Esquires 2014 GXL Build

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

After years of 'Prado Envy', the Mrs and I finally decided that it was now or never. We settled on a 2014 150 GXL in graphite. Managed to get a deal by buying 3 at the same time, with Mat Hannas and another bloke from work. Very happy. She came with rubber mats and a full tank. Also got window tint done before pick up.

Prior to buying I had outlined a number of accessories that would be going on the car in the near future. That included
: T13 bull bar
: spotties
: UHF
: Roof rack
: possible suspension lift (once OEM was clapped out)

There seemed to be no objection to the list so I was happy.

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I must add that the car was bought in March 2014 but I have been to lazy to do a build topic as progress has been slow. After attending the Brisbane 4wd show, I got a Couplertec 4 pad ERP system installed and Matt Hannas and I took them for a spin up at Bribie.



I then added was a set of Rhino Roof racks (just cross rails) and a TJM Airtec snorkel. I looked at the Safari ones but the Mrs liked the look of the Airtec. Did not even entertain the idea of doing this myself as I have no trade skills or the necessary tools at home. On our first rip to Melbourne I managed to score a direct hit on the snorkel intake with a Galah at about 90km/hr. As a result the top mesh piece has come away from the rivet and moved in a little. No real worries as it is not loose, yet.

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

The list of Mods and things needed has since increased (inevitably) and I started looking around for a second fuel filter. The trick has also been to spread the purchases of said things out so the the Minister doesn't notice too much. I have carefully collected some recovery gear over the past months with no expense spared on a quality shovel! The nice hardwood handle will assist in providing hours of digging pleasure, should the need arise.



A set of Craig's TraxRax and Maxtrax was high on the list. I did want the dark blue ones but for the price, I couldn't go past the originals. Extremely happy with the quality and fit of the TraxRax combined with the Rhino shovel holders and shovel. I was not planning to get an awning but the price was right and I'm glad I did. She is slowly coming together.

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

I liked the idea of buying the parts for installing a primary filter but lacked the time and tools to do a neat job like some here on PP. I decided on getting a Fuel Manager kit online and installing it myself. I was quite happy to pay a little extra knowing that I would have everything I needed and most importantly, a purpose made bracket!



After reading the instructions several times, I managed to install it in an hour, with dinner in between! Priming the system was a breeze and a quick test drive had it working nicely. Very happy.

[Mattfunk 120 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mattfunk 120]

Nice vehicle mate. Looking good

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

Last week I bought a rear wheel bag, roof top bag and other things that we will need on our trip next year to Alice Springs and surrounds. There have been quite a few trips to Bribie and one to Glasshouse to try things out. I also picked a GME Plug N Play UHF for a steal off a mate who had upgraded. The ability to take it out has it feeling less like a truck and thats important for the Minister. It suits our needs for now. The cords are a little messy but I'll work something out. A Rhino Platform rack has been added to the list.

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

I picked up a Rhino Pioneer SX Platform rack yesterday. Ended up getting the 1928 x 1236 (44102) and decided to install it myself. It took about 2 hours as I didn't want to stuff it up but still ended up drilling pilot holes in the wrong place as the instructions include various models and I didn't check before starting (drilled holes for 44101. Doh!!). No biggie. Very happy with the finish and all the holes lined up perfectly. Ill put up a more in depth post about installation in roof rack thread.

[Wagon Man Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wagon Man]

Looking good Esquire, Coming along nicely.

I see you need to remount your awning and traxraxs

Did you get a good deal on the pioneer platform?

[Esquire Member Find all posts View Profile Close Esquire]

Looking good Esquire, Coming along nicely.

I see you need to remount your awning and traxraxs

Did you get a good deal on the pioneer platform?

Yes. Was about $50 cheaper than one of the major 4wd outlets. I already had the legs from my other roof racks. Will look at remounting other bits on the weekend, I think.

[mybo Member Find all posts View Profile Close mybo]

Nice neat fit on the fuel manager filter - I'm installing mine next week and have just finished my DIY bracket (I have an air compressor taking up most of the space next to the OEM filter) - my bracket looks like a mechano set compared to yours

[Symo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Symo]

Looks just like mine!