They are doing a feature on making a GX470 into a off roading beast.

They did a very interesting lift to get 3". They cut the shock mount post and extended it with a sleeve and welded it back together. The rear air suspension is set on "high" for 3" in the rear.

They removed all plastic bumpers, cladding and Rhino-lined the sides.

The wheels are some huge beadlock-looking silver/black things (kinda ugly to me) with big MT tires on it.

They basically made it look like the Prado with a lift.

I assume next month they will add steel bumpers. I'm curious to see the design they work out for the front and rear since the frame is identical to the 4Runner.

 

Yeah...the only reason they're doing that is because the GX470 got rated the #1 4x4 of 2004 or somethin.

Yeah...lets see my Runner against that GX470 and see who can go through tougher stuff.

Fink

 

where are the pics?

 

Ya, what she said.

 

honestly that thing with some bigger tires, and some under body armor would probably crush yours (and mine)

 

I think that thing is sweet looking, and even though i doubt they paid for the truck I give them props for wheeling a luxo suv. I hope they put some nice tube bumpers on it and some nice sliders, that would look mean

 

Well yeah...give me the same size tires, a lift and some under body armor and we could give it a shot.

I'm just saying that stock those things probably can't do anything more than you or me.

-Fink

 

That Lexus is only lightly modified, however it is also in very capable hands. The person currently overseeing that vehicle is Ned Bacon, You may remember him from the Killer Bee black and yellow jeep. Ned helped to shape modern Rock Crawling and is pretty much at the head of the industry. So I can assure you that regardless of the vehicle Ned is a more experienced driver than just about any of us and would therefore be better suited to take that Lexus a lot of places we couldn't. So if you're just saying "those stock things can't do more than you or me" then why did you first say "lets see MY Runner against THAT GX470 and see who can go through tougher stuff" Those are two very different statements. And I assure you that the answer is not your 4Runner. I hope I don't sound like a jerk, it's just that doing research before posting can prevent stepping on toes.

Ned in GX470> < You in 4Runner

-Sean

 

Yup.

Bob

 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm sure I'm not the best driver in off-road situations...I was just saying that it would be weird for me to spend that much money on a Lexus and then take it off-road...but if you've got that kinda money to spend and then wheel the crap out of it, more power to you

Fink

 

anyone got a link or pics of this badboy?

 

<<weird for me to spend that much money on a Lexus and then take it off-road...>>

I hear ya. That's what they said about me back in 85 when I showed up with my new SR5 4runner covered in mud. No one could believe it. Ya gotta realize I was 25 and my friends were drivning old beat up junkers, the few 4runners around yet were owned by old guys (like I am now....) and the even fewer loaded ones around were yuppie mobiles. I modified it and wheeled it long before anyone else (that I ever ran into at least.) At $18,000 it was frighteningly expensive (I only made like $6 per hour then, my 4runner payment was higher than my rent!) but it was a Toyota, I knew it would hold up and wheelin is what I bought it for. NO regrets. Other than I wish I hadn't sold it.

 

What's the diff b/w these new lexus' and the 4Runner's. I thought they were basically the same. I can't stand the looks of the lexus, looks toph-eavy.

 

4Wheeler isn't making payments on that Lexus... they are a pretty big "advertising" organization. Ned wheeled that truck at Moab for the Easter Jeep Jamboree so maybe there are some pics online...try google?

 

It has an adjustable suspension. It has extra "padding" to decrease noise inside the cabin. It has a smoother ride. It has the swing out door instead of the pop up. I drove both, and for a street queen I liked the Gx more then the 4runner. Also I personally liked the styling of the GX more then the runner.

 

Just to clarify...I'm not bashing Ned nor the magazine, nor the car by any means...I was just simply saying that in my opinion my 4runner or any 4runner for that matter would be a more "practical" solution for the off-roading experience. And please, if any of you have the urge to send me checks for each months payment I will gladly drive to the local Lexus dealer and get it...you know how to get a hold of me!

Fink

 

Well, considering it will have dual ARB's, custom bumpers and bead locks, I would say don't run him for slips.

 

I'd like to run w/ his GX I bet it'll be pretty fun! No need to bash, just drool ! atleast it's a yota and not another jeep!