Jerz’s 2013 GX460 Basic Build

I went from a 13 WRX —> 13 328 M sport —> 18 TRD OR loaded —> 15 JKU —> 13 GX460. Something about those 2013 vehicles haha, and yes they’ve all been a shade of grey. I loved my Tacoma but HATED the way the engine/trans drove.

Tacoma build thread LINK

My wife has a 16 4Runner and it’s great but I don’t want 2 identical vehicles. I plan on getting a new Tundra the 2nd year of the refresh but until then I wanted something that had some creature comforts, reliable (read: Toyota), could accommodate child seats, and in which I could do some mild off roading. I stumbled upon the GX’s learned that they’re pretty cool vehicles and a great value as well.

Bought a GX:
After a few weeks of searching, I found a 2013 GX460, silver ext, black int, 133k mi about 2hr from me in the middle of NC. It’s super clean with only a handful of minor scratches, all but one should buff out, interior is excellent, and it drives great. Driving it home 2hr, I was reminded what I missed while driving my Jeep. The V8 is nice and same mpg as my wife’s 4Runner!


The GX had 2 known issues:
1)some of the door lock actuators were dead
2)very small oil leak/weep where the driver side head meets the block and timing cover (common from what I’ve read).

Door Lock Actuators:
These run about $175ea, I knew 2 were bad, got the dealer to give me $500 off for it. I also knew that I could just replace the motors for $8ea vs the entire actuator! Turns out the driver’s door had a new actuator but it wasn’t plugged in lol! I plugged it in, tested it, it’s 100%. Since I bought the extra motors, I replaced both rear doors, 1 of which was intermittent. Only took a couple hours and they work perfectly now. $26 for 4 motors and now I have a couple spares should I need them

Wheels & Tires:
I ordered some wheels, Black Rhino Rotary Forged Stadiums 17x8.5, and they’ll get Wildpeak AT3W 255/80/17 285/70/17.
I plan on doing a CMC and massaging the wheel wells for clearance as needed.


Lift:
I don’t plan on lifting it right away. If I do, it’ll be in spring/summer with a Dobinson IMS kit. I had 5100’s on my Tacoma and while they were good, I don’t think I’d buy them again, mainly because of the fixed perches and sagging issues I had with the OME 888 coils.

Cracked Radiator:
2 days ago, I realized I had no heat. Turns out my coolant was low because of a very fine crack around the top left hose connection point. I did a temporary plastic weld repair but am getting quotes right now to have the radiator replaced and system pressure tested. I budgeted for some repairs so this isn’t a big deal and my googling tells me it’s not uncommon on the 4.6L.


Current Plans:
Wheels & tires (completed)
All LED lighting inside & out (completed)
Front skid from LFD (completed)
Sliders LFD (completed)
RCI Bumper filler plate (didn’t fit)
Trim side steps for sliders (completed)
Husky floor mats (completed)
Dobinson IMS 2.5” lift (completed)
JBA UCA’s (completed)
TC Spindle Gussets (completed)
Energy front Bump stops (completed)
CMC (completed)
Diode Dynamics SSC1 Pro ditch lights (ordered)

Wish List:
17” steel wheel & 33” spare tire
Ronin Metal rear bash bar bumper/hitch He stopped making this due to liability reasons
20” LED bar in lowest grill slot
Existing DDS4 pods as fog lights
Diode Dynamics SSC2 ditch lights
SuperBump rear bump stops
14-19 Facelift (headlights, bumper, grill, fogs, turn signals, misc small items)

 

Headlight restoration:
Last night I decided to polish my headlights since they had some moderate yellowing on the top and sides. I have the full 3M kit but was curious how long the quick method would last so I did that for now. Maguier’s Scratch X 2.0 w a drill mounted foam pad and a few layers of ceramic detail spray. If this doesn’t weather well, I’ll do the full restoration.
Before:


After


LED Lighting:
I installed Hikari adjustable base LEDs in the low beam. We have the same ones in my wife’s 4R which also has these weird side-insert projectors so an adjustable base is required to get a good cut off and pattern. I chose the Sealight LEDs for highs and fogs. Lastly on the headlights, I changed out the marker light to an LED.
While I had to door panels off, I swapped the door lights for LEDs, a small touch but I like the LED look and want the lighting color to be uniform.

