Skid Plate Extension GX460

[SpringsGX]

Edit: Products can be found here!

-Bumper Fill Plates: 2014+ Lexus GX460 Bumper Fill Plates - https://marketplace.sendcutsend.com/p/CF803532/2014-lexus-gx460-bumper-fill-plates

-Skid Plate Extension:

2014+ Lexus GX460 Skid Plate Extension

2014+ Lexus GX460 Skid Plate Extension

marketplace.sendcutsend.com

Hi all!

Engineer with some extra time on his hands so I decided to attempt to create a skid plate extension for the GX460. Not really satisfied with what's currently being offered on the market, especially at the price.

I'm designing this based off a bumper cut GX460 with the lower brackets removed (my personal 2019). I'm going to design a bracket that will connect the skid to the bumper bar for those of us that cut those factory brackets off. But I'm also incorporating holes to line up with factory brackets if you retained them.

The other guys skid would run me $337 shipped to my door. I can easily shave $100 off that price with my design if I were to market it and it's still made of 1/4" 5052 Aluminum. I also made it to be 26" wide to provide full coverage. It would be around $237 shipped per skid if I got 10 people that wanted one.

Would anyone be interested in these if I ordered a batch?

 

[ztodd377]

I’m interested to see how this turns out!

 

[r2m]

Does it cover the washer bottle? Or is it mounted too low? Also does it cover any drain plugs for maintenance?
One that that would be really nice if you could develop a way for the plate to mount so the bottom screws can be recessed/protected, keep them form being scrapped off on rocks, etc.
Maybe have the back of the plate slide into a slot that's bolted on, kind of a tongue n groove fitting. Then all you'd need to do is remove the front bolts and slip the plate off. Just a thought from one engineer to another.
(looks like a SolidWorks model... )

 

[SpringsGX]

Does it cover the washer bottle? Or is it mounted too low? Also does it cover any drain plugs for maintenance?
One that that would be really nice if you could develop a way for the plate to mount so the bottom screws can be recessed/protected, keep them form being scrapped off on rocks, etc.
Maybe have the back of the plate slide into a slot that's bolted on, kind of a tongue n groove fitting. Then all you'd need to do is remove the front bolts and slip the plate off. Just a thought from one engineer to another.
(looks like a SolidWorks model... )

Does not cover any drain plugs! This just protects the front of the AC condenser when you do a bumper cut. Really just need protection from rocks and such that could fly up on the road but I’m making it stout if someone did offroad with it.

Here’s the version with cardboard CAD but it’s not to scale. Didn’t have 26” wide cardboard.

 

[r2m]

Does not cover any drain plugs! This just protects the front of the AC condenser when you do a bumper cut. Really just need protection from rocks and such that could fly up on the road but I’m making it stout if someone did offroad with it.

Here’s the version with cardboard CAD but it’s not to scale. Didn’t have 26” wide cardboard.

View attachment 3826988

If you need large sheets of cardboard for templates, go to a bicycle shop. They usually will have large boxes from bikes they've assembled sitting in their dumpster. The boxes are usually about 4' to 5' long and about 3' high.

 

[volklflip88]

I think I'd be up for one. Looking for something solid to cover the lower portion of the radiator. Currently have ARB skids which mount in the same spot as the factory so presumably would fit the same.
I assume this could be used without "cutting" the bumper if you just removed that lower plastic fascia and the riveted support bars?
Can you post up a picture of your bumper cut? Thanks!

 

[jeremy j]

Yes please. I hate having full skids but that spot is open to road debris.

 

[Rednexus]

Out of curiosity, what software are you using for 3D modeling? I dabble in 2D CAD for basic things but wouldn't mind picking up a simple 3D software package that is easy enough to learn (for things like this).

 

[SpringsGX]

I think I'd be up for one. Looking for something solid to cover the lower portion of the radiator. Currently have ARB skids which mount in the same spot as the factory so presumably would fit the same.
I assume this could be used without "cutting" the bumper if you just removed that lower plastic fascia and the riveted support bars?
Can you post up a picture of your bumper cut? Thanks!

As requested!

 

[SpringsGX]

Out of curiosity, what software are you using for 3D modeling? I dabble in 2D CAD for basic things but wouldn't mind picking up a simple 3D software package that is easy enough to learn (for things like this).

I used Solidworks! It’s not a cheap program however, they do have a student version for veterans with an excellent training program. I got about halfway through their training when I finally felt comfortable using the tools on my own designs.

