HGB’s LX570 Build Thread (Middle East Style) (5 Viewers)

[HGB]

Hello all; bought my lx a couple weeks ago and have started some mild modifications. I don’t off-road much but the vehicle will see some light usage on ski trips / en route to horse stables or trapshooting but that’s about all.

Vehicle specs: 1 owner, Black on cashmere with 150K Miles. This car had been serviced by the PO at Lexus of Houston from 5000 Miles to 145,000 without missing a single service. The owner hit 150k then traded it in on a new Audi. The vehicle feels and drives like a new one! Part of me hesitated due to mileage but after seeing service records I strongly felt an exceptionally well maintained higher mileage example would be more reliable than a lower mileage plus well-maintained example. As such I proceeded to pull the trigger and brought home my new to me LX.

Is a part of the deal I negotiated four new shocks and struts to be installed before they shipped the car to me. This took the Audi technician several days and added to the already long feeling weight.

One of my friends has a similar LX and served as my build inspiration. I’ll share a photo of his vehicle and mine. Do leave your thoughts as to why his May look different even though we have the same wheels and tires, I would like to get my truck closer to his stance.

Above: the night I took delivery of my new truck. All stock with Bridgestone Dunkers.

 

[HGB]

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”


THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”
265/65/17 on car (looked too small, even though my friend says his tires are this size and I love the look on his)

So I sized up to 265/70/17. I get a lot of rub in front of the fender liner portion but we used a heat gun and pushed it back, making it much better.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”

Here is a stitch of my friends rig and mine. Apparently my tires are just a tad taller than his, but I’m not sure why his looks so much better than mine? Same wheels etc. no suspension work or spacers on each car.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”

 

[Mixelplix]

It's the curse of the black LX's. I have one too, and I feel like two things are at play: one; the wheel wells and paint are the same color, which doesn't allow you to easily differentiate between tire, wheel well, and wheel arch. two; the black paint looks classy, like a tuxedo. It's hard to wear a tuxedo with mountain climbing boots, and pull the look off.

There's is a slight lift you can perform on the LX with a 10mm wrench. Search this forum for 'lx570 lift it'.

Out of curiosity, I'm also wondering why you negotiated shocks and struts? The LX has neither - the 'shocks' are arguably hydraulic rams, which are either leaking, or working fine. There's really no in between.

 

[HGB]

It's the curse of the black LX's. I have one too, and I feel like two things are at play: one; the wheel wells and paint are the same color, which doesn't allow you to easily differentiate between tire, wheel well, and wheel arch. two; the black paint looks classy, like a tuxedo. It's hard to wear a tuxedo with mountain climbing boots, and pull the look off.

There's is a slight lift you can perform on the LX with a 10mm wrench. Search this forum for 'lx570 lift it'.

Out of curiosity, I'm also wondering why you negotiated shocks and struts? The LX has neither - the 'shocks' are arguably hydraulic rams, which are either leaking, or working fine. There's really no in between.

I negotiated them into the deal because my PPI found that all four (rams/shock absorbers/LA Dodgers or whatever we may call them) were indeed leaking. Rather than have to pay for the parts and labor after bringing it home, I had the selling dealership take care of it.

Interesting comment regarding the black paint, maybe you’re right. You think a small lift will make a difference? Just a lift in the front would be your recommendation? Thank you!

 

[mcgaskins]

265/65/17 on car (looked too small, even though my friend says his tires are this size and I love the look on his)

So I sized up to 265/70/17. I get a lot of rub in front of the fender liner portion but we used a heat gun and pushed it back, making it much better.

So you said it's no longer a soccer mom mobile, but when you changed out the tires you went SMALLER than stock?!

Stock size measures 31.3" x 11.7", and you put on a much smaller wheel with tires that measure 30.7" x 10.5" so it's no wonder they looked small. The new size you added is 31.7" x 10.6", so I think any rubbing you're getting is solely because of the wheel choice. I added 275/65/20 KO2s to my LX which measure 34" x 11" (everything listed is MFG specs) on stock wheels, and I don't get rubbing at all except in the most extreme tight turns in reverse only. I also agree with the black on black comment - it makes it much harder to distinguish the changes in size.

 

[HGB]

So you said it's no longer a soccer mom mobile, but when you changed out the tires you went SMALLER than stock?!

Stock size measures 31.3" x 11.7", and you put on a much smaller wheel with tires that measure 30.7" x 10.5" so it's no wonder they looked small. The new size you added is 31.7" x 10.6", so I think any rubbing you're getting is solely because of the wheel choice. I added 275/65/20 KO2s to my LX which measure 34" x 11" (everything listed is MFG specs) on stock wheels, and I don't get rubbing at all except in the most extreme tight turns in reverse only. I also agree with the black on black comment - it makes it much harder to distinguish the changes in size.

It is my opinion that I no longer have the city slick look. I wanted a similar circumference wheel and tire package when compared to stock for many reasons. I achieved that. I also never asked why my wheels look small in comparison to stock, but in comparison to my friends car who has the same setup but actually even smaller tires.

I’m thrilled your 34’s work well for your application, and hope they give you many more miles of enjoyment

 

[mcgaskins]

It is my opinion that I no longer have the city slick look. I wanted a similar circumference wheel and tire package when compared to stock for many reasons. I achieved that. I also never asked why my wheels look small in comparison to stock, but in comparison to my friends car who has the same setup but actually even smaller tires.

