LX470 Rear Spoiler - Where to buy & drilling concerns

[YazBurak]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been looking into adding a rear spoiler to my 2002 LX470 and wanted to get some opinions before I commit.

Main reason is my upper taillight has a crack and I suspect that might have been part of why I had some water getting into the trunk, so I figured this might be a good time to address both the look and potentially help with that area.

A couple questions:
• Where are you guys sourcing rear spoilers these days (OEM vs aftermarket)? Any good places to look for cheaper options? I found some ebay options but I am not sure if the quality is good and some websites sell it for around $300-400 which is waaay more than ebay so I want to know if it is worth that difference.
• Has anyone here installed one recently and can speak on the process?
• From what I’m seeing, most installs require drilling into the liftgate, is that basically unavoidable?

I’ve seen mixed opinions on drilling and I’m a bit hesitant to put holes into the tailgate. I know some people mention adhesive options, but not sure how reliable that is long term. It also sounds like once you drill, you’re committed unless you want to deal with filling/repainting later.

If anyone has pics of their setup (with or without spoiler), I’d love to see them.

Would really appreciate hearing what you guys have done and whether you think it’s worth it or not.

Thanks!

 

[Snow Wagon]

Hello YazBurak,
The thread below contains an option made by one of the vendors that supports this forum.

100 Series MSS-L Spoiler System

The Modular Spoiler System - Lightweight (MSS-L) is the ultimate blend of utility and style for the back of your 100 Series Landcruiser/LX470. While this is absolutely a drop-in replacement for the old brittle black plastic wing (not the “whale tail”) found on many 100 series, we started from...

theartisangarage.com

I'd get your cracked 3rd / upper brake light fixed ASAP.
If it's cracked, and water is getting into the upper hatch, it's only a matter of time before the hatch rusts from the inside out.
It's very common, especially in the rust belt, for the bottom of the upper hatch to rust out.
Replacement upper hatches, that aren't a rusty mess, are becoming harder to find, and therefore more expensive.
You may want to spray some Fluid Film (or similar...) inside yours to deter / retard any rust that has already started.

There are 2 versions of the Early LX470 (1998 to 2002) upper hatch.
1 with a spoiler and 1 without.
It's my understanding that the option above can either be mounted to the original holes (if your hatch had a spoiler) or you need to drill holes into the hatch (if your hatch did not have a spoiler).
You would need to drill holes...
As long as the holes (and inserts...) are done and sealed correctly, you should not have a problem.

Note: Some like how a spoiler looks and some don't, but there's no debating that the spoiler reduces the dirt / grime on the upper and lower tailgate.

Enjoy.
Tom

 

[delz05]

If you have no rust forming aroud the hatch handle area, I would not add the spoiler. Just replace the broken 3rd brake light and clean up the inside of the upper hatch. As mentioned, take the time to remove the inner panel, the handle, the latch and wiring. Check for rust, clean it out, spray a rust kill product, prime and paint. Once that is done, coat with some type of woolwax/fluid film product and reassemble.
Clean upper hatches are a tough find...