So why did we decided to start A New Beginning with our Project 4 Adventure: 2012 GX-460?
As I covered in the original article, a variety of factors culminated in saying goodbye to the TCT Explorer Tundra and welcoming the new rig. For this installment, I’ll do a full rundown of not only our upgrades, but how our family has become acquainted with this practically perfect Adventure Vehicle.
Keeping it BasicAs I mentioned in the initial article, the goal for Project 4 was for a simple build. These trucks are so capable off the shelf, a few well thought-out upgrades are all that are needed for a fully adventure-ready rig.
The most noticeable addition is, of course, the Toytec BOSS suspension. Adjustable coil overs up front along with adjustable SPC Control Arms (the new forged version), combined with new springs and shocks in the rear. The original suspension had over 80,000 miles on it and was well worn. The Toytec hardware has performed flawlessly as always.
Prep for Towing
Since we regularly pull our 24' Winnebago Minnie travel trailer (see 2000 Miles In The Rockies on LiveToExplore.co), the GX needed a little extra support in the rear. Luckily Toytec stocks the Coil-Rite in-spring air bag kit, so we got that part installed before summer arrived. Even with the taller Toytec Springs, the air bags at 30psi give just enough extra support to avoid sagging.
The other huge upgrade that was required for towing is, of course, brakes. We connected with Cruiser Brothers to install fresh drilled/slotted heavy duty brakes on all four wheels. CB imports Terrain Tamer parts from Australia, and this upgrade has certainly ensured our GX can stop safely and securely at all times.
A little protection, maybe a bit more?
While we won't be doing any hardcore rock crawling with Project4, losing the GX running boards in favor of slider protection was top on the list. We installed the OPOR KDSS compatible sliders from Metal Tech, and chose to trim and keep the body side moulding for a cleaner look.
The stock thin skids have held up OK so far, but I think a set of lightweight skid plates may be a good addition in the future.
Testing Tires
As you read in our original article, we chose to take a chance on entry level A/T tires from our local Discount Tire. Overall these tires have been acceptable, and we haven't been stuck or had any safety issues. The only item of note is that during particularly cold times of year, they seem to lose balance fairly easily. Once the tires are warmed to operating temp they perform fine, but it is a little annoying during the winter.
We're currently at just over 25,000 miles, so we'll be looking for a new set to test later this year.
An Odd Transformation
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Adding sliders and a lift kit will absolutely change the look and performance of any SUV. However, when it comes to transforming a GX from a grocery getter to an adventure-mobile, the rack (and accessories) are the most noticeable.
Rhino-Rack USA set us up with the Pioneer platform, MAXTRAX Mount, and High-lift/shovel mount. We also added the impeccable Batwing awning, and couldn't be happier.
For summer running, we modified the rack to flat-mount MAXTRAX, leaving the rest of the rack open for bikes, kayaks, or anything else we need.
The Batwing has served us well for shade at the park, rain cover in the woods, and a cool place to get a little work done. We're really looking forward to testing some of the new add-ons for the Batwing that Rhino-Rack USA has in the pipeline.
For the interior, we haven’t made many changes. We used a ProClip vent mount for the Yaesu ham, which supports APRS when we’re out and about. Nite Ize also supplied a Steelie windshield mount so the iPad is front-and-center on the trail. Note that we never run the iPad when on paved roads due to visibility concerns.
Making it work for the Twin Compressor
A search for mounting the ARB USA Twin Compressor under the hood of a GX-460 doesn’t show many options. A few Prado owners created their own mount, and our friends down under have one or two off-the-shelf options. I found on a social network that someone used a mount from Hefty Fabworks on a GX-470, so I gave Chris a call. A quick trip to Colorado Springs and I arrived home with a nicely welded 5th Gen 4Runner bracket. It didn’t fit the GX. Careful drilling, a bit of primer spray paint, and a few nuts and bolts took care of that.
The compressor is now securely mounted under the hood, ready to serve all of our high-performance on-board air needs.
Our Adventure Rig
So far this summer, we’ve taken the GX across the Rockies to Idaho. We’ve hauled bikes, stand up paddleboards, and lumber all around southern Colorado. We’ve loaded up seven adults and children to trek down from our campsite to town multiple times. Last winter we logged 15 ski days, and expect to double that number this season.
While the TCT Explorer Tundra was an amazing full-size truck, Project 4 Adventure has proven to be the quintessential Adventure Rig for a well-traveled family. We love all Toyota based vehicles, of course, but if you require room for a family (and then some), V-8 power, and a relatively modest cost, the GX-460 could be your perfect vehicle.
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