Hello! Teach me!

[Sic3m]

Hello all,

I’m from the north side of Houston, Tx. I just placed a deposit on a 2025 GX550 Overtrail+.

I know NOTHING about this world. I’m replacing my 2020 Range Rover Velar Autobiography with this truck.

They have me down for Atomic Silver with the Black Onyx roof. I asked for every option, from moon roof to lighted door panels. I added the catback exhaust, Mark Levinson speakers, dash cam, roof rack, rock rails, etc.

Aftermarket, I also ordered the:

• aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Pro Dry intake system
• steel NYTOP Front Hybrid Bumper
• black Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit
• 5x black Method 703 17x8.5/6x5.5/35x6.2” wheels
• 5x Falken Wildpeak A/T4W LT285/75R17 128S E1 BSW tires

The research I’ve done thus far suggests:

• that spare will fit in the standard location under the truck
• that lift kit combined with those wheels (+35mm) will provide plenty of clearance for those tires without changing the engineering or suspension too much (it’s largely compatible with the Overtrail+, and won’t change the ride or capability like adding an all new suspension would)
• for a hot and wet climate like Houston, those tires will give me the best mix of ride and off-road capability, without being too loud, and while also providing the best stopping power and performance on sand, rocks, and hot and/or wet pavement

Am I making any rookie mistakes? Do my assumptions hold up?

Any recommendations for picking an installer for the bumper and lift kit?

Any “must have” accessories you’d recommend or bet that I stay away from?

I don’t want to do anything that will create opportunities for squeaks, creaks, or rattles. I already saw one accessory that screwed into the plastic with coarse thread screws and I want to avoid stuff like that like the plague I think.

 

[rangertrace]

Don't waste money on the roof rack unless you enjoy very loud wind noise.

 

[Sic3m]

Thanks for that!!! Do you or anyone else have an alternative that’s quieter?

 

[Sic3m]

I tried to get ChatGPT to do a composite image of the model I’m buying with the mods I’ve listed, and it did well enough to help me visualize my choices… but first let me show you what Grok came up with. Fascinating. I gave them both the same task. In this regard, looks like ChatGPT is ahead. Here’s Grok’s attempt…

 

[Sic3m]

Here is what ChatGPT did:

 

[Sic3m]

ChatGPT is trying sooooo hard, but it just can’t get it. I asked if it’s legally unable, or programmed not to, produce spot on images. It’s claiming it’s not limited by anything other than the available technology. Still pretty amazing. It just can’t do any better than this it seems.

 

[Bluegill]

The AI image generators don't know what a GX550 is, they always pull an older GX model.

I agree with rangertrace - the Lexus roof rack will be too loud. I didn't have the roof rack (just the Overtrail roof rails) but we've seen the countless discussions and complaints about the stock Overtrail roof rack being incredibly loud. I have a Westcott Designs roof rack and it is quiet. If you need a roof rack, go aftermarket like the Westcott. If you don't need a roof rack, just leave the stock rails.

You should be good with the Westcott pre-load collar kit and your chosen wheels & tires. 285/75R17 calculates out at 33.84" diameter and 11.23" wide (by the numbers, the actual tire will vary a bit). This should fit fine in the wheel wells and in the stock spare location.

 

[YellowLab]

Hello all,

I’m from the north side of Houston, Tx. I just placed a deposit on a 2025 GX550 Overtrail+.

I know NOTHING about this world. I’m replacing my 2020 Range Rover Velar Autobiography with this truck.

They have me down for Atomic Silver with the Black Onyx roof. I asked for every option, from moon roof to lighted door panels. I added the catback exhaust, Mark Levinson speakers, dash cam, roof rack, rock rails, etc.

Aftermarket, I also ordered the:

• aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Pro Dry intake system
• steel NYTOP Front Hybrid Bumper
• black Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit
• 5x black Method 703 17x8.5/6x5.5/35x6.2” wheels
• 5x Falken Wildpeak A/T4W LT285/75R17 128S E1 BSW tires

The research I’ve done thus far suggests:

• that spare will fit in the standard location under the truck
• that lift kit combined with those wheels (+35mm) will provide plenty of clearance for those tires without changing the engineering or suspension too much (it’s largely compatible with the Overtrail+, and won’t change the ride or capability like adding an all new suspension would)
• for a hot and wet climate like Houston, those tires will give me the best mix of ride and off-road capability, without being too loud, and while also providing the best stopping power and performance on sand, rocks, and hot and/or wet pavement

Am I making any rookie mistakes? Do my assumptions hold up?

Any recommendations for picking an installer for the bumper and lift kit?

Any “must have” accessories you’d recommend or bet that I stay away from?

I don’t want to do anything that will create opportunities for squeaks, creaks, or rattles. I already saw one accessory that screwed into the plastic with coarse thread screws and I want to avoid stuff like that like the plague I think.

My two cents - the one thing I would ditch is the air intake system. Toyota has been in the car business for what a century? I tend to think that they better understand air intakes for this highly complex engine than do some yahoos making an intake system. I would never put that or a chip on a car - would bet that an intake modification will be a very fun warrantee conversation should something go wrong.

 

[munkeeboi]

I'd say the same about the roof rack. Don't get the OEM Lexus one especially for $1400....that can buy you a much nicer full rack.

