Exploring Elements GX460 Build Intro

Let Me Introduce…

I still have and love adventures on my KTM 950 Adventure, but since selling my home on wheels the EEXP I’ve been craving a capable 4-wheeled adventuremobile. This time around I won’t be living in it full time, so a more nimble trail rig that works as a daily driver is a better fit.

This 2013 Lexus GX460 is what I ended up getting. Basically, it’s a luxury V8 powered 4 Runner, which you can purchase used for less money. While it is more comfortable and powerful, it also guzzles premium fuel at an alarming rate, around 14 MPG. There is also little quality off road aftermarket support for this vehicle, even though it’s similar to the 5th gen 4 Runner and Prado 150. This is changing however, and I’ll be helping introducing a few parts that I developed with partners on this build.

The Trail Ready GXplore front bumper is the first part that I co-designed for this project that is now available for purchase to other GX460 owners. Buy yours HERE.

GX460 Build Sponsors

A HUGE shoutout to every person and company that has helped make this build a reality. So many people have helped to put time, money and effort into making this the quality machine you see today. Thank you!!!

Vehicle Dynamics, Roambuilt, Goose-Gear, Scheel-mann, Trail Ready Bumpers, BFGoodrich Tires, EvoCorse Wheels, Warn, Yakima, PIAA, National Luna, MSA, Mach1 Motorsports, Step 22 Gear, Switch-Pros, Maxtrax, Garmin, Primus, Cobra, Factor 55, Canby Graphics, Lifesaver, 7P Overland

The Dobinsons snorkel is now topped with a Sy-Klone pre-filter. It not only looks good, but keeps a lot of dirt and dust out of the engine.

I purchased this 2013 Lexus GX 460 in March 2019 in Atlanta, GA, from an ad I spotted on the GXOR Facebook group. I’m the 4th owner, and the vehicle was maintained at one dealership its entire life before my ownership. It was already built when I purchased it, but was not quite up to my specification. The only things remaining from the original build are the quality custom rock sliders, Dobinsons snorkel and the rear Dobinsons bumper. The truck you see here has been fully built with top quality and custom parts that are designed to best suit my particular needs.

Specifically any adventuremobile I build has to have room inside to sleep and a roof rack that can haul a bunch of outdoor adventure gear, like kayaks, bikes and skis. I’ve accomplished all that and more in this relatively compact vehicle.

I’ll let the pictures and caption below do the talking from here on out. There will be lots of stories across the web and in print soon about this build. It debuts at the SEMA Show this week as a featured vehicle. Be sure to check it out if you’re there.

Warn Zeon 10S winch in the custom aluminum Trail Ready Bumper

This bumper is built for function! It is jam packed with a ton of details, and the details matter. The recovery points also work as Hi-lift points, as well as swivel and are perfect for use with soft shackles.

Shout out to Mainline Overland, the US distributor for EvoCourse Racing Wheels, for supporting this build. The Dakar Zero EvoCourse wheel you see here is the same wheel that won the Dakar last year on the Hilux. It is an extremely high quality wheel that is made in Italy and fits on this truck perfectly, without the need for spacers. There is also no better tire to wrap that beautiful performance wheel in than the BFG KO2, in a 33.8″ size.

These Scheel-mann seats are next level! Yes I lost power adjustment and cooling, but I gained real back support, quality adjustable bolstering, an adjustable length seat cushion for real leg support and so much more.

I had to relocate a few factory switches to make this clean Switch-Pro install happen, but it came out great. I still need to program and label the switches, but they are currently controlling all the lighting around the vehicle.

Being able to sleep inside is key to overland travel for me. I travel on most trips alone, as they are usually for work, so this single Goose Gear sleep platform is perfect for my needs. When the wife comes along we’ll stay in a quality ground tent or a hotel. This setup also provides seating for 4 at all times, and the platform can be removed quickly for a comfortable seating for 4 or a tight 5.

Suspension is so important and only the best was going on this build. This GX460 has a full Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 7 suspension system under it, with 3″ dual rate rear springs and rear hydraulic bump-stops.

Quickly adjust your suspension for terrain and load with a turn of the knob.

HUGE thanks goes out to Mach1 Motorsports in Portland, OR for the quality suspension install and front body mount chop.

The rig came with the beautiful custom rock sliders.

I always carry Maxtrax on my overland adventures, and have utilized them many times for myself and others. I’m carrying 2 MKII and 2 Xtreme on the GX460. A MSA 4×4 spare tire bag is also a useful accessory for trash collection and dirty gear storage.

The other big part I helped develop specifically for this build and my use is the full custom Roambuilt roof rack. The rack is super low profile and fits the lines of the truck perfectly, while also being big enough to carry all the gear I want to carry. Here it is setup with host of Yakima accessories to carry gear, a kayak and a mountain bike.

While this truck is going to a lot of shows, it is and will be getting used in the dirt!

I built this vehicle as a tool for adventure. It will be used appropriately.

Be sure to check out the GX460 vehicle build page to stay up to date on all things about this vehicle. I’m stoked to share some more specifics and adventures soon.

Help Me Name It!

This adventure machine still needs a name. Any good ideas? Nothing I’ve thrown at it has stuck just yet. I don’t normally name my rigs, but this one has a personality and it seems wrong to just call it the GX. It really is so much more than that at this point.