Functional Lexus GX460 Overland Build

For the past year, I have been working on my Lexus GX460 Overland Build. The first phase of this build is considered the functional stage. My goal was to get the GX into a place where it was capable of tackling most of the adventures I wanted to take on. I have been super impressed with this rig over the past 20 thousand miles and can't wait to start working on the next phases of the build.
Shop Backroad Exploration Merch:
Tires: Falken Wildpeak AT3W: amzn.to/3GtKMhi
Wheels: TRD Pro Wheels: amzn.to/3GsS8BR
Lift Kit: amzn.to/4a1ExyZ
Roof Rack: Prinsu Roof Rack: prinsu.com/
Ladder: NashFabCo: www.nashfabco.com/lexus
Storage Rack: ProSpeed Storage Rack:
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Fridge:
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Fridge Slide:
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Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag BLACK
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TeraFlex 4807200 Air Deflator
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TeraFlex D-Ring Shackles
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Camping Gear:
Coleman Instant Setup Tent:
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Camp Chef Everest High-Output 2-Burner Stove
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Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag:
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DeWalt Tough System Large Case
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Reliance Aqua-Tainer Water Container 7 Gallon
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Solar Charger, X-DRAGON 10000mAh Portable Charger
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Big Agnes
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Camera Gear:
GoPro Hero7 Black
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Joby GorillaPod Tripod
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BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
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VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor
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Products We Still Love But Are Not Currently Using:
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Tera Flex Adjustable Track Bar: amzn.to/3flDJ0c
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Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
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XRC 8 Winch:
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[@guiman3731]

Couldn't agree more about the frig: total game changer. Just like you I thought "eh, my cooler is just fine. Been using one for 30 years. Who needs some fancy frig?" Uh, I do!

[@BackroadExploration]

It’s one of those pieces of kit you get and wonder why it took you so long.

[@dhunsworth]

Nice looking build! Excited to see where it goes. Couldn't agree more with fridge, I definitely wont miss opening the cooler to find dinner in a soggy mess. Love the rack inside the back, searching for one of those now!

[@BackroadExploration]

I was always double bagging food so it wouldn’t get soggy and having to chip food out of the ice. It was a hassle. I love not even having to think about it now.

[@mikeoldham]

You’ve got that thing looking great.

[@BackroadExploration]

It’s just missing a white 4Runner behind it in these shots

[@WolfOverland]

sending this to a buddy who had all these questions on his gx! Thanks!

[@BackroadExploration]

Let me know if he has more! Happy exchange some emails.

[@steveegbert7429]

Great review of your GX build Jared! I do appreciate your candid commentary of what you do and don't like of the various additions. I love the Falkens on my 4Runner which have about 40K on them now and still going strong. Their only downside is deep mud, but they are not made for that, so I can't complain.

[@BackroadExploration]

The Falkens are great. Any situation in which they are going to need to do a lot of siping. Deep snow or mud they will struggle. Like you said not what they are designed for so it’s okay. But people should know that when going in.

[@hossbonaventure]

Just picked up a 2015 in the same color. As soon as I move out of the city I live in I will be doing what you did! Great video thanks for sharing.

[@BackroadExploration]

Awesome! Nothing bette than a new to you rig!

[@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics]

Nice start on your build!

[@BackroadExploration]

Thanks!

[@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics]

@@BackroadExploration Here is a video of my similar "functional" build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Ep2p6n7-LZtEsi=_KhFtJUyQdZZRxqc

[@Zach-ho7rd]

Just picked one up and needed ideas for a practical build.

[@BackroadExploration]

Awesome! I love that new vehicle feeling .

[@drewpaterson502]

Very well done. Superb video. You have actually nailed it, and you don't really need to do much more. Bull bars, light bars etc, are nice to have, but often not necessary at all.

[@BackroadExploration]

Totally agree. The necessities are taken care of at this point.

[@DirtEveryWeekend]

Love the video thanks for that. I have 2013 GX and I love it. Plan on doing a similar build only difference will be Victory 4x4 rack and I am going to do a 3rd row delete and a draw system. I would love more details on the all things needed for that lift.

[@BackroadExploration]

Lift is the basic OME 3 1/2 inch lift. My front spring is a 600lb heavy duty be the standard 300lb. It’s done a lot of off-road miles I’m happy with it. Had I known I wouldn’t have gotten a front bumper I would have not done the extra 300lb.

[@gunplaytv]

Check out the OVS awnings, brother. I just installed the 270 (free standing) but they've got some smaller ones also. Recommend putting it on the driver side if you go larger, so that it will cover the rear door when opened. (I've got a bison gear tailgate table, so this is amazing). #GXOR 💪🏾

[@BackroadExploration]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@turboldzorigt9512]

Awesome setup! Thanks for the tips as you cleared some of the confusions I had with my next upgrade. Could it be possible for you to provide little more information on how you managed to mount the rails for your fridge?

