My GX460 -> Prado 150 Build and Travel Thread (2 Viewers)

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

Regarding your comment about not being able to open the rear glass when sleeping, unless you really need the hatch to completely open, there are some supports you can purchase that props the window open a few inches.
For you, you seem creative enough that you should be able to come up with a little widget to prop it open.

Now, about the gull wing rear windows, you may want to consider if you'll ever want to add MOLLE rear quarter panels for stowing gear. If you do, that's about all the windows would be good for, ventilation, since the MOLLE panels will obstruct your access to the back.
Personally, I LOVE the Victory MOLLE panels and rear shelf I have. I have them loaded with gear that was previously on the rear deck. Now it's all nice and neatly strapped to the panels!
Here are some pic's of my layout starting at post #210: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-11

Sadly the new door's glass is glued in and doesn't pop open at all...

Those panels and shelf look awesome for organized storage.

I guess as I think about it, gullwings in the back wouldn't really really do much for me other than bringing in airflow for camping. If only the GX460 had pop out third row windows like the LX470...

 

[Rednexus]

The windows on the 460 don't pop out to the side??? They do on a 470 and it's a nice feature, definitely including for when sleeping in the rig. Also let's the exhaust note be heard in a bit more which can be nice.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

The windows on the 460 don't pop out to the side??? They do on a 470 and it's a nice feature, definitely including for when sleeping in the rig. Also let's the exhaust note be heard in a bit more which can be nice.

Nope, they don't. I miss that feature from our 470.

 

[Rednexus]

Nope, they don't. I miss that feature from our 470.

Odd miss for sure!

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

The windows on the 460 don't pop out to the side??? They do on a 470 and it's a nice feature, definitely including for when sleeping in the rig. Also let's the exhaust note be heard in a bit more which can be nice.

Wow I didn't realize the GX470 had that feature in addition to the LX. That may be one of the few features Lexus removed with the next generation and honestly someone counting the beans probably made them glue it in...I wonder if there is anything else the 470 had that the 460 removed.

Comparing the 550 to the 460, seems like they removed quite a few things (or made them only available on more expensive trims) despite adding lots of tech.

 

[Rednexus]

Wow I didn't realize the GX470 had that feature in addition to the LX. That may be one of the few features Lexus removed with the next generation and honestly someone counting the beans probably made them glue it in...I wonder if there is anything else the 470 had that the 460 removed.

Comparing the 550 to the 460, seems like they removed quite a few things (or made them only available on more expensive trims) despite adding lots of tech.

It's one of my favorite features and perplexing they'd axe it considering it would seemingly be cheap/easy to add in the first place. Maybe it was a trade for the pop-out rear glass - too bad one can't have both .

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

I spent this afternoon setting up a vacuum actuated exhaust dump. I’ve never had a v8, I love how quiet the Lexus is and the lengths they’ve gone to keep it quiet, but….V8 noises

I drove it around a few miles with the muffler removed just to get an idea of how loud it could be. It had a bit of openness to the sound that I wasn’t a huge fan of, but since putting the Y pipe and everything else on, it toned down everything and has a great sound to it while still being dead silent with the cutout closed.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Looks very well done. Videos of it open and closed from inside the cabin and out would be greatly appreciated.

 

[r2m]

The windows on the 460 don't pop out to the side??? They do on a 470 and it's a nice feature, definitely including for when sleeping in the rig. Also let's the exhaust note be heard in a bit more which can be nice.

Yup, miss it on my 100 series LC. Push the button from the drivers seat and they open about 2 inches, which is great for ventilation and keeping unwanted hands from roaming inside. Had them also on our old Toyota Previa van.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

Swapped out the Fox 2.0s and their soft valving for some King 2.5s with the clickers that my friend just had rebuilt before going to a different full system on his GX. Ride now feels much closer to the Fox 2.5 DSCs up front and seems to ride a smidge higher in the rear. Still very comfortable, but definitely firmer. Back end reverberations are gone and after a couple jumps and drops, predictability and capability is back up. I still think the BP51s have been the best I’ve had in terms of small bump compliance and bottom out resistance, but these aren’t too far off

 

[Banandalorian]

I spent this afternoon setting up a vacuum actuated exhaust dump. I’ve never had a v8, I love how quiet the Lexus is and the lengths they’ve gone to keep it quiet, but….V8 noises

I drove it around a few miles with the muffler removed just to get an idea of how loud it could be. It had a bit of openness to the sound that I wasn’t a huge fan of, but since putting the Y pipe and everything else on, it toned down everything and has a great sound to it while still being dead silent with the cutout closed.

I will need some kind of exhaust change once my Dissent rear bumper arrives since the stock piece hangs way too low. I have been toying with the idea of a cut-out because v8 noises keep America safe but like 99.98% of the time I like my super quiet Lexus. Any idea how your setup would fair with the occasional dunk in a mud pit?

 

[r2m]

I will need some kind of exhaust change once my Dissent rear bumper arrives since the stock piece hangs way too low. I have been toying with the idea of a cut-out because v8 noises keep America safe but like 99.98% of the time I like my super quiet Lexus. Any idea how your setup would fair with the occasional dunk in a mud pit?

