Lexus LX570 as an Overlanding vehicle? (1 Viewer)

[TexasSid]

I am looking at a ~$40K Lexus LX570 but, there is another for sale at $30K that looks reasonable as well. Both are totally stock. I should note that I owned a 2007 Toyota Tundra with the I-Force 5.7L V-8 so, I have a healthy respect for the general platform. IFS suspension was an issue for me in my 2WD pickup and I ran a leveling lift using Bilstein shocks for ~150K miles on the stock suspension and used that pickup to tow loads as heavy as 14,000#.

How is the aftermarket support for things like rock rails and bumper-mounted winches today? I am assuming roof racks and interior things like drawer systems are identical to the Land Cruisers and pretty available from multiple vendors (non-custom).

Is aftermarket overlanding support from 'quality vendors' pretty good?

What sort of cost range am I looking at for a mild 'lift' and putting lockers on the driveline? Specifically, the front axle and transfer case as the rear locker seems pretty common.

What are the major issues with using a Lexus LX570 as an overlanding base vehicle? MTN West in Fort Collins, CO always has a big Lexus display so, that is the main reason I am looking at them. However, this isn't a "badge engineering" exercise like the LX450.

General thoughts? Things I may be overlooking?

Initially, I will be towing a Taxa Tiger Moth (1,200~1,500#) but, I will also "car camp/glamp" and pull a heavier trailer (~5,000#) occasionally. I will be traveling mainly out West (AZ, UT) and farther North (MT, ND, SD, MN) but, trips into Canada or Alaska are certainly likely along with infrequent travels to the Northern Atlantic coastal areas (Maine and Vermont) and some Southern travels (Alabama, Florida, Big Bend).

Thanks!

 

[kcjaz]

Lots of 570s used and moded for overlanding. As @tbisaacs says “It’s basically a Land Cruiser”

 

[TeCKis300]

Land Cruisers in all forms are generally recognized as the king of overlanding. I'm assuming you're asking for considerations of the LX570 variant in particular and its suitability? From my experience - it delivers everything you could ask for and then some.

Couple things - the stock full time 4WD system already has a center locker for 4x4 action. A front locker is not really necessary as the stock A-TRAC brake based system has strong ability transfer torque to the tire with bite. Especially when setup with an aftermarket rear locker. Lockers are readily available for front and rear.

There is no cost to do a mild lift. 1.25" sensor lift with 10 minutes with a 10mm wrench. And/or get another .75" with techstream. Then AHC will give you another 2.5-3" on demand for about 5" total lift. The opportunity however is not to look at this as a traditional suspension and take advantage of its onroad stability and better efficiency, while getting huge lift when needed. Another benefit is that it doesn't sag and lose clearance when loaded up for trips, maximizing clearance in overlanding mode. I would highly recommend to use larger tires for real lift, that raises the rear axle/pumpkin. Also look into extended travel mods. Link in sig.

 

[doru]

Central locker comes from factory. Rear lockers aftermarket. Front locker not as common.

 

[tbisaacs]

Do it OP

 

[TeCKis300]

Initially, I will be towing a Taxa Tiger Moth (1,200~1,500#) but, I will also "car camp/glamp" and pull a heavier trailer (~5,000#) occasionally. I will be traveling mainly out West (AZ, UT) and farther North (MT, ND, SD, MN) but, trips into Canada or Alaska are certainly likely along with infrequent travels to the Northern Atlantic coastal areas (Maine and Vermont) and some Southern travels (Alabama, Florida, Big Bend).

Towing is probably the best part of the Lexus version, because of AHC suspension. Just got home today. 8k trailer, 1200lb tongue, over big grades, on 35s. Hitches easy with height adjustment, no sag, and dials in spring rates and damping just right for the job.

 

[relaxing]

Everything said so far is true and correct, but in the interest of painting a complete picture- The LX is a wider, heavier, and thirstier platform than the GXOR rigs, even moreso with steel bumpers and armor. However if you need the capacity, nothing compares. And the LX fits bigger tires more easily than the LC.

Yes there are bumpers with winches from ARB and Dissent, rock sliders from Slee and Victory and plenty others. Support is good.

 

[TeCKis300]

Everything said so far is true and correct, but in the interest of painting a complete picture- The LX is a wider, heavier, and thirstier platform than the GXOR rigs, even moreso with steel bumpers and armor. However if you need the capacity, nothing compares. And the LX fits bigger tires more easily than the LC.

Yes there are bumpers with winches from ARB and Dissent, rock sliders from Slee and Victory and plenty others. Support is good.

I have a soft spot for GXs. The platform is the future Land Cruiser in the states after all.

