Builds Roody’s 2018 Lexus GX460 Build, Adventure, and Hooniverse Podcast

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Roody said:
Sure can. Impressions are largely unchanged from this post: Builds - Roody’s 2018 Lexus GX460 Build, Adventure, and Off the Road Again Podcast - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/roodys-2018-lexus-gx460-build-adventure-and-off-the-road-again-podcast.1302517/post-14981223

Long story short, it's holding up fine. No rust on the mount itself, which is what matters. The provided hardware was rusted rather quickly and JW replaced it at their cost. I did add the Bofn Racing replacement door striker which may or may not have helped; hard to say. The door doesn't squeak whatsoever when it's warm, but when it's cold it does make an unpleasant squeak upon closing. It never squeaks or makes any noise when closed. The plate/stopper that keeps the door off the bumper is showing signs of wear. No cracks or anything on the tailgate, though I haven't opened the insides up yet to check on the innards. I don't expect there is any wear on the door itself. The hinges, I can't say. I suspect they're doing just fine as well. Grabbing the spare tire and pushing on it rocks the entire truck.

Up until recently the JW carrier was holding a 285/70/17 Toyo Open Country A/T III mounted on a 17x8.5, 0 offset Motegi Trailite. It now holds a 34x10.5R17 BFG KO2 on a 17x8, 0 offset American Racing AR172 Baja. The window still opens, though I do admit I use it quite a bit less than before the spare was mounted there (i.e., pre-Toyo). Regarding the potential wear on the door and hinges, note that as far as upsized wheels/tires go, this is a relatively light combo; I'm sure many who have this setup carry a spare wheel/tire that's easily 10-15 pounds heavier.

I like the JW Offroad tire carrier for what it is, but don't think it's my ultimate long-haul spare tire mount solution.
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Are you running LT tires?
 
Roody said:
Not a problem, glad I could help. You could certainly use the JW as a long-term solution with some basic reinforcement within the tailgate and on the hinges; wouldn't be too difficult at all, or at least I don't think it would. Of course, if you want the "most stock" solution then you can always get a real Prado rear door with the built-in tire carrier...
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I spent some time looking for photos/specs on the Prado hinges but they look the same to me. I think the main difference is with the placement of the tire being closer to the hinge so it limits the leverage point a bit. I also think the mount pulls the tire closer to the door and the door itself has stronger reinforcement in the middle of the door to add strength to the sheet metal. The main issue with the Prado conversion is that after purchase, shipping, painting and install you are looking at $2500-$3000. That is a lot of money when the JW Offroad is $1000 and I can do the install myself. This hobby is a money pit!
1713971877528.png
 
RadoTracks said:
I spent some time looking for photos/specs on the Prado hinges but they look the same to me. I think the main difference is with the placement of the tire being closer to the hinge so it limits the leverage point a bit. I also think the mount pulls the tire closer to the door and the door itself has stronger reinforcement in the middle of the door to add strength to the sheet metal. The main issue with the Prado conversion is that after purchase, shipping, painting and install you are looking at $2500-$3000. That is a lot of money when the JW Offroad is $1000 and I can do the install myself. This hobby is a money pit!
View attachment 3615494
Click to expand...
The most fun hobbies always are :D
 
RadoTracks said:
I spent some time looking for photos/specs on the Prado hinges but they look the same to me. I think the main difference is with the placement of the tire being closer to the hinge so it limits the leverage point a bit. I also think the mount pulls the tire closer to the door and the door itself has stronger reinforcement in the middle of the door to add strength to the sheet metal. The main issue with the Prado conversion is that after purchase, shipping, painting and install you are looking at $2500-$3000. That is a lot of money when the JW Offroad is $1000 and I can do the install myself. This hobby is a money pit!
View attachment 3615494
Click to expand...
Great reference! Haven't seen this movie since the 80s
 
Swapped out the traditional metal winch hook for a Factor 55 Prolink. Super easy process, took less than 5 minutes (once the snap ring tool I had to order arrived).

Before:


Step 1: Remove the cotter pin from the metal hook, extract the pin, and remove the hook from the winch line


Step 2: Remove the snap ring from the Prolink and remove the metal pin


Step 3: Slide the looped winch line into the Prolink, reinsert the pin, and reinstall the snap ring
 
GX update. I'm testing Yakima's new MOD drawer/storage system which is new to the market. It's a neat piece of kit, with built-in ways to add extra drawers or other things (like the Gear Tote that's on the top left in the later photos here). I've been long looking for a modular setup for the GX trunk so that I can rearrange as wanted/needed and this is serving that purpose well. It can also be swapped from vehicle to vehicle relatively easy, since the HomeBase portion is "mounted" in place with straps that pull tight to the trunk's tie-down points.

