The Smittybuilt X20 is wonderful - glad I went with it. No complaints, at all. Have not had to use it for recovery of the GX460, but did need to use it to pull my wife's car onto a U-haul rental trailer when she broke down in VA. I also used it to pull out some large shrubs in the yard - easy, breezy weeding! It still looks great on the GX460, and when i go off road - I have peace of mind that I can get out of any trouble I might get into. Having a winch and set of traction boards = more confidence! The next step for me is some full armor protection like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNFWA1W/?coliid=IF4VY9L16SYU9&colid=A052OAJE1W6F&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it and maybe some sliders for the sides.
@@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics Thanknyou so much for sharing your experiences.. it's time for us to get that winch too.. you'll love the skids.. again more peace of mind like you said! Was the install straightforward on the Smitty X20? Any issues? 😃
Hey John, John here. I got the hidden winch and I do really like it. This is pretty slick too. Just to clarify, you don’t have to reach down anywhere to lock unlock the winch. You just cut three of the louvers out and do your thang. Super easy, hood stays closed the whole time. I fab/welded my own recovery points, to where I like having them. Good video ..great rig👌🏼
Hi John :-) great rig :-) you mentioned spacers for the suspension? I have a 2012 and don’t want to go to radical so I am intrigued … could you explain your suspension? Thank you
Hi Robert. I am running a Daystar 2.5" spacer kit added to the stock suspension including keeping the KDSS system which is great. My 2010 is a base version so I do not have rear air bags like one would have with a premium version GX. I think this link is similar to the spacer kit on mine: apacheoffroad.com/product/daystar-2-5-spacer-lift-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-lexus-gx460/ This kit along the wheels & ~33" tires were on it when I bought the truck. Here are some links to what I have on the GX: www.extremeterrain.com/fuel-wheels-2016tacoma-ripper-matte-black-6-lug-wheel-17x9-1mm-offset-d58917908350.html www.walmart.com/ip/BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T-A-KO2-285-70R17-116-Q-Tire/668580864 I'm very pleased with the combo (FYI - you may need to trim some inner black fender liner/plastic and/or use a heat gun to reduce rubbing at extreme turns with the tires I have - if you don't want to do this - run a tire size smaller like ~31"). The advantage of the spacer lift is cost and the one retains the stock suspension ride (most of it, tires will affect it along with a little bit of lift). I run forest roads, 4x4 Drivable Trails and some some beach/sand. Most of the time - my rig is used as my daily driver so a hard core off-road suspension would not be my choice for how I use my GX. FYI - the stock suspension is quite capable as the chassis for the GX460 is the same as a Land Cruiser Prado! If you wish to do more advanced wheeling like rock crawling or if you are adding a roof top tent/more weight - I would research a different solution. I had read that if you go with a larger lift (more than 2.5-3"), you may need to modify the KDSS system with spacers or in some cases - a custom lift may recommend deleting the KDSS system entirely. Check out my other videos on the hybrid bumper and winch install, etc. My next upgrade will likely be some skid plates. Hope this helps! I had hoped to do a video on this set up, but time just seems to escape me.
