Lexus GX470 Built For Overlanding

This video features the Overland Journal 2007 Lexus GX470 project vehicle, complete with a compliment of ARB accessories, AEV wheels, a Warn winch, ACC Garage spare tire mount, Toyo Tires, Timbren jounces, and more.
Note: We installed ARB accessories for a Prado 120 Land Cruiser, which requires adjustment and modification for fitment. These products are not designed or approved for GX470 installation (at the time of this video), which voids the warranty for these accessories.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.

[@true_identity]

I struck gold on mine! Just purchased last Friday. 07' GX470 2 owner no accidents and all maintenance from lexus. Has 70k miles and it got it for $13.2k!! Bought within 7 hours of posting!

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Score!

[@josephoverstreet5584]

Sheesh. I’m seeing 04s with double those miles for about that price lol. I’m going to look at a 2 owner all maintenance with Lexus 09 with 136k miles for 18.9k in the morning🥲

[@true_identity]

@@josephoverstreet5584 Good Luck! Going on 9 months of ownership and I absolutely love mine!

[@matthewklemmer7773]

I got mine in MS with 170k for 6k cash. Also western New York has some steals right now.

[@JeffC1]

Such a nice build. Clean, intentional, and long-term performance all kept in mind. Well done. Hope to see it on the trail sometime soon.

[@clashandpotatoes]

Im taking heavy inspiration from this build for my own. You're the man!

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Thank you!

[@landminehopscotch3617]

One of the most well thought out modified GX470s I've seen. I'd love to see more on this build!

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Lovely video. The GX470 was one of the best-kept secrets around. It took me a while to realize it's a Land Cruiser 120-Series, just hidden behind a bunch of Lexus plastic junk to make it look rich. Japanese-made Land Cruiser in the USA, with the legendary V8.... the whole thing is a dream. It makes the 4Runner of the same era look like a toy, despite sharing many of the same platform traits. Would have bought one if I didn't need the pickup bed. This video is GX470 cannon and should be archived by Toyota/Lexus for history-sake.

[@davidkim4819]

Really thoughtful commentary. Good production value, too. Thanks for the specific point-outs!

[@JackMac]

Great video as always Scott. The GX470 is looking awesome, love the modifications! :-)

[@StoverEnt]

Great video. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@markspeece6747]

Great overview of the GX... .and, LOVE that Becky!

[@Sammy-db3xj]

Love that front bumper / light combo so classic

[@majorgunn]

Amazing, you really use the thing, beautiful changes man, thank you for sharing...

[@ExpeditionPortal]

You are most welcome.

[@jsoverland]

Big fan of the GX!!

[@zachp831]

I've never thought of just upgrading the rear air bags

[@xxmaddog_madaraxx]

My thoughts exactly!

[@shadowsocks7472]

I think the reason why most don't is trail reliability.

[@ricosteeler7]

Got an 07 with 180k 6 months ago. Been doing stuff to it ever since. Great vehicle

[@SkydiveNakedatDawn]

Looks like a fun family explorer...I'll bet with the air it's a pleasure all-day. It's amazing those teeny steering arms never break.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

They do require some gentle driving

[@slusketass]

Great video with a ton of useful information! I have a 2008 Land Cruiser Prado 120 which I am slowly modifying for overlanding. I had a question regarding your wheels, are they with a different offset from stock, or are you using spacers? I noticed the tyres are quite far out in the wheel arches, compared to stock 265/65 r17 wheels. Cheers from Norway! 🇳🇴

[@mr2midlife966]

I love your vehilce ! J/K, btw awesome rig man !

[@theoutdoorgearhead]

Amazing build…do you have a parts list for the lift (specifically for the rear set up)? I also use mine as my daily so retaining the rear suspension but adding spacers sounds like the way to go so any help that would be amazing!

[@hccvad1973]

Hi, love your GX build and got some ideas for my own GX build. Can you provide more info or link to the license plate relocation? TIA.

