Next Toy

[StevenS10]

Wasn't trying to open a can of worms, let alone start any conflict, but noone with a budget of $15K needs to be thinking about a 4.7 into a $1K LC. That money would get you into a new 4-door Rubi, no mods req. Richard Holdener has pushed a junkyard 4.8 past 1200 HP, so burnouts in 4th is possible, with the right trans. If your budget was closer to $3K for the vehicle plus the V8 swap, then the LSx is the only way to fly, unless you want a carbureted 350. The LSx has been swapped into absolutely everything already, it's aftermarket support really is literally unlimited, beyond even the second-biggest aftermarket on earth, the Ford Mustang. The traditional Jeep ranks only 3rd, because you can get around the mountain faster, and have more fun (Mustang), than going over the mountain (Jeep). But when the SHTF, over will be the only option.
Anyway, the OP ignored me, so he must be blinded by something as stupid as brand loyalty, and I guess the other guy wasn't serious about hiring me to do the swap, even though I've done LSx swaps into an '84 Fiero, an '89 Mustang, an '86 Camaro, an '87 S-10, a '76 C-20, and an '83 RX-7, so I'm out.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

The GXs have AHC right? If that's correct it is hydraulic not air. Not that it really matters but thought I'd clear that up...

The GX470 uses an air bag only rear suspension (no coil) and XREAS style front struts in a traditional coil over setup. Not quite a true AHC in the traditionally Land Cruiser sense but the system is adjustable. On the flip side, removal is far easier than AHC thus lower cost. We just helped Ferg with suspension, bumper, rack and snorkel on his GX470... Turned out quite nicely

 

[moab_cj5]

The GX470 uses an air bag only rear suspension (no coil) and XREAS style front struts in a traditional coil over setup. Not quite a true AHC in the traditionally Land Cruiser sense but the system is adjustable. On the flip side, removal is far easier than AHC thus lower cost. We just helped Ferg with suspension, bumper, rack and snorkel on his GX470... Turned out quite nicely

View attachment 103299

This is why I started looking at the GX, his ride is sweet!


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[moab_cj5]

The GXs have AHC right? If that's correct it is hydraulic not air. Not that it really matters but thought I'd clear that up.

I'm also curious as to what you've read that makes you feel the need to immediately pull it out especially on a rough that if I understand it won't get wheeled super hard... Isn't that what the CJ is for?

People chirp about ahc because it's expensive to replace components and it doesn't really like the heavy weight of bumpers or heavy towing. I have to ask, are you really planning to make those mods on a GX? Is it just the need to make it your own that would drive you to pull it?

Kurt answered on the suspension, and my goal for this is still to wheel it mildly, so protection and ground clearance are paramount. Lockers aren't necessarily off the table, but likely wouldn't be done right away. This would be my elephant hill, swell, explore platform while the CJ will be more wild. The CJ won't be too crazy though because I'll be letting my soon to be 16yo drive it. I'm pretty fond of the kid, so I need something fairly safe for him to drive.


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[1adam12]

I have a 96 5speed 3.4 runner I will sell cheap

 

[moab_cj5]

I have a 96 5speed 3.4 runner I will sell cheap

Send me the info.


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[nnnnnate]

Good info on the GX then, I didn't realize that it was different from the 100. Can you still "trick" the computer by adjusting the sensors?

As far as elephant hill, I signed up to do it in my stock LX470 with ahc and 33s for cruise moab so I hope I'll be okay. I might have sliders by then but the budget isn't looking good.

 

[moab_cj5]

Good info on the GX then, I didn't realize that it was different from the 100. Can you still "trick" the computer by adjusting the sensors?

As far as elephant hill, I signed up to do it in my stock LX470 with ahc and 33s for cruise moab so I hope I'll be okay. I might have sliders by then but the budget isn't looking good.

You may want sliders, but you'll make it. You'll likely hit your bumpers in a few spots, but I've heard of folks taking stock 100's over elephant hill. It is definitely one of my favorite trails! If you haven't done it, you'll love it!


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[sixstringsteve]

x2, Elephant Hill is probably my favorite trail. There's one spot (if you continue on to Beef Basin) where you'll want sliders.

 

[moab_cj5]

Pulled the trigger on a 2003 GX 470 today. Pics and details to follow.

Now I'll wait until March to pick up the search for the Jeep. Need to see what kind of funds I can allocate to Jeep and GX mods.


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[bryson]

March is when Jeeps are going to jump in price... If you're buying one, I'd do it now, or wait until fall. Springtime is a horrible time to get a decent deal on a Jeep.

Congrats on the GX!

 

[Tonkaman]

Sweet!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Congrats!

Told you to go drive one?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Congrats. Looking forward to the pics. Somehow those have flown under the radar. I expect prices to go up on them in the next few years. That 4.7 is a cool motor.