@@Rjohns1414 Update: I noticed tonight that I have a small amount of rubbing with my tires on the upper control arms when turning full and compressing the suspension (a little paint rubbed off). The offset of the aftermarket wheels are the culprit - ok for street, but I am now investigating a wheel spacer solution so i can push the wheels out just a tad. The trick would be to make sure we clear the fenders as the suspension compresses. Spacers are not ideal as they could change the geometry and even the ride if too large, but I already have the rims so hoping a small spacer may work for me. Just wanted to let you know in case you are considering the same wheels that I have. 2nd UPDATE: a little more research tells me that I went from a rim offset of 52mm to 1mm. This essentially pushes the wheels out by 51mm. The added height of my new tires may be the real issue here. Yes, a small spacer may still work, but 31" tires may have been better (just would not look as good or give you the extra .5" ground clearance). Since I own the wheel and tire combo I have, I am going to try and find a solution. Any suggestions anyone - please leave me a comment. Here is a good link to use: www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=265&aspect=60&diameter=18&wheelwidth=7.5&offset=52&width2=285&aspect2=70&wheel_size=17&wheel_width=9&offset2=1 3rd UPDATE: I appear to have found a solution. I installed 1" hub centric forged 6061-T6 aluminum spacers on the front of the GX460. I had to trim the fender liners a bit more, but no more rubbing on the upper control arm and I tested tonight on a stump (full compression to bump stops) and no rubbing on the fenders. I have not decided whether to add spacers in the rear or not. The GX460 has longer studs in the rear so I would need 1.25" or 1.5" spacers if I opt to go that way. May just leave as it is like the old chevy pickups. Visually it is not noticeable.
I did not think Satan would be interested in my UA-cam videos, but hey perhaps they overland down there too. :) I will consider a video on the tires and rims. The GX460 has a 2.5" Daystar spacer lift kit. apacheoffroad.com/product/daystar-2-5-spacer-lift-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-lexus-gx460/ The place I bought the GX460 from did the install so to my knowledge the link above is what they used. Any more of a lift would not be advised with the KDSS system in place (2.5" is max according to what I heard). No body chop/cut. Some of the side trim pieces were removed for looks. UPDATE: I just replied to Robert's comment above with the info you requested. Was hoping to make a video, but never got around to doing it.
![This Auxiliary Power System is a HUGE upgrade! - [Part 7] Lexus Overland](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YZ4U0p_Kv8E/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review 👏🏼 just might pick them up for my new to me GX. Cheers
Thanks Joe! I appreciate the comment. Good Luck with your GX. Check out my installation of the bumper video too!
I've been thinking about getting one of these on my GX470.
@John Wright - Overlanding & Robotics Awesome video mate! One question for you can you connect your phone and listen to music that is on your phone?
You sure can via Bluetooth.
How are you enjoying the winch thus far?? We are contemplating getting the same one you have... ❤️
The Smittybuilt X20 is wonderful - glad I went with it. No complaints, at all. Have not had to use it for recovery of the GX460, but did need to use it to pull my wife's car onto a U-haul rental trailer when she broke down in VA. I also used it to pull out some large shrubs in the yard - easy, breezy weeding! It still looks great on the GX460, and when i go off road - I have peace of mind that I can get out of any trouble I might get into. Having a winch and set of traction boards = more confidence!
The next step for me is some full armor protection like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNFWA1W/?coliid=IF4VY9L16SYU9&colid=A052OAJE1W6F&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
and maybe some sliders for the sides.
@@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics Thanknyou so much for sharing your experiences.. it's time for us to get that winch too.. you'll love the skids.. again more peace of mind like you said! Was the install straightforward on the Smitty X20? Any issues? 😃
@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD Smitty install was super easy and straightforward!
@@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics thank you 😊
Hey John,
John here.
I got the hidden winch and I do really like it. This is pretty slick too. Just to clarify, you don’t have to reach down anywhere to lock unlock the winch. You just cut three of the louvers out and do your thang. Super easy, hood stays closed the whole time. I fab/welded my own recovery points, to where I like having them. Good video ..great rig👌🏼
Thanks for your comments. The videos I had watched from folks that had hidden winches must not have been cutting their louvers as you suggest.