Took this picture of my buddy's rig as we're leaving today, towing a ~3500lb trailer. Enjoyed building it with him and stuffing 34s on her was easy as pie. Same formula as my LX with BMC, wheel spacer, mild lift, alignment and enjoy.

 

[ColoradoNick]

I think what is worth noting per your questions is that the AHC is the biggest difference when compared to a Landcruiser. So the if you're looking for aftermarket suspension... what everyone is saying above, it's probably not necessary, as the AHC can add some clearance with the push of a toggle. But if you're set on traditional suspension it will cost you more than doing in a Landcruiser as it has the AHC as suspension. Note Slee can do the swap for you from AHC to OME B51 or something of the sort.. expect a $5k bill.

That said, I prefer it to the LC, have an LX570 And LX470. The LC is great and the front end looks better in my opinion but I prefer my interior and the AHC.

 

[TeCKis300]

^Agreed.

For overlanding, beyond suspension capacity and clearance, I find the ability to lower really useful when in camp. Once going to larger diameter tires and more lift, the ergonomics for accessibility and reach can be a pain for every interaction with the car. Sometime depending on grades, the tailgate can be at chest height when in AHC high. Jumping to reach the hatch can be a challenge and where having a powered hatch can be useful.

AHC allows me to dump the car on the tires. Here's what it looks like dumped on 35s.

 

[ColoradoNick]

^Agreed.

For overlanding, beyond suspension capacity and clearance, I find the ability to lower really useful when in camp. Once going to larger diameter tires and more lift, the ergonomics for accessibility and reach can be a pain for every interaction with the car. Sometime depending on grades, the tailgate can be at chest height when in AHC high. Jumping to reach the hatch can be a challenge and where having a powered hatch can be useful.

AHC allows me to dump the car on the tires. Here's what it looks like dumped on 35s.

View attachment 3426703

Yeah that’s a good call out. Loading stuff on the roof rack I always put AHC in low.

 

[TexasSid]

Simply awesome being able to drop it on the tires at camp or getting some lift when needed to clear rough road obstacles.

 

[TexasSid]

Are 35" tires the largest you can go without cutting wheel wells or doing a suspension lift?

I have used an air bag suspension in the past on a Toyota Tundra and it worked really well for me.

 

[tbisaacs]

Doing a suspension lift wont help you clear larger tires. You still have to deal with the space in the wheel wells, body mounts, etc. But yes, 35 is biggest you can go before some big-boy mods like body lift, fender trimming/rolling, tundra swap etc.

 

[Bucky45]

Greetings, I wanted to say this is a great thread and very helpful. I was on the fence between LX 570 2012-2015 or a GX 460 of similar year. I own horses and would like something in a pinch to take the for camping/trail riding with the family “hour or two away”. I’m familiar with the outstanding performance of Toyota/Land Cruisers since my time in Afghanistan. Price wise and size I believe the LX 570 is a better fit. I look forward to asking about mods in the future.

God Bless

 

[Air Down Gear Up]

I love mine! AHC is the biggest asset of the LX. Allows for a lift when needed, low height when preferred and when in Sport + mode there is virtually no body roll or brake dive on the highway. Recreating primarily in Colorado, that's a huge benefit since it's often hours of highway with occasional twisty mountain passes followed up by whatever off-roading you get into. The ability to be excellent in both spirited highway driving and difficult 4x4 trails has the LX in a class of it's own.

The highway manners of the LX are phenomenal, it really does soak up hours of driving without fatiguing you. As others have said, through a Dissent bumper, slee sliders, larger tires and an Air Down Gear Up system in the back and it's hard to beat!

 

[Bucky45]

Thanks Air Down, what year is your LX 570? I’m looking forward to having a lot more time with the family and traveling. I currently have a 2019 RAV4 with the packages ect but want a more capable vehicle. Like I mentioned I was in Afghanistan and did A LOT OF DRIVING AROUND THE RING ROAD! Which is where I fell in love with driving around. Here are some poor photos of my travel, I can post better later when I get to my laptop.

God Bless

 

[Bucky45]

Also TeCKis300 what year is your LX 570?

Thanks Again

 

[TeCKis300]

Also TeCKis300 what year is your LX 570?

Thanks Again

She's an '09. Still drives like butter.

 

[tincan45]

If you read the Lexus manual it clearly states the LX570 should never be driven off-road (Pg. 420). It's listed with several other cautionary items:

• The LX570 is designed for elderly drivers "only", specifically 50+ mothers and grandmothers
• AHC is purely an ADA addition to assist older drivers exit the vehicle
• Removal of stock 20 inch wheels will void all warranties and TPS systems will malfunction
• LX should always be driven on well maintained suburban roads (i.e. No dirt, gravel or Mud!)

It's pretty clear why the LX570 is so much cheaper than the LC. It simply isn't designed to do the things a land cruiser can do.