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Salvaged 2005 GX470 Project - Now with Rebuilt Title & Plates!

Discussion in 'Lexus GX Builds' started by M3Tundra-JK, Oct 23, 2023.

  1. Dec 15, 2024 at 3:39 PM
    #721
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    After watching a few vids, I'm starting to have second thoughts on painting this whole thing myself lol. I may just have the whole thing wrapped instead. Not sure yet...
     
  2. Dec 17, 2024 at 10:40 AM
    #722
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    4 days to ship the digital cluster. I like they have that feature built in, if it doesn't ship within timeframe it's an automatic refund. And I have the option to extend the deadline. The seller reached out to confirm what year model I had, then said "no problem"

    Screenshot 2024-12-17 123709.png
     
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  3. Dec 18, 2024 at 1:10 PM
    #723
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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  4. Dec 18, 2024 at 1:13 PM
    #724
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    I'm thinking at some point in the future, I may drop the entire front diff and steering rack. Really get up in there for more rust removal and checks. Looks like the motor mounts could use some lovin, nothing terrible but does have surface rust there. Replace the mounts and do Long tube headers all at the same time. And maybe upgrade steering as well. I have a feeling this rig will eventually replace the JK for most trails duty. Save the jk for the stupid stuff
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2024
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  5. Dec 20, 2024 at 10:27 AM
    #725
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Got a DHL notification that it shipped. Should be here next week, assuming there's no Xmas slow down. Ad said it ships from the US, but it's coming from Hong Kong. Oh well, as long as it works as advertised
     
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  6. Dec 20, 2024 at 10:32 AM
    #726
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Getting the State Inspection done

    20241220_123140.jpg
     
  7. Dec 20, 2024 at 11:13 AM
    #727
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Passed inspection quite easily. I went online to schedule an appointment to register it. A little confusing. Seems I can (have to?) register it at the County Assessment office, not the DMV...seems you can schedule the same thing at both. Anyways the county office had one appointment slot open for today, so I grabbed it. Worst case, i don't have all the forms, or not at the right place, and I reschedule. Fingers Crossed!
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2024
  8. Dec 20, 2024 at 12:55 PM
    #728
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Hey look, I'm legal!

    20241220_145240.jpg
     
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  9. Dec 20, 2024 at 12:58 PM
    #729
    Ghost Rider

    Ghost Rider Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    Legal as in drink age? LOL
    Congrats on finally getting this done.
     
  10. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:14 PM
    #730
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    It's been 1 year and 2 months since I bought this thing! Major hurdle, hurdled!

    I also learned recently that I don't need to switch my CO license over to TX! Even having a renter in my CO house, I still own and maintain that as a permanent address. A loophole of sorts, but it's legal.
     
  11. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:37 PM
    #731
    Ghost Rider

    Ghost Rider Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    I mean, you do, you don't.
    You can technically claim CO address as your official permanent address but I am not sure if that would fly for tax purposes.
     
  12. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:40 PM
    #732
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    ya that will be interesting. I do still have my CO address listed with work for taxes. I'm moving back to CO in June/July so not fretting it.
     
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  13. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:46 PM
    #733
    Ghost Rider

    Ghost Rider Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    Ah, short stint. If it more for long term I am not sure if law enforcement would fly with that though....
    Anyway, one down, many more things to do before the GX hits the roads....
     
  14. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:55 PM
    #734
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    It's down to this one trick

    "How long have you lived here?"

    "Oh just a few weeks."

    "OK, carry on."

    Lol, they asked that at the DMV and that's what I said. And also told em my perm address on the ID was valid. He didn't bat an eye and continued on.
     
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  15. Dec 20, 2024 at 1:56 PM
    #735
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Next up really has to be tires! Wheels have been sitting in a closet for a year now. Planning to do that in January
     
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  16. Dec 20, 2024 at 5:25 PM
    #736
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    It's been a year since I updated the front page, but I just did! Here's a quick breakdown of the costs of this build so far

    Direct costs associated with the GX470: $18,133

    Supplemental costs for tools and items that can be used outside this build: $1,921

    Total Project Cost: $20,054

    Next month I need to get tires, that will be another $1300

    All-in-all, pretty reasonable! The bulk of the spending was upgrading items that I would've done on any used vehicle I bought. The current market for non salvage GX's with similar upgrade/replacement work done, with similar mileage, is about $15,000 +- depending on market location. I see plenty of highly modded GX's selling in the mid $20k's.

    Probably late 2025, I'll start engine performance upgrades. Full exhaust, headers, supercharger, OTT Tune. BBK. Fun times!
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2024
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  17. Dec 20, 2024 at 8:56 PM
    #737
    Black@Blue19

    Black@Blue19 Old Salt

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    That year went fast! Supercharger build ought to be an interesting one to watch.
    Congrats on getting the work completed on the GX. I think it turned out pretty nice! :)
     
  18. Dec 21, 2024 at 10:09 AM
    #738
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    First ride to the dog park a success

    20241221_115410.jpg
     
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  19. Dec 21, 2024 at 10:25 AM
    #739
    Mdl

    Mdl Hey there...

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    JBA Longtubes, Snivs 2.0 SC pulley, ASP crank overdrive pulley 6.71 in, DD Full 3inch dual exhaust, IPT valve body, Airbox mod, 4.5inch intake, Denso 750, 450 Walbro, W/M injection, GM 95mm TB, SABM, Camburg UCA, Icon shocks, Speedmaster LSD, Motive 5.29 Gears, Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP 35's, DIY Traction Bars, Tuning by snivspeedshop.com
    So they do an actual safety inspection? Here in WA when I got my salvaged highlander(only replaced hood,front fenders, radiator, bumper and straightened the rad support) they check receipts to ensure its not stolen parts and validate the VIN. Nothing about safety...
    Looking good!
     