After replacing a couple of resonators behind the rear axle from trail bashing, I just added a short turn-out straight off the muffler. $45.00 later, Problem gone.
At low speeds and engine braking, there is a wee bit of drone, but one has to listen for it to hear it. Highways, off roading, anything else, I never notice it nor have I missed it.
And like you, I purchased a Lexus for the creature comforts, which includes a quiet ride.

 

[Rednexus]

Dumping under the rig can result in CO entering the vehicle. In a well-sealed vehicle like a Lexus it's probably a non-issue....but it could always be a concern under certain scenarios. It will also kick up dust when you rev it. I ran mine this way for a couple of weeks while I had my aftermarket system out to further modify it. It was honestly fine, but not something i wanted to run full-time.

For your application, I'd suggest chopping off the tailpipe and have it exit just behind the rear tire with a 45-degree angle. Kind of like the Magnaflow Overland systems exit. This would provide your more clearance but still direct exhaust away from the vehicle, instead of under the vehicle. It would still be an easy job for any muffler shop to undertake.

 

[r2m]

Dumping under the rig can result in CO entering the vehicle. In a well-sealed vehicle like a Lexus it's probably a non-issue....but it could always be a concern under certain scenarios. It will also kick up dust when you rev it. I ran mine this way for a couple of weeks while I had my aftermarket system out to further modify it. It was honestly fine, but not something i wanted to run full-time.

For your application, I'd suggest chopping off the tailpipe and have it exit just behind the rear tire with a 45-degree angle. Kind of like the Magnaflow Overland systems exit. This would provide your more clearance but still direct exhaust away from the vehicle, instead of under the vehicle. It would still be an easy job for any muffler shop to undertake.

So far not an issue. When camping, I will usually run my rig at idle for 5 or 10 minutes before lights out and/or after getting up in the morning just to be sure my fridge doesn't drain the batteries.
With it idling, have never smelled any exhaust inside and sometimes I will sit in there in the morning looking over email/whatever as my phone is plugged in. My wife has a real sensitive nose and she doesn't smell anything either.
Haven't caught a buzz yet...
Although the exhaust tip is pointed out the towards the passenger side, not down, if that matters.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

I will need some kind of exhaust change once my Dissent rear bumper arrives since the stock piece hangs way too low. I have been toying with the idea of a cut-out because v8 noises keep America safe but like 99.98% of the time I like my super quiet Lexus. Any idea how your setup would fair with the occasional dunk in a mud pit?

I think it would be fine as long as it’s not peanut butter mud. It’s pretty well shielded and tucked up in there. I also figured vacuum operated would be more reliable compared to an electronic one, but this past week my vacuum pump is no longer receiving signal from the controller. I haven’t had any time to look into it yet. Hopefully it’s an easy fix. I knew the box didn’t look very watertight, but putting it up on the driver’s firewall corner under a cover was pretty protected and I haven’t been in any water/rain so not sure what’s going on there.

Like others have said, I’m not worried about CO fumes. If I left the truck running with it on for an extended period of time in one place sure, but I only really turn the cut out on when I’m romping on it. Not really something I leave on all that often.

 

[Rednexus]

So far not an issue. When camping, I will usually run my rig at idle for 5 or 10 minutes before lights out and/or after getting up in the morning just to be sure my fridge doesn't drain the batteries.
With it idling, have never smelled any exhaust inside and sometimes I will sit in there in the morning looking over email/whatever as my phone is plugged in. My wife has a real sensitive nose and she doesn't smell anything either.
Haven't caught a buzz yet...
Although the exhaust tip is pointed out the towards the passenger side, not down, if that matters.

It is odorless and colorless . A CO meter/detector would be needed to figure out for sure if levels are elevated or not. They could be slightly elevated with the windows down, but not enough to cause noticeable effects

 

[r2m]

It is odorless and colorless . A CO meter/detector would be needed to figure out for sure if levels are elevated or not. They could be slightly elevated with the windows down, but not enough to cause noticeable effects

Your right about being odorless, hence I mentioned I've never got a 'buzz' or light headed sitting in it while idling..

 

[Rednexus]

Your right about being odorless, hence I mentioned I've never got a 'buzz' or light headed sitting in it while idling..

I definitely got a buzz when one of my buddies dumped the exhaust under the bed of his Chevy pickup. It was not fun . Otherwise I never would have thought of it as an issue!

 

[r2m]

I definitely got a buzz when one of my buddies dumped the exhaust under the bed of his Chevy pickup. It was not fun . Otherwise I never would have thought of it as an issue!

Yeah, I can imagine any pickup will have that issue since the exhaust will rise straight up between the cab and bed and into the side windows.

 

[Rednexus]

Yeah, I can imagine any pickup will have that issue since the exhaust will rise straight up between the cab and bed and into the side windows.

I actually had the exhaust dumped on my old 1972 C10 with turndowns right in front of the rear axle, right out of the Flowmasters. Never had an issue, although I'm betting that CO was probably elevated above conditions when I had the exhaust out behind the rear tires, even if there were not noticeable effects. My buddy's truck was also a Chevy of almost equal dimensions. Must have been a difference in how he sliced the pipes off, of the difference in body styles directing flow/gases into the cabin on his but not mine.