Hi John :-) great rig :-) you mentioned spacers for the suspension? I have a 2012 and don’t want to go to radical so I am intrigued … could you explain your suspension? Thank you
Hi Robert. I am running a Daystar 2.5" spacer kit added to the stock suspension including keeping the KDSS system which is great. My 2010 is a base version so I do not have rear air bags like one would have with a premium version GX. I think this link is similar to the spacer kit on mine:
apacheoffroad.com/product/daystar-2-5-spacer-lift-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-lexus-gx460/
This kit along the wheels & ~33" tires were on it when I bought the truck. Here are some links to what I have on the GX:
www.extremeterrain.com/fuel-wheels-2016tacoma-ripper-matte-black-6-lug-wheel-17x9-1mm-offset-d58917908350.html
www.walmart.com/ip/BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T-A-KO2-285-70R17-116-Q-Tire/668580864
I'm very pleased with the combo (FYI - you may need to trim some inner black fender liner/plastic and/or use a heat gun to reduce rubbing at extreme turns with the tires I have - if you don't want to do this - run a tire size smaller like ~31"). The advantage of the spacer lift is cost and the one retains the stock suspension ride (most of it, tires will affect it along with a little bit of lift). I run forest roads, 4x4 Drivable Trails and some some beach/sand. Most of the time - my rig is used as my daily driver so a hard core off-road suspension would not be my choice for how I use my GX. FYI - the stock suspension is quite capable as the chassis for the GX460 is the same as a Land Cruiser Prado!
If you wish to do more advanced wheeling like rock crawling or if you are adding a roof top tent/more weight - I would research a different solution. I had read that if you go with a larger lift (more than 2.5-3"), you may need to modify the KDSS system with spacers or in some cases - a custom lift may recommend deleting the KDSS system entirely.
Check out my other videos on the hybrid bumper and winch install, etc. My next upgrade will likely be some skid plates.
Hope this helps! I had hoped to do a video on this set up, but time just seems to escape me.
@@johnwrightoverlandingrobotics thank you :-)
@@Rjohns1414 Update: I noticed tonight that I have a small amount of rubbing with my tires on the upper control arms when turning full and compressing the suspension (a little paint rubbed off). The offset of the aftermarket wheels are the culprit - ok for street, but I am now investigating a wheel spacer solution so i can push the wheels out just a tad. The trick would be to make sure we clear the fenders as the suspension compresses. Spacers are not ideal as they could change the geometry and even the ride if too large, but I already have the rims so hoping a small spacer may work for me. Just wanted to let you know in case you are considering the same wheels that I have.
2nd UPDATE: a little more research tells me that I went from a rim offset of 52mm to 1mm. This essentially pushes the wheels out by 51mm. The added height of my new tires may be the real issue here. Yes, a small spacer may still work, but 31" tires may have been better (just would not look as good or give you the extra .5" ground clearance). Since I own the wheel and tire combo I have, I am going to try and find a solution. Any suggestions anyone - please leave me a comment. Here is a good link to use: www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=265&aspect=60&diameter=18&wheelwidth=7.5&offset=52&width2=285&aspect2=70&wheel_size=17&wheel_width=9&offset2=1
3rd UPDATE: I appear to have found a solution. I installed 1" hub centric forged 6061-T6 aluminum spacers on the front of the GX460. I had to trim the fender liners a bit more, but no more rubbing on the upper control arm and I tested tonight on a stump (full compression to bump stops) and no rubbing on the fenders. I have not decided whether to add spacers in the rear or not. The GX460 has longer studs in the rear so I would need 1.25" or 1.5" spacers if I opt to go that way. May just leave as it is like the old chevy pickups. Visually it is not noticeable.
Hey there! Could you make a video on what tires and rims you got? Also did you do a lift or body chop/cut?
I did not think Satan would be interested in my UA-cam videos, but hey perhaps they overland down there too. :) I will consider a video on the tires and rims. The GX460 has a 2.5" Daystar spacer lift kit.
apacheoffroad.com/product/daystar-2-5-spacer-lift-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-lexus-gx460/
The place I bought the GX460 from did the install so to my knowledge the link above is what they used. Any more of a lift would not be advised with the KDSS system in place (2.5" is max according to what I heard). No body chop/cut. Some of the side trim pieces were removed for looks. UPDATE: I just replied to Robert's comment above with the info you requested. Was hoping to make a video, but never got around to doing it.