 

The oil leak is most likely the timing cover...most dealers charge $1900+ to "fix" it...if it's not leaking badly, just roll with it until it starts dripping on the driveway.

The radiator is easy enough, just replace with a Denso unit off Amazon...no aftermarket support for the GX just yet, but supposedly Mishimoto is releasing their Al rads in 2021...

Hopefully you are getting rid of the Heep soon?!?

 

Also, the valley plate coolant leak is a common issue...very hard to diagnose as you have to look up at the back of the intake manifold from under the truck, usually with a endoscope (I have a cheap one if you need to borrow it). Not hard to fix, just time consuming IIRC.

 

Yeah I was able to pin point the source of the oil leak and found that it’s a common issue and very pricey to repair. I am going to keep an eye on the leak but don’t plan on fixing it until it’s dripping on my driveway.

A local shop quoted me $650 for the radiator replacement job, using a Denso unit, and doing a system pressure test so I’m gonna have that done this week.

And yes, the Heep is currently for sale. I am taking it to Hurricane Creek Brown Mountain this week since I haven’t taken it off road yet.

Unfortunately, I got word that my new wheels are backordered so it’ll be another 2-3 weeks until I get them.

 

following

 

Radiator Replaced:
I had the radiator replaced by Simpson’s Auto Repair in Huntersville. I dropped it off in the morning and it was done mid afternoon. No surprises, cost was the same as quoted, no leaks noted with the pressure test. I’ll be using them again if needed.
The GX has been great, I love driving it. It’s refreshing to drive compared to my Jeep and Tacoma. It feels a lot like my wife’s 4Runner.

Wheels/Tires:
I’ve changed my mind about the size. While I really like the skinny tire look on trucks, I think a wider tire looks better on the GX. So 285/70/17 it is, still Wildpeaks. This means I’ll be doing some trimming, wheel liner heat molding, pinch weld pounding, and likely a CMC.

On a related note, I want to keep my stock wheels intact including TPMS. I’ve had too many issues with swapping TPMS recently. So I bought a TPMS tool, Autel TS508 which allow me to read all sensors, program Autel brand sensors, and load sensor IDs to the vehicle (required for Toyota’s). I’ll be using Autel sensors on my new wheels at 1/4 the price of OEM or programmed aftermarket sensors.
Getting anxious for my wheels to ship!

Lift:
I’m 90% sure I’m going to do a lift come Spring time. I had 5100’s on my Tacoma but want to step it up on this one. I really like what I see with the Dobinson IMS, so I’m thinking 2.5” lift, SPC UCA’s, and Total Chaos spindle gussets for good measure.

 

Wheels arrived the other day


I got SUPER LUCKY and got in on the Pepboys Wildpeak deal LT285/70/17 for $97ea Instant $600 savings on something I was going to buy this weekend! I’m super excited about this deal!!


Yes 4 tires can fit in a GX with little trouble. I did the same in a 5th Gen 4R.


They’ll be installed this weekend. We’ll see how much trimming I have to do but they’re going to fit if my 5lb sledge, cutting wheel, and I have anything to say about it.

 

Wheels/Tires:
I dropped my wheels & tires off at Discount Tire Saturday morning, they said they’d be ready in an hour. Unfortunately, I had to go to the ER and spend the rest of my day in bed. Turns out I have kidney stones... not fun!!!
So that threw off my plans to mount my wheels this weekend and do any trimming needed. I have to pick up my wheels tomorrow so then I’ll have to try to find time after work during the week.

