I grabbed an off-lease 2017 GX 460 Premium with 26k miles in April 2021. It happens to be a “Certified Pre-Owned Lexus” for whatever that is worth which is probably a topic for a separate thread. I was coming off of a rusted-out 2007 FJ that I didn’t properly inspect for rust when I purchased it in 2018 -- I grew up in Arizona and was clueless that rust could be an issue. Despite my love for the FJ, I’m glad to be out of that rust bucket and into this spectacular vehicle. I thank all the folks in this forum for your posts and reference material that I spent weeks reading through during my pre-purchase GX decision making and subsequent build research.
I’m in the DMV area and love to head to the “mountains” in Virginia and West Virginia. With this in mind, I want to build my GX into a mildly capable offroader. What do I think that means considering a stock GX is already super capable? I want to add clearance, improve appearance, and go overboard, but not too overboard.
Below I include an overview of my progress with the GX in three sections:
Completed projects:
Projects after the “actively researching” topics are figured out:
(May 1, 2021 at Flagpole Knob, VA)
I’m in the DMV area and love to head to the “mountains” in Virginia and West Virginia. With this in mind, I want to build my GX into a mildly capable offroader. What do I think that means considering a stock GX is already super capable? I want to add clearance, improve appearance, and go overboard, but not too overboard.
Below I include an overview of my progress with the GX in three sections:
- completed,
- actively researching/implementing, and
- the projects that may come after.
Completed projects:
- Running board delete (second week of ownership)
- Noxudol undercoating by Automotive Protective Services in Fairfax, VA Car Undercoating In Fairfax, Virginia | Automotive Protection Services - https://apsrustandtint.com/services/rust-proofing-undercoating/
- 3M Ceramic window tint on front drivers/passenger windows by APS
- 50% tint is nice and legal in all the states nearby
- Lexus hitch
- Regret going with full hitch as I research tire upgrades considering storage room for spare
- It also has been a huge headache -- I only can get 9 of 12 bolts in.
- It’s probably obvious to most folks, but I advise against this route unless you need the full towing capacity.
- Uninstalled and went with CURT hitch
- Rexing dash cam (REXING V1P MAX)
- 4K forward & 1080p rear,
- cabling fulling hidden,
- spliced power and connected under/behind console
- For the rear camera, I routed the cable through the rear door, up to the top of the door and through the grommet with the existing harnesses. Super clean look that I haven’t seen elsewhere, but I probably haven't looked hard enough.
- Great dash cam system, but on the more expensive side. Also, it's the only simultaneous 4K front + 1080p rear option I could find.
- GROM VLINE2 (part of a ‘group buy’ over summer 2021)
- Wireless carplay is a wonder. It’s an inconvenience that I can’t have radio + CarPlay, but I like the solution overall and would do it again.
- Install was straightforward -- I followed the youtube videos.
- I combined installation of VLINE and Rexing cameras, this added some convenience.\
- Front camera with button activation
- Taking advantage of GROM vline2’s VAUX input that automatically switches to video input when the video signal is powered.
- It works OK. It takes ~3 seconds to switch over which feels like forever when you need it.
- Tires/wheels
- Original: stock 18’’ wheels and 265/60/18 (30.5d, 10.4w, 6.3sw)
- 265/70/17 (32.2d, 10.8w, 7.6sw) with matte black TRD Pro 17’’ (PTR2035110BK)
- CBI Covert bumper
- with VR EVO 10k winch w/ synthetic
- Sliders
- RSG angled w/ kickout, full powder coat
- King Suspension (ordered and customized through Filthy Motorsports; Boulder, CO)
- 2.5 suspension w/ adjusters; coilover front, smoothie back
- SPC UCAs
- BlackGate Rear KDSS Spacer
- ToyTec 2" rear bump stop spacers
- Dobinsons 2" springs
Projects after the “actively researching” topics are figured out:
- Additional armor/protection
(May 1, 2021 at Flagpole Knob, VA)
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