 

[Rednexus]

I used Solidworks! It’s not a cheap program however, they do have a student version for veterans with an excellent training program. I got about halfway through their training when I finally felt comfortable using the tools on my own designs.

Thanks! Looks like we have a corporate license at work so I downloaded it and will start playing with it.

 

[Cold Iron]

I used Solidworks! It’s not a cheap program however, they do have a student version for veterans with an excellent training program. I got about halfway through their training when I finally felt comfortable using the tools on my own designs.

Wut no ProE?! Just kidding when I first retired from the Navy one of my first jobs was vaulting for Solidworks and ProE in multiuser projects. And of course xrefs in AutoCAD.

Too late for me I already have one on my 19 or you would have my business.

Did it a year ago in February had a little 4x4 shop near me do it, cause winter. Talking to them the first thing they were concerned about with the bumper cut was reinforcing the bumper for when you hit a snowbank. And in general, something I haven't seen anyone else do. It didn't take much for them to bend some scrap metal to make some brackets.

On each corner

And in the center

Thought I'd throw that out there as I'm not aware of anyone else offering anything like that. And would think it would give you an edge over others.

 

[SpringsGX]

Too late for me I already have one on my 19 or you would have my business.

I've seen that style on a few GX460s! That appears to be more of a rock deflector than a skid plate right?

I wanted to develop something that will tie into the front bash bar and can take a hit off-roading by a rock if need be. Thus the 1/4" 5052 aluminum.

Those bumper brackets are interesting and something I haven't thought about. Someone on Reddit did ask for a plate to cover the windshield washer fluid area and he says the intake is exposed underneath with a bumper cut as well. Haven't had the time to look into that much.

 

[r2m]

Thanks! Looks like we have a corporate license at work so I downloaded it and will start playing with it.

A couple things about SolidWorks:
FYI I have taken the test and have the cert for "Certified SolidWorks Professional" (yes, it's actually called that, CSWP), and have been using SW since 1995 with advanced classes, so I know what I'm talking about.
When a company purchases SW, there's two option:

1. Purchase a "site" license which means the company decides how many licenses to purchase. SW is then loaded on the company's server and users share however many licenses the company purchased. How it works, if a company has 6 engineers that use SW, they may only purchase 4 site licenses, but have SW loaded onto ALL 6 engineers computers. BUT, this is the caveat: even though 6 engineers have SW on their machines, they can't use it unless there's an open license. No more than "4" engineers can be logged into SW at any one time. The server controls/monitors logins. Example: if 4 of the engineers are using all 4 of the site licenses, then engineer number 5 needs to long on, one of the 4 guys using SW has to log off so he/she can log on. This is common because (at least in my industry) the engineers are not spending 40 hrs/week using SW. So usually there's a "seat" available when someone needs to log in.
2. The other option SW has is a license for each computer. Then it is only that computer that has SW and there is never a need to share licenses. BUT, when loading SW onto your computer, your computer will ping SW website to register your license, hence even if you have the factory CD's or whatever, you will not be able to load SW on your machine and use it.

So unfortunately you can't just "borrow" your company's CD and load it on your machine.
Also, SW does not sell their software, you have to go to a retailer, e.g.: GoEngineer (Contact GoEngineer - https://www.goengineer.com/contact), Hawk Ridge (Hawk Ridge Systems - https://hawkridgesys.com/), or?) to purchase. Like buying a car, you don't go to Toyota, but to a dealership.
Yeah, you can try to go for a pirated copy and ALL the risks involved, like virus's and/or anything else that may be attached to your .EXE file.
Yes, there are student licenses out there that will but a little "mortor cap" next to all your files, but I believe it is a complete license. Don't know about licenses for Vet's, that would be nice! You can always do an Adult class your local community college for SW and that should get you a student license.
Sorry to be a "Debbie Downer".
I have my own purchased license that I use ($4500.00).

