NJ LX470 "Build"

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

This is a solid plan. I run 255/85r16 tires and they've been amazing both on and off pavement. Skinny tires are great for how you plan to use it.
The Dissent aluminum is also a great choice. I have one with a Warn M8000 loaded with synthetic and it weighs less than what my Ironman Commercial Deluxe did WITHOUT the winch. It's definitely a good strategy to keep the armor as light as possible, and only as heavy as necessary. I also run a Dissent rear hybrid (steel base bumper, aluminum tire carrier and accessories) with double swing out. This pairs well with AHC plus some King KTRS-79 rear springs, which I recommend you consider. They're made specifically for AHC vehicles that plan to tow or carry lots of gear/ armor.
Regarding the winch, my unpopular opinion is to run an "undersized" one. That hunk of metal is going to be hanging off your front end 24/7, affecting road manners and suspension longevity. While the general consensus is that you should size your winch to 1.5x your GVW, there are a lot of factors that can influence what you actually need. Personally, I've opted to run a high-quality 8k winch with only 50' of synthetic line. This means that a) I carry around less weight b) I have to spool and unspool less line and c) I keep the line as close as possible to the drum which maximizes the winch's pulling force. I carry a snatch block and extension for double line pulls whenever possible. Nothing against the Smittybilt, but you might be able to get a smaller, better quality winch for the same or close to the same money.


I have seen people running smaller winches and it is something I have considered because, realistically, I will probably only be using the winch a handful of times per year and solid trees around here for winching are plentiful and in close proximity to where the truck is stuck. I will definitely look into the weight difference between an 8K and a 12K winch and report back.
 
A tiny bit of amazon research:

WARN 96805 VR 8-S Winch - 8k load capacity, weighs 53.5 pounds with synthetic line
Smittybilt (98512) X2O Waterproof- 12k load capacity, weighs 63 pounds with synthetic line

I don't know how much 10 pounds at the front of the truck will affect drivability and wear / tear. But, as long as I use a synthetic line winch I think my bumper and winch combo will be lighter than most steel bumpers.
 
A tiny bit of amazon research:

WARN 96805 VR 8-S Winch - 8k load capacity, weighs 53.5 pounds with synthetic line
Smittybilt (98512) X2O Waterproof- 12k load capacity, weighs 63 pounds with synthetic line

I don't know how much 10 pounds at the front of the truck will affect drivability and wear / tear. But, as long as I use a synthetic line winch I think my bumper and winch combo will be lighter than most steel bumpers.
Manufacturer's specs on winch weight are notoriously inaccurate. Especially if you're factoring in their accessories. IIRC, my M8000 weighs about 35lbs on its own. Weight gain from 50' of synthetic are negligible. That being said, you're right in that the aluminum bumper is a significant enough weight savings on its own to allow going a little heavier in the winch department.
 
Did the AHC fluid this morning. Purchased 3 quarts and when I completed the flush the fluid seemed low so I ordered 2 more quarts.

I did open all 5 bleeders until they stopped after replacing the fluid in the reservoir.

If I were going to do this again I would order 5 quarts to save shipping.
 
Finally got around to installing my TRD Rock warrior wheels / tires.

Wheels: TRD Rock Warriors from a Tundra

Tires: Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, size is 255/75/R17 (takeoff of a Wrangler Rubicon)

Spacers: Purchased through SLEE, Spidertrax i believe. Hubcentric up front and non hubcentric in rear.


Took the car to be aligned after install just to make sure I wear these evenly.

First impressions:

I wish the tires were bigger but as these were free to me, beggars can't be choosers. They definitely do look more aggressive than stock. Did not affect ride quality at all, still very quiet at freeway speeds. I also love that I did not need to mess with the speedometer.

Stock wheels.webp


rock warriors.webp
 
I think those are the same tires that are on my work truck (2015 F-150). They've done well off road at job sites and such. Can't really comment on snow performance, however they have given me zero problems and I have over 100k miles on them. They're due to be replaced whenever work decides to.


