Bought a G-500 a few months back and have started modifying it. So why not a thread! Actually, I'm just really excited to get out again and thought this might be a good way to re-introduce myself.
Lift went on a few weeks ago. Going to begin getting it setup for camping this weekend. Offroad-wise, it comes fully locked, so there isn't a whole lot to do other than the lift/tires. Maybe a winch in the future.
Some progress getting the truck ready for action.
Installed a removable shelf in the cargo area. Held down by 4 tie downs/straps underneath. The fridge slide and Powertank / Fire Extinguisher are held down by t-nuts with 1/4-20 bolts, and the Pelican by a pair of Mack's tie-downs.
Also installed 2 Front Runner load bars (17lbs) in prep for the RTT that arrives this week.
Cool rig!
Very cool. We almost bought a G-wagon this time around but didn't find the right one in our price range with low enough miles (until a week after we bought our new truck <doh!>). I'm interested in hearing how your experience goes as we are still looking at getting one in the next 5yrs.
Love it so far Amos. Very capable from the factory. It's a seriously stout truck.
We might be accelerating our G acquisition. :) The ML is nice... almost too nice and the 4matic is more limiting than I realized. Do you have any sage advice after living with yours for a bit? Have the larger tires impacted mileage or drivability much? I'm comfortable with the appallingly low MPGs (Jeep and ML550 both hover 14mpg drinking premium) but wondered if the G's V8 pays much attention to the extra rolling mass since it will also be pulling daily duty.
The next challenge for us is balancing odometer, model year, and how deep we're willing to go on payments while still feeling okay with wheeling it.
I missed this post completely. What did you wind up getting? I went with the G500 due to it's lower gear ratios. Fuel wise, it's horrible, but I work from home so it's not too bad. The vehicle drives well with the 34" tires and fox suspension. It leans a bit in the corners with the RTT up there. Viking Offroad has anti-sway bars and such available, but I'm comfortable with how it drives.
Where have you mounted (or planning to) your HAM antenna and radio? I'm half tempted to remove the ashtray and putting the radio there.
I'm also going to put the radio in place of the ashtray. Possibly inside of the ashtray so it's out of site when not in use. For the antenna, I'll probably just do an under-hood lip mount like Dan Cronin did on his Jeep, but I am still considering using a Diamond motorized mount and putting it on the rack.
One other option for the antenna is to put it in place of the factory cell antenna. Possibly put a shorty up there.
I've always been wary of rack mounted antennas and the G is no exception since its already pretty tall in stock form... add a rack and small lift/tires and I'm very close to the height of the old Jeep.
Interesting. I think I'm going to keep it simple and fixed.