my sig.

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ooh, very nice! It looks great! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Gatorgreg, excellent choice!

A few suggestions:

1. Get more aggressive tires...like what you said, BFG AT KO 265/65/18. Or you can get Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor in stock 18" size (265/60/18): http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyea...ter=&sidewall=

2. Side rails & step: http://arbusa.com/side_steps_rock_sliders.php

IMHO, these ARB sliders are both practical and classy...the latter important because you have a Lexus. Or you can get rock sliders, but i am not sure how it would look on your GX (a bit out of place??).

3. If you have more $$$ to burn, then i would get ARB rear locker with compressor.

That's it. BTW, do you have the rear air suspension?? I forgot if the '03 GX came with it standard.

Gatorgreg,
Nice Truck. You going to take this one out four wheeling?

Thanks for the suggestions Thai. Yes, the "Rear Adjustable Height Control" came standard in '03, lets you raise the ass 1.6" for better departure angle (from 25 to 29 degrees). I thought you were a Board Certified SUV Nut?

Thanks! Yes, but nothing too crazy and only with the side steps removed - I read on ClubLexus that it takes about 20 minutes to remove them. Also, I'd like to get an extra half inch of ground clearance and better traction first with some slightly upsized and more aggressive tires, either 265/70-17 on the stock rims or if I get 18 inch Limited wheels then 265/65-18. I'd love to go back to the HardRock place in Ocala and try my luck on some of those hills, but I'll definitely avoid the skinny side trails - don't want any new pin stripes

Ahh...but when raising your ass, your front approach angle goes down by 1 degree.

That's right, from 31 degrees down to 30 degrees. But I've got an idea though, what if you LOWER the ass (by 1.2 inches) just as you approach a hill climb - this would theoretically increase the front approach angle from 31 degrees normal height to roughly 32 degrees, right? Then AFTER your nose is clear you raise the ass to full height to get the benefit of the 29 degree departure angle.

GREAT idea...why don't you report back to us your findings next time you go off-roading!