[@ForgottenWaypoints]

I'm a fan of that spare tire setup, I'll have to look into that. Are you going to sell (or already sold) the G-Wagon? I've followed most of your G-wagon build and wouldn't mind a final installment.

[@gerneyquintero5318]

Where can I get air bag spacer for my 06 Thanks for a great video

[@candidcapture]

"7 passenger" Is a stretch of that designation. 😂 That 3rd row afterthought paste on seat is a joke. No one can sit in that. They are literally mounted flat on the floor. They are a pain to get to, and fold up funny to add to the joke. It does add the rear AC which is where any bragging rights should come from when it comes to the 3rd row/7 seat discription. On those 100° days, its a blessing to have that rear AC especially if you have K9s.

[@Johnsky-rd7ci]

Very interesting build! I recently acquired a 2007 gx470 and am in the process of doing a few upgrades. I read the thread on expedition portal as well. I saw many requests for info on the rear air spring spacers. I too am wanting to go this route for the rear suspension. My attempts to search online for info on this spacer have not been fruitful. Was it custom? If Expedition portal or anyone else could provide info on these spacers it would be much appreciated by myself and many others. Thanks.

[@roykincaid3797]

Very nice setup. I'd be curious if you made any modifications to the interior like head unit, electrical, etc...

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Minimal electrical changes, as they tend to be the most failure prone. We did consider a new nav/apple carplay head unit, but those also prove to be failure prone for many buyers. So we just kept it simple, and stock 🙏🏻

[@otislawson256]

What did you have to mod for the airlift 52420 spacers? Besides drilling holes for the air fitting

[@edalejandro9950]

didn't see the GX platform on the drop down on the ARB Website. Are you running 4Runner/FJ application for the BP51?

[@The_Samsquantch]

Absolutely stunning build sir! Very sensible for overlanding. I'm in the process of obtaining a GX470 and this build might be the sweet spot for our family overlanding rig. Been rocking a Jeep XJ with just myself and the wife on trips but looking forward to a nice softer ride with the airbags and more cargo space with ability to tow something. Is that BP51 suspension a 3" lift? Have you put any kind of system in place to access that water in the spare tire mount area easily?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We set the BP51s to only 1.5" lift.

[@michaelkonopski7745]

How about a list of the products that you used for your vehicle would be appreciated thank you.

[@dannaylor7275]

which of the arb accessories did you use that were not designed to work on the GX470?

[@Moondoggy1941]

I have a GX 470 do the skid plates cover the catalytic converter and also the gas tank?

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

Man your video quality is fantastic! Keep it up. It would also be interesting to see pricing. That has to be an $80,000 - 1/4 ton SUV.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Probably mid $40s, as we did so much of the install work ourselves. They are so affordable to buy, too.

[@timaugustine3856]

@@ExpeditionPortal correction: were affordable to buy. Prices have skyrocketed in the last year since I started looking for one. Got my 2008 in September for $15k.

[@michaelullrich6938]

Sick build, had never even considered one of these - also didn’t realize they were 7 passenger. That said, might want to modify that spelling of “vehicle” in the beginning.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Yeah, unfortunate typo, but can’t be changed once the video is uploaded. Thank you for letting us know.

[@Bimmerrx7]

Great video. I have two of these GX’s. I’m curious if you can provide more info about the airbag spacers. Thank you

[@ExpeditionPortal]

I used 2” airlift spacers and modified them (a little drilling and grinding) to work with the factory bags

[@williamrentfrow9866]

@@ExpeditionPortal Do you happen to have any pictures or can explain how you modified the spacer to accommodate the air line and clip?

[@peteru9980]

Nice built, you have the part number or link to buy the arb pumper

[@rapturoussex]

Did you use a strut master spacer for the rear airbags? How did it fit? Did you have to modify it?

[@sgoldste02]

Nice video. I'm in the process of buying a 2006 GX for overlanding, and will be putting a drawer system in the back of the truck. Will that drawer system stop me from installing the Trail'd water tanks in the spare tire location?

