Input on Paths: to mod or not the LX

[okcfunky]

Hello!

Im far from being a LC guru, but at a crossroads and trying to pull myself out of the rut [it is hard to find LX570 info] . I got 115K on my 2015 and the AHC is unmolested since previous owner had it serviced @55Kish. My prior squeak got fixed (front hood got twerked) I do have KO2s on stock 20s.

My thoughts are as follow:
1) 18s or 17s? Looking at swapping to Duratracs.
2) New headlight lenses - vulture strikes on interstate will do some damage.
3) AHC overhaul (had a few 40+ CMU loads over washboard and probably due anyways, system IS whining).
4) Wheel bearings, grease all, upgrade rotors and pads and upgrade bushings/rods if possible?
5) Animal/object friendly bumper.
6) Get new seat leathers + ipad dash etc, these are trashed, no one makes seat covers and it's frustrating.

Alternatively) Roll into a new stripper GX and proceed to uh, aggressively use it? Inside that thought.. how much is the GX a durability "downgrade?" I've been pleased as punch that the 200 series just keeps on ticking where I'd already have to do some major work on competitor SUVs. Only ding was the front serpentine belt... I hated swapping pulleys on the LX, so much stuff to remove.

Am I on the right hunt for thinking? I've combed through the forums, but don't know many cruiser heads in person to bounce ideas off of like unlike GM stuff.

 

[tbisaacs]

The LX can handle it, would not flinch to aggressively use it.

 

[CharlieS]

Are you struggling with width or wheelbase? That’s about the only reason I see to go to the 120 series. If I was going there, and I was going to build it for trails, I might get a 4Runner since there is so much more aftermarket support than for the GX. Then again, I might even buy a FJ Cruiser and build it if I was going in that direction. Offsetting the downright horrible visibility, they seem to be beasts on the trails.

 

[okcfunky]

Not so much off-road limitation, the LX has been great. It's more of LX @ 200K miles vs GX at 100K mi. Im thinking the LX might be the better, so my predicament shades where I can get R&R (or upgrade) parts for LX in present state. I can trust Tbi and Charlie's judgment.

 

[CharlieS]

I don’t know the GX well, but 200k on a 200/201 is just broken in, and has a ton of life left in it. That LX will take you anywhere and bring you back safely.

 

[JadeMonkey]

I stick with the LX unless you're looking for something (a bit) smaller. The LX570 is a great platform with more support and aftermarket options coming every day and it has a lot of life left in it at 200k.

 

[40Man]

I generally recommend avoiding a heavy front bumper if you aren't offroading. If you do offroad, they can be great. I've had them and there are pros and cons. Currently have one on my FJ62 with a winch, and am glad I have it, but have avoided getting one on my 200 to date. When it becomes a offroad/local rig only, that will likely change.

Yes, it can help with animal strikes, but the weight, change in aerodynamics, loss in gas mileage, etc. The Dissent may be a good option as you can get a stinger or full cow catcher and it is lighter weight.

 

[CharlieS]

The LX definitely gets a penalty in the approach angle category, and both the LC and LX aren’t awesome in that regard, but the LC is definitely better. I didn’t notice it much until I started doing more technical trails - on one recent obstacle a ‘13 LC at full AHC lift and my ‘16 LC with 2.5” and 33s, same line, he hit scraped and I cleared without drama. Pretty sure the newer LX is even more approach angle challenged. No big deal if you aren’t dealing with that kind of terrain though. All depends upon how you want to use it.

 

[okcfunky]

It doesn't see conventional offroad all that much; just gravel/awful roads an mudding type stuff. Think scrub brush ranch.

Appreciate all the input! I think it'll be better for me to jus use up the SUV an modify/R&R to get my enjoyment. Got dealer setup for tomorrow. Now for high offset 17s

 

[TeCKis300]

The LX is capable of mild to wild so don't let any notions of it being a Lexus stop you from that. I'd wager at further extremes, is where some not so insignificant advantages really come into play. It can be a beast on 35+ tires, yet roll down the highway in all the comfort of stock. Able to achieve huge lifts, without the compromise of on road stability, CV angles, nusance of entering or loading a lifted car, or jumping for the liftgate way up in the air when off-road.

With the huge 6" lifts achievable when combined with larger tires (2" tires, 2.5" lift on demand, 1.5" sensor), approach, break over, departure, and clearance are just not an issue with even stock bodylines.

