2009 Mercedes G280 Professional 461 G-Wagen for Sale – Diesel, Military-Grade, Expedition Ready
June 4, 2025
This weekend wasn’t your average shop day—it was a full-blown off-road adventure hosted by Alliance Auto Care in Loveland, Colorado. Shop owner Joe Gocher led the charge with the Alliance team and several clients for a trail run at Kelly Flats, a well-known off-roading hotspot just outside town.
From technicians to fabricators and restoration experts, the whole crew brought their personal rigs, including:
Clint on a KDX 220 bike
Connor in the formidable “Battle Wagon” Touareg
Sean and Leonard in the OG Discovery 1 Rally Rig
Adam from GHe Wheeling in his 4-inch lifted G550
The Alliance shop’s 2021 G400d with fresh rock bashers
A client’s upgraded stock-height G550 with Fox 2.0s and rock sliders
Bryson’s trail-proven technician rig
Michael’s adventure motorcycle
Low range was mandatory. With wet trails and slippery Colorado rock after five days of rain, traction was anyone’s guess. Joe’s team hit the first obstacle with determination—and some diff locks. Though his all-terrains weren’t ideal, the front locker pulled through. “It’s different than mud terrains, but it did great,” Joe said.
The day served as a test run for several vehicles just outfitted with new Fox shocks, rock sliders, and custom-built parts. The G400d shop rig was fresh off the lift and had never touched a trail until now. From mild climbs to technical traction puzzles, the trucks proved their mettle—or showed their weak spots.
One of the G-Wagens with a stock height upgrade was especially impressive, climbing confidently without axle failures. “Joe put the Foxes on—it’s riding really smooth,” said one driver.
Even when a little trail carnage happened, no one panicked. “We found the weak spots,” Joe said, “but that’s the point. Now we know where to improve.”
And the best part? It all happened an hour from home. “We live here. This is our backyard. This is why we build and test like this,” Joe emphasized.
Proper Tire Selection Matters: Mud terrains were the heroes on wet rock. All-terrains struggled but didn’t fail.
Fox Shocks Hold Up: Multiple rigs equipped with Fox 2.0 shocks handled the abuse well.
Locker Use Is Key: When rear traction gave out, front lockers made all the difference.
Test Builds in Real Conditions: Whether new rock sliders or fresh suspension, real trails expose what works and what breaks.
With fresh mud on their tires and firsthand knowledge of their trucks’ limits, the team wrapped up a successful day of wheeling. More builds, mods, and off-road improvements are coming. This trip was just the kickoff.
The rig in our featured video includes a complete auxiliary lighting system powered via in-cabin switches. Scene lights, LP6s, and rear lights all feed into a clean setup with full functionality.
Other accessories include:
Wind-deflector-compatible rack
Custom fridge drawer
Rear ladder and rooftop tent compatibility
Integrated spare tire carrier (to protect the rear door from 160 lb of rubber)
Curb weight: ~7,000 lbs
Tire size: 38×13.50R18
Lift: 2” + portal axle lift (~5–6” net gain)
Brake system: Brembo upgraded with 18” wheels to accommodate size
Suspension travel & control: King 2.5” shocks with remote reservoirs
Fuel economy: Don’t ask. (Single digits—but worth every drop)
Great question. Here’s why this G55 build makes sense:
It retains the legendary 113 supercharged motor
The 5-speed auto is simple and globally supported
It avoids turbo complexity
It’s easier to service on the trail or overseas
It’s a true custom setup—tailored for performance and reliability
At Alliance Auto Care we build flexible, functional expedition vehicle. With onboard air, CTIS, portal gearing, and trail-grade clearance, it’s ready for Moab, Baja, the Rockies—or the Arctic.
Everything was engineered in-house by the Alliance Auto Care team. It’s serviceable, durable, and designed for the long haul.
If this G-Wagon portal build speaks to you, let’s talk. Whether you’re planning your first G or your tenth, we’ll help you spec and build something truly one of a kind.
Contact Joe Gocher at Alliance Auto Care in Loveland, Colorado.
Get in touch with Joe Gocher and the team at Alliance Auto Care—we’ll get your truck squared away the right way.
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