I will be purchasing a GX 460 in a couple months, something between 2010 through 2013.
A little background. You probably noticed I have a lot of posts... I currently have a 98 100 series LC with:
- 2.5" suspension lift
- 1.75" body lift (made myself)
- front diff drop kit and upper control arms
- front TJM locker (came with factory rear e-locker)
- 35" BFG M/T's
- ARB CKMTA12 (dual compressor)
- 280 amp alternator
Now with that said, I'm getting rid of the LC (read: it will be for sale soon) and get this GX. I want to set it up similar to my LC, basically expedition. So my questions are:
- Are there any differences between 2010 through 2013 with premium trim level? Or are they identical except for maybe paint and interior colors.
- I've done some searching and don't see anything, but can you mount 35" M/T's on these GX's? I've only seen 33's. What's needed? Trimming? Body lift?
- Since I want the Premium trim level, is there an issue with suspension lift? Or anything else?
- I've found some bumpers and rock sliders but what about under armor (not the clothing!), skid plates?
- Any issues I should be aware of before I venture into this project?
Many thanks for all constructive replies!!
The GX 460 is a great platform. My wife and I both have 2014+ (post-facelift) models, but most of the mechanical aspects are the same as the 2010-2013. I echo Josh's comment above to check out GXOR on facebook - it is a wonderful resource.
If you are looking to lift the 460, the main differences between the base and Premium models in 2010-2013 will be that the Premium trim adds rear height control (= airbags), which means that you will have to use a conversion kit to change to springs. You can get kits from either Southern Style Offroad or MetalTech. The SSO one is a little taller but it comes with adjustable height spacers to account for KDSS lean. The Premium also comes with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, although you can add MTS by changing out a computer module and crawl control by changing out the center console switches and doing a yaw sensor zero-point calibration (pretty easy). Options are different too; for example you can only get the forward and side cameras as an option on the Premium (although not easy to find as an option), which also comes in a package with the dynamic radar cruise control.
You can mount 35s on a GX with a 2-2.5" suspension lift including new UCAs, the right offset of wheels, a body mount chop, removal of the fender liners, some hammering down of the pinch welds, and an aftermarket front bumper that allows for some extra positive caster. There are a few examples of this type of setup floating around GXOR. I haven't seen anyone do a body lift on a 460 yet, although I am sure it would be possible if you wanted to do it. The main issue with a body lift is getting aftermarket bumpers and body trim to line up correctly.
Skid plates are available but not yet fully customized for the GX 460, so it requires some research and modifications to get working right. The 5th Gen 4Runner front (KDSS-compatible) and gas tank skids are usually fully swappable with the GX 460, but the others you will have to check on. For example, I have a full RCI setup on mine that has stock 5th Gen T4R front (KDSS compatible), mid and gas tank skids, 4th Gen V-8 T4R transmission and transfer case skids, and a 5th Gen T4R transfer case cross brace that had to be modified a little to clear the transfer case. I also have a BudBuilt rear differential skid that works with KDSS and went on easily without modification. But I am sure that based on demand a number of companies such as RCI, Hefty Fab and BudBuilt will be coming out with full 460 skid options soon.
If you have additional questions, feel free to PM me or join and post questions on GXOR. The people there are extremely friendly and a wealth of knowledge, as long as you first do a search before posting a question. There is also a knowledge base created at
start [GX Offroad] that may be a good first stop for you.
Good luck - I look forward to seeing your build!