None of this is particularly extreme or expensive to do. In reality pretty cheap if not distracted by all the shiney, but heavy and expensive expo gear. With arguably broader and more capability all around.

 

[CharlieS]

The LX is capable of mild to wild so don't let any notions of it being a Lexus stop you from that. I'd wager at further extremes, is where some not so insignificant advantages really come into play. It can be a beast on 35+ tires, yet roll down the highway in all the comfort of stock. Able to achieve huge lifts, without the compromise of on road stability, CV angles, nusance of entering or loading a lifted car, or jumping for the liftgate way up in the air when off-road.

With the huge 6" lifts achievable when combined with larger tires (2" tires, 2.5" lift on demand, 1.5" sensor), approach, break over, departure, and clearance are just not an issue with even stock bodylines.

None of this is particularly extreme or expensive to do. In reality pretty cheap if not distracted by all the shiney, but heavy and expensive expo gear. With arguably broader and more capability all around.

Great choice, OP.

Front approach angle on the stock lx is the only downside I've observed. Well, that and unreliable AHC... Just poking fun at you @TeCKis300. I've actually come to appreciate and respect the Lexus this year from doing trails with a LX guy.

 

[TeCKis300]

Great choice, OP.

Front approach angle on the stock lx is the only downside I've observed. Well, that and unreliable AHC... Just poking fun at you @TeCKis300. I've actually come to appreciate and respect the Lexus this year from doing trails with a LX guy.

Not to take away from your point as the LC does have an advantage with tidier body lines. The bumpers do extend further out and is something that stockish LX owners looking for some fun should be aware of.

Just saying it's a factor that can be easily worked around as big tires help increase height clearance, but also bring the tires footprint closure to the bumpers, reducing overhang. With as easy as it is to stuff big meats on the LX, with no need and costs for suspension upgrades, big tires should be something that LX owners should focus on.

 

[Madtiger]

Great choice, OP.

Front approach angle on the stock lx is the only downside I've observed. Well, that and unreliable AHC... Just poking fun at you @TeCKis300. I've actually come to appreciate and respect the Lexus this year from doing trails with a LX guy.

No need to mention TeCK anymore…he left forum i think…and his past posts all got deleted/hidden.

 

[CharlieS]

No need to mention TeCK anymore…he left forum i think…and his past posts all got deleted/hidden.

Umm, he just posted and replied to me... Sure you don't have him blocked.

 

[ATwoZ]

I'd start with what you want to do with the vehicle and think about if what you want to do is functional and/or aesthetic. I've tended to error much more towards the functional, to the extent there are [a lot] of pinstripes that need some addressing.

For me on the functional side I haven't had a need for a front bumper, the 1st gen vintage has had good enough approach angles, and I don't run into many wildlife so front bumper is far from a priority...rear departure angle is a different story and seriously scoping out options.

I've been good with 33s on 18s, but when they wear out I may follow @tbisaacs and check out some of that 295 goodness. Anecdotally while I haven't tried many tires, I do have the duratracs and they are very solid in the snow.

Right now I'm working on OBA which frees up space in the rear area for more camping goodies etc.

 

[joyRidaz]

@okcfunky i too am baffled and frustrated by the lack of aftermarket leather seat cover options. Apparently there’s tan perforated options but no other colors. My lx is approaching 200k miles and it drives great, and is quite comfortable/quiet. Don’t know if I can ever consider a different suv, totally spoiled.

 

[stonepa]

@okcfunky i too am baffled and frustrated by the lack of aftermarket leather seat cover options. Apparently there’s tan perforated options but no other colors. My lx is approaching 200k miles and it drives great, and is quite comfortable/quiet. Don’t know if I can ever consider a different suv, totally spoiled.

Why not just take the seats to an automotive or marine upholstery shop and have them redo the seats? Or find some replacement seats on CoPart?

 

[joyRidaz]

Why not just take the seats to an automotive or marine upholstery shop and have them redo the seats? Or find some replacement seats on CoPart?

Ya I’ll probably have to do that, been scanning local scrapyards but lx570’s don’t seem to pop up. Ordering via copart is a good idea, didnt realize they part cars out, always assumed it was only full busted cars. Thanks for the tip!

for now I’ll have to stick with the towel of shame…