[@BackroadExploration]

I did a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ62oHmla9ysm5osi=UB0YNSOPhg1aMbBa

[@Pennychaser1]

I like how you kept your side step and not cut the bumpers. I own 2017 gx with sport pkg. Already have same TRD pro rims but in bronze. Looking to add 2'' lift so no need for UCA and not cut the bumpers and keep side step since my wife is sorta short lol. Not a rock crawler here but looking to go more offroad. Also we're sick of tents so we will be getting offroad trailer from Hiker Trailer. Awesome build

[@BackroadExploration]

I don’t live the look of the bumper cuts. Although I’ve scrapped mine several times so I may need to do something. We just got a trailer. Nothing fancy just to carry gear. I’ll be showing it on the channel soon.

[@thomassanio8745]

Iceco is another great fridge for the dollar. Love my JP50.

[@BackroadExploration]

I liked my icecoo as well.

[@miketroutsdad2102]

I have been using the Grecell 500w power station, $299, and the Alpicool LGCF55 fridge, $319, for a little over a year now. Both have been great and sometimes amazon has coupons on them.

[@BackroadExploration]

Thanks for Sharing!

[@brianleonard1639]

I'm working on a very similar setup. Check out the Kammok Crosswing for an awning option. It's a quick setup without poles. Because I don't trust any awning when the wind picks up, I like that this one can be set up and stowed away instantly by one person.

[@BackroadExploration]

I’ll check it out. It sounds like a good option.

[@brianleonard1639]

It doesn't look as sturdy as some of the more popular brands and options, but that single person quick deploy/stow is a game changer. Sudden wind gusts in the mountains are so common that I only want the awning deployed while I'm actively using it (hard lesson learned).

[@JasonBedient]

That upper rack in the cabin is sick

[@BackroadExploration]

One of the handiest parts of the build for sure. Just used the grab handles to mount so it is a super easy install.

[@JasonBedient]

@@BackroadExploration I just picked up a 2021 GX 460 with 35K miles. It's pretty sweet! I was curious about the TRD Pro rims and tires combo. If I went with those, do they fit without doing a lift? Any rubbing in the wheel well to do? I think for now i'd like to get a set of those for winter and more adventurous stuff but keep the nice lexus rims for longer summer time trips where i may not be doing much offroading.

[@BackroadExploration]

@JasonBedient that sounds like a good plan. I did the lift before the tires just due to timing so I’m. Not sure if they would fit without the lift. My guess is yes but there would be rubbing. I had to do some mild trimming to the inner wheel well after to stop rubbing while turning.

[@user-wz4rm1jx2x]

Hello there…I’m a huge fan of your vlogs. You had mentioned you come from a Jeep background and I’m kinda stuck on getting a Jeep gladiator vs gx 460. I would like to get your thoughts on both rigs with your experience.

[@BackroadExploration]

Great question. The GX is a more comfortable family rig. Great for running our kids around for day to day life. The Gladiator has a bed so storage options are near endless compared to the GX. However the reason I went with the GX is we were planning on having another kid. Just brought her home two months ago. That means we need 6 seats. Two adults 4 kids. If I had 0-3 kids I’d have gone with the Gladiator. The ability to add a rack or topper and use all the space a truck bed offers is just next level.

[@ryancatalasan]

Awesome build man! Do you run another tire in the spare location?

[@BackroadExploration]

I am just running the factory spare. I have not decided long term what my spare plan will be. For now, if I have it will have to be plugged or the factory spare limp me to somewhere it can be towed. Not ideal.

[@ericduong8109]

Great vid - really like the practical aspects - how many inches of ground clearance do you have?

[@BackroadExploration]

Sorry I missed this comment. I’m not positive. In my lift video I measured body height lift but nothing from the difs to the ground.

[@BackroadExploration]

Can I Make This Luxury SUV Off-road Capable? | Lexus GX 460 Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn3JZKd7YtOia5o

[@68camarors327]

Excellent video and build, how did highway drive comfort and mpg change with new tires and lift?

[@BackroadExploration]

It’s definitely stiffer on the highway. Partially because we put the hd springs on the front anticipating adding a front bumper right away. MPG we lost about 1 MPG. But the GX is just not a good MPG rig at all.

[@adv_skarr5362]

Thanks for the great video. Leave it like this and travel man. Take it from a guy that built a armored roof top tented super charged longtravel tacoma. We take my wifes gx on more trips. Weight/ complexity is the enemy

[@BackroadExploration]

Lots of wisdom in this comment! I agree.