 

[moab_cj5]

March is when Jeeps are going to jump in price... If you're buying one, I'd do it now, or wait until fall. Springtime is a horrible time to get a decent deal on a Jeep.

Congrats on the GX!

I know Jeep prices are going up in the spring, but the selection will improve as well. My budget took a hit on the GX to get where I want, so the Jeep is on hold until I know exactly what I will have to spend on one…

Congrats!

Told you to go drive one?

Yes, you did! They are spunky and funish to drive (more responsive than a LC because they weigh less)! I drove 4 in my price range and mileage parameters and settled on one that has lower miles, is mechanically sound (or will be once I change the timing belt, water pump, and fix some oil leaks) but isn’t the cleanest rig on the road. The price worked though (until I found out today I need to replace the sunroof) when I pulled the trigger.

Congrats. Looking forward to the pics. Somehow those have flown under the radar. I expect prices to go up on them in the next few years. That 4.7 is a cool motor.

Thanks! This will be a fun rig when I get it built for what I want.

 

[moab_cj5]

Here’s the story on my GX 470.

I test drove a total of 4 to decide the GX was the way to go. I researched on IH8Mud to see what can be done, and what to look for, and settled on a 2003 with 96k miles. It was for sale at Wasatch Auto Group in N Salt Lake. I drove it twice, and gave it what I thought was a thorough inspection, and negotiated a price that seemed fair at the time.

It isn’t the cleanest rig on the road (even though it has way low miles for the year), but I made an offer based on the condition, and they accepted. There are a few for sale in the area that are cleaner, but with many more miles and in need of similar things for more money, so I decided I didn’t need the cleanest rig if mechanically it is sound and reliable. This one (according to my mechanic and the service records) is a great platform to build from.

I would feel great about the deal if it weren’t for discovering the sunroof leaks, and has been leaking for quite some time. I didn’t smell the musty smell (my sense of smell isn’t great) until taking my son for a ride late last night. I looked up the VIN on the Lexus Drivers site and found that the prior owner just took this into LH Miller Lexus 12/28/15 to have it fixed, but declined the repair. They must have run down to Wasatch to trade it in right after that… Anyway, that discovery is going to set me back $1,000 in parts and labor, so my lift will now have to wait…and I have to figure out how to get the smell out…

Other than that, I am having the timing belt, water pump, rear main seal, and some other seals replaced next week. I picked up 8 NKG plugs today and will be throwing those in tonight or tomorrow night, then I will then service the trans, and differentials myself when I have some time in the coming month. I also need to either polish, or replace the headlights to get rid of the yellow hue... That should wrap up any mechanical needs for the foreseeable future.

I figure, by the time I get it sorted out with the repairs, I will have spent an extra $2,500 to $3,000, but I will have a mechanically sound rig that is pretty comfortable for some dirt road exploring. If the air ride starts acting up, the suspension upgrade will be hastened, but I am putting that on hold for at least a few months to make sure I am starting with a reliable platform.

So, in the end, I think I got an OK deal, but not as good as I originally thought. My luck with cars I guess…

BTW, I bought it “as is” (so I am pissed at myself as much as I am pissed at the dealer), but I contacted Wasatch today to see if they were willing to do ANYTHING about the sunroof, and no surprise, they said no. I am quite disappointed they weren’t even willing to split the cost of the repair, but not surprised. As a result of my interaction (which was completely professional) I will not be buying another car from them ever again because of their complete lack of interest in providing any semblance of customer service now that they have my money and I have the car. I guess they are taking their stance because I wasn’t willing to pay a $300 dealer doc fee they claim would have covered any “we owe you’s” when this wouldn’t even have been on the paper work because I didn’t know about it at the time of purchase. An expensive lesson to learn, but they have been the least willing dealer I have ever worked with on customer service post purchase (and I have bought over 20 cars from dealers).

On a more positive note, here are the pics! Nothing special, just a stock 2003 GX 470. The best part, it is one of the few colors I liked!

 

[rholbrook]

I like it. I like the color, I like the vehicle. You will be able to fix the leak yourself and figure out a way to get the musty smell out of it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Nice rig! Great color too. A good color is worth $1000+ when it comes time to re-sell it. Bummer about the sunroof, but you'll get it back good as new. It sucks when a previous owner sees a problem then decides to ditch it.

 

[moab_cj5]

I am open to any and all advice on odor removal! It is going into LH Miller Lexus tomorrow to have a key cut and programmed, and have them do the sunroof replacement. I normally would avoid the dealer, but they will warranty their work (at least for a little while), and it will be better for resale if I ever sell the rig. If I can get the odor out, I am golden.

 

[sixstringsteve]

any idea where the odor is? Carpet? Interior insulation? Headliner?