I've dubbed the build "Guinea Pig" as there aren't many modified GX460's in the US and determining what 5G T4R (or LC150) parts fit has been trial and error. I figured the least I could do is document as much as possible like some of the other forum members. My goal is to have a mildly modified vehicle that still rides close to stock and can still fit in my garage. It's not nearly as extreme as some, but doesn't look like your typical soccer mom GX460.
This was when I first bought it. Certified Pre-Owned 2013 Base model GX460 in Starfire Pearl with black leather.
I knew I wanted to get rid of the awful rake of the vehicle. After doing some research on this forum and T4R and not wanting to $2k for full coil-overs, I decided to get Bilstein 5100's. I contemplated a spacer kit, but was worried it might sacrifice ride quality as well as still not be able to fit in my garage. I also liked the Bilstein's as if I chose to go higher down the road, I was still let with that option. I had my local shop install the Bilstein's on the second notch, which typically nets 0.85" on a 5G T4R. I ended up netting over an inch on the front end. It completely got rid of the rake, which is what I was going for. Ride quality is better than stock with less nose dive when hitting the brakes.
I took some poser pictures in my back yard after installing the 5100's just to see how some of the limitations of the vehicle. The biggest thing I could see that limited clearance was the rear bumper, but more specifically the rear tow package.
I'm 6'1" and never used the running boards. After too many of my dress pants getting wet from the running boards when it rained, I decided to take them off. It looks much better with them off. However, my wife is only slightly taller than 5' and she hated having to jump in everytime, so I put them back on..
However, my wife is only slightly taller than 5' and she hated having to jump in every time, so I put them back on. But only for a while..... I ended up taking them back off, but hated how unfinished it looked and couldn't stomach cutting factory $500 running boards, so I decided to paint the lower trim behind the boards black. It looks so much better that way and is almost unnoticeable.
The stock size Bridgestone Dueler's were too small and not aggressive enough to do any real wheeling. I had a hard time trying to decide on what tire size to go with. I've never been a fan of spacers, so what ever tire size I went with had to fit the stock wheel without spacers. Based off information on clublexus.com, I knew I could fit a 275/65r18 with very minimal rubbing. I really didn't want a significantly wider tire but definitely wanted a taller tire. I tried doing research on how much lift it takes a T4R and LC150 to fit the same size tire, but couldn't find any definite answers. Back to being a Guinea Pig.....I went to my local Discount Tire and told them that I had no idea what tire size I could stuff in there and still be able to clear the UCA and body mount. I put together a full chart researching tire sizes compared to stock and compared to the 275/65r18 (32" tall tire) that would fit. I figured since my lift netted a full inch, I should be able to fit a 275/70r18 (33.2" tire) or 265/70r18 (32.6" tire).
We tested the 275/70 first and voila, no rubbing! Best part was that the 275/70's were $30 cheaper a tire than any other tire near that size. Threw all 4 other tires on and did a quick check and only rubbing slightly at full lock in reverse, but that's nothing a couple strategically placed zip ties couldn't take care of. The first picture is very decieving as it looks like I'm one of those silly squatted diesel trucks. I do have a slightly negative rake, but nothing as bad like it looks in this picture. I plan on installing some OME spacers in the rear to get back to neutral/positive rake.
I'm also read that any 5G T4R Trail Edition rock sliders will fit the GX460, but no strong confirmations. So Mark over at MetalTech was going to give me free return shipping on a set of OPOR sliders to test fit if they didn't work, but he is hopefully going to have a 2015 GX460 in his shop in the next few weeks, which makes it easier for the both of us.
This was when I first bought it. Certified Pre-Owned 2013 Base model GX460 in Starfire Pearl with black leather.
I knew I wanted to get rid of the awful rake of the vehicle. After doing some research on this forum and T4R and not wanting to $2k for full coil-overs, I decided to get Bilstein 5100's. I contemplated a spacer kit, but was worried it might sacrifice ride quality as well as still not be able to fit in my garage. I also liked the Bilstein's as if I chose to go higher down the road, I was still let with that option. I had my local shop install the Bilstein's on the second notch, which typically nets 0.85" on a 5G T4R. I ended up netting over an inch on the front end. It completely got rid of the rake, which is what I was going for. Ride quality is better than stock with less nose dive when hitting the brakes.
I took some poser pictures in my back yard after installing the 5100's just to see how some of the limitations of the vehicle. The biggest thing I could see that limited clearance was the rear bumper, but more specifically the rear tow package.
I'm 6'1" and never used the running boards. After too many of my dress pants getting wet from the running boards when it rained, I decided to take them off. It looks much better with them off. However, my wife is only slightly taller than 5' and she hated having to jump in everytime, so I put them back on..
However, my wife is only slightly taller than 5' and she hated having to jump in every time, so I put them back on. But only for a while..... I ended up taking them back off, but hated how unfinished it looked and couldn't stomach cutting factory $500 running boards, so I decided to paint the lower trim behind the boards black. It looks so much better that way and is almost unnoticeable.
The stock size Bridgestone Dueler's were too small and not aggressive enough to do any real wheeling. I had a hard time trying to decide on what tire size to go with. I've never been a fan of spacers, so what ever tire size I went with had to fit the stock wheel without spacers. Based off information on clublexus.com, I knew I could fit a 275/65r18 with very minimal rubbing. I really didn't want a significantly wider tire but definitely wanted a taller tire. I tried doing research on how much lift it takes a T4R and LC150 to fit the same size tire, but couldn't find any definite answers. Back to being a Guinea Pig.....I went to my local Discount Tire and told them that I had no idea what tire size I could stuff in there and still be able to clear the UCA and body mount. I put together a full chart researching tire sizes compared to stock and compared to the 275/65r18 (32" tall tire) that would fit. I figured since my lift netted a full inch, I should be able to fit a 275/70r18 (33.2" tire) or 265/70r18 (32.6" tire).
We tested the 275/70 first and voila, no rubbing! Best part was that the 275/70's were $30 cheaper a tire than any other tire near that size. Threw all 4 other tires on and did a quick check and only rubbing slightly at full lock in reverse, but that's nothing a couple strategically placed zip ties couldn't take care of. The first picture is very decieving as it looks like I'm one of those silly squatted diesel trucks. I do have a slightly negative rake, but nothing as bad like it looks in this picture. I plan on installing some OME spacers in the rear to get back to neutral/positive rake.
I'm also read that any 5G T4R Trail Edition rock sliders will fit the GX460, but no strong confirmations. So Mark over at MetalTech was going to give me free return shipping on a set of OPOR sliders to test fit if they didn't work, but he is hopefully going to have a 2015 GX460 in his shop in the next few weeks, which makes it easier for the both of us.
