GX460 Which Version to Build (1 Viewer)

[itsthelaw]

I did a mild build on my son's GX470 a while back and sold it. He just got himself a GX460, and I now have severe GX envy. Selling my 2016 Expedition and starting a 460 build.

I know this might ignite some controversy, but I would like to know the +/- of certain years and trim levels. Does KDSS come in all versions now? Are there any tech items that make modifications harder? Are the sunroofs an issue on builds? I'm open to all years and models and not going to do anything without as much planning as possible. My long-term intent is for this to be my daily use vehicle including some long highway trips and to do some mild to medium off-roading and camping (roof top or small trailer). I live in western NC and travel to SC beaches often.

Thanks in advance!

 

[vortrekker]

I would like to know this as well. I am debating 2010-2013 or 2014 +... Sold both my 40s and both my 100s. I really like the bumper options for the 2010-13.

 

[Skorcher]

I'm coming fresh off a GX 470 to a 460 myself so I was researching the same things. Here is what I've learned so far: As far as I know, KDSS is still optional, though most models have them. All GX460s come with KDSS. Airbags on the rear suspension are also optional - I was lucky that mine did not come with them which made the lift slightly simpler. Sunroofs are not an issue, at least with most roof racks - but do your own checking on which roof rack you prefer. Victory4x4 rack is what I went with and the sunroof use was unaffected. The crawl control/MTS is a very simple mod with huge offroad benefits but as far as I have learned, only works with 2019 and older vehicles. I'm sure those who have been here far longer than I can offer more insight. The 460 is an excellent platform and I have no regrets upgrading from a 470. Good luck!

 

[itsthelaw]

Thanks for that Skorcher. Exactly why we are all here!

 

[Ramzizaz]

From the research I have done the car is basically unchanged for it's life other than the safety additions (blind spot in 14+) and adaptive cruise is much easier to find in the newer ones. Other than that, that is your price target and what face do you like more. As far as the trims, since I knew I was going to be modding it anyway, I chose the base. I also liked that my 2010 GX460 base already comes with power third row (can be tapped for some power back there for accessories), normal suspension and no door moldings!!!! It seems that most companies have things for both pre and post facelift now. I actually like the look and headlights of the post facelift more but pre face lift are cheaper and I can use that money for a Prado front end conversion. Good luck in your search, prices are crazy now

 

[Tastethesoup]

I would like to know this as well. I am debating 2010-2013 or 2014 +... Sold both my 40s and both my 100s. I really like the bumper options for the 2010-13.

Unless you’re time constrained, I wouldn’t factor bumper options in your decision. There will continue to be other makers entering this space. I’ve exchanged emails with both Delta and Dissent who both have plans for bumpers, with no timeline.

 

[Acrad]

FYI: KDSS is "standard" on all 460s since 2010 introduction model year.

FAQ: GX 460 Model Year Changes - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - FAQ: GX 460 Model Year Changes - Last update: 5.22.2022 **If you see any errors or omissions please PM me or reply to thread. I will do my best to correct Here is list of known published and discovered model year changes for US Models. Let me know the ones I’ve missed...

www.clublexus.com

 

[itsthelaw]

That is a ton of great info, Adrad, so thanks for the link to it.

I know the KDSS is a whole other conversation, but...

Do people delete the KDSS when they go big with the lift? If I'm thinking a lift of <3", how is the KDSS configured with the lift? When I had the 470 it did not have the KDSS. It seems like the KDSS would fight a suspension that was done well...maybe?

 

[itsthelaw]

Found this and a few other posts so I think I have my answer.

general:kdss [GX Offroad]

lexusgxor.com

 

[1ounce]

That is a ton of great info, Adrad, so thanks for the link to it.

I know the KDSS is a whole other conversation, but...

Do people delete the KDSS when they go big with the lift? If I'm thinking a lift of <3", how is the KDSS configured with the lift? When I had the 470 it did not have the KDSS. It seems like the KDSS would fight a suspension that was done well...maybe?