[@luisamaya1768]

No, the drawer system will not affect the installation of the water tanks

[@luismadera30]

How did u find a ARB bumper for the GX i can’t find any only for the LX

[@LifeWithCem]

I would like to ask question about Lexus gx470, I would like to keep air suspension but also would like to lift and put some good tires rears has at tires and im very new on off-road. I always had lowered cars. I gave up on that. Just curious what could I do lift and I stuck a week a in mud at Hollister hills after stuck in mud my steering wheel very stiff only low speeds. What should I do how can I fix ? I’m located in San Jose btw happy new year🎄

[@bmwcar335]

How much does it cost all the modifications total?

[@Wcsokc]

Scott what sort of spacer did you use for the airbags? Been thinking about this sort of setup but retaining the bags in case of towing and loading, bags are practically new only have a few hundred miles on them.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

we modified an Airlift 52420 bag spacer. Best of luck!

[@xxmaddog_madaraxx]

How was the front suspension upgraded with OME & still able to retain the factory ride height adjustment settings? I purchased my 2003 gx470 with the rear coil spring conversion already installed, but I want this set up! Are you still able to control the air suspension from the interior? I've never had the opportunity to utilize it

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We installed two inch Air Lift (universal) spacers on the factory airbags which helped level everything, then we adjusted the suspension height sensors to get everything perfectly level.

[@chadputnam295]

Hey Scott, appreciate the vid. I am curious, could you have installed the spacer UNDER the air spring? Seems like you'd need a lot less modification with only one central nipple on the bottom of the air spring versus 3 on top (2 nipples and 1 air bracket connector). I am asking because I just had one of my air springs (which are tricked using washers on the sensors) come off the bottom spring perch and wedge itself between the axle and the stabilizer bar, damaging the top air connection and causing a big headache for me. Thankfully, I was able to trail fix it and continue on my way. I'm thinking the spacer would allow less possibility for the spring to come off the perch when the axle is at full drop. However, like I said, modding the top of the spacer seems like a lot more work than the bottom. Would appreciate your thoughts on this. Cheers!

[@cybrah]

I'm wondering the same thing. I'm not exactly sure how he modified the Airlift 5240 spacers to fit on top w/ air bracket. Did you ever get information on this? Seems that it would be so much easier on bottom. I plan on doin this exact set-up on my 460 very soon. Need to find out quick. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[@chadputnam295]

@@cybrah hey Robert, I never got a reply from Scott. I ended up using the same kind of spacers under the springs. However, over a year and a half later, I wish I had done the mod to place them on top. My setup works and I have had zero air spring failure but the spring is under inflated and under load will bottom out sometimes when i hit the right bump. The one thing I should have replaced, but did not, were the factory jounces (bump stops) with the Timbren product (or similar) that Scott mentions in the vid. Ultimately, my setup is not long for this world as I am going to do coil conversion WITH helper airbags inside the coils. My air system is leaking somewhere and I don’t think it’s my bags. Hope this helps!

[@cybrah]

@@chadputnam295 Hi Chad. Thank you very much for the reply. I think installing the Timbren jounces would make a huge difference and I will definitely go that route. I'm just trying to figure out how I would modify the spacer to fit on top of the airbag, and how the spacer would connect to the surface area where the air bag normally connects to with the clip? I haven't ordered the parts yet, but I have been trying to figure it out based on product photos. Scott probably drilled out a larger hole for the air connection to fit through, but still trying to figure out the other modifications. It's hard to envision when I don't have the parts in front of me on the table.

[@chadputnam295]

@@cybrah yes, that is the challenge. The center hole and the locating hole would be relatively easy to create in the top of the spacer with a drill press. If you look at the top of the air spring, the air intake is oblong - that is the challenge for me. I was thinking that you could drill two large holes next to each other and then connect the two with a jig saw fitted with a metal blade. The other challenge would be making sure the clip system that holds the air spring to the upper perch would work in the spacer as well. I "think" the thickness of the metal of the spacer is greater than that of the upper perch which would make it difficult to clip the air spring into place, but I have not confirmed this.

