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 ...

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...

 Now for the easiest install yet! Husky molded all weather mats. They are made to fit perfectly and not move around much, they even have the mat clip holes and cover the rear center hump. These are mandatory for me as my wife is none too pleased when I come back from a day offroad or after a week worth of hauling the kids all over. The amount of dirt and leaves drug onto the carpet adds up.  These mats are better than even the Lexus versions as the molded shape "catches" the grime and typically keeps the carpets very clean.  I had just ordered the front and rear Husky mats for about $160 online when I saw a local ad for 5th gen 4Runner Husky mats. Well, these are interchangeable with the GX460 so I jumped on it.  When I showed up he gave me the rear Weathertech cargo mat for free!  Sometimes you have a good day.... These scrubbed up factory fresh with dawn soap and a brush. Good to go!