[IMG]



1715867155253.png

1715867173081.png
 
Roody said:
GX update. I'm testing Yakima's new MOD drawer/storage system which is new to the market. It's a neat piece of kit, with built-in ways to add extra drawers or other things (like the Gear Tote that's on the top left in the later photos here). I've been long looking for a modular setup for the GX trunk so that I can rearrange as wanted/needed and this is serving that purpose well. It can also be swapped from vehicle to vehicle relatively easy, since the HomeBase portion is "mounted" in place with straps that pull tight to the trunk's tie-down points.

[IMG]



View attachment 3632983
View attachment 3632984
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That would be nice to kit bash into my 3rd row delete, if I ever get a rear tire mount.
 
Hiluxforever said:
That would be nice to kit bash into my 3rd row delete, if I ever get a rear tire mount.
Click to expand...
Installing it so it was flush against the floor of the GX where the third row used to live would be pretty sweet. Functional and out of the way, etc.
 
Roody said:
GX update. I'm testing Yakima's new MOD drawer/storage system which is new to the market. It's a neat piece of kit, with built-in ways to add extra drawers or other things (like the Gear Tote that's on the top left in the later photos here). I've been long looking for a modular setup for the GX trunk so that I can rearrange as wanted/needed and this is serving that purpose well. It can also be swapped from vehicle to vehicle relatively easy, since the HomeBase portion is "mounted" in place with straps that pull tight to the trunk's tie-down points.

[IMG]



View attachment 3632983
View attachment 3632984
Click to expand...
Love it! Yeah, it's not as custom of fit for all the nooks and cranny's, but it's simple, solid and looks like it can be taken out on a whim if you need the full rear space. And it looks to fit over the the third seats with out removing.
What'd it cost ya??
 
r2m said:
Love it! Yeah, it's not as custom of fit for all the nooks and cranny's, but it's simple, solid and looks like it can be taken out on a whim if you need the full rear space. And it looks to fit over the the third seats with out removing.
What'd it cost ya??
Click to expand...
It's definitely a modular system, which is a great thing for people who have multiple vehicles they use for adventures or those who swap vehicles somewhat often. Being able to reconfigure on a whim is nice, too. I currently have it set up in what I'm calling "sport mode," which means just the Topper as a standalone drawer with space to the left of it for my daughter's travel potty.

 
Impressions - BFGoodrich KO2 34x10.5R17, load D rating:
  • Looks great as it always has
  • Minimal to no decrease in acceleration in going from the 285s
  • Decreased rolling resistance versus 285s is noticeable when coasting and on the highway
  • Significantly better riding than the E-rated Toyos they replaced, presumably more the load rating than the difference in tires
  • More road noise and vibration than the Toyos
  • Very good off-road - not spectacular in mud, as they don't clean out all that well, but excellent on the rocks
  • Track true around town, on highways, and when aired down off-road
  • Less bead protection than the Open Country A/T IIIs but still sufficient for most applications
  • Great footprint off-road when aired down
  • An enjoyable tire to have on the vehicle
  • At the end of the day I probably prefer the Toyos on-road but the BFGs off-road. Overall, both are absolutely fantastic
  • I hope BFG releases the KO3 in this and other "pizza cutter" sizes as it's the best of both worlds

Also been running these American Racing AR172 Baja wheels in 17x8 size (optimal for the skinny KO2s), impressions below the pictures.





AR172 Baja impressions:
  • Classic 4WD look that's generally love-it-or-hate-it (I love it)
  • I don't love the center caps which stick out way to far... might have to modify this myself
  • The bead of the wheel has taken a bunch of impact on rocks and is holding up fine but definitely shows battle scars
  • Fairly light (25.31# each) and don't feel like it-- no worries about integrity whatsoever
 
Last update for now: Trimmed the GX's rear bumper. It had taken some bashing already but figured before it became an issue on the trail I'd just go for it. Followed some "guides" (i.e., other 460 owners' methods), charged the Dremel, and lobbed a bunch of plastic off. Also added some door edge trim along the bottom for a clean-ish look; it's not even remotely professional looking but it's better than just a sawed off bumper look. More pictures to come.


 
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