[@J.Young808]

Are the tires E load range? I can’t find many in C range but I’m looking for 255/85R16 for my Tacoma to not have to lift but get 33’s without rubbing.

[@brandonf7181]

Great video. Currently have the ‘23 4Runner Limited but really considering switching to a GX. I like the functional aspect of your build. It’s easy to get carried away but those mods you have are practical and not too expensive. I was wondering what year, trim, and color do you have?

[@BackroadExploration]

2017, Base. I believe the color is metallic grey. If you are looking I’d make sure it has the remote start. Mine doesn’t and it’s inconvenient at times.

[@sz2435]

Thank you for the video and all the good ideas on the build. If you have a chance could you measure the distance from the ground to the floorboard? Curious to know how high the GX sits with the lift and 33" tires compared to stock.

[@sz2435]

I meant distance to the footboards. Thank you.

[@BackroadExploration]

16 inches. Not sure what stock is

[@sz2435]

@@BackroadExploration Thank you. Stock is 14"from ground to top of footboard

[@ololosha9733]

Hi Jared! Awesome video! I have a question - I would like to postpone a lift for a few years but I'm due to my tires to be upgraded soon. Do you have an idea will the size you've mentioned - 255/80/17 + 4R pro wheels will rub in vehicle stock form? I'm OK with heating/pushing the plastic, etc. Thank you in advance!

[@BackroadExploration]

I don’t know for certain. My guess is with trimming hearing and pushing in the plastic you could make them work. But I’m not 💯 positive. I’d check the GX460 FB group to see if anyone has done it.

[@ololosha9733]

Thank you so much for so fast response. I will check mentioned group + clublexus for this info. Initially I thought about 275/60/18 tires but running 33" would be really nice!

[@J.Young808]

Ez-awn 270° that way it will cover your rear cooking area.

[@flyingdoc1138]

I have a 2020 GX that I am slowly building out. I have been struggling with tire size, mostly what size will fit int he spare location. You said you were running a 255/80R17 that works out to a 33 inch diameter. does that remotely fit in the spare tire location? I do not want to have a swing out for my spare and I prefer to have a spare when I'm in the back country it has been my experience that, similar to having a winch, it will probably never be used but in the event that I need it, a bad day is merely an inconvenience. Thanks for the video you are building basically the same rig I am with the same use case and endpoint.

[@BackroadExploration]

I doubt one will fit. Ive never looked though. We don’t have a full size spare. It’s the biggest flaw in my setup. I’ve been able to plug holes the size of a goofball before. So I feel confident I could limp a tire back to civilization but it’s definitely a limitation of the GX. I don’t trust the carriers that mount to the door. Perhaps I should. Eventually I may get a swing carrier but not in my current plans.

[@bob5276]

I have a Kenda Klever RT LT265/70r17 in the OE spare location, but just barely. It requires KDSS rear spacers to fit.

[@BackroadExploration]

@bob5276 thanks for the insight!

[@bedrockrunner1530]

Have you added any skid plates? Or had any issues if just using the factory one in the front?

[@BackroadExploration]

No skids so far. Long term first protection item will be sliders. Unless you are going to push it I think skids are something I’d wait on.

[@charlieHorsie]

Of all the places you been, do you see the need for frame sliders? I see you don't have them and wonder if you feel unease going offroad without it

[@BackroadExploration]

Good question. I do intend to get them. There are a few trails I want to go on where I know I will need them. But there are so many places out here to explore I could go without them forever if I just decided to not tackle a few technical trails.

[@Ill06Taco]

What upper control arms did you go with and any tire rubbing with this setup? If so, what did you modify for them to fit? Thanks

[@BackroadExploration]

I’m not sure on the upper control arms. I bought the kit from my friends at Cruiser Outfitters. I just got the upper control arms they recommended. I can’t seem to find my receipt sorry. I did have slight rubbing, all I had to do was do some light trimming/pushing in of the inner fender liner. I used a heat gun and spray bottle to heat the liner up and pushed it in then sprayed the liner to cool it down and stay in place. Then on the back liner I used the heat gun and cut the liner with an xacto knife. It was all pretty easy .

[@Ill06Taco]

@@BackroadExploration thanks for the reply

[@campbowie22]

Bought my 2017 460 immediately regret not having 15k to put into mods lol little by little is the process. I just love overlanding not big into hardcore offroading.

[@BackroadExploration]

Exactly how I am doing it.

[@campbowie22]

@@BackroadExploration Its just fun and peaceful. I could care less about the extravagant offroad gear. Its cool but i like simplistic stuff myself.

[@ohwespicy7270]

What year is this Gx? Did you buy it used? Thank you!