I’m thrilled your 34’s work well for your application, and hope they give you many more miles of enjoyment

I merely mentioned my 34" tires not rubbing in the context of your stock size tires rubbing. That doesn't seem like it should be happening unless the offset is very aggressive. It sounds like you're going to be able to remedy with a heat gun though, and I'd suggest removing the bolt on mud flaps on the front wheel wells which only takes a minute and should help take care of it.

 

[gaijin]

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”


THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”
265/65/17 on car (looked too small, even though my friend says his tires are this size and I love the look on his)

So I sized up to 265/70/17. I get a lot of rub in front of the fender liner portion but we used a heat gun and pushed it back, making it much better.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”

Here is a stitch of my friends rig and mine. Apparently my tires are just a tad taller than his, but I’m not sure why his looks so much better than mine? Same wheels etc. no suspension work or spacers on each car.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”

Those Method wheels sure look like 18" wheels and NOT 17" wheels.

With that in mind, are you absolutely sure you have stated your tire sizes correctly?

TIA

 

[gaijin]

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”


THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”
265/65/17 on car (looked too small, even though my friend says his tires are this size and I love the look on his)

So I sized up to 265/70/17. I get a lot of rub in front of the fender liner portion but we used a heat gun and pushed it back, making it much better.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series”

Here is a stitch of my friends rig and mine. Apparently my tires are just a tad taller than his, but I’m not sure why his looks so much better than mine? Same wheels etc. no suspension work or spacers on each car.

THE SULTAN GROUP on Instagram: “#lx570 #lc200 #200series #methodracewheels”

If those are indeed 17" Method wheels, then their offset of 0 (ZERO) would certainly account for your rubbing

Link to Method Wheel specs for reference: 305 | NV | Matte Black

 

[HGB]

I merely mentioned my 34" tires not rubbing in the context of your stock size tires rubbing. That doesn't seem like it should be happening unless the offset is very aggressive. It sounds like you're going to be able to remedy with a heat gun though, and I'd suggest removing the bolt on mud flaps on the front wheel wells which only takes a minute and should help take care of it.

Yes you’re right! The first thing I did was remove those bolts, my tire was catching on the bolt and moving the whole bumper. Did some work with a heat gun and got 90% or rubbing to desist. I’m considering going back to the 265/65 and have no rub at all and not feel the loss of power that I’m feeling with the 265/70s. Still debating that, it might look too small. Sacrifice between form and function! Why do you think it is that black does this? Maybe I need to think about a vinyl wrap.

If those are indeed 17" Method wheels, then their offset of 0 (ZERO) would certainly account for your rubbing

Link to Method Wheel specs for reference: 305 | NV | Matte Black

Yes they’re 17s on both mine and my friends vehicle. Glad you think they look like 18s, was worried they might look way too small They do have a 0 offset which is quite aggressive so you are right that’s definitely the culprit. I LOVE the stance and really dislike running spacers so I’m very pleased with the wheel fitment.

 

[HGB]

 

[OrangeTJ]

Looks good! I agree that the wheel & tire set up gives it a more dirty look. When I switched from stock tires to 275/70-18 KO2s on my 16 LC, I thought it went from looking more like a big Highlander to a proper Cruiser. Can't wait to get a little lift on it to go further down that path! I can't say that it "needs" it, though, as this thing will tackle some pretty gnarly terrain just as it sits right now, and I'd imagine yours would do the same.

 

[HGB]

Looks good! I agree that the wheel & tire set up gives it a more dirty look. When I switched from stock tires to 275/70-18 KO2s on my 16 LC, I thought it went from looking more like a big Highlander to a proper Cruiser. Can't wait to get a little lift on it to go further down that path! I can't say that it "needs" it, though, as this thing will tackle some pretty gnarly terrain just as it sits right now, and I'd imagine yours would do the same.

Thanks Orange! I appreciate that. I think you’re 100% right. I don’t really need much more than to be able to hit the dunes/some off road driving to get to horse stables or a ski trip, but the added confidence given to me with the additional sidewall and a 10 ply tire is awesome to have.

I ended up going back to the 265/65/17 (smaller size than stock, yes) and I’m glad I did. No rubbing at all; power and acceleration is improved, and gas mileage has returned from 14 highway to about 16 hwy.

Here’s a few photos of the latest stance:

 

[Whiskerz]

Middle east style should include video of the owner drifting and on 2 wheels.

 

[HGB]

Middle east style should include video of the owner drifting and on 2 wheels.

Usually use 2 door patrols or an fj cruiser for this, easier to balance those cars!

 

[HGB]

I thought I would update the thread as I changed the direction of the build. I ended up doing a 2013+ conversion and Supercharger edition facelift (cosmetic only so far) which consists of the supercharger tail lights, 2013+ bumpers, headlights, grille, as well as the supercharger lip kit in front, fog light housings, mesh bumper insert and rear diffuser.

I also got the 2014 Supercharger wheels which come finished in gloss black. This special edition was only available in a limited production run for the Middle East (GCC) market.

I think it updated the look, and while it’s not an off-road aesthetic which certainly is the norm on MUD, I love it.

 

[HGB]

More photos

 

[Whiskerz]

I like the front lip. factory part?

 

[HGB]

Thanks Whiskerz! Yes it is factory, but they make a replica one that is much cheaper and is nearly the same quality. It's part of the 'sport' and 'supercharger' trim overseas.