2016 GX 460 mild build (1 Viewer)

[getoffmylawn]

I just wanted to thank all of the contributors here at ih8mud for providing great information and inspiration. After much deliberation, I ended up going with Bilstein 5100 lift in front (1.75") and coil spacers ( 1.5") in the rear, with stock shocks for now. The wheels are 20x9 FUEL OffRoad Tech with a +1 offset. Tires are BFG All-Terrain K02 275/55/20 and I am pleased at how quiet they are. There is some plastic trimming I have to do on the innermost part of the step, but it is not too bad. I love the look, and the ride is distinctly less cushy but not brutal. The Gamiviti rack is perfect for my needs and looks sharp.
I also put on the Magnaflow Overlander exhaust to make it sound more truck-like. Next up: chrome delete and front window tint. My mid-life crisis will then be dealt with fot the moment...

 

[r2m]

Very clean looking! Just a suggestion, replacing the running boards with black solid sliders could be the final touch!
And with metal sliders aside from being far more sturdy, you can also use them as a jack point if you ever need to lift your rig with any kind of jack!

 

[getoffmylawn]

Very clean looking! Just a suggestion, replacing the running boards with black solid sliders could be the final touch!
And with metal sliders aside from being far more sturdy, you can also use them as a jack point if you ever need to lift your rig with any kind of jack!

I guess I have to admit that would be a better plan. And, there are some nice sliders out there. I guess more decisions await...

 

[BigSwede]

Like the exhaust? I hope so, because I am installing mine this weekend!

 

[Washingtontaco]

Not only do the sliders look great, they also help prevent do dings.

 

[dismount]

Would like to hear your feedback on the install and end result of the exhaust. It's on the list, but the list keeps getting longer.

 

[getoffmylawn]

Would like to hear your feedback on the install and end result of the exhaust. It's on the list, but the list keeps getting longer.

The exhaust install was straightforward and fairly simple. The only glitch was there was one screw extending through the heat shield above and behind the rear axle that contacted the exhaust and made a ton of noise. I had to remove the rear exhaust section and grind off the screw at the shield to provide more clearance. That done, the truck sounds more throaty and athletic (if that makes any sense). It lets you know when you are putting power to the wheels, but is not very loud in the cabin if you drive with a soft touch on the pedal. I don't really notice much difference in the sound cruising at highway speeds. My wife did complain when she had to drive it. She found the sound in stop and go traffic a bit much compared to our other cars.

 

[BigSwede]

The exhaust install was straightforward and fairly simple. The only glitch was there was one screw extending through the heat shield above and behind the rear axle that contacted the exhaust and made a ton of noise. I had to remove the rear exhaust section and grind off the screw at the shield to provide more clearance. That done, the truck sounds more throaty and athletic (if that makes any sense). It lets you know when you are putting power to the wheels, but is not very loud in the cabin if you drive with a soft touch on the pedal. I don't really notice much difference in the sound cruising at highway speeds. My wife did complain when she had to drive it. She found the sound in stop and go traffic a bit much compared to our other cars.

Got mine installed today - sounds more like a muscle car than a Lexus. I dig it, even if your wife doesn't.

 

[MrTorgue]

Got mine installed today - sounds more like a muscle car than a Lexus. I dig it, even if your wife doesn't.

Videos?

 

[cavanaug]

Did you do the suspension work yourself? How hard was it dealing with the KDSS?

I want to do the same mild lift to mine. Do you have the part numbers and such for the spacers and shocks?

 

[getoffmylawn]

I didn't mess with the KDSS at all since the lift was so minor. My neighbor owns a local tire shop and his guys installed the Bilstein 5100s on the next to the top notch setting. The coil spacers used on the rear were from Daystar and fit late model 4runners and GX's. I guess you could install the struts yourself, but it was not expensive for the shop to do it, and it needed an alignment after the install anyway. In total the wheels, tires, suspension parts, install and alignment cost just north of $3000. I did have to make some space in the fender well, but it was nothing major... just a little "plastic surgery". No BMC was needed with the tire/rim combo I have.

 

[r2m]

I didn't mess with the KDSS at all since the lift was so minor. My neighbor owns a local tire shop and his guys installed the Bilstein 5100s on the next to the top notch setting. The coil spacers used on the rear were from Daystar and fit late model 4runners and GX's. I guess you could install the struts yourself, but it was not expensive for the shop to do it, and it needed an alignment after the install anyway. In total the wheels, tires, suspension parts, install and alignment cost just north of $3000. I did have to make some space in the fender well, but it was nothing major... just a little "plastic surgery". No BMC was needed with the tire/rim combo I have.

Regarding not needing BMC, have you cycled your suspension with the wheels at lock-to-lock yet?

 

[getoffmylawn]

Regarding not needing BMC, have you cycled your suspension with the wheels at lock-to-lock yet?

You are absolutely right about the need for a BMC not being fully tested. I have only driven on the street, not off-road, and though it has been fine lock-to-lock in everyday driving, that may not be the case for more severe conditions. I wouldn't want to unknowingly mislead anyone. I also made a change to the overlander exhaust system that made a significant difference. Direct from Magnaflow, the exhaust exits underneath the truck and causes a fair amount of vibration echo in the rear cabin area on acceleration. By extending the exhaust pipe to exit farther out toward the OEM exit point, the cabin noise is significantly reduced while the improved exhaust note from the exterior of the car remains. The wife will ride in the GX again!

 

[r2m]

You are absolutely right about the need for a BMC not being fully tested. I have only driven on the street, not off-road, and though it has been fine lock-to-lock in everyday driving, that may not be the case for more severe conditions. I wouldn't want to unknowingly mislead anyone. I also made a change to the overlander exhaust system that made a significant difference. Direct from Magnaflow, the exhaust exits underneath the truck and causes a fair amount of vibration echo in the rear cabin area on acceleration. By extending the exhaust pipe to exit farther out toward the OEM exit point, the cabin noise is significantly reduced while the improved exhaust note from the exterior of the car remains. The wife will ride in the GX again!

Regarding exhaust, my Premium edition came with a chrome exhaust tip.
Doing the gate keeper bolder field on Holcomb Creek trail in our (and your) local Big Bear mountains, I was stuck and pushed the tail pipe, from the exhaust tip forward so that the hoop that goes over the rear axle was pushed INTO the rear axle and choked off my exhaust. On the trail I had to unbolt and remove the whole rear resonator assembly that bolted just in front of the rear axle. That little incident cost $350.00+ from Lexus and I did the re-install!
Interesting that I really didn't notice any difference in sound quality without the resonator, but after coming back home from the trail I didn't really drive it much without the resonator.

So, long story - long, keep your exhaust tip as short as possible and tucked has high as possible. My new resonator does NOT have a chrome tip and is shorter!!