[@TheLeachMan97]

Where did you find the arb bumper

[@kurtugast8586]

How do the 255/80s feel on the highway? I just did a lift and I am trying to decide on tire size. I like the idea of a taller and skinnier tire. I worry about having that much sidewall. Is that an issue?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

It drives beautifully, and has several other benefits, like improved fuel economy over a wider tire, and less trimming to make it fit. Good luck!

[@antonioalvarez8751]

How much of a lift did you get with the suspension. Did you add aftermarket UCA?

[@DonovanSmith79]

Did you consider the longer airbags from airbagman instead of the spacers? Also, did you do anything to correct the angle of the panhard bar in the rear? Thanks for the great review.

[@xxmaddog_madaraxx]

Interesting thought.. I'm wondering if the OME BP-51 are an actual suspension lift or just a better suspension compared to stock 🤔.

[@DonovanSmith79]

@@xxmaddog_madaraxx The BP-51s would come with different front coils for the struts, which would provide a lift. The rear shocks are longer to increase travel and account for the lift.

[@user-fm9pu9bc3m]

Any trimming or rubbing with 33's tires?

[@onacoffeeride]

What size tire?

[@justinfesler2978]

What wheel offset are you running?

[@davidwayne9982]

Isn't that tire on the back door- HARD on the hinging system there? I've heard it causes the hinges to pull out away from the main frame over time. They do make adaptors that are on separate mounts for that.. without having to get the whole rear bumpers.. Just wondering.. GREAT review--- I got a lot of good info and ideas from you I hadn't heard in the others.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

When you install the becky tire mount, it includes a support plate that mounts to the rear cross member and helps support some of the weight. The vehicle is based on the Prado 120 too, which has a swing out rear door with a tire mount, so the rear structure is strong enough. So far, it has worked great.

[@davidwayne9982]

@@ExpeditionPortal Good to know- I just remember seeing one in a video on here somewhere that the hinges pulled loose from the frame on the sides.. not so much at the bottom... but that sounds good. THANKS.

[@scootzie]

This video brought to you by ARB.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

You make a valid point, although we only received editorial samples of the product. ARB did not sponsor this video or the build.

[@travisoneal3]

Is there a more budget “Becky” tire mount?

[@cybrah]

Hey Scott. I like what you did with this build. Everything that you did here makes perfect sense. I'm learning so much from you through this build and also through the podcast. I listen everyday while doing my morning hike and I'm almost caught up on all of the episodes. I'm wondering if I could implement these same principles into the GX460? I own a 2011, with 3rd row and KDSS. I'm getting ready to purchase new tires and suspension. I would like to retain the factory air bags as well. I looked up all the suspension components that you used and they seem to be compatible with the GX460. I'm just not sure if anything would change since I have the KDSS model. Did you do a BMC for the 255's to clear frame or was the 10" width clearing fine? Any problems with factory air bags due to the rear spacers? Would you still recommend this set-up? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you and have a great night!

[@ExpeditionPortal]

I feel the improvements apply to the GX460 too. In many ways, the 460 is a better platform and has similar aftermarket support. The KDSS is also superior, and should be retained at all cost if you can.

[@cybrah]

@@ExpeditionPortal Hi Scott, Thank you very much for the feedback.

