warrenjo46 wrote:
zippinbye wrote:
Thanks to everybody who responded so far. Busskipper, the philosophy of priorities/objectives you outlined very nicely summarizes many considerations I have already formulated. Perfect! The link to IRV2 looks awesome; I read to the bottom of page 3 so far .... good stuff.
May I ask about your GX470, aka Landcruiser Prado? I've never noticed one in tow, but I just happen to own a 2005. I had in the back of my mind that a 1997 or newer Jeep TJ would probably make a good toad. And I thought of getting a TJ just for exploring the desert near me. Considering the cost and effort of all the potential TJ mods to make it "sweet," right up to a LS V-8 conversion (or Cummins 4BT or VW TDI), I realize that my GX already does so many things as well or better than the TJ would, except for these concerns: I won't be dropping 35" tires under the GX or conquring Moab with it, and the body is just too pretty and vulnerable to squeeze between boulders and trees. Plus it's not as well-suited to a winch mount was a TJ would be. However, it will kick butt on a Jeep for freeway cruising, comfort and MPG, and is virtually as capable off-road. With the locking center diff and KDSS (auto-disconnect front sway bar) I have horrified some "expert" off-roaders by showing up to challenging trails in a Lexus ("nice girlie rig, dude," etc). Horror was replaced by respect when all was said and done, including me rescuing a FJ-40 that got stuck. It's a great machine. In this day and age of frameless cross-over SUVs and such, the GX is a force to be reckoned with. Mine has 170,000 miles and these days just sits around as an extra vehicle, mainly cause I know she'd sell for far less than she's worth to me! If I took the money I sold it for, I'd probably need another $20k to buy and build a TJ the way I want, it it would be lacking in many ways compared to the Lexus.
Would the GX be the ideal toad? Not sure ... is it as simple as putting the transfer case in neutral, hooking up, and rolling down the road? I have never been over the scales in the GX, but I'm guessing 5500 lbs - the thing is a tank, so it would not be an inconsequential burden behind our "big rig." I would speculate that locked up in 4x4 low, the GX could pull a Class A out of some traction-challenged situations.
Guess I'll hang tight with her until I make a RV decision.
Skipper, I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the GX 470 as a toad. Thanks very much.
I am also looking for an older used DP and own a 2004 GX 470 like the OP(except mine has a little over quarter million miles). I would love to use the GX470 as a Toad but the owners manual nixes 4 down toeing. Does anyone on the forum have experience with a GX 470.
Look
Here the procedure is listed - It Works!
Best of Luck,
