Took my first real longer road trip with some more moderate off-roading over the weekend since the mods/upgrades.
Rig basic info:
2017 GX Premium (25k miles) with front and rear MetalTech bumpers, RCI skid plates, ToyTec lift / rear HD coils, AFE dry intake, Magnaflow performance muffler, Pedal Commander, MTS, winch, etc.
Before the trip, I had the vehicle serviced by Lexus and replaced the engine oil and front/rear diff fluids with Amsoil. I also had them change the transfer case (OEM fluid) and change out the spark plugs to NGK Ruthenium plugs.
Vehicle ran like a champ the entire trip. Off-roading (nothing extreme since I had my family with me) and overall performance/power was noticeably better than before the upgrades.
If I had it to do the mods over again, I would change the order and I would have installed the Pedal Commander first thing (after getting larger all-terrain tires). In originally looking at it, it seemed possibly gimmicky, but it actually does make a definite difference in responsiveness.
Next mods would be dependent on your personal preferences and goals, obviously.
Since this is my daily driver and very capable off-road stock (except for the stock tires), I would have done the all-terrain tires, AFE intake/muffler, Ruthenium plugs and Amsoil oil/fluids, probably in that order or all at once as all of these changes have added up to make a nice positive impact to smoothness and power/performance both on and off-road.
Next to improve the off-road / snow capabilities would be the suspension lift, skid plates, MTS, and bumpers (again probably in that same order).
Some thoughts and considerations:
In researching and choosing the all-terrain tires, I went with the Michelin LTX AT2 - LT275/70/18, which fit stock wheels with no rubbing. These tires are solid truck tires, quiet, and have been phenomenal on and off road, in the rain, snow, etc. I just wished they had a more aggressive style so they looked as good as they perform.
After the MetalTech bumpers were installed (this was one of the first mods, as someone did me the favor of running into the back of my vehicle last year), the extra weight did make the vehicle feel more steady/grounded, but slightly negatively impacted MPG and performance. Installing the intake/muffler and plugs have resolved those issues and then some.
Interestingly, especially for those of you at higher altitudes, I have read that since the air has lower oxygen content and thus thinner here in Colorado as we are over a mile above sea level, that horsepower is diminished anyway -- and air intakes, performance mufflers, higher octane, etc. may not have much effect, but I have noticed a definite difference overall and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
I have decent off-roading skills, so I wasn’t sure how much MTS would help, but on the trails I tested manually braking/shifting for the first 15 miles or so (which was fine) and then activated MTS (loose rock setting) and it made things more sure-footed. The best way I can describe it is that it made adjustments to the 4-wheel drive system and braking more quickly and efficiently than I could manually, and it let me focus more on steering and navigating the trail, which made it more enjoyable (and less tiring). I was also thankful on multiple occasions for the approach and departure angles and clearance that the bumpers and lift provided -- and the protection that the skid plates provided as well.
So far, all of the mods and upgrades certainly feel worth the investment, even with the extra expense of having professionals do the work since I don’t have the skill set and/or time to attempt most of these things due to work and family commitments (especially with young twins).
Hope this helps for those of you on the fence about some of these things.
It would be interesting to hear your opinions and experiences no matter what stage of mods you may be in!
Rig basic info:
2017 GX Premium (25k miles) with front and rear MetalTech bumpers, RCI skid plates, ToyTec lift / rear HD coils, AFE dry intake, Magnaflow performance muffler, Pedal Commander, MTS, winch, etc.
Before the trip, I had the vehicle serviced by Lexus and replaced the engine oil and front/rear diff fluids with Amsoil. I also had them change the transfer case (OEM fluid) and change out the spark plugs to NGK Ruthenium plugs.
Vehicle ran like a champ the entire trip. Off-roading (nothing extreme since I had my family with me) and overall performance/power was noticeably better than before the upgrades.
If I had it to do the mods over again, I would change the order and I would have installed the Pedal Commander first thing (after getting larger all-terrain tires). In originally looking at it, it seemed possibly gimmicky, but it actually does make a definite difference in responsiveness.
Next mods would be dependent on your personal preferences and goals, obviously.
Since this is my daily driver and very capable off-road stock (except for the stock tires), I would have done the all-terrain tires, AFE intake/muffler, Ruthenium plugs and Amsoil oil/fluids, probably in that order or all at once as all of these changes have added up to make a nice positive impact to smoothness and power/performance both on and off-road.
Next to improve the off-road / snow capabilities would be the suspension lift, skid plates, MTS, and bumpers (again probably in that same order).
Some thoughts and considerations:
In researching and choosing the all-terrain tires, I went with the Michelin LTX AT2 - LT275/70/18, which fit stock wheels with no rubbing. These tires are solid truck tires, quiet, and have been phenomenal on and off road, in the rain, snow, etc. I just wished they had a more aggressive style so they looked as good as they perform.
After the MetalTech bumpers were installed (this was one of the first mods, as someone did me the favor of running into the back of my vehicle last year), the extra weight did make the vehicle feel more steady/grounded, but slightly negatively impacted MPG and performance. Installing the intake/muffler and plugs have resolved those issues and then some.
Interestingly, especially for those of you at higher altitudes, I have read that since the air has lower oxygen content and thus thinner here in Colorado as we are over a mile above sea level, that horsepower is diminished anyway -- and air intakes, performance mufflers, higher octane, etc. may not have much effect, but I have noticed a definite difference overall and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
I have decent off-roading skills, so I wasn’t sure how much MTS would help, but on the trails I tested manually braking/shifting for the first 15 miles or so (which was fine) and then activated MTS (loose rock setting) and it made things more sure-footed. The best way I can describe it is that it made adjustments to the 4-wheel drive system and braking more quickly and efficiently than I could manually, and it let me focus more on steering and navigating the trail, which made it more enjoyable (and less tiring). I was also thankful on multiple occasions for the approach and departure angles and clearance that the bumpers and lift provided -- and the protection that the skid plates provided as well.
So far, all of the mods and upgrades certainly feel worth the investment, even with the extra expense of having professionals do the work since I don’t have the skill set and/or time to attempt most of these things due to work and family commitments (especially with young twins).
Hope this helps for those of you on the fence about some of these things.
It would be interesting to hear your opinions and experiences no matter what stage of mods you may be in!