Now, about using it. Story time.
Back in '95 I was trying to model a medical device in what was back then, AutoCAD Mechanical, their 3D version. Horrible. Spent a couple weeks trying to model a feature to no avail. Told my boss I needed a "real" 3D solid modeling software. He agreed and told me to vet out some options and pick one. I had about 5 different companies do "dog 'n pony" shows to see what they could do. My priority was to be able to do threads/helix cuts an revolves. Only 2 companies out of 5 were able to do that: 1) PT Modeler, 2) SolidWorks. PT Modeler was a lite version of Pro-E for PC's. It was the most expensive of the 5, needed the fastest PC (back in the day) to work properly which would require my company to buy me a new very expensive computer. AND to do threads, needed to also purchase an additional module. Also, it was VERY difficult to learn and was told it needed users to be on it 40 hrs/week just to learn it.
Then, SW... It as very well within budget, I was able to use it on my existing machine AND was able to threads all in one package! No brainer, we purchased a license, I took the 4 day class and never looked back.
After the 4 days, I came back to the office and with a day I was able to perform the features I needed that I couldn't do in ACAD Mechanical. I was blown away!
Even free form shapes, I did a solid model of a surfboard during my time in the SW class.
In short, It's a pretty easy and VERY powerful 3D modeling software, not like the free "CAD" stuff you can download. There is also a HUGE community for everything from the most simple operation to very complex, including assemblies, and anything you can possible think of.
Lately I've been modeling N Scale (model trains) 3D layouts with SW for for 3D printing, quick and easy "instant" layout! I have presently designed a 2' x 4' layout on CGTraider for sale. This is one of the sections for sale: N Scale Layout Ramp-01 | 3D Print Model - https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-models/hobby-diy/other/n-scale-layout-ramp-01
Anyone into N Scale??

So, I hope this post helped claify SW.

 

[Rednexus]

I am very familiar with software licensing via use of multiple types of highly-specialized technical software on a daily basis .

 

[r2m]

I am very familiar with software licensing via use of multiple types of highly-specialized technical software on a daily basis .

Hope you can get an SW license. After having learned about a half dozen CAD programs throughout my career, plus the CorelDraw suite (which is kinda like CAD), SW is by far the best engineering CAD program out there, but not so good if you're modeling board game pieces like monsters and hero's for 3D printing.

 

[Rednexus]

Hope you can get an SW license. After having learned about a half dozen CAD programs throughout my career, plus the CorelDraw suite (which is kinda like CAD), SW is by far the best engineering CAD program out there, but not so good if you're modeling board game pieces like monsters and hero's for 3D printing.

Not to derail the OP's thread too much - but I've been getting a ton of use out of AutoCAD LT lately. The same software I first learned early in high school, after they taught us how to first draft on paper! I hadn't used it much since the aughts, but had muscle memory for most of the commands and was drawing things within a few hours.

Sure made cutting stair stringers a heck of a lot easier. All of the re-work, thought, etc, occurs on the computer. Then, just measure and cut out! Don't need to think about angles or degrees at all.

 

[r2m]

Not to derail the OP's thread too much - but I've been getting a ton of use out of AutoCAD LT lately. The same software I first learned early in high school, after they taught us how to first draft on paper! I hadn't used it much since the aughts, but had muscle memory for most of the commands and was drawing things within a few hours.

Sure made cutting stair stringers a heck of a lot easier. All of the re-work, thought, etc, occurs on the computer. Then, just measure and cut out! Don't need to think about angles or degrees at all.
View attachment 3827987

I know about pencil on paper and ink on Mylar with triangles and rulers. circa: 1974
The first CAD program I had to learn was Intergraph. It was duel monochrome CRT monitors with a digitizer table, cursor, on a dummy workstation that was run from a huge main from several floors down. circa: 1980
Then AutoCAD bust into the scene with a PC run CAD software! circa: 1984

 

[Cold Iron]

I've seen that style on a few GX460s! That appears to be more of a rock deflector than a skid plate right?

I wanted to develop something that will tie into the front bash bar and can take a hit off-roading by a rock if need be. Thus the 1/4" 5052 aluminum.

Those bumper brackets are interesting and something I haven't thought about. Someone on Reddit did ask for a plate to cover the windshield washer fluid area and he says the intake is exposed underneath with a bumper cut as well. Haven't had the time to look into that much.

There are 2 skid plates extenders that I am aware of. NYTOP which is 1/4" 5052 aluminum at $333. The one I have is 10 gauge stainless steel from Go North Offroad and meets all my needs. Cost was $168 delivered. Not sure the NYTOP adds anything that the Go North does, would have to be a rare angle to hit it bad enough to cause any damage.

I don't worry about the windshield washer reservoir, if I smack it and loose fluid I can still get out of the woods. And a replacement is ~$125. There are replacement relocation kits out there but run well over $300. If you have a really high clearance bumper you don't have to look at it anymore.

