“Aspen” 2016 Lexus GX460 Build

Alaska on your bucket list?

It’s easier than you think…

V8 Power, 6-Speed Trans, AWD, and a bit of luxury inside!

Say hello to one of the most powerful and capable platforms we’ve ever experienced… the Lexus GX460 (aka “Aspen”)

Build Videos and Parts List

Part 1: First Steps

An introduction to the GX platform before getting our hands dirty with the first vehicle modifications; Fuel Offroad Wheels, BFG KM3 Tires, and a stage 4 Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension. Will this overland rig be the best option out there? Can it out-wheel a 4Runner? Let’s dig in and see…

Part 2: Armor Up & Outfit

Sliders, skid plates, bumper, roof rack, awning, and a Snomaster fridge are all part of this phase of the build. Watch as this Lexus GX460 transforms from a plush, sophisticated grocery-getter into to a trail-ready adventure machine. Oh, and we're just getting started...

Part 3: Go Long, Go Deep

Things get serious with the addition of a Long Range Automotive 24 gallon axillary fuel tank, Ironman snorkel, a Kaymar rear bumper, and eye-opening interior LEDs. Now we’re getting somewhere!

Part 4: Song of Her People

If a V8 Lexus drove through the woods… should you hear it? We install a Magnaflow Overland Exhaust and find that there’s nothing sexier than the purr and grumble from this GX460 as she navigates the backcountry. Is it for everyone though? Watch and make your own call. (We vote; YES)

Part 5: Junk in the Trunk

A thoroughly bearded Kevin shares nuggets of truth on building a storage system for the GX460. Regardless of your rig of choice, this video shares some of the thought process behind designing and building the perfect storage system for any overland rig.

Part 6: Refined Organization

This “DIY” storage system project becomes reality with the help of some friends, a CNC machine, and a lot of TLC. The result… an overland storage system fit for a luxury queen. Pinkies up, my friends; you’re in the presence of off-road royalty!

Part 7: Mobile Power Plant

The recently completed storage system becomes home to the RedArc RedVision treatment, powered by a 100AH Dakota Lithium battery. Throw in a few (and by a few I mean ALL of them) Lightforce LEDs and HIDs and this build is now officially LIT.

Part 8: The Final Configuration

This rig is now for rent in Alaska! Here’s the final configuration we landed on for her service with Alaska Overlander…

CLICK HERE FOR RENTAL INFO

The Build Sheet

Wheels, Tires, & Suspension

Wheels: Fuel OffRoad Nitro +1mm Offset in Bronze

Tires: Falken Wild Peak M/Ts 285/70R17 Load Range E (current)

Tires: BFG KM3 285/70R17 Load Range E (retired)

Suspension*: Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 4 with Tubular UCAs
*The rear springs have been changed

Rear Springs: Old Man Emu 2899 for +880lb Capacity

Rear KDSS Spacers: Treaty Oak Offroad Kit
(Note the front spacer DOES NOT fit with the Victory Skid Plate)

Armor & Rack

Lighting

Electrical & Comms

Start Battery: Odyssey AGM Group 34

Auxiliary Battery: Dakota Lithium 100AH

Auxiliary Electrical System: Red Arc Manager 30 with Red Vision

Brake Controller: Red Arc Tow Pro Elite

Battery Terminals: Get Lost Gear Co Terminals

Ham Radio: Yaesu FTM-400XDR

Antenna: Larsen Dual Band 2M/70CM

Antenna Mount: Diamond Luggage Rack NMO Mount

DELETED: Radio Upgrade: 15″ Vertical Screen by Rhino Radios
This radio was nothing but problems. Back to factory now!

Gear & Accessories

Snorkel: Ironman 4×4 Airforce Snorkel

Traction Aids: Crawl Control / Terrain Select Mod

Fridge / Freezer: SnoMaster Classic Series CL60

Fire Extinguishers: H3R Performance Halguard

Air Compressor: ARB Dual Air Compressor Kit

Tire Deflators: Staun Tyre Deflators

Land Anchor: Deadman OffRoad Ruggdized Kit

REMOVED: Auxilary Fuel Tank: Long Range Automotive 24 Gallon
Due to excessive evap code issues, fuel transfer problems, etc. we’ve removed this mod.

REMOVED: Performance Exhaust: Magnaflow Overland Series
Due to noise we have returned this to stock exhaust.

Tents & Awnings