Nomad's Lexus GX 460 - aka - Land Cruiser Prado 150

Do you prefer drawers or a flat cargo space? Leave a comment below. I revised the rear setup to give me more options and storage here: https://nomadsgx460.blogspot.com/2022/08/more-versatile-rear-storage-drawers-3rd.html I won't be using the 3rd row electric seats so I pulled them right away. 127lbs of associated seats and brackets gone! Heavier than I thought!  I also removed the large class IV hitch which was another 85lb or so. With 200lb less weight in the rear and 6 inches lower trunk floor I have something a little more useable and versatile.  In order to finish it all off I built a cargo floor with locking tie down points. I used much of what I had available and only bought what was necessary.  The silver you see is two layers of my favorite -budget- sound deadener which is "PEEL N SEAL" window seal. Look it up. It's only $20 for a roll of foil backed butyl. It deadens the resonance of the steel panels. Same as Dynamat. I used two layers as I heard some more ...

"I welded, it helded." I was thinking about  adding rock sliders. Not to hit rock gardens and pivot around obstacles or grind over boulders, but as a 'just in case" measure as even mild trails can reach up and grab those low hanging plastic steps the GX came with.  I had a few options: Several suppliers have bolt on designs for $600-1,000 Trail Gear DIY kits are around $350-400 Raw steel tube would cost $250 (still need to buy a bender) I researched and watched used markets for take offs... As I looked at used parts, I noticed how much cheaper the Jeep JK stuff was. DIY kits are basically sliders welded up but you do the fitment, mounting plates, and extensions. Weld it and finish it. Well, my catalog of poor ideas keeps growing... I had another one. I picked up a set of Smittybuilt rock sliders for the Jeep JKU (4 door) for $80 locally. Cheaper than I can buy the same amount of raw tube steel... Jeep sliders for the Lexus? Just my style. Stock sideskirts are 74...

I was going to build a tailgate table until I saw a 24x12 Jeep table for only $35 on ebay.   Well, it was certainly worth a try at that price as the wood and hardware would certainly be more. I could modify it a bit and gain the ability to strap molle bags onto it to store important items. Part of my trunk redo is to make organized storage for little things I like to keep in the back, tools or supplies, first aid etc. I could manage with a smaller table for the cost savings. I did buy a rivnut tool from Harbor Freight for $25 but I wanted one for a while and can use it on other things. This might also be a good size for GX470 doors. I was surprised at the quality feel of the table when I got it. Stronger than I thought it would be. I figured I may need to weld stiffeners etc.  The table is designed to be able to have molle bags strapped to it, and then fold down, but this would leave the straps on the table top. Not good. I flipped the table upside down so the flat surfac...

As seen in a previous post I've removed the 3rd row seating and installed a flat tray for hauling materials and a more functional rear space, along with removing 200+ lb from the rear for daily use. But I want versatility...  I've been planning on making a low set-in tray for the rear with drawers so that I can store some basic items like tow straps, gear, and tools out of the way, as well as transport smaller flatter items out of sight. It'll be a lighter drop in that can be easily lifted out. Unfinished mock-up I'd still want to be able to load larger items in the flat space, and not just rely on the retractable cover (which you have to find space for with an unexpected load).  For a family of 4 this has been great. THEN, we decided to go to the beach... with some family. 6 of us.  Uh oh. I removed the rear seats so now we're looking at two vehicles just to go?  I now realized I can improve on this idea. I removed the rear deck, grabbed passenger 3rd row seat and...

  I need to occasionally haul things back from the HD store for projects and a nice solid roof rack would be a great addition that would allow me to haul long items and 4x8 sheets with ease. Granted it'll be relatively light weight use but attaching some roof boxes, accessories and an awning will also be easy in the future. There are companies selling heavy duty crossbars but they blow what I'm willing to spend for something so basic. I may eat my words later... or just remove them and go on with life... First iteration: Superstrut The factory rails, while much maligned for being low profile, only need a J hook clamp and a top flat surface. So the design is relatively straightforward. While I should have built with straight cuts as proof of concept I went ahead and complicated things by doing 45 degree ends and filler plates right off the bat. I want a nicer, streamlined look (if that's even possible) More progress: The superstrut has J shaped bottom section and 2" pie...