Lexus LX570 as an Overlanding vehicle?

[tacoduck]

Looks like I missed out on a lot of fun in this thread. But I'll throw a wet pinecone on the AHC fire...

I have been somewhat anti-AHC since I bought my LX in summer '21. The ride quality is absurdly good, handling is quite good in "sport" as well, But the whole thing seemed gimmicky and dumb to me. Example: ride quality stiffens up too much when you put in in "high," so when offroading, I have tried to leave in in "normal" for most of the trail and only raise it into "high" when I come to an obstacle that needs the clearance. As a result, I found myself often thinking "I bet I can clear that rock in normal," and then whacking into the rock like a goon. Up, down, up, down, up, down along the trail just felt annoying and finnicky. I have also driven several stock LC200s and I just find them more pleasurable to drive in that I can actually feel what's going on underneath me. AHC makes me feel disconnected from the road (which is probably part of why it smoothly glides over stuff like scree fields in "normal" or "comfort").

Then I got 17" wheels and softer tires (119D 35x12.5x17 vs 128E 285/75r18--both 35" diameter). Aired down to 15 psi, this allowed me to leave the truck in "high" comfortably and ignore the AHC switches. I ran hells revenge (coming down the old, harder, rockier way) and did some harder optional lines around moab this fall and I was quite content leaving the AHC in high and just going for it. Then I drove home 85mph through the mountains in "sport" mode and got home quicker than I ever have in 25+ years of going to Moab.

So now I get it. I have always thought AHC is cool and technically a very clever system, it just wasn't for me. Now I'm content to stick with AHC until it stops working, which may never happen.

Clearly, AHC has been a nightmare for you and you highly regret your purchase. My condolences.

 

[Expoguy]

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!

Just found this thread and can't say enough about my LX. It's by far my favorite vehicle and use it for overlanding. I also raced off-road and drive my LX harder than most and very surprised at how well it handles. I have done quite a bit to it but am still tweaking things a bit.

 

[TeCKis300]

Just found this thread and can't say enough about my LX. It's by far my favorite vehicle and use it for overlanding. I also raced off-road and drive my LX harder than most and very surprised at how well it handles. I have done quite a bit to it but am still tweaking things a bit.

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Nice chuck box!

 

[TexasSid]

Wow! Really nice ride!

 

[Expoguy]

Nice chuck box!

Thank you ! I was going to mention or tag you in my post but wasn't sure how as I am not well versed on that stuff. I finished my front bumper install a few months ago, added pre load and getting ready to do UCA's and new axles. I will be increasing AHC ride height a bit with a small sensor mod and will see how that goes.

Wow! Really nice ride!

Thank you !

 

[Churro]

That was a roller coaster, I just didn't understand why the ford guy is on a LC/LX570 forum. People are curious.

 

[DesertRider]

Everything is a tradeoff and everyone uses their vehicles differently. For a dedicated trail rig, conventional suspension might be the best option. If you use your LX as a daily driver, for long road trips, pulling a trailer and off road, then you might find the AHC is the best option.

Does it require maintenance, yes and having done by first fluid change not that big of a deal. Will parts wear out, also a yes same as conventional suspension, brakes, tires, engine, transmission, etc.

Do I regret buying an LX 570? Absolutely not, and the fears spread by some on this forum have been unfounded for me, and the benefits for my use far outweigh the fact I'll need to replace my globes at some point.

 

[lx4dp]

Everything is a tradeoff and everyone uses their vehicles differently. For a dedicated trail rig, conventional suspension might be the best option. If you use your LX as a daily driver, for long road trips, pulling a trailer and off road, then you might find the AHC is the best option.

Does it require maintenance, yes and having done by first fluid change not that big of a deal. Will parts wear out, also a yes same as conventional suspension, brakes, tires, engine, transmission, etc.

Do I regret buying an LX 570? Absolutely not, and the fears spread by some on this forum have been unfounded for me, and the benefits for my use far outweigh the fact I'll need to replace my globes at some point.

10,000%

Most of us AHC owners aren't saying it's a bullet proof system but yet it is rather robust. There may have been some accidental over statements or fearmongering around the system that lead folks to believe it was a weak point or high failure point. I don't know that to be the case and my experience is quite opposite in real life.

I've had a 100 and 200 and driven well over 250k miles combined. Still waiting for my first failure. Really, thus far all I've had to do is fluid flushes and etc as prescribed by Toy/Lex.