The Foundation

Year/Make/Model:

2012 Lexus GX460 Premium 4.6L V8(1URFE)

Miles on Vehicle:

170,000+

Large Expeditions Completed:

SCAR, MABDR, NEBDR, OOAT, El Camino Del Diablo, & Mojave Road

(not to mention 100's of shorter trips)

Why The GX460?

The Lexus GX460 is an amazing overland platform. The GX460 shares a platform with the Toyota Prado 150, FJ Cruiser, and 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner. Big differences are the addition of the 1UR-FE 4.6L V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, there are also the additions of creature comforts on the inside. Like heated and cooled premium leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson sound system. Being a luxury brand, the Lexus also came with countless safety features like radar cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and wipers.

The GX460 was also graced with full-time 4WD, a center locking differential, a two-speed transfer case, ATRAC, Hill-Descent Control, Crawl-Control, Multi-Terrain-Select, and the KDSS sway bar system. The combination of this provided a capable, comfortable, and safe platform to drive LONG distances without thinking twice.

All of this provided a great foundation to build on. The 4Runner and Prado 150 are well known for their reliability and capability, the GX460 being the pinnacle of the platform. After-market support in 2019, when I bought the GX460, was growing at a rapid pace. In the current day, the support is very strong, with the sky being the limit on what direction to go with your build.

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Detailed Build List & Equipment

Suspension & Running Gear

The foundation of the build—suspension, brakes, tires, and drive-train upgrades designed to handle trail abuse, heavy loads, and long-distance expedition travel.

Lexus GX460 under-body shot of skid plates

Armor

Protection where it matters most—skid plates, rock sliders, bumpers, and under-body armor designed to defend critical components from rocks, impacts, and trail damage.

Recovery

Essential gear for getting unstuck when the trail fights back—winching, traction, and recovery tools built for self-reliance in remote and unpredictable terrain.

Electrical

The backbone of the build’s power and communication—dual batteries, charging systems, radios, navigation, solar, and onboard electronics engineered for off-grid reliability.

Overland

Everything that turns a vehicle into a self-sufficient expedition rig—roof racks, storage systems, RTTs, awnings, snorkels, and auxiliary tanks built for adventure anywhere the trail leads.

Lexus GX460 set up at a camp site during night time with lights on

Lighting

Illuminate the trail and campsite with purpose—off-road lights, rock lights, and auxiliary lighting designed for safety, visibility, and night-time adventure.