Lexus GX 460 - EXPLORING ELEMENTS

I bought this Lexus GX 460 because I wanted a rig small enough to daily drive that was also extremely comfortable and capable on the trail, and on the highway. This truck is basically a 5th gen 4Runner with a unique body, V-8 engine, leather interior and heated/cooled seats. While already built when I purchased it, it was not quite up to my specification, so it is going through a big transformation with lots of top quality and custom parts to best suit my needs.

I purchased this 2013 Lexus GX 460 in March 2019 in Atlanta, GA. I’m the 4th owner, and the vehicle was maintained at one dealership it’s entire life before my ownership. The previous owner did all the off road modifications; Ironman front bumper (w/Hi-Lift, Intensity Light knock-offs, Superwinch Tigershark 9.5, Factor 55 Prolink, HAM antenna), custom rock sliders, Dobinsons rear double swing out bumper (w/jerry cans, spare tire, Trasharoo, XBull traction boards, backup light), Dobinsons snorkel, Toytec BOSS 3.0 Suspension Lift, 1.25″ Spidertrac wheel spacers and 275/70r18 Nitto M/T tires. This truck had under 90,000 on it when I purchased it, is super clean inside and out, and most importantly has ZERO rust.

GX 460 Build Sponsors

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Roambuilt, Goose-Gear, Scheel-mann, Trail Ready Bumpers, BFGoodrich Tires, EvoCorse Wheels, Warn, Yakima, Nitro Gear & Axle, PIAA, National Luna, MSA, Mach1 Motorsports, Step 22 Gear, Switch-Pros, Maxtrax, Garmin, Primus, Cobra, Factor 55, Canby Graphics, Lifesaver, ARB, Slee Offroad, 7P Overland

Stage 2: Suspension, Front Bumper & Graphics

The Build

Wheels & Tires: First step was to get rid of the wheel spacers, get more sidewall and improve the overall performance for highway and winter driving. This was accomplished through the installation of 17x8x0 EvoCorse Dakar Zero wheels wrapped in LT285/75R17/E BFG KO2 tires.

Suspension: This rig came with a basic Toytec Boss 3.0 suspension kit. It now rides on a full Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 7 CDC tubular suspension, with delta joints, rear hydraulic bump stops and 3″ rear dual-rate springs. Coilover covers are used up front for shock seal longevity and rear shock rock protectors are on order. The full Icon install and front body mount chop was performed by Mach1 Motorsports.

Gear Hauling: No adventure rig of mine is complete without being able to haul adventure sports gear. For me that primarily means kayaks, bikes and skis/snowboards. I designed and custom rack with Roambuilt that is the ultimate outdoor adventure/overland/off road/photography platform roof rack. A full host of quality Yakima rack accessories secure the outdoor gear for safe and reliable transport over all terrain.

Interior: The third-row seating has been removed and a Goose-Gear plate system has been installed. A custom Goose-Gear sleep platform with storage drawers was installed atop the plate. An MSA 4×4 drop slide, with a National Luna Legacy 50L Dual Zone fridge, is mounted atop the drawers. scheel-mann Vario XXL seats up front keep my back working properly after long days on the road less traveled. The heating option is heavenly!

Armor: A proper off road vehicle requires protection from rocks and animal strikes. Very nice custom rock sliders came on this vehicle when I purchased it. The rear Dobinsons Prado 150 double swing away rear bumper will stay for the time being. Up front the Ironman front bumper has been replaced with a full custom bumper to my specification from Trail Ready Bumpers, the GXplore bumper is available now. Skid plates are also in the works.

Recovery: This vehicle came with a Superwinch, but I of course upgraded the winch to the best, a Warn Zeon 10-S. The winch is accompanied by a Warn Epic fairlead and a Factor 55 FlatLink E. The back of the truck will feature a Factor 55 HitchLink, DMOS Delta Shovel, MSA 4×4 Gear Bag and Maxtrax Xtreme.

Electrical: A Switch Pros unit controls all the on board electrical accessories. A dual battery system and solar is in the works.

Electronics: A Garmin Overlander will be the primary navigation tool. It is paired with a Garmin inReach Explorer. A Cobra dash cam/radar detector will monitor the happenings in front of the GX. A Midland GMRS and a basic handheld HAM radio are also be on board for communications.

Lighting: Full compliment of quality PIAA lighting.

Graphics: A full custom graphics package was developed with Canby Graphics.

This is just the start. The build will continue to evolve. The truck debuted at SEMA 2019 and has been making the rounds since to a variety of overland events and big off-road adventures around the country.