The water in the air intake issue after cutting the bumper and liner is real and can hydrolock your engine destroying it. It is not unique to the GX T4Runners and Tacos have the same issues. Especially with a viper cut on a T4R. A snorkel helps with that but not an option for those of us in the Northwoods where it would get ripped off. And not everyone wants to wear a snorkel.

Personally I feel solving the water ingestion issue on liner cuts would be a best seller and across several platforms. Solve that and you would likely be so busy you would have a new full time job. My 2 cents anyhow and worth what you paid for it!

I am very familiar with software licensing via use of multiple types of highly-specialized technical software on a daily basis .

Oh yeah... Going back to serial ports and hardware dongles. And double floppy drives one that had the lic (license) on boot. I don't miss those days. Not sure a sitewide dedicated license server is any better but been a couple of decades since I've had to run and manage lic servers.

I know about pencil on paper and ink on Mylar with triangles and rulers. circa: 1974
The first CAD program I had to learn was Intergraph. It was duel monochrome CRT monitors with a digitizer table, cursor, on a dummy workstation that was run from a huge main from several floors down. circa: 1980
Then AutoCAD bust into the scene with a PC run CAD software! circa: 1984

1974 Hey you are older than I thought! My 50th HS Class Reunion is next year. 1974 is around the time I got my first parallel edge board and no longer had to use a T square.

BTW it isn't called a ruler it is called a scale

 

[mtnco]

Hi all!

Engineer with some extra time on his hands so I decided to attempt to create a skid plate extension for the GX460. Not really satisfied with what's currently being offered on the market, especially at the price.

I'm designing this based off a bumper cut GX460 with the lower brackets removed (my personal 2019). I'm going to design a bracket that will connect the skid to the bumper bar for those of us that cut those factory brackets off. But I'm also incorporating holes to line up with factory brackets if you retained them.

The other guys skid would run me $337 shipped to my door. I can easily shave $100 off that price with my design if I were to market it and it's still made of 1/4" 5052 Aluminum. I also made it to be 26" wide to provide full coverage. It would be around $237 shipped per skid if I got 10 people that wanted one.

Would anyone be interested in these if I ordered a batch?

View attachment 3826807

I was totally going to design something like this as I recently trimmed my bumper. Still may as I have a few ideas I want to try but similar concept of using thick ALU and supporting from the front slide and bumper bar. Just gotta wait for the snow and ice to melt in my driveway before I roll around under the GX to take measurements.

I'm interested to see how it comes out but know from experience that Version 1 could often use a design tweak or two. If you don't get 10 people to commit, consider biting the bullet on having 1 made (I know it's expensive), refine the design, and you'll have some documentation to show the next 10 people how it looks and functions.

If you haven't already, try quoting this at SendCutSend as they have by far the best pricing I've found for smaller sheetmetal components like this.

Out of curiosity, what software are you using for 3D modeling? I dabble in 2D CAD for basic things but wouldn't mind picking up a simple 3D software package that is easy enough to learn (for things like this).

I've been using Autodesk Fusion 360 for my home needs and it took a little getting used to but I really like it now. They have a personal version that allows up to 10 parts to be active at once, but it's not for commercial use, i.e. you can't sell what you design.

It's licensed in a subscription model like almost everything these days and I went ahead and purchased a 1 year subscription for $340 when they had a 50% off sale. Not cheap but compared to SolidWorks, it's a bargain. Compared to the Siemens NX and ANSYS licenses that I use at work, Fusion is basically free.

Hope you can get an SW license. After having learned about a half dozen CAD programs throughout my career, plus the CorelDraw suite (which is kinda like CAD), SW is by far the best engineering CAD program out there, but not so good if you're modeling board game pieces like monsters and hero's for 3D printing.

I'll give you that SolidWorks is the most intuitive of the old guard, but the best? It depends on your use case.

We exclusively used SolidWorks at work for more than a decade but found that it was downright atrocious with large, complex assemblies. Once we started getting to 100's and 1000's to >10,000 parts in a top level machine assembly, and lots of sheetmetal components, rebuild times and crashes became intolerable. Some of their mitigations such as lightweight parts, Large Assembly Mode, and Large Design Review can help, but design the same thing in NX and you'll wonder why SolidWorks in 2025 is still such a dog.