Project 4 Adventure: 2012 GX-460

Project 4 Adventure: 2012 GX-460

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You wheel a Lexus?You wheel a Lexus?

Who hasn't heard that while in the back country on an amazing adventure?

If you've been reading Toyota Cruisers & Trucks for a while, you've seen previous articles on our GX-470 F.A.S.T build, and the Best Kept Secret from GXOR founder Dan Kunz. Clearly the GX (aka Land Cruiser Prado) platform isn't exactly new.

 

So why did we decided to start A New Beginning with our Project 4 Adventure: 2012 GX-460?

As I covered in the original article, a variety of factors culminated in saying goodbye to the TCT Explorer Tundra and welcoming the new rig. For this installment, I’ll do a full rundown of not only our upgrades, but how our family has become acquainted with this practically perfect Adventure Vehicle.

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road Adventure Build | Toyota Off Road magazine

Keeping it BasicAs I mentioned in the initial article, the goal for Project 4 was for a simple build. These trucks are so capable off the shelf, a few well thought-out upgrades are all that are needed for a fully adventure-ready rig.

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road Toytec Lifts Build | Toyota Off Road magazine

The most noticeable addition is, of course, the Toytec BOSS suspension. Adjustable coil overs up front along with adjustable SPC Control Arms (the new forged version), combined with new springs and shocks in the rear. The original suspension had over 80,000 miles on it and was well worn. The Toytec hardware has performed flawlessly as always.

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road Toytec Lifts Build | Toyota Off Road magazine

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road Toytec Lifts Build | Toyota Off Road magazine

Prep for Towing

Since we regularly pull our 24' Winnebago Minnie travel trailer (see 2000 Miles In The Rockies on LiveToExplore.co), the GX needed a little extra support in the rear. Luckily Toytec stocks the Coil-Rite in-spring air bag kit, so we got that part installed before summer arrived. Even with the taller Toytec Springs, the air bags at 30psi give just enough extra support to avoid sagging. 

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road towing airbags | Toyota Off Road magazine

The other huge upgrade that was required for towing is, of course, brakes. We connected with Cruiser Brothers to install fresh drilled/slotted heavy duty brakes on all four wheels. CB imports Terrain Tamer parts from Australia, and this upgrade has certainly ensured our GX can stop safely and securely at all times.

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road brake upgrade| Toyota Off Road magazine

A little protection, maybe a bit more?

While we won't be doing any hardcore rock crawling with Project4, losing the GX running boards in favor of slider protection was top on the list. We installed the OPOR KDSS compatible sliders from Metal Tech, and chose to trim and keep the body side moulding for a cleaner look. 

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road brake upgrade| Toyota Off Road magazine

The stock thin skids have held up OK so far, but I think a set of lightweight skid plates may be a good addition in the future. 

Testing Tires

As you read in our original article, we chose to take a chance on entry level A/T tires from our local Discount Tire. Overall these tires have been acceptable, and we haven't been stuck or had any safety issues. The only item of note is that during particularly cold times of year, they seem to lose balance fairly easily. Once the tires are warmed to operating temp they perform fine, but it is a little annoying during the winter. 

Lexus GX-460 Overland Off Road Tires | Toyota Off Road magazine

We're currently at just over 25,000 miles, so we'll be looking for a new set to test later this year. 

An Odd Transformation

Adding sliders and a lift kit will absolutely change the look and performance of any SUV. However, when it comes to transforming a GX from a grocery getter to an adventure-mobile, the rack (and accessories) are the most noticeable. 
Rhino-Rack USA set us up with the Pioneer platform, MAXTRAX Mount, and High-lift/shovel mount. We also added the impeccable Batwing awning, and couldn't be happier. 

Lexus GX-460 Rhino-Rack for Overland Off Road  | Toyota Off Road magazine

For summer running, we modified the rack to flat-mount MAXTRAX, leaving the rest of the rack open for bikes, kayaks, or anything else we need.

Lexus GX-460 Rhino-Rack Batwing for Overland Off Road  | Toyota Off Road magazine

The Batwing has served us well for shade at the park, rain cover in the woods, and a cool place to get a little work done. We're really looking forward to testing some of the new add-ons for the Batwing that Rhino-Rack USA has in the pipeline. 

Lexus GX-460 Rhino-Rack Batwing for Overland Off Road  | Toyota Off Road magazine

For the interior, we haven’t made many changes. We used a ProClip vent mount for the Yaesu ham, which supports APRS when we’re out and about. Nite Ize also supplied a Steelie windshield mount so the iPad is front-and-center on the trail. Note that we never run the iPad when on paved roads due to visibility concerns.

Lexus GX-460 Hema Maps for Overland Off Road  | Toyota Off Road magazine

Making it work for the Twin Compressor

A search for mounting the ARB USA  Twin Compressor under the hood of a GX-460 doesn’t show many options. A few Prado owners created their own mount, and our friends down under have one or two off-the-shelf options. I found on a social network that someone used a mount from Hefty Fabworks on a GX-470, so I gave Chris a call. A quick trip to Colorado Springs and I arrived home with a nicely welded 5th Gen 4Runner bracket. It didn’t fit the GX. Careful drilling, a bit of primer spray paint, and a few nuts and bolts took care of that.

Lexus GX-460 ARB Twin Compressor Overland Off Road  | Toyota Off Road magazine

The compressor is now securely mounted under the hood, ready to serve all of our high-performance on-board air needs.

Our Adventure Rig

So far this summer, we’ve taken the GX across the Rockies to Idaho. We’ve hauled bikes, stand up paddleboards, and lumber all around southern Colorado. We’ve loaded up seven adults and children to trek down from our campsite to town multiple times. Last winter we logged 15 ski days, and expect to double that number this season. 

Lexus GX-460 ARB Adventure Rig | Toyota Off Road magazine

Lexus GX-460 ARB Adventure Rig | Toyota Off Road magazine

While the TCT Explorer Tundra was an amazing full-size truck, Project 4 Adventure has proven to be the quintessential Adventure Rig for a well-traveled family. We love all Toyota based vehicles, of course, but if you require room for a family (and then some), V-8 power, and a relatively modest cost, the GX-460 could be your perfect vehicle.


Lexus GX-460 ARB Adventure Rig | Toyota Off Road magazine

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