[@cybrah]

@@ExpeditionPortal Hello Scott. Sorry to bother you with this.. Can you please confirm that the Airlift #52420 2" spacer that you used on the rear of the GX470 was mounted on the top of airbag and not the bottom? I'm really trying to figure out how you customized the spacer and how it attaches to top of airbag and vehicle with the clip and all, not sure that you even used the clip. I also feel drilling out the hole too large to fit air valve would weaken the steel spacer. You are the only one that I can find running this set-up. Please send me your secret. I will not blame you if the set-up doesn't work out, I promise. I also trust your approach very much, I just can't figure out the correct bracket customization. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

[@cybrah]

Hello Scott. Did you need a BMC to fit the 255/80/17? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[@smokey80012]

Nice build. Link for tire mount?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

www.accgarage.com/

[@marcochavanne]

Not poo pooing the build, but I had a really bad experience with an ARB bumper and wont use one again. They not only inhibit approach angles, but in my case it was flimsy when wheeling, and the winch mount welds broke loose allowing my new winch to literally twist in half. ARB took over a year to send a replacement winch mount and I had already switched to a Slee bumper at that point.

[@mikkiregalado]

Slee makes a bumper for the GX470?

[@marcochavanne]

@@mikkiregalado No sir. It was on my 100 series but the 2 piece design is shared by other models.

[@practicaltactics758]

What brand are the 2” air bags spacers and how can I buy some!

[@practicaltactics758]

Ok I saw in the comment you used modified universal spacers. Can you explain the modifications or have pictures?

[@Jotin8664]

You remind me of Mike Glover so much.

[@ExpeditionPortal]

He is much better looking. . . and smarter

[@DINU_R]

Is it ok to have a metal bumper? Will it pass inspection?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

The bumper is ok for North American roads, but it may require research for use in other countries.

[@jeffphillips94]

Scott, sell me that thing !

[@internetusername9593]

did you ever have any issues with the KDSS system? is this one fitted with kdss?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

No KDSS on our unit. Thanks for watching 🤘

[@internetusername9593]

@@ExpeditionPortal 🤙🦾

[@123456789billybobjoe]

Is that Perkinsville Rd in the very beginning of the video?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

Very close! 525 near Sedona

[@123456789billybobjoe]

@@ExpeditionPortal thank you

[@LLCoolPass]

Gx470 isssss a prado120 gxl just w dif headlamps, tail lamps, front bumper, and engine choice.

[@taemian]

I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. You bolted on most of the ARB catalog, and added shocks. Did you address the braking system to compensate for all the extra weight? This build was strictly throwing a crapload of money at a vehicle and making it stick. Nice work.

[@bridgeproductions1711]

Scott, who shoots and produces your videos? -Cody Barrett

[@ExpeditionPortal]

It depends on the video. We have two shooter / editors, so some are edited by Paula Burr (like this video) and others are edited by Ryan Keegan. There are also projects that are assisted by Sinuhe Xavier (like the Principles series).

[@bridgeproductions1711]

@@ExpeditionPortal They for sure do a fantastic job!

[@Reardon_Cobra]

Did you sell the GX?

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We did 🙏🏻

[@Sammy-db3xj]

Not sponsored by ARB

[@rrl9409]

“VEHILCE”???

[@ExpeditionPortal]

It is called a typo…

[@davidmojonnier1034]

Thanks for the video. Nice clean build. Kinda surprised at the piss ants like Daryl and R RL. Always trying to tear things down. Ok boys, wip it out. Let's see your overland channel. O how about a real name.

[@darylnd]

Yet another YT channel that believes the "background" music is as important as the content, if not more so. And all the ARB accessories we were relentlessly infomercialed about? Well, the show notes inform us they were modded accessories for a related vehicle, not approved for use on the GX470, and you lose the warranty on the accessories (and presumably consumer protections in event of property damage or injury) by using them in unapproved fashion. BTW, the word you wanted was "complement," not "compliment."

[@ExpeditionPortal]

We received no compensation for installing or featuring the ARB accessories in this video. They were just the best products for our needs. Disclosures are essential, as many product fitments are atypical, and often void either the vehicle or accessory warranty. The disclosure allows for you to make the choice if those compromises are right for you.

[@darylnd]

@@ExpeditionPortal Thank you for the reply. I do appreciate the disclosure, though I believe it would have been better to have included it both in the video and in the show notes rather than just in the show notes. And yes, ARB do make great products.