Lexus GX470 Prerunner With Long Travel Suspension
- Model: Lexus GX470
- Wheels: 37"
- Category: Prerunner/Overland
- Build Level: Pro
- Capability Score: 70/70
- Mods Budget: $$$$$
+4 
It’s not often that we hear the words “prerunner” and “Lexus” in the same sentence, but when we do, we know it’s going to be something awesome. Even the stock Lexus GX470’s off-road capabilities are quite impressive, this particular build takes them even further with advanced long-travel suspension, 37″ wheels and other 4×4 upgrades.
The Build
First of all, there’s actually nothing wrong with converting a Lexus GX470 into a full-scale off-roader because it doesn’t go against it’s roots. Apart from the upscale front end and luxurious features, the GX470 is essentially a Land Cruiser Prado 120 with a comfy interior, V8 and some other technical advancements.
This 2006 Lexus GX470 owned and built by Josh Backes, has undergone significant modifications over the past year. As this wasn’t his first off-road vehicle, Josh had the vision and experience necessary to build a rig of this caliber.
After his fully built Toyota FJ-Cruiser was totaled in an accident, Josh decided to upgrade and join the GX family. He transferred all interchangeable parts from the FJ to the GX470, but many components still needed to be replaced with GX-specific products.
Suspension
Suspension is where he really went full-throttle. Josh’s Lexus GX470 underwent a complete suspension overhaul to enhance its off-road capabilities. The vehicle was fitted with a Total Chaos +3.5″ Race Series Long Travel Kit, which included a Total Chaos Secondary Shock Hoop kit.
The front suspension features King 2.5″ Coilovers with 600 lb springs and Compression Adjusters, paired with King 2.5″ Triple bypass secondary shocks with piggyback reservoirs for optimal performance.
The rear suspension was upgraded with King 3.0″ Rear shocks with Compression Adjusters, lengthened 2″ over OEM, and custom rear-mounted 2.5″ OD reservoirs. Timbren Rear progressive bump stops were installed to improve stability and prevent bottoming out.
Toytec lower rear arms were added to maintain proper suspension geometry. Extended brake lines ensure uninterrupted braking performance even with the increased suspension travel.
A Southern Style Offroad rear coil conversion kit and TMJ XGS rear coil springs complete the rear suspension setup, providing a well-balanced and highly capable system for tackling challenging off-road terrain.
Drivetrain
Josh’s Lexus GX470 prerunner build features significant drivetrain upgrades to complement its advanced suspension setup. The vehicle is equipped with a Nitro 4.56 master gear kit, which provides a lower gear ratio for improved low-speed crawling and better overall off-road gearing.
To maximize traction in challenging situations, Harrop E-Lockers were installed in both the front and rear axles, controlled by OEM-style switches for seamless operation. The rear axle was replaced with a Currie FF 9″ Rear end, known for its strength and durability, and paired with an ARB/Eaton Locker for superior traction control. To maintain stability and reduce body roll, a Currie Anti-rock rear sway bar was installed.
Exterior
The front of the vehicle features a custom Demello Offroad GX470 plate steel bumper, specifically designed to accommodate the McQueen Fiberglass +3 Fenders. Integrated into the bumper is a Mean Mother 9500 Edge Series Winch, equipped with a Dyneema SK-75 fiber rope for reliable and lightweight recovery operations.
The sides of the vehicle are protected by Demello Off-Road 4th Gen 4Runner Hybrid Sliders, providing a strong defense against rock strikes and other obstacles.
Underneath, Rocksteady Motorsports Aluminum underbody skids shield the vulnerable components from damage. At the rear, a Southern Style Offroad plate bumper incorporates a tire carrier, fuel can holder, and a custom TRED Pro Recovery ramp holder for added versatility.
The body of the GX470 has been enhanced with McQueen Prototype Design Fiberglass Front Fenders, making this vehicle the first to showcase these components. A body mount chop was performed to accommodate the increased tire size and suspension travel. Baja Designs Sport Series “Wide cornering” bumper lights provide superior illumination for nighttime adventures, while a Factor 55 Pink Thimble offers a secure attachment point for recovery operations.
List of Mods
Engine
- aFe Intake with Pro Guard 7 Filter
- Xforce custom 3″ cat-back with Varex muffler
Suspension
- Total Chaos +3.5″ Race Series Long Travel Kit
- Total Chaos Secondary Shock Hoop kit
- King 2.5″ Coilovers (600 lb springs) with Compression Adjusters
- King 2.5″ Triple bypass secondary shocks with piggyback reservoirs
- King 3.0″ Rear shocks with Compression Adjusters, lengthened 2″ over OEM with custom rear mounted 2.5″ OD Resi’s
- Timbren Rear progressive bump stops
- Toytec lower rear arms
- Extended brake lines
- Southern Style Offroad rear coil conversion kit
- TMJ XGS rear coil springs
Wheels & Tires
- Walker Evans Racing Beadlocks, custom powder coated gloss gold
- Maxxis Razr M/T Tires 35 x 12.5 x 17
Drive Train
- Nitro 4.56 master gear kit
- Harrop E-Lockers Front and Rear w/ OEM style switches
- Currie FF 9″ Rear end, with ARB/Eaton Locker
- Currie Anti-rock rear sway bar
Armor
- Demello Offroad custom GX470 plate steel bumper, to fit McQueen Fiberglass +3 Fenders
- Mean Mother 9500 Edge Series Winch, with Dyneema SK-75 fiber rope
- Demello Off-Road 4th Gen 4Runner Hybrid Sliders
- Rocksteady Motorsports Aluminum underbody skids
- Southern Style Offroad rear plate bumper, with tire carrier, fuel can holder and custom TRED Pro Recovery ramp holder
Body
- McQueen Prototype Design Fiberglass Front Fenders (*This truck was used as the prototype vehicle, so these are the first ones in existence)
- Body Mount Chop
- Baja Designs Sport Series “Wide cornering” bumper lights
- Factor 55 Pink Thimble
Interior
- Pro Eagle OffRoad Fridge Freezer
- Mean Mother Kit9 Recovery kit, and ACA3 Compressor
- Pro Eagle Off-Road Jack
- Interior Storage Solutions for the rear of the truck
Conclusion
With such an impressive list of modifications, it’s no surprise that Josh’s GX was featured as a display vehicle at the 2017 SEMA Show. You can find him on Instagram under the username Nver2nd to learn more about this incredible GX build.
Off-road Capability Score: 70/70
This Lexus GX470 prerunner, built upon a robust 4WD body-on-frame platform (+5 Points), boasts a Total Chaos +3.5″ Race Series Long Travel suspension, King coilovers and shocks, and massive 37″ off-road tires (30 points). Front and rear locking differentials (+20 points), low range gearing (+10 Points), and comprehensive body armor (+5) propel its capability score to a perfect 70/70.
Build Level: Pro
Top-tier components like the Total Chaos long-travel kit, King shocks, Currie rear end, custom Demello bumpers, and McQueen fiberglass fenders exemplify the professional-grade build quality and uncompromising focus on maximum off-road performance.
Budget: $$$$$
The extensive use of premium components and comprehensive modifications across suspension, drivetrain, and exterior suggest a $$$$$-level investment. However, the result is a Lexus prerunner capable of keeping pace with purpose-built race trucks at a fraction of the cost, delivering unparalleled value for the dedicated off-road enthusiast.
