Ep1: Dropping 132 pounds! // Project GX 470

It's easy to go overboard when building your Overland vehicle, going beyond your GVWR and stressing your vehicle's suspension, drivetrain, and brakes.
So, for our first official build video, we're cutting out everything we don't need to see how much weight we can drop. It adds up to a lot, giving us the equivalent of a full steel bumper and lights, or a complete assortment of roof rack plus accessories.
Here's how we cut 132.8 pounds from a stock 2005 Lexus GX470, and why we removed the parts we did.
• SPREADSHEET w/ WEIGHTS:
docs.google.co...
• NOTE:
This is for your entertainment and is not a recommendation that you do what we do. You are solely responsible for your own safety and any modifications you make to your vehicle.
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[@adventurouswayoflife]

UPDATE: Just added the weights spreadsheet link to the video description!

[@krataiandbrett]

Looks great! Awesome start!

[@colintracy9287]

Been waiting for episode 1, that’s a great blank slate to start

[@colintracy9287]

I have a 2004 GX in Gold w 157k on the ODO. Basically running it stock right now until winter is over

[@chilledboost1982]

Did that one come from Avalon Auto?

[@colintracy9287]

@@chilledboost1982 no sir, I purchased about 20 miles from my home in Northern PA but it was a Maryland owned car thankfully so very minimal surface rust only.

[@adventurouswayoflife]

Thanks! I'm reeeeaaaally happy with it, and been doing some basic maintenance to get everything freshened up. Will report back with all that in a later episode. Next up: Sound system!

[@xturboexpress]

That rear sensor on the link probably also controls the headlight auto level, and at least in the later models, added rear brake bias (with presumed rear axle weight)

[@adventurouswayoflife]

Interesting, hadn't thought of that! It doesn't look like the 470 generation has auto-leveling headlights. And as best I can tell from both the parts I removed and digging around online, those sensors don't affect brake proportioning, either. That said, other model years may want to check into it before cutting wires and parts off.