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  20. Dec 21, 2024 at 10:39 AM
    #740
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    TX has safety inspections until January 2025 then they get rid of them.

    But, CO doesn't have annual safety inspections and i still had to go to a fire marshal for a safety inspection, had to go to a dealer for a vin verification, and had to get engraved "rebuilt from salvage" on the inside door pillar, for the JK. None of that in TX. I'll post up later exactly what I needed to get it swapped here.
     
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  21. Dec 21, 2024 at 12:55 PM
    #741
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Drove it around a bit today. It definitely had a warped rotor, so brake upgrades are probably the next big upgrade after tires.

    Also adjusted the rear sway bar from medium to soft setting. The drivers side wasn't fully tightened down so fixed that.

    20241221_143612.jpg
    20241221_145310.jpg
     
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  22. Dec 21, 2024 at 1:08 PM
    #742
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Front passenger side sway bar link was also loose...kept it on medium stiffness setting. Out to drive around some more. See if there's any other rattles i hear, but I think those were it.

    20241221_145653.jpg
    20241221_150714.jpg
     
  23. Dec 22, 2024 at 7:53 AM
    #743
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Ok, my patience ran out on waiting for tires and I pulled the trigger on a set last night from Tire Rack. The current tires just aren't up to my standards lol. 265/65/17 LingLong Crosswind's that currently sell for mind boggling $53 each at Pepboy. Nope, can't stand looking at those any longer! Plus one has a leak.

    I had been waffling back and forth on a type and size for a while now. Two main factors in my decision are:

    1. Wheel size: When I originally ordered the TRD Pro wheels, I mostly paid attention to the offset it has for a more aggressive stance. Neglected the fact that it's only a 7" wide wheel. That's gonna limit my options.
    2. Current OEM wheel/tire is really close to the Eiback Pro-Aligment UCA's.

    So considering those factors, I went with pizza cutters. 255/75/17, or 32x10" tires. The TRD wheel offsets pushing the tires away from the UCA's, and the tire width being .4" skinnier than OEM should clear that nicely. I've never ran skinny tires before, but these seem to be the popular size for people doing it on the GX470. My GX has the Eiback Coilovers in the front and Adjustable Springs in the rear. Set around 1.5" front (out of box height) and 1" rear lift (lowest setting).

    My reasoning for the the type of tire? Well since this rig isn't meant for major trail duty, I have the JK for that, I'm going with some street focused All Terrain tires. Instead of the KO2's or KO3 that I normally would run, I choose the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain TA's. They're cheaper, still have a semi-aggressive look, are 3PMSF Mud&Snow rated, lighter, and quieter on road. Gotta try and keep some of the luxury Lexus feel ya know lol

    Sheduled to be installed at Firestone next Friday.

    + $1050 tires
    + $200 Install & Alignment

    https://www.tirerack.com/tires/bfgoodrich-trail-terrain-t-a
    https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/tires/trail-terrain-t-a

    Screenshot_20241222_095241_Chrome.jpg
     
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  24. Dec 22, 2024 at 9:23 AM
    #744
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    Nice progress!!
     
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  25. Dec 22, 2024 at 10:10 AM
    #745
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    OK a little more money spent. Advanced Auto Parts is shutting down the store near me and having huge clearance sale. Picked up

    Oil and filter
    Engine cleaner
    K&N Air Filter
    Higher end headlight bulbs

    + $126

    20241222_120645.jpg
    20241222_120757.jpg
     
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  26. Dec 22, 2024 at 10:32 AM
    #746
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    OEM vs K&N Air Filter

    20241222_122957.jpg
    20241222_123004.jpg
     
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  27. Dec 22, 2024 at 1:17 PM
    #747
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Heh, went back and got a few other things. Some non essentials but nice to have.

    Hand rivet gun and assorted rivots were almost 90% off. Got a screw extractor set, and some longer hex key sets. Some Wipers and clay var kit for the BMW. All 50% off.

    Also an extra quart of oil for the GX.

    + $102

    20241222_151340.jpg
     
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  28. Dec 22, 2024 at 7:52 PM
    #748
    Ghost Rider

    Ghost Rider Mods wouldn't be an issue if money wasn't.

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    Would be nice to have those front set tools ...damn
     
  29. Dec 22, 2024 at 8:44 PM
    #749
    Black@Blue19

    Black@Blue19 Old Salt

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    The picture looks like a dang nice rivet gun. What a score! Good On Ya!:)
     
  30. Dec 23, 2024 at 8:40 AM
    #750
    M3Tundra-JK

    M3Tundra-JK [OP] New Member

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    Tire Rack called asking me to confirm my order since the 255/75/17 tire is taller than stock. Has me second guessing myself on tire size lol. I've gone back and forth so much its dumb. Fairly confident I got the right size.

    Suspension I have should be around 1.5" lift in front and 1" lift in rear (lowest setting on rear). So I can always raise it, though I'd rather not. Just want it leveled out.

    And BFGoodrich tires tend to measure smaller than advertised. My 37" KO2's actually measure 35" on the Jeep.

    I think I just need to make sure they align the front end correctly for clearance. Fingers crossed it looks good!

    The only thing I know I don't like about the tires is that they come with white walled lettering...need to see how to remove or black that out.

    Digital Cluster supposed to arrive today!

    Happy Holidays all!
     
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