Build for Rocks & Sand! 2022 GX460 walkaround video. $30K in upgrades (includes full parts list).

Check out our shop: www.sandycats.com/
Instagram: sandycats_
Full mod list/pricing at the end.
After breaking 20K in parts on my 2019 4Runner we built this 2022 GX460 on 35's properly to handle any overlanding trail without the fear of breakdowns.
00:00 Intro
2:28 Front End/ Under Hood
7:29 Suspension/Tires/Steering
14:31 Skids/Protection
23:04 Interior
24:30 Wrap
25:30 Rear/Bumper
28:33 Outro

[@jpa868]

I know I’m not alone here when I say I can’t wait for your transmission cooler video to come out…Any info on sourced parts and install brackets would be awesome! Tnx for the awesome videos 🤙

[@wheeltogetoutthere]

That thing is beastly

[@user-ot7cc3qz5l]

This was extremely helpful information. Appreciate the no bs knowledge transfer.

[@wallybigwheels8993]

Awesome build A lot of great protection products 👍

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Very beautiful 😍. Fantastic job 👏 ❤️

[@stevecarlson2346]

Regearing would help with your transmission heat issues considerably.

[@izzyc.4746]

Just subscribed love your videos

[@Art-wx9in]

Nice rig 🎉

[@bendriscoll302]

Thanks for this. I'm not planning on going as hard as you on my '22 GX (there's really not much that's as challenging over here on the east coast) but the insight is awesome. Just with the 32's and a mild Dobinsons 2" lift I think I may have to follow your advice on the alignment tabs. I've already had them clunk twice to a new position just driving on the road. I didn't have an issue with them off road but I've not gotten anywhere near what you have yet. I also deleted the third row in mine (made my own plate instead of spending $700 for fancy plywood from Goose) and was surprised on how much weight was taken out by the rear seats, 70-ish LBS IIRC. Down the line I'm thinking of going the single-swing route from Expedition One for a couple of reasons. Like you mentioned in your bumper video, I really don't want to mess with latches to get to my storage space. My dogs are back there on trips and honestly it just looks like a giant PITA. It also seems to be built well enough for the daily grind as well as slow-speed stuff. We don't have any high-speed trails out east, so the constant need for a more stable latched system doesn't seem necessary for me. I'm thinking of going to 295/70R17 (or 285/70R17, that seems to be the safe size that everyone runs on GX's) on the next upgrade when I won't need a daily in a couple of years. I don't need the BMC at all with the 275/65R18's on the factory wheels as it sits, but I know I will once I start to go bigger. I'm curious if you'd still recommend gussets for 33's. Like you, I'm trying to save weight where I can. Victory's Blitz bumper being aluminum was awesome, as well as the slightly smaller profile of the SSO sliders compared to your RCI sliders. I didn't even need a jack to install the sliders, I just muscled them in there. Agreed on the lights. The factory headlights are put plainly, just unfair to everyone else. I put a Diode Dynamics 18" light bar on the bumper (again, thanks Victory) and plan on putting some small windshield pods on but that's it. I really think that this doesn't need that much more additional forward lighting. As far as the roof rack I'm just going to gets some LFD cross bars and call it a day. Probably an OVS TMBK RTT since they only weigh 105 LBS. It'd be a lot easier to take on and off when it's fifty pounds lighter than the comparable 2.5 person RTT, as well as saving weight where it matters most.

[@SandyCats]

Thanks for the detailed comment. Glad to hear other mindsets as well. Did the Goosegear to save time honestly… but I agree I could have probably saved an extra 3-4K and some weight if I did it over again. I would say if your on light 33s with a fairly light wheel you’ll be fine unless you start doing waterfall drops (harder trails). Otherwise… don’t really see a need for them on the east coast (I’ve wheeled a lot there). I would do the tie rod sleeves though before you start doing the rocky/muddy stuff there…. East coast rocks/mud will eat the tie rods.

[@SandyCats]

Also… I’ve tested a lot of tents. I agree the lighter the better but weight for putting on/off doesn’t really matter to me in the end as even with an 80 pound tent you want two people. They are just too bulky and easy to drop…. Don’t want to risk that on the side of my rig.

[@gulu-cat]

If I were you, I would spend $2k on skid plates first. Not just for engine, transmission, but also for a-arm, rear end link mount, etc. I am now putting these on after spending hundreds on fixing these.

[@Mr.Preston3991]

I've already dropped 2k on a budget lift kit and budget wheels. Plan on doing more budget mods to get mine overland ready!