Great looking rig!
 
I think those are the same tires that are on my work truck (2015 F-150). They've done well off road at job sites and such. Can't really comment on snow performance, however they have given me zero problems and I have over 100k miles on them. They're due to be replaced whenever work decides to.


Great looking rig!


Thanks.

They are 1/2 inch skinnier than stock so they should, theoretically, be better in the snow / ice.
 
Dissent off road bumper just arrived and is off to powder coat. Can't wait to see the final results!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BEG
Had a long weekend so I finally got around to installing bumper, lights, and winch. Took a few quick pics and they definitely don't do it justice. I also had the powder coater match the outer machined finish on the rock warrior wheels with the dark silver on the bumper and I like the look a lot better.

Bumper 1.webp


bumper and wheels.webp
 
Had a long weekend so I finally got around to installing bumper, lights, and winch. Took a few quick pics and they definitely don't do it justice. I also had the powder coater match the outer machined finish on the rock warrior wheels with the dark silver on the bumper and I like the look a lot better.

View attachment 2130856

View attachment 2130858
Looks great!
 
On a side note, Lexus build may be put on a bit of a hold (except for routine maintenance) due to a new project that is slightly more involved...

Bug side.webp


Bug front.webp


Bug rear.webp
 
  • Like
Reactions: BEG
After installing Rock warriors and spacers, I noticed a shimmy at 70 - 80 mph.

I attributed to wheel bearings being as truck has 222K plus miles and I have no idea if they have ever been replaced so it's definitely time.

Ordered parts from Cruiser Outfitters, also ordered OEM front rotors and pads because I'm already in there. Also needed a 54mm socket from them as well. Mobil one bearing grease and a fish scale from amazon, and a brass hammer from harbor freight.

Total cost about 600 bucks for everything.

Local trusted mechanic quoted me 190 per side which seems very fair.

I will attempt one side today after work while the weather in NJ is still nice. If it takes me more than 2 hours and or is just very messy I may just pay to have the other side done.
 
As I was working on front drivers side bearing I discovered caliper was seized. My local mechanic was able to source caliper with install for 100 so I just put the car back together, drove it the 1/4 mile to the shop and had him finish the job (including the bearings)

Bearings were toast and it was a messy job. I think I made the right call just letting him finish it up; just didn't have the time. Ath that point, worth the $480 to save me the time and frustration.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BEG
As I was working on front drivers side bearing I discovered caliper was seized. My local mechanic was able to source caliper with install for 100 so I just put the car back together, drove it the 1/4 mile to the shop and had him finish the job (including the bearings)

Bearings were toast and it was a messy job. I think I made the right call just letting him finish it up; just didn't have the time. Ath that point, worth the $480 to save me the time and frustration.
Strange, I had the same side caliper seize not too long ago. Bearing seemed fine though. As long as you make sure to grease and inspect them regularly, they can last a very long time.
 
Strange, I had the same side caliper seize not too long ago. Bearing seemed fine though. As long as you make sure to grease and inspect them regularly, they can last a very long time.


From as far as I can tell, My bearings had not been maintained in a very very long time.

I will most likely repack the bearings yearly just to be safe as I only drive about 5000 miles per year in this car.
 
Had a delayed opening today... So I took the truck off roading in the reservation for a little bit and snapped this pic. If I were to send holiday cards this would be the photo; not the wife or the dog but the LX doing its thing. Puts me in the holiday spirit for sure.

Snow.webp
 
Officially owned the LX for over a year! No issues other than routine maintenance.
Still love it
 
Update 223K miles:

Lower steering shaft seized so we replaced that and the power steering pump.

While it was down for repairs, we also changed the timing belt and waterpump because I am unsure of when it was last done.

Other than these maenence items, truck is running and driving great. Looking forward to many many many more worry free miles.
 
NJ winter update:

For the first time since I purchased the truck NJ has had a "real" winter with several snow and ice storms. The truck is my go to for all incliment weather and has not skipped a beat.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom