GX470 - Pick up Monday - Mild Change ?s

[itsthelaw]

Picking up this beauty on Tuesday. :banana: 2007, 149k miles, KDSS, 1-owner GX470. Had to look hard to find her. Autocheck is very nice. The local dealer has 6 pages of service records including new rear airbags at 130k miles. They told owner that they didn't seem to be leaking, but owner chose to replace anyhow. This thing has been maintained supremely.

Here are first phase plans...

Remove running boards
Replace tires with 265/70/17
Possibly replace or powder coat the OEM wheels (thinking gunmetal)
Possibly take off the whale tail, but not sold on it yet
Start looking for roof rack

Here are my questions...

Since the airbags are new, I will likely want to just give it a slight lift. What is the best, inexpensive and simplest option for lifting it less than 2"?

Are there any tricks to removing the running boards? Seems easy.

Any thoughts on best tires in that size? I want them to look aggressive, but ride well. I have had great experiences with Coopers.

Any opinions on inexpensive, but functional, roof rack?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[IanB]

Looks like a really nice truck!

What are you planning to do with the lights in the running boards when you remove them? Something to consider.

If you end up removing the rear spoiler, let me know, might be interested.

 

[BlackCat914]

My Nitto Terra Grapplers are great. They're quiet and fairly aggressive looking. I have 285/60/18's on mine, but I have BFD rims, so 5" backspace and 0mm offset. They fit fine.

 

[Buck208]

Picking up this beauty on Tuesday. :banana: 2007, 149k miles, KDSS, 1-owner GX470. Had to look hard to find her. Autocheck is very nice. The local dealer has 6 pages of service records including new rear airbags at 130k miles. They told owner that they didn't seem to be leaking, but owner chose to replace anyhow. This thing has been maintained supremely.

Here are first phase plans...

Remove running boards
Replace tires with 265/70/17
Possibly replace or powder coat the OEM wheels (thinking gunmetal)
Possibly take off the whale tail, but not sold on it yet
Start looking for roof rack

Here are my questions...

Since the airbags are new, I will likely want to just give it a slight lift. What is the best, inexpensive and simplest option for lifting it less than 2"?

Are there any tricks to removing the running boards? Seems easy.

Any thoughts on best tires in that size? I want them to look aggressive, but ride well. I have had great experiences with Coopers.

Any opinions on inexpensive, but functional, roof rack?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

So how has the GX worked out for you? I'm in the market for a 2004-2006ish, any recommendations for issues to look out for since you've had yours for a few months. Thanks.

 

[itsthelaw]

Sorry that I missed the question...

Here is one with the running boards and then without. My son did not want the running boards, and I think it looks good. The pic without is not best.

My son took over the GX470 and had it with him all summer playing baseball in Mass. It has been running great. We did have to replace the front axle shafts and boots. The boots were leaking and he is now in Chicago at school with it. The replacement was done by a service station that I trust for $630. Otherwise, we have not done much other than a tire rotation and oil change, and he has put on about 5k miles.

 

[Morphyne]

Hey let me know if you decide to lift that monster. I have the same model but it is my wife's mall crawler. He suspension is a little soft. You said the air bags were new? If you ever do lift it and want to get rid of a perfectly good air bag system I would love to barter labor for parts? Meaning I help you lift your son's ride for your old parts?

I've done the FJ swap on my 07 t4r and can come with some valuable experience.