[@nmunmnm]

Love the build! Are you guys planning on getting rid of the hitch? I’m in the market for one on my ‘23 GX. Thanks!

[@DJTheGX]

Dude I ripped my RCI diff skid off on some rocks. Looking at welding strips of metal to the diff itself.

[@VictorCapaJr]

Love the videos. Lots of information. One question I have is that in a couple of videos you mention the Cornfed Suspension spacers. Can you explain why you added these and more specifically what they did for the rig? Did the 2.5" from the Elka suspension not give you enough lift? Thanks in advance.

[@SandyCats]

I use cornfed to level out the rig. Sometimes you get a slight lean on one side and I use it to level out the other side. On the white 4runner (discussed in that walk around) I actually used it to raise the front suspension by about 1” because I set the Elka coils high for a softer ride. The truth is numbers on a lift kit are never real because each vehicle has a different weight…. Also, if you adjust the ride quality by adjusting the coils… you will change those numbers substantially too. On the GX my Elkas give me about 2.75” lift based on how we adjusted them. On the 4R they give about 1.5”

[@michaelblock3998]

I had to laugh, I wouldn't, I wouldn't, I wouldn't all CBI! I installed RCI skids, Demello sliders, Victory front bumper modified and LFD rear bumper. Best mod for comfort, removing second row captains seats and third row. Replaced with a Truckvault drawer/platform. Fully loaded with 10 gallons of water, girlfriend, dog (90lbs) and dog stuff, 6800 lbs. not light but lighter than my Taco by 800 lbs.

[@SandyCats]

Sounds killer.

[@J.Young808]

Plus you get the 1UR-FE V-8

[@asong26]

Appreciate the great video. I have the 23 model, same color, luxury w/ off-road package. I want to relocate the spare tire but I am concerned about the camera relocation and how that will alter the ‘360’ degree pano view when reversing. Would you mind doing a video in the future showing off the different camera views? I am very curious as to how all the cameras views will work after the lift / relocation. Also, are you aware of any method to recalibrate the cameras for our newer models?

[@SandyCats]

Our 22 does not have 360. Only rear view (which we relocated with expedition one's bumper). If you lookup my video on the expedition one bumper I show the loss of visibility there. However, unfortunately can't show the rest of the camera's.

[@asong26]

@@SandyCats thanks for the info!

[@ej2863]

​@@asong26 also have '23 GX Luxury, looking for all terrain tires setup. What are you running? Thx

[@asong26]

@@ej2863 currently all stock. just making a list of all the things once i’m ready to do it all at once.

[@jonathanbrowning40]

Which spindle gusset did you go with? Total Chaos has some but they also have a disclaimer that they don't work with factory offset and I'm planning to run factory wheels for a while. Also saw that Dirt King has some that don't seem to have the same offset issue but eliminates the use of the factory sway bar.

[@SandyCats]

I got them from thrashed off-road. I am not sure if they will work with stock offset.

[@rand0mGT]

I’m of the same mindset. Mod once and donce

[@christopherbrown4900]

Where is your go to shop for suspension? I want to piece together a kit soon

[@singermanz]

How do you pass smog with a long range tank in CA??

[@jorgefernandez281]

Will you do a video on your lift kit? I'm very interested in doing something to mine.

[@SandyCats]

If you look at my vids “how to fit 35s” part 1 and 2…. I go through kit and ALL parts required (mostly part 1).

[@vodniy]

Hey, what would you say this build cost roughly?

[@jonathanbrowning40]

What is the black liner/trim you have along the bumper edges where you make the cuts?

[@SandyCats]

Trim-lok edge trim

[@jonathanbrowning40]

Which transmission cooler setup would you recommend if going with one large one?

[@SandyCats]

Largest stacked plate you can fit. Derale makes a 25 row that would fit if you don’t have too many things in the way.

[@jonathanbrowning40]

Did you ever find some tie rod sleeves you liked? I'm about to tear the suspension apart and wanted to install some while I'm at it but I can't seem to find any specific to these.

[@SandyCats]

WarFab is what I used

[@jonathanbrowning40]

@@SandyCats I'm assuming the 4runner version fit the GX460 in this case? They only carry tacoma and 4runner options

[@SandyCats]

@@jonathanbrowning40 Correct. The ones that worked on my 21 4Runner also worked on my 22 GX

[@Hard_rock727]

@@SandyCatshi! They have 3 options… which part number did you use? TIA

[@ewen1630]

Just curious, about how much weight added onto the vehicle is when you start experiencing problems?

