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

Spend $1300 on wheels? Spend another $1200 on tires? No thanks. Not this guy... I tried the Rust-Oleum Metallic "Oil Rubbed Bronze" paint to see what it looks like. Figured I'd share what it looked like. It does a good job of looking like some of the other bronze wheels available but I actually preferred the satin black. OEM Sequoia wheels, poorly painted when I picked them up  After replacing my JK Wrangler with this  GX460  trying to make it more of what the "Land Cruiser Prado" was made to be in all other countries.  It looks ok from a distance but thick paint is sagging in areas. Yes, this has way better tech, a better engine, more comfortable interior, quieter more powerful engine, and more, that the Jeep JK didn't have, but it lacks in the looks department (and, as Jeepers say ad nauseum - no removable top or doors).  After chemical stripping. The aluminum surface is perfect So I want less "Latte Lounger", and more "Capable Cruiser"...

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 ...

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...

 I have a 2013 Lexus GX460 with the premium package (basically a Prado 150 or 5th Gen 4Runner chassis) and while it does have KDSS, locking center diff, traction control, 4-lo etc it does not have the Toyota "Multi Terrain Select" option.  New Module with MTS This module changes the way the traction control system works, tailoring it for various terrain types: Mogul, Rock, Mud and Sand, or Loose Rock. This is a very easy fix though, by just changing the traction module in the dash. A few bolts, screws and dash panels are removed and the module is swapped. Easy as that. There are plenty of writeups online.  About an hour moving slowly and I have a nice upgrade for offroad use. A little intelligent electronic intervention only serves to make the GX460 more capable. As they say: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.  Useful and inexpensive compared to many other options often advertised. 

So for all the hardcore rock crawlers that want to maximize their 470 and 460 this may be a little extra mod to add to the rig. These are ABS sensor guards that also have mounts for small rock lights. If you're going through heavy scrub or rocky terrain then these would protect the sensor and wire. While not terribly expensive or difficult to fix, the sensor ties into many driving modules so if its cut then your dashboard will light up like disco. These are from Ohana Rig Supply. More of a just for fun mod for me, but I figured I'd get them fit up and take a look. After all, "just for fun" has always been a legitimate excuse to mod! They use the abs sensor mount bolt, and the wire bracket bolt. These put a guard in front of the ABS sensor and wire. They fit up against the inside of the brake shield and bend behind the tie rod. Small rock lights can be mounted to the top of the bracket above the steering link. These will move with the wheel so will aim where you point....

The GX460 has a 4.6L V8 but you'd never know it in stock form. Is it a Hellcat screamer or Coyote growler? Not really. But I do think it should at least SOUND like a V8.  There's just something about a good V8 sound, not a straight piped obnoxious one, but a well tuned, healthy V8 sound... The GX is whisper quiet in stock form. While I certainly can appreciate the engineer's emphasis on luxury, I'm only here because: "capable offroader with V8" and any luxury is a bonus. I didn't buy this for posh walnut trim and heated and cooled seats... but I ain't complaining! I purchased a Magnaflow #11226 muffler. I could have gotten a slightly longer body version but I'd read several reviews so was confident it'd be ok. Worst case scenario I either weld in the stocker, take it to a pro to redo, or buy an off the shelf bolt on catback system. UPDATE: I recommend a longer muffler body. I should have gone with my gut and gotten a 18" or longer body. Ma...