Bump stops:
I can’t bring myself to buy Superbumps after they almost doubled their prices when Trail Gear bought out Wheelers, so after looking for alternatives for my Tacoma, I found that Energy makes a couple options though they don’t market them for our vehicles. I used the standard Energy bump on my Tacoma for a while with no complaints so I’m going to try the extended versions on the GX. I’ve read of many people using the extended version on 4Runners, that’s how I learned of it. For ~$30 it’s tough to beat and 10x better than the OEM bump “rocks”. I’ll install these as I swap my wheels.

Standard: Energy 89101G (G= black, R = red)

$46 Energy Suspension 89101G Bump Stop

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HMR54CI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TtzdGb54994N5

Extended: Energy 89104G

$37 Energy Suspension - 8.9104G REAR BUMP STOPS

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01E1SUO2A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_eszdGb84VMMSB

Secondary Air Pump Uni Filter Mod:
I ordered a couple of the uni filters for my GX and 4R. For $17ea via eBay, figured why not.
https://****************/2018/12/18/4runner-air-pump-mod/
Edit: I see TW blocks trail 4runner .com urls

 

Wheels Installed:
It looks less like a mom-mobile now



I had to do some trimming, as expected with 285/70/17, 17x8.5 0ET, and no lift.
Trimmed side steps, used a heat gun to reshape the liner and reattached it to the outside of the pinch weld.


Front side of the fender liner was remolded a bit but mainly pulled forward a couple inches by drilling a new hole for the 10mm bolt under the bumper. I kind of mangled the 1st side by trying to reshape more than necessary haha.


These two things allowed for no rubbing on the bumper, wheel liner, or steps, but I was rubbing slightly on the cab mount.

Tomorrow is CMC time

Bump Stops:
While I had the wheels off, this was the perfect time to swap out the bump stops. I had to hit them with a little PB Blaster but then they came right off with some large channel locks.
The stock bumps are like rocks, the Energy are slightly progressive by nature of their stepped design.
For $35 and 10min, this is a no-brainer upgrade.

 

Cab Mount Chop:
Since the 33”s were rubbing the cab mount a little bit, I decided to do a CMC. Thankfully my friend @Tacomasprime05 was more than willing to bring his welder and tools to help me do the job today.
I’m quite happy with how it turned out, no more rubbing!

Driver’s side cut


Passenger side completed and painted

 

Big day today for my wallet! Placed orders for:

Dobinson’s IMS 2.5” lift
Treaty Oak KDSS spacers
JBA UCA’s
TC Spindle Gussets
LFD Sliders
LFD front skid
RCI Bumper Filler Plate (see below)


I got super lucky and won an LFD gift card at a local event that they hosted, so that definitely helped me pull the trigger!

Some stuff is delayed a few weeks so it’ll be a month or so until I get everything in and installed.

RCI Bumper Filler Plate
I always thought it was kind of odd that no one makes a skid plate that comes up higher to offer more protection from road/trail debris. While this isn’t truly a skid plate, it does bridge the gap from the skid plate to bumper, offering some protection for the radiator area. For the $69 shipped that I paid, it wasn’t worth trying to fab something, though I may try to replicate this out of HDPE for my wife’s 4R.
https://rcimetalworks.com/product/10-19-gx-460-filler-plate/

 

Nice man. Can't wait to see it all installed.

I also ordered an RCI bumper fill plate (to go with my RCI front skid). I ordered them last month and they haven't shipped yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I like the idea of a little extra protection.

 

Those wheels look great! I was just looking at them for future use. Any plans on butchering the the gx predator face?

 

Thanks! The wheels and tires really made a huge difference visually.
Funny you ask... I’ve been drooling over and dreaming of something like the C4 that is no longer available.
I may search out a fabricator 6-12mo down the line if no one introduces something available commercially.


More pressing for me is a Ronin style rear bumper w hitch since I don’t have a hitch currently.


similar but custom from Alberta CAN

 

That’s pretty sleek/cool way to integrate a hitch.