[@SandyCats]

Hard to say. Problems only come from off-road with weight. So there are a ton of other variables including passenger weight, driving style, off-road, tire size/weight at that section, distributed weight…If I had to make a guess… I’d say stay under your max weight per door sticker only after you at least gusset spindles and get tie rod sleeves. Anything more and you gotta start driving slower and choosing lines off-road.

[@ewen1630]

@@SandyCats got you. Thank you for sharing the knowledge! I’m in the process of building out my rig and been trying to find the balance of longevity, reliability, and capabilities. Although a lot of the GX out there are looking baddass with all the mods, I just have so many questions on how much of that is based upon sacrificing the reliability and longevity of the platform.. What you address in this video is so important and I think often times they are just so over looked. Thank you for posting these contents!

[@boomersooner9600]

Why wouldn’t you upgrade your radiator or change out your hood to a white or tan color? How do you spend so much money on something and then not properly do it??

[@graysonatlas]

just wondering why not just regear at least, instead of lockers? You have 35s.. Wouldn't you be putting more stress on the car? Also didn't know the GX460 only had center diff... I thought having center diff is good enough than installing additional ones.

[@SandyCats]

Regarding stress… maybe. It’s always a balance… in reality the engine is running less stressful and tranny a bit more. Gears themselves are physically bigger so less stress there too. Didn’t know it only had a center diff until I got it too 😂. I did a ton of testing…. It’s good enough until you get into more extreme trails. But when you have one tire in the air on each axle… the center lock is useless. If you only have one tire in the air; it will get you through most anything. The work required to regear is almost the same as putting in lockers. I would have a shop do it as it’s above my paygrade. Average cost of labor is like $1500-$2000 at a shop I trust. If your putting in lockers during a regear the locker install is free (as there really is no extra work). So I don’t see the point of paying that labor bill twice.

[@graysonatlas]

@@SandyCats great point. I am in the process of upgrading my suspension, and I may have to talk to them about that since everything is already going to be out in the open. Loving the Lexus GX videos. Please make more of them!

[@PAWulf6]

Have you done a tune on the truck yet?. I know Yotawerx offers a tune for your model.

[@SandyCats]

Yup. I have the yotawerx tune on two trucks. Still testing them. Plan to do a video on that in a month or so

[@ilovemimimomo]

What’s the height of this vehicle? Do you have any issues going to parking garage in downtown?

[@SandyCats]

Without RTT about 7’ 2”. Try to avoid parking garages

[@aldog742]

Great build, but I gotta say - I laughed out loud when I looked into Goose Gear, and that plate was $850 shipped! That's not even ballpark of reasonable.

[@askaubry]

Do you feel the way your GX is set up now would go across the Rubicon?

[@SandyCats]

Nope. Not without a front a rear locker. But even if I had those… I know it would make it through but probably with some body damage

[@jonathanbrowning40]

Did you stick with stock CV axles or go with CVJ or something?

[@SandyCats]

Stock. Honestly…. Don’t see a need to upgrade. Factory is great. Only issue is factory boot May wear faster from lift. Will replace boot with a high angle one (probably from Australia) when I wear it out

[@xlex.the.menxce]

What's the point of paying extra for the Blackline edition if you're just going to remove everything that makes it a Blackline edition?

[@jonathanbrowning40]

Did you relocate your winch clutch cable and controller? Do you have a picture of those?

[@SandyCats]

Nope. They are mounted on the driver side of the winch

[@jonathanbrowning40]

@@SandyCats thank you for all of the replies! You have been a huge inspiration and a great source of info for my build. Just created an IG for it and will be tagging you soon with a callout.

[@lsxfbodygen3]

How do you prefer to balance your beadlocks?

[@SandyCats]

Depends on tire. With these setups a shop balances them with weights. No issues. If tire too aggressive or large I usually just throw bb’s in there (amount depends on tire size and weight).

[@lsxfbodygen3]

@@SandyCats thanks for the info! I’m pretty far along into my GX460 build but it’s been great watching your content. I picked up FJToymans rear shock skids after watching your video. Thank you for sharing that. It’s the last piece of armor that I needed but couldn’t find what I wanted until now. Keep up the videos. Lots of great information all boiled down into digestible videos.

[@anthonynespoli117]

What are you getting miles per gallon around town

[@SandyCats]

Around town… 9-10

[@shadowcodr]

Dope Tryzub on the wall! сла́ва Украї́ні!

[@buntar4043]

Слава Україні !

[@izzyc.4746]

Just subscribed love your videos