I have a 3" Dobinsons lift and KDSS works just fine. Some people get "KDSS lean" whereas others do not. If you do, there are a variety of ways to correct for it. Theres really no way to tell if it will be an issue or not, prior to finding out.

KDSS is AWESOME technology. The GX corners great for its size and weight, but the suspension still retains great articulation due to it.

The only thing that bugs me is I will not own anything that doesnt have CarPlay, and that is kind of a PITA on anything lexus (for the most part). GROM Vline 2 is the only game in town if you dont want to mess with sketchy Alibaba stuff from China. I have a Grom on order.

I wish I got one with the radar cruise (some crazy SOB was able to add it to a non radar model, but it cost him thousands) but they are pretty rare and being first gen tech, it doesnt work all that well.

Dont buy this if you want good gas mileage. Despite calling for premium you can run 87 octane. They put these same motors in Tundras (perhaps with a different tune) and run them on 87. I only put in 91 octane if I'm going to be driving at high elevation/climbing hills.

 

[Washingtontaco]

Buy what you can afford with as low as miles as possible. The 2014+ rear bumper cover is for sure wider than the 2010-13 and the Dobinson rear bumper looks like crap on the 2014+

4 Front bumpers are currently available for the 2014+. The 2010-13 has at least one more option for the front. I believe 3-4 rear bumpers are available for the rear.

As for suspension the only track bar specifically designed for KDSS is the Sonoran Steel. Originally designed for the 4Runner with KDSS, I was the first to install this on a GX460.

Sonoran Steel Fabrication LLC

Sonoran Steel Fabrication LLC

www.sonoransteel.com

Once you install larger tires, 33" tall or better you will rarely get into 5-6 gears on the freeway. Stock gears are 3.90 and are tall for a 30.5" factory size tire. This will cause higher fuel consumption as you won't reach overdrive often. Flat and no wind helps a bunch. The more mods (weight) and (drag) the more this becomes evident.

Absolutely add some sort of transmission temp monitor. You will quickly realize Toyota failed to add a transmission cooler to USA market GXs and is a highly recommended mod.

With this being stated they drive oh so nice on and offroad!

 

[JayPixelGX]

Agree with what's been said cheapest with low miles regardless of year makes a nice target

Most essential mods can be done on all years (MTS CC, sliders, plates, bumpers) except for 20+ which if you have the cash get a 21+ with off road package its well kitted out and has auto cruise BSM and rear traffic alert CC and off road front camera.

Per reports the 2014+ have "fixed" the secondary air intake issue but not enough time has passed to be sure this is accurate.

Personally I came from a 5th gen T4R and really wanted the auto cruise front camera and rear cross traffic which when I purchased in 2019 was not an option in the 4runner, I like having extra things beeping at me I guess, safety first. Other nice feature of looking just at version with the auto cruise and front camera, is they have crawl control by default as well as adaptive ride height (which once you lift will be deleted...)

Good luck

 

[Acrad]

Not as common but there is this SAIP issue that can occur on 14-16 models


L-SB-0038-16.pdf

 

[PirateMcgee]

Get a 14+ luxury with the driver's support package.

 

[Acrad]

I wish I got one with the radar cruise (some crazy SOB was able to add it to a non radar model, but it cost him thousands) but they are pretty rare and being first gen tech, it doesnt work all that well.

I wouldn't mind having if it was stock on my 460 but not going to pursue any retrofits. Same system 10-19 and from what I can tell is basically very similar as one in my '07 Infiniti G35x sedan. I don't use it much there... it is much too polite for vehicle gaps. In markets outside of North America the models with radar cruise & equipment seem to be more of the norm than the exception. Things like LDA and the Driver Attention monitor are also absent in most markets outside of North America. I do find it kind of funny that the the Driver Attention monitor function is a key component of Cadillac Super Cruise. Driver Attention Monitor was dropped after '19. Don't get me wrong.. I hear Cadillac Super Cruiser works better than Tesla Autopilot... just amusing this was decade old tech and then dropped recently.

 

[vortrekker]

Really great insights!