I came across this video today, and the beginning of the video is a lot like other GX introduction videos, but nicely done. Then he takes his brand new GX on a pretty impressive trail, cool. BUT THEN, he actually keeps going and to get to see them putting an insane suspension on his GX with 34" tires. I asked in the comments and he said they were able to put the 34" tire in the spare location, but couldn't go any bigger than that. Check it out, worth the watch.
Check out this awesome GX build (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter SethGX
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That's a sweet truck, very nice build. A bit ironic, however, that the first part of the video was how incredibly impressive it was STOCK up those obstacles.....and then they did about $8,000 worth of suspension and wheel & tire upgrades and did the same trail with no drama, just like the first time? I brought up both videos - the first stock climbing portion of the video - and the second video - the aftermarket suspension and tires portion of the video and played them side by side on my two monitors. Aside from the music, they are exactly the same. I don't think this Lexus suspension needs any dollar bills thrown at it. A little upsize on the tires is always expected.
Agreed 100%
Most of these upgrades/Epic transformations are unlikely to increase the already phenomenal off road ability of the GXOT.
They are able to achieve a different look but likely have to sacrifice road comfort, decrease MPG, increase NVH and of course significant expense and reduced resale value (alterations).
I am perfectly happy with the performance of the OT+ as it comes from the factory.
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The redneck of my youth wants a lifted truck with mud tires, that won't fit into a parking garage or car wash. The family man of my wiser and more practical now appreciates the refined form factor of the GX with the subtle underlying offroad prowess. @Bluegill is right about the two attempts at that hill, I was so impressed by the first stock climb and thought, heck, if it can do that stock, why bother lifting it and increasing the center of gravity. I'll admit, the lifted result looks fantastic, but I really appreciate the almost sleeper offroad capabilites of the stock GXOT.
The biggest thing for me was that they got a 285/70/18 into the spare location. Most 285/70/18 tires are about 33.75 inches, but he said that tire they used was actually right at 34". I'm trying to decide on 275 or 285 tires, and that certainly helps.
The biggest thing for me was that they got a 285/70/18 into the spare location. Most 285/70/18 tires are about 33.75 inches, but he said that tire they used was actually right at 34". I'm trying to decide on 275 or 285 tires, and that certainly helps.
So they lifted about 3" with the Icon platform. It looks incredible, I love it. BUT - they put on 34" tires (33.75"). Did they lose Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS)? EKDSS is a pretty slick system and it's an expensive system that is paid for in the purchase price of the GX. With my past trucks, I've either had good on-road handling with sway bars or good off-road articulation with removed sway bars. One or the other. Two of my 3 Land Rovers I installed heavy duty springs & shocks partly to over-ride the need for sway bars on road. A compromise since I really didn't need HD suspension all the time. Anyway, I think giving up EKDSS is a pretty big negative. Maybe they kept it, I don't know.
At any rate, expensive new Icon full suspension replacement. 34" tires. I did the relatively simple and inexpensive Westcott pre-load collars and I'm running 35s. Perhaps the benefit of the Icon is the fact that you can adjust the ride electronically from inside the cabin. That's awesome.....oh, but wait....so can I with the stock OT suspension.
I'd love to ride for a while on and off road in an Icon or King suspension equipped truck. Maybe the ride is awesome. But I rather enjoy the ride in my Westcott pre-load collar suspension. I'm just not seeing the major upside here.
Regarding spare tires. I bought a 4th generation 4-Runner wheel (similar offset to the stock GX550, maybe a 5mm difference). I heard a 34" tire will fit under there in the spare space and I plan on mounting one under there.
At any rate, expensive new Icon full suspension replacement. 34" tires. I did the relatively simple and inexpensive Westcott pre-load collars and I'm running 35s. Perhaps the benefit of the Icon is the fact that you can adjust the ride electronically from inside the cabin. That's awesome.....oh, but wait....so can I with the stock OT suspension.
I'd love to ride for a while on and off road in an Icon or King suspension equipped truck. Maybe the ride is awesome. But I rather enjoy the ride in my Westcott pre-load collar suspension. I'm just not seeing the major upside here.
Regarding spare tires. I bought a 4th generation 4-Runner wheel (similar offset to the stock GX550, maybe a 5mm difference). I heard a 34" tire will fit under there in the spare space and I plan on mounting one under there.
