LX570 offroad armor options

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Joined
Sep 15, 2020
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Location
Atlanta, Georgia
I'm in the process of acquiring a bigger LX570 and in the market for armor such as sliders and skid plates.
Planning to hit the mild and also challenging trails with my teens.

I really like the Slee offroad sliders, but it looks like they're out for quite some time.
Is there any alternative to the Slee offroad sliders?
I didn't like the Metaltech design and wondering if there's any other slider options out there.

Also, I searched the forum and the Skid options are quite extensive.
I'm looking for an aluminum skid for weight saving and also wondering what other members are using these days.
I need a full SKID for undercarriage protection.

Not sure F&R bumpers are possible for my application since I don't want to put too much strain on the AHC system.
My LX will be equipped with the sliders, full skid, and will be carrying 4 large adults (my teens are like 6'1" and still growing) + bunch of gears & food.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Pic for attention :)



Lexus-LX570_5_-gallery.jpg
 
Is that your LX in the picture? If so, then you need to get rid of that sports front bumper if you wanna off-road.

For sliders, I believe that you only have two choices that you already mentioned for LX.

For skids, the FACTORY ones are plenty strong for most needs (e.g. your needs). Only if you’re hammering rock gardens every weekend, then you need aftermarket skids.
 
Is that your LX in the picture? If so, then you need to get rid of that sports front bumper if you wanna off-road.

For sliders, I believe that you only have two choices that you already mentioned for LX.

For skids, the FACTORY ones are plenty strong for most needs (e.g. your needs). Only if you’re hammering rock gardens every weekend, then you need aftermarket skids.
Oh I see… didn’t know that we only have two choices on sliders.
I searched the forum and didn’t see any other option for older model… now I know.

Haha… not my truck and still trying to get one.
Don’t have one yet but might pick up one in two weeks.

Excellent point on Skid, I know I will be taking this LX to rocky terrain soon or later but don’t want to put too much weight and also creat a cooling problem as well.

Thanks for your input… very helpful.
 
Congrats on diving in - lots of details on my build thread, but my truck is fully armored with a land cruiser bull bar, ARB skids, and slee sliders (rear bumper coming soon).


GbM7D6r.jpg


Full disclosure, I did offroad the truck stock for quite some time and only added something when my skills and needs warranted it. AHC hasn't flinched on my truck. And if you do go heavy, lots of folks here have mitigated that through spring spacers and/or custom springs to take some load of AHC.

In addition to Slee and Metaltech, It looks like Victory 4x4 will be introducing an LX slider option very soon.
 
I have put a bunch of armor on my LX. I prioritized sliders first, then bumpers. I had already damaged my front bumper on the LX off-road and on my 100 series the rear bumper took tons of hard hits (LC's/LX's have long rear overhangs). The angles on the LX are just not good in stock form.

Here is my thread DenverLX 16' LX570 Build Thread - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/denverlx-16-lx570-build-thread.1264856/#post-14105532

I will say that adding all the weight does have some negative effects but overall the truck and AHC handles it. I will say that the truck seems more prone to drift out of a lane at highway speeds, I don't know how else to describe it but its like the truck is slightly less planted on the freeway, could be that I need a new alignment but I actually think its the areodynamics bc I noticed it immediately after adding the front bumper. Engine is plenty powerful so no complaints there. AHC works well but the high setting is now super rough, I don't use it unless I have too.
 
Just picked up this '13 LX570 this weekend. Was thinking about getting the hidden winch option - Is this front bumper too low?
1635278107275.png
 
Just picked up this '13 LX570 this weekend. Was thinking about getting the hidden winch option - Is this front bumper too low? View attachment 2821832

It’s all relative. It Depends on how you want to use it and what kind of terrain and what size tire you plan to run.
 
Great taste! Looks like the '15 I just picked up a few weeks ago. I'm also in the greater Seattle area. Eventually I hope to have this looking more like @tbisaacs rig.

IMG_1685.jpeg
 
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The LX presents some unique opportunities besides the classic armoring strategy. Sure you can definitely do that and many have. AHC won't flinch and can handle upwards of 1800lbs payload box stock, with constant height to boot.

The alternate strategy is to go with large 34+ in tires, minor sensor lift, and all of a sudden it's at 5"+ lift. That won't sag to 4" with packing for a trip. That'll buy you clearance for days, enough for even difficult rated trails.

Not sure which model year LX you're seeking, but certain years had better angles than others. Add a 5"+ lift to that equation and not much is going to touch the bumpers, underbody, or even sidestep of most any body style.

Sure you, can armor beyond that if you find yourself doing even harder trails. Just that it's not required to start, and perhaps effort can be directed at big tire mods that could make a bigger difference.
 
Excellent build thread! Your LX looks absolutely amazing



Congrats on diving in - lots of details on my build thread, but my truck is fully armored with a land cruiser bull bar, ARB skids, and slee sliders (rear bumper coming soon).


GbM7D6r.jpg


Full disclosure, I did offroad the truck stock for quite some time and only added something when my skills and needs warranted it. AHC hasn't flinched on my truck. And if you do go heavy, lots of folks here have mitigated that through spring spacers and/or custom springs to take some load of AHC.

In addition to Slee and Metaltech, It looks like Victory 4x4 will be introducing an LX slider option very soon.
 
I have put a bunch of armor on my LX. I prioritized sliders first, then bumpers. I had already damaged my front bumper on the LX off-road and on my 100 series the rear bumper took tons of hard hits (LC's/LX's have long rear overhangs). The angles on the LX are just not good in stock form.

Here is my thread DenverLX 16' LX570 Build Thread - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/denverlx-16-lx570-build-thread.1264856/#post-14105532

I will say that adding all the weight does have some negative effects but overall the truck and AHC handles it. I will say that the truck seems more prone to drift out of a lane at highway speeds, I don't know how else to describe it but its like the truck is slightly less planted on the freeway, could be that I need a new alignment but I actually think its the areodynamics bc I noticed it immediately after adding the front bumper. Engine is plenty powerful so no complaints there. AHC works well but the high setting is now super rough, I don't use it unless I have too.
wow.... this scares me... "drift out of a lane at highway speeds..."
Anyway, another excellent build thread and love your newer LX... wish I could afford it :(
 
The LX presents some unique opportunities besides the classic armoring strategy. Sure you can definitely do that and many have. AHC won't flinch and can handle upwards of 1800lbs payload box stock, with constant height to boot.

The alternate strategy is to go with large 34+ in tires, minor sensor lift, and all of a sudden it's at 5"+ lift. That won't sag to 4" with packing for a trip. That'll buy you clearance for days, enough for even difficult rated trails.

Not sure which model year LX you're seeking, but certain years had better angles than others. Add a 5"+ lift to that equation and not much is going to touch the bumpers, underbody, or even sidestep of most any body style.

Sure you, can armor beyond that if you find yourself doing even harder trails. Just that it's not required to start, and perhaps effort can be directed at big tire mods that could make a bigger difference.
Most excellent recommendation and brilliant idea!
I might go with 33" but not sure whether 34" needed extensive modifications.
 
Most excellent recommendation and brilliant idea!
I might go with 33" but not sure whether 34" needed extensive modifications.

@tbisaacs got you covered. A large 295/70R18 34.3" spec tire, will drop in rather easily on the LX. Anything smaller would be even easier but about the same effort. A large 33" spec tire would strike a good balance.

 
What I really want is a front receiver so I can put my winch on either the front of the vehicle or the rear of the vehicle. I had that on my last truck a ZR2. Anyone know of a front receiver setup that does not hang down below the truck and reduce approach angel?

1635369722448.png
 

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