"Blue Steel" GX470 expedition build
#46
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Thanks for the write up! Perfect timing because I'm ordering the springs and the kit this week.
Share with us what your opinion is on the ride quality difference between the air bags and the spring. I think I know the answer (especially when comparing the tricked air height vs coils), but nevertheless want to hear your assessment.
By the way, you went with ICON 2" lift springs?
Share with us what your opinion is on the ride quality difference between the air bags and the spring. I think I know the answer (especially when comparing the tricked air height vs coils), but nevertheless want to hear your assessment.
By the way, you went with ICON 2" lift springs?
#47
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No problem, we need more write ups like these for the GX guys since they're non existant. I went with Icon springs and they ride like butter, way way better than the overinflated bags. The overinflated bags were stiff and made the truck bounce on every little crack, I hated it. I was going to hold off on the springs but after riding with the overinflated bags, I just decided to go with it and I'm glad I did because now she rides nice and smooth as hell.
#49
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#51
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Do they protect the boot from being torn up by brush?
Not sure how much protection they'd give the lower arm, since they're bolted to it (transfer of energy to it, should you hit a rock)
Chip H.
Not sure how much protection they'd give the lower arm, since they're bolted to it (transfer of energy to it, should you hit a rock)
Chip H.
#52
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Had them on my FJ and bought these used, both when taken off had deep gouges/scratches on the underside from rocks. I figure its better this skid plate being gouged then my stock lower control arm (although beefy still). They also are designed to provide protection for the CV axle boots from sticks or rocks. Most people won't offroad hard enough to need these.
#53
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Just got back from my annual Pismo trip for the Turf N Surf 2014 event. The GX did amazing in the dunes with the Icon suspension and the v8 power compared to my FJ. The GX kept pulling where the FJ powerband would usually top out. The Wheelers superbumps did a great job of keeping the tires from rubbing the fender liners when bottoming out due to the extended travel Icons, they barely touched a small spot on the liner at full tuck. Got around everywhere in the dunes with the Cooper tires aired down to 15 psi, awesome trip, had a blast!
Base camp for the weekend:
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/cbkstreet/20141107_093434_zpsreugsp9d.jpg)
Foggy runs in the dunes this year:
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/cbkstreet/20141108_153241_1_zpsrwws31av.jpg)
My awesome 70s retro temporary CB for the weekend, worked amazing, old tech rules:
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Some of the weekends dune crew:
Base camp for the weekend:
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/cbkstreet/20141107_093434_zpsreugsp9d.jpg)
Foggy runs in the dunes this year:
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/cbkstreet/20141108_153241_1_zpsrwws31av.jpg)
My awesome 70s retro temporary CB for the weekend, worked amazing, old tech rules:
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Size: 85.9 KB](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/gx-1st-gen-2003-2009/463728d1501791993-blue-steel-gx470-expedition-build-img_20141109_174008_zpsssovpxa4.jpg)
Some of the weekends dune crew:
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#56
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Finally got a chance to get out to Big Bear and White Mountain in Lucerne Valley for a well needed snow run with some of my FJ buddies. We ran 3N16 into Big Bear to go shooting and then headed up 3N17 up White Mountain in the snow. 3N17 is a narrow rocky steep trail with a few feet of fresh powder and a cliff edge on one side made for some butt puckering moments but all in all a really fun day and the GX did great out there.
Heading down 3N16 to the shooting area:
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Right after the first river crossing:
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The arsenal for the day, that 308 FN Scar 17S was a beast to shoot:
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My girl taking a go at my 9mm AR pistol:
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Dan shooting his .308 Scar 17s
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Halfway up 3N17 White Mtn trail:
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Making fresh tracks in powder:
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Muddy aftermath and a couple hours of powerwashing:
Heading down 3N16 to the shooting area:
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Right after the first river crossing:
![Name: 20141221_094057_1_zpskfmrnpp1.jpg
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Size: 92.3 KB](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/gx-1st-gen-2003-2009/463731d1501791993-blue-steel-gx470-expedition-build-20141221_094057_1_zpskfmrnpp1.jpg)
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The arsenal for the day, that 308 FN Scar 17S was a beast to shoot:
![Name: 9790_10103760220759263_2878398613146644298_n_zps5f9747e4.jpg
Views: 3149
Size: 128.5 KB](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/gx-1st-gen-2003-2009/463733d1501791993-blue-steel-gx470-expedition-build-9790_10103760220759263_2878398613146644298_n_zps5f9747e4.jpg)
My girl taking a go at my 9mm AR pistol:
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Dan shooting his .308 Scar 17s
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Halfway up 3N17 White Mtn trail:
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Making fresh tracks in powder:
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Muddy aftermath and a couple hours of powerwashing:
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