Hey Gents, appreciate the video share and conversation. Thought I’d jump on here and share my thoughts direct. We knew before we purchased our Overtrail + that we would be modifying. Not that it’s not a capable vehicle, but because we have a goal in mind and the GX550 was the platform that will best help us get there. Coming from the Jeep Wrangler world, even though the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is extremely capable in stock configuration, the achilles heel is always the ground clearance and degree of articulation. Most offroading owners lift their Rubicons and add bigger tires. Ours is on 35’s with a 3.5” Metalcloak lift. The other issue with the Wrangler is the weak 3500 lb towing capacity, which has served us well in towing a Patriot Campers X1-H while exploring the west… but is limiting if we would like to upgrade to a bigger trailer.
The GX550 Overtrail + was the only model that offered E-KDSS and a rear locker. These two features are critical for the type of exploring/overlanding that we do. But, the achilles heel is still ground clearance and articulation. We decided to ask ICON (Local to us) if they were developing a kit for the Overtrail +, and were subsequently invited to participate in their R&D program.
We know there are many kits available and being developed for the GX550, including the kit from Wescott. We have nothing against any of the other kits or manufacturers, but from previous experience with a spacer lift on a Jeep I'd owned back in 2008, I wanted a full system that addresses suspension geometry and doesn’t simply change angles of existing suspension parts. We also did not want to lose the ride quality or electric shock dampening that the stock GX550 provides.
Our experience with the ICON Vehicle Dynamics CDEV system (and we’re under no obligation with them) has been a good one. The Stage 10 kit that was installed addresses geometry with upper UCA’s, rear control arms, rear track bar and a front differential drop to ensure front CVs aren’t pushed beyond proper angles causing early wear or failure (something we definitely don’t want when on the trail in the middle of nowhere).
The CDEV shocks can be tuned in the same way as the stock shocks, but offer more customization. For example, we like the stiffness of the side to side roll that ‘Sport plus’ mode offers, so we can set the roll stiffness on the CDEV, but use it while in any of the driving or MTS modes. The other thing I’ve noticed is rebound, and I’ll show you what I mean in the comparison reel that I’ll be posting on our socials soon. What you’ll notice is the stock shocks have some bounciness when recovering from an offroad impact. (This can be seen 11:34-12:04 in the original linked video). In the comparison video below I’m linking here, you can see the ICON remote reservoirs cleanly absorb the impact without excessive bouncing/jostling). In my opinion, and it is just my opinion, the modifications have improved the ride quality and capability. This kit is also designed to retain the E-KDSS suspension, so there’s no loss of capability there.
The GX550 Overtrail + was the only model that offered E-KDSS and a rear locker. These two features are critical for the type of exploring/overlanding that we do. But, the achilles heel is still ground clearance and articulation. We decided to ask ICON (Local to us) if they were developing a kit for the Overtrail +, and were subsequently invited to participate in their R&D program.
We know there are many kits available and being developed for the GX550, including the kit from Wescott. We have nothing against any of the other kits or manufacturers, but from previous experience with a spacer lift on a Jeep I'd owned back in 2008, I wanted a full system that addresses suspension geometry and doesn’t simply change angles of existing suspension parts. We also did not want to lose the ride quality or electric shock dampening that the stock GX550 provides.
Our experience with the ICON Vehicle Dynamics CDEV system (and we’re under no obligation with them) has been a good one. The Stage 10 kit that was installed addresses geometry with upper UCA’s, rear control arms, rear track bar and a front differential drop to ensure front CVs aren’t pushed beyond proper angles causing early wear or failure (something we definitely don’t want when on the trail in the middle of nowhere).
The CDEV shocks can be tuned in the same way as the stock shocks, but offer more customization. For example, we like the stiffness of the side to side roll that ‘Sport plus’ mode offers, so we can set the roll stiffness on the CDEV, but use it while in any of the driving or MTS modes. The other thing I’ve noticed is rebound, and I’ll show you what I mean in the comparison reel that I’ll be posting on our socials soon. What you’ll notice is the stock shocks have some bounciness when recovering from an offroad impact. (This can be seen 11:34-12:04 in the original linked video). In the comparison video below I’m linking here, you can see the ICON remote reservoirs cleanly absorb the impact without excessive bouncing/jostling). In my opinion, and it is just my opinion, the modifications have improved the ride quality and capability. This kit is also designed to retain the E-KDSS suspension, so there’s no loss of capability there.
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Very cool, thanks for responding and clearing up some of our questions. I had thought that EKDSS went out the door with a full suspension swap.
