Prado in Lexus clothing Help

[TexGX Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TexGX]

Howdy,

I have a 2004 Lexus GX470 with KDSS. The GX is the same thing as the Prado 120 with a few minor changes. I am in the start up phase of my build, but I am having problems finding aftermarket parts for the GX in the states. I can get some of the ARB stuff, but am having problems finding a good vendor to help me get it. Here is my plan:

1. Sliders
2. Roof Rack (replace factory rack, full lenght)
3. Tires
4. Front and rear bumper (later)

I am amazed and have amazed others with what this truck can do stock. It has never let me down. I have some pictures of my storage/bed project, but I am not able to upload photo's yet. I look forward to learning a lot form ya'll. Please pass on any ideas for the truck. As soon as I get permission to add photo's I will.

TexGX
04 Lexus GX470 KDSS

[karrathaprado2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close karrathaprado2]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Read the how to upload pictures and get a photobucket account and you can add all the pictures you want...it is free. Tires in the USA should be no problem. Put in your signature where you are and there are some in the USA that might be able to help.

[TexGX Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TexGX]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

karrathaprado2,

I am in the Phoenix AZ area currently. Tires are not a problem, i just need my second set of Michellins Cross terrian to wear out. It is the other stuff that is harder to find. One guy here fitted the ARB bull guard to the GX with some minor cutting. I just do not know about putting that much weight on the front of a IFS truck.

TexGX

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Howdy,

I have a 2004 Lexus GX470 with KDSS. The GX is the same thing as the Prado 120 with a few minor changes. I am in the start up phase of my build, but I am having problems finding aftermarket parts for the GX in the states. I can get some of the ARB stuff, but am having problems finding a good vendor to help me get it. Here is my plan:

1. Sliders
2. Roof Rack (replace factory rack, full lenght)
3. Tires
4. Front and rear bumper (later)

I am amazed and have amazed others with what this truck can do stock. It has never let me down. I have some pictures of my storage/bed project, but I am not able to upload photo's yet. I look forward to learning a lot form ya'll. Please pass on any ideas for the truck. As soon as I get permission to add photo's I will.

TexGX
04 Lexus GX470 KDSS

Hey Tex,

I have seen you on 120 & Mud.

1) The Sliders. I like the Stubs Welding Sliders http://www.stubbswelding.com/that Crozhawk had fabed for his 4-Runner. I have seen them in person and want a set of them for myself. They can be made in any length and welded or bolted on with U-bolts like ARB sliders do in the 120. My second pic would be the Trail Gear Sliders http://www.trail-gear.com/rocksliders.html that most 4-Runners weld on. I would go with them due to the geographical limitations and the cost of shipping.

2) The Roof Rack is a little harder. The GX does have rails, but not expo worthy. There are some general fit roof racks that are awesome on the Prado and are lot lighter than many US counterparts. The Front Runner Windcheetah is a lightweight heavy duty rack that I know fits the Prado and is, IMO, a better fit for Expo off-roading.


3) Tyres, as for tyre I'm a huge fan of the BFG All Terrain T/A's. If you are in Texas they are probably the best for your terrain.

4) Front & rear bumper, I don't think the Prado ARB Bull Bar will fit the GX because fender flares are different. I would call Buddy King at ARB USA (425/264-1391) An alternative could be to get Prado flares, but I'm not sure id the fenders underneath are the same. As for the rear bumper I would try a Kaymar available for the Prado. It's a good looking bumper and has a full range of accessories including dual swing out carriers, gas can mounts, Hi-Lift mounts, license plate mounts, and more.

I know Shockworks does make custom work, but they will charge you to build a template and ultimately the bumper too and they are extremely slow with product line work, so custom work could be a year out or more.

I hope this helps.

-Ben

[WBY 1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close WBY 1]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

KDSS on an '04??

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

KDSS on an '04??

Looks like the americans have better luck than us
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_GX

[TexGX Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TexGX]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Ben,
Thanks for the information. I am thinking of the BFG for the Jeep Rubicon for the GX when it is time. I will have to check into the Front Runner. It looks very similar to the African Outback rack Slee Off-road has on sale right now. I will say I prefer the rounded bars to the square tubing, but this might be my only option. I will look into the two slider companies. The only issue I have is the pump for the KDSS is mounted on the drivers side frame. I would need to have someone custom make them.

In the states, the 04 was the first year KDSS was an option. I love the KDSS.

TexGX

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

I have a friend who is fitting the KTSS on an fJ Cruiser. He removed one of the supports for the OEM sliders and bolted on the compressor to the OEM bolt holes. He is making a skid plate for the compressor that bolts to the sliders. He feels there is no need to make a 4th attacment for the slider because it's overengeneered and a Hi-Lift supports the weight of the FJ.

His only problem is that he needs Bud to make a custom skid that will have extra room for the larger and lower sway bar.

As for the Windcheetah it only weighs about 40 Lbs and can carry a lot. It is aluminum with movable steel tie downs and needs to be assembled. I know that Equiped Expo Outfitters has imported Front Runner can carriers for me in the past and Paul has gotten them from Brazil. For the GTG we had a 50+ Lbs Expo case, spare tyre, 2 sets of MAXTRAX, a swag, 2 tents, sleeping bags, folding tables, chairs, and luggage up there. It must of weighed over 250+ Lbs without a problem.

The roof racks in America seem to be exemely heavy and over engendered. I have had 4 roof racks for my FJ. First was the OEM roof rack. It looks nice, but does not carry much. My second was the Gobi Ranger. It held a lot, but was 150+ Lbs, the third was an ARB Touring Rack for a RTT. It weighed in at 150 Lbs. My newest rack is a Baja Designs Touring Rack. It is only about 60 Lbs and can hold the RTT, 4 Sceptre gas cans, and my Expo case.

-Ben

[TexGX Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TexGX]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Ben,

I have tried to give Baja Rack the chance, but I can not seem to get them to check and see if the 4Runner rack would work on my GX. They would make one for the GX, but need one to make the measurements. I will keep looking.

TexGX

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Ben,

I have tried to give Baja Rack the chance, but I can not seem to get them to check and see if the 4Runner rack would work on my GX. They would make one for the GX, but need one to make the measurements. I will keep looking.

TexGX

Wil (Flyingwil) from Sierra Expeditions sent his Taco down to Ensenada for a week to get a custom roof rack for his rig. They made a custom one piece roof rack for my rig without needing it to fit. They are quite good and are reasonably priced.

[lexwoody Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close lexwoody]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Hey TexGX! Great to see you here. Your're right! There isn't a lot of support for your Lexus GX version of the Prado 120 series. Use this guide to look up things.

Prado: Heavly Duty Supension, Bumpers (OME, ARB), Roof Rack
4Runner: Supension, BudBuilt Skids ( I dont know how well the front skid will fit with KDSS. I'll try to find someone with them to do a test fit.)
Fj Crusier : Supension Only

[TexGX Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close TexGX]

Re: Prado in Lexus clothing Help

Lexwoody,

Great to see you here as well. They know how to full use the GX's capability. I am using your truck as my model.

What size tires did you end up going with? I do like the skids. I have about 10,000 miles left before it goes off warranty. Then I will do the lift.

TexGX