[@BackroadExploration]

2017. Yes we purchased it used 16 months ago with around 38k miles on it.

[@gabrielmilanez9246]

Congrats on the build! Family overlanding is about this, the car serving the people, not the other way around with these crazy builds that barely see an adventure. On the suspension setup, could you share the specific config you did? I mean, did you go for the upper control arms and extended breaklines? I've been researching and looks like the 3inch lift can be borderline to articulation limitations, would you say 2.5 inches can still do the offroad/overland job done without trimming the bumpers?

[@BackroadExploration]

I did get upper control arms and extended brake lines. I also had to do minor trimming on the inner fender liner

[@luckyyou774]

How is reliability on this truck? And miles?

[@BackroadExploration]

It’s been solid. I purchased it with 38k miles. It’s up to 59k miles. No issues at all.

[@luckyyou774]

@@BackroadExploration goid to know thank you, make more videos in snow and hill clim

[@imacougar9281]

You know what they say, if you want to get out there get a Jeep, if you want to get back get a Toyota (Lexus)! 😃

[@luckyyou774]

@@imacougar9281 nice

[@miketroutsdad2102]

Are you related to Jefe on Matt's Offroad Recovery?

[@BackroadExploration]

Nope.

[@miketroutsdad2102]

Man you look very similar and even sound kind of like him. 😂

[@thedetective8150]

I am looking to buy a new GX 460. Shouid I buy premium model or a luxury model with off-road package?

[@brianleonard1639]

If you plan to modify it, avoid the Luxury. The airbag system makes lift builds a PIA.

[@thedetective8150]

I bought the luxury GX with an offroad package. I have no plans to modify other than better tires and wheels. It will be the family travel SUV, especially when visiting the Sierras in winter. It replaced our 2016 Subaru Outback that did great in blizzard conditions, I modified a 2004 Tundra DC Limited 4x4 for offroad fun. @@brianleonard1639

[@BackroadExploration]

For your use case I think you will be super happy with it.

[@ranak9534]

2023 GX model is sold out at most dealerships. I tried to find it using multiple zip codes but could not find one. 2024 model (GX 550) is just starting to get listed on some dealer websites, but at a much higher price

[@corralescruiser8957]

Awesome build! Love the ladder! I own a 19 GX. I installed a mild Dobinsons lift about 1 1/2 inch. I'm also still on the original wheels with 265 65 BFG KO2s. What are you doing for a spare with your wheel tire setup? I think I am going to get a Gamiviti rack. It does have the rails on the side that you were talking about. I've done sliders from Metaltech. Next on the list is under carriage protection.

[@BackroadExploration]

Thanks! I had a Gobi rack before and really liked it. How are you liking the metal tech sliders? Right not I just have the factory spare. Not ideal. Essentially if I blow a tire I’ll have to use that spare to limp to pavement to be towed. I’ve found most flats even big sidewall blows Dan be temporarily fixed with tire plugs. Eventually I plan to get a rear carrier so I can run a full-size spare. Not sure yet on what method I’ll take to do that.

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

Do you remember what springs you used? 300 front 505 rear?

[@BackroadExploration]

OME 2885 Front, 2889 Rear.

[@fpartidafpartida]

You mentioned your GX is a gas-guzzler….wondering what your range is on a full tank? Can you guess what it might be on and off road? (Average)

[@BackroadExploration]

13-15mpg on road. 11-13 off unless it’s really slow moving off-road and then 10.

[@fpartidafpartida]

@BackroadExploration Thanks. Assuming a 23 gallon tank? So about 300 miles per fill?

[@amenson1997]

​@@fpartidafpartida that's roughly what i get in my 2017

[@BackroadExploration]

Seems like I get right around 290 miles a tank.

[@NigelNaughton]

Bro, do you even overland? No RTT, no portal axles, no thousands of dollars spend on from and rear bumpers??? 😜 I love my Falkens too! I've had them over 5 years and they have been on both my 80 Land Cruisers. If you really need more traction in deep snow just air down. You have built this right. You mentioned that you want to viper cut that bumper but then realized you don't need it because you haven't needed it yet..that's the way you do a build. Go out, explore, see what you need and what you don't and then plan accordingly. For your roofrack you can just screw in some brackets on the ends and use them for support for your bins. Look at the bracket that you use for your Ironman and just flip it. Get rid of that awning..it's garbage 🤬. Good advice on the fridge discussion. Power: The Bluetti AC70 and the AC180 and the Ecoflow River Pro and Delta2 are awesome and usually you can get them with good deals. Summary: the best mod for the GX460 is the new GX550 😜

[@BackroadExploration]

Thanks! It’s always tough to know where to allocate budget. No RTT is blasphemy! Truthfully I’d like one but won’t trade kids for a RTT setup. I totally agree that all builds should start with swing what vehicle can do and modding as needed. I’ll look into the Bluettis the new GX is beautiful!