A couple more things I didn't address. Since this rig is for Mrs. Six, she can attest to having no on road comfort loss, no NVH changes and the loss in fuel economy from going up to a 34" tire is negligible. From maybe 16.2mgp to 15.9mpg. Very slight. (we do live up on a mountain, so there's a lot of ups and downs for us.)
Happy Wife, Happy Life
Happy Wife, Happy Life
I'm not the only one who noticed that then! I can't believe he didn't showcase something he couldn't do before the lift
Not worth damaging an 80k rig for views. We knew ground clearance is an issue based on previous experience.I'm not the only one who noticed that then! I can't believe he didn't showcase something he couldn't do before the lift
EKDSS & shocks/springs are 2 different systems.
Yes, I understand what the E-KDSS is but I thought I had read that 3" of lift interfered with the sway bars. Now this has me shopping available aftermarket suspension systems again...
I've looked on ICON's website and see their stage 10 notes it is not supported on the Overtrail; I then called ICON and they even asked their engineers and they said Overtrail isn't supported and didn't advise when it would be if at all, this was in May 2025. Can you give any insight into why this is? One last question, since you lose AVS are you noticing any downsides to this? AND are you getting error codes on your GX with the AVS disconnected at the OEM shock location? Thanks
They are still in the R&D phase for the Overtrail and Overtrail+. I don’t work for ICON, so I can’t give you specifics, but I do know they were shooting for end of summer. I also know that there is still need for me to bring my GX in on occasion to test their solution for the AVS disconnect. It’s still in the works.
Downsides? Not that we’ve noticed. If anything I like the customization of the CDEV system that you don’t have with the stock profiles.
No error codes for us. It could happen, but ICON has given us specific instructions on how to prevent codes from happening while they work on a permanent fix.
I was looking at Icon's Stage 10 suspension system this morning and it still says not compatible with Overtrail (both billet and tubular).
Six Overland, you have this Stage 10 system on your Overtrail, correct? Based on your post above, Icon seems to still be fiddling with the AVS override or disconnect, but you're not getting any error codes.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to King or Icon but I really like the CDEV customization feature with Icon. Softening things up on those hours-long marches across the desert would be a welcome feature.
Can I ask how many miles you have on the Icon system now, and how do you like it? I appreciate the feedback!
Six Overland, you have this Stage 10 system on your Overtrail, correct? Based on your post above, Icon seems to still be fiddling with the AVS override or disconnect, but you're not getting any error codes.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to King or Icon but I really like the CDEV customization feature with Icon. Softening things up on those hours-long marches across the desert would be a welcome feature.
Can I ask how many miles you have on the Icon system now, and how do you like it? I appreciate the feedback!
Yes. We’ve got the stage 10 CDEV Billet on our Overtrail+. I believe we’ve put about 7k miles on the ICON kit it so far. Love it. Haven’t put many dirt miles on it yet, because we’ve been working through some other upgrades. We’ll hit some dirt for a trip soon.
Not getting error codes unless the battery is dis/reconnected and the GX goes through a systems check.
Meanwhile, we just got put on a satin PPF at Beyond Wraps and bumper/sliders/roof rack at Dissent Offroad.
I have to find some time to do a full video on it as it sits today.
Not getting error codes unless the battery is dis/reconnected and the GX goes through a systems check.
Meanwhile, we just got put on a satin PPF at Beyond Wraps and bumper/sliders/roof rack at Dissent Offroad.
I have to find some time to do a full video on it as it sits today.
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If you wouldn't mind at some point in the future (no hurry), could you provide a height measurement to a fixed point...say the top of a side mirror? I'm trying to determine how tall I'd be with this same Icon suspension. I can extrapolate how tall I'd be with my 35s and my Westcott roof rack. I want to still be able to fit in my garage and I only have about 3 inches to spare.
Right before we did the bumpers, etc… we measured center hub to bottom fender. With ICON CDEV (on not perfectly level ground) we were:
FL - 23 3/4
BL - 24 5/8
FR - 23 1/4
BR - 24 1/4
Icon lift with Dissent bumpers, winch, rock rails and roof rack (also not perfectly level ground):
FL - 23 3/4
BL - 23 1/2
FR - 23
BR - 22
Keep in mind, these were not measured in the same place and not exact… but gives you an idea of height. To be a little more accurate, I’d average the right/left together since I know I didn’t have a level spot to measure.
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
📷 Lexus GX 550 Random Images