 

Uni Filter Mod:
I did the secondary air intake pump Uni filter mod, BUT there was no trace of any foam in the factory filter housing. Zero. Im not sure if I need to be concerned about this but the fact that I haven’t experienced any issues gives me a little piece of mind.
This mod takes less than 5min in total and costs <$20. I’ll be doing it to my wife’s 4Runner when she gets back in town.
Edit: I’m an idiot haha. I went off memory and didn’t reference the Uni filter mod thread while doing it. I thought the foam was in the little mushroom cap. Wrong! I pulled the T25 torx screw and the tap half of the pump housing, there was the foam, fully intact.


Steering Fluid Change:
If you noticed in the pic, my steering fluid looks pretty dark. I changed my powersteering fluid, via turkey baster method. I’ll drive it a little bit this week and do it again next weekend to get more of the dark fluid out of there.

Parts on Order Update:
I received most of my parts that I ordered. Still have a week or two for the skid and sliders, waiting on the KDSS spacers too. Based on my schedule, it looks like the lift will happen the 2nd or 3rd weekend of March. These Dobinson IMS shocks are beefy compared to the 5100’s I had on my Tacoma!!

 

Windshield Trim:
I believe I mentioned earlier that the used car dealer from whom I purchased the vehicle, had the windshield replaced but clearly cheaper out when doing so. They used the wrong color glass and tried to re-use the gel pad for the rain sensor. I disconnected the auto wiper rain sensor so now I have normal intermittent wipers. No problem.
The problem came in where I noticed the driver side windshield trim was loose, so loose that you could pick up the top half 2-3” off the windshield! Unfortunately I didn’t get to inspecting and repairing it soon enough and the trim piece flew off on the highway last week.
It turns out the little blue clips in the rain channel, which hold the trim piece on, we’re all broken and one was missing. The windshield installer clearly broke them while removing the trim, which I understand because the trim is difficult to remove BUT it’s less than $5 in clips! Just replace them and finish the job correctly. Oh well. It ended up costing me about $75 for the OEM trim piece and clips off Amazon. It was super easy to fix, probably took 15min including cleaning the rain channel.

before


Clips


New clips installed


clips

$11 Autobahn88 Windshield Molding Clip, compatible with Toyota Lexus (OEM: 75545-53011) (Pack of 20)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BX15F1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

OEM Trim #75536-60010

 

Dark Defense DDS4 Pods as Fogs:
I wanted to use my extra set of DDS4 pods, which match up very closely to Baja Designs S4 Pros on paper but a fraction of the price.
I bought their fog light adapter brackets for a 4Runner and long story short, I was able to make them work but was not happy with these lights as fogs.
The brackets can fit with the addition of one screw. To make the lights fit in the OE position, you have to remove the chrome bezel, since the lights are more square than round. However, removing this round chrome bezel means you have a large gap the light.
The bigger issue was the light pattern. I hooked up one and as I tested it and tried to aim it, I realized the cut off was terrible. They don’t offer SAE lenses or anything close. I have clear, clear combo, and yellow lenses, too much spill for on road use.

Bought Diode Dynamics SSC2’s:
I got in on the Hotshot off road valentines sale and bought a set with SAE Driving lenses. I plan to mount this in the bumper, just inside of the OE fog lights. I’ll have to cut a hole in the black plastic in the bumper.


Hybrid Style Steel Bumper:
I reached out to C4 to see if there was any chance of getting them to do another run of this bumper.

They replied quickly and said “no but...” they’re going to release a hybrid style bumper for the 460 similar to the 5th Gen 4Runner, later this year but no firm date. I think this new hybrid bumper will come up higher than the old one but that may be OK. C4’s prices are reasonable and I like almost everything about the 4R bumper except the bull bar but that’s optional. This may be in my future! I love the ability to mount a few lights on each side, and of course a winch.

 

Great news. I love this bumper, and I will order one the day I find out it is released!