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

"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 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...

TPMS is basically a good thing, but it can be a bit of a pain for those who like to modify our vehicles. Several scenarios cause annoyance: leaving the TPMS sensors in the OEM wheels when changing to aftermarket, buying a second set of wheels for various uses. or finally, airing down offroad. Yes, you can buy more sensors, but that increases the budget. I figured I'd just try out a $3 solution; I can always spend money if I'm not happy.  Tools: Screwdriver, wire cut/crimper, 2 ft small gauge wire, electrical tape or heat shrink. Optional: soldering kit. I did not invent nor figure this out but wanted to document it for any new owner looking for ideas. I followed the directions online, easy to find. Mine refers only to the 2010 - 2013 GX460, so you'll need to do some research if yours is a different year, but the concept is still the same.  The TPMS module is behind the rear driver side interior panel, directly above the cargo net connector.  You remove the connector and t...

 The options to change the suspension on the GX460 are varied and slowly growing. I won't bother with all the other versions and details about them.  I merely chose what I did based on: 1. How I ACTUALLY use my vehicles (not how I dream it could be after watching some cinematic video):   Mostly onroad commuting, with short stints offroad to go shooting or a day trip up some mountain fire roads. A rare, longer trip for camping once I have the vehicle ready. No rock crawling, no desert pre-running, no sand dune jumps, no week long overlanding far from civilization. 2. My budget.      Yes, I prefer not to spend money and to "be frugal" (not cheap, there's a difference!... I think) I also am reluctant to sink a lot of money into something like a vehicle. I have a limit to what I will spend as I have much more important personal goals and focus (hence all the diy). Well ok, it was a simple choice for me.  Other than keeping the stock shocks, which I wa...