Also, just a word of advice on the wait and to temper expectations. Lexus/Toyota doesn't allow dealerships to special-order vehicles. Toyota sends them a spec and then the dealership sells it. There may be some leeway on the port-installed options but just be wary of what the dealership tells you. They cannot order exactly what you want, unless it's a spec that they have allocated to them already and it's not claimed. It's a harsh reality for those new to Lexus/Toyota.

Do you have an allocation yet, or did you just place a deposit? Did they give you a timeline or date?

 

[sincitymotors]

Thanks for that!!! Do you or anyone else have an alternative that’s quieter?

Westcott Designs modular rack works awesome and I hear absolutely nothing from it. Congrats on a great truck!

 

[texastate]

I'd say the same about the roof rack. Don't get the OEM Lexus one especially for $1400....that can buy you a much nicer full rack.

Also, just a word of advice on the wait and to temper expectations. Lexus/Toyota doesn't allow dealerships to special-order vehicles. Toyota sends them a spec and then the dealership sells it. There may be some leeway on the port-installed options but just be wary of what the dealership tells you. They cannot order exactly what you want, unless it's a spec that they have allocated to them already and it's not claimed. It's a harsh reality for those new to Lexus/Toyota.

Do you have an allocation yet, or did you just place a deposit? Did they give you a timeline or date?

Not to counter you but I'm also in North Houston and waited 10 months on my LUX+ that I received 2 days ago but I'm wondering about what you said.. It did take forever and maybe I was just waiting on what Yota' was having the dealership sell but I totally spec'd out down to the PIO options exactly what I wanted and waffled on a couple things a long the 10.5 month waiting period. I guess that is your point, that I didn't really spec anything?

Sic3m, are you going through North Side Lexus? If so, get with John Breaux if you don't like your salesman haha

 

[munkeeboi]

right, you didn't order what you wanted, You waited for the dealership to get the one you wanted.

There aren't too many options, so it's just a matter of patience for the right one to pop up.

 

[Sic3m]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[Sic3m]

I'd say the same about the roof rack. Don't get the OEM Lexus one especially for $1400....that can buy you a much nicer full rack.

Also, just a word of advice on the wait and to temper expectations. Lexus/Toyota doesn't allow dealerships to special-order vehicles. Toyota sends them a spec and then the dealership sells it. There may be some leeway on the port-installed options but just be wary of what the dealership tells you. They cannot order exactly what you want, unless it's a spec that they have allocated to them already and it's not claimed. It's a harsh reality for those new to Lexus/Toyota.

Do you have an allocation yet, or did you just place a deposit? Did they give you a timeline or date?

They told me three to four months, and I placed an order based on that. Today the salesman told me I might have to wait another 4 to 6, and I was furious. I paid that deposit on May 2nd. Really suspect that he’s now extended the expectation. Horrible practice.

 

[Sic3m]

Not to counter you but I'm also in North Houston and waited 10 months on my LUX+ that I received 2 days ago but I'm wondering about what you said.. It did take forever and maybe I was just waiting on what Yota' was having the dealership sell but I totally spec'd out down to the PIO options exactly what I wanted and waffled on a couple things a long the 10.5 month waiting period. I guess that is your point, that I didn't really spec anything?

Sic3m, are you going through North Side Lexus? If so, get with John Breaux if you don't like your salesman haha

I may be calling him tomorrow. I like my salesman, but the lead time just doubled after they got my money. Yes. Northside.

 

[texastate]

I may be calling him tomorrow. I like my salesman, but the lead time just doubled after they got my money. Yes. Northside.

John Breaux.. tell him Matthew Barrett said "getter' done"

 

[deadlikeme]

I may be calling him tomorrow. I like my salesman, but the lead time just doubled after they got my money. Yes. Northside.

I can't believe I am offering this as an alternative.

Bell Lexus in Scottsdale does pretty extensive after market builds on their OT's. I was/am on their list and they have sent a few options my way. I am not a buyer for their full builds but if you are already heading that direction could be a good fit.

For context, the salesman I worked with really annoyed me but that doesn't mean anything about the dealership, which I have no other experience with.

 

[m32]

Hello all,

I’m from the north side of Houston, Tx. I just placed a deposit on a 2025 GX550 Overtrail+.

I know NOTHING about this world. I’m replacing my 2020 Range Rover Velar Autobiography with this truck.

They have me down for Atomic Silver with the Black Onyx roof. I asked for every option, from moon roof to lighted door panels. I added the catback exhaust, Mark Levinson speakers, dash cam, roof rack, rock rails, etc.

Aftermarket, I also ordered the:

• aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Pro Dry intake system
• steel NYTOP Front Hybrid Bumper
• black Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit
• 5x black Method 703 17x8.5/6x5.5/35x6.2” wheels
• 5x Falken Wildpeak A/T4W LT285/75R17 128S E1 BSW tires

The research I’ve done thus far suggests:

• that spare will fit in the standard location under the truck
• that lift kit combined with those wheels (+35mm) will provide plenty of clearance for those tires without changing the engineering or suspension too much (it’s largely compatible with the Overtrail+, and won’t change the ride or capability like adding an all new suspension would)
• for a hot and wet climate like Houston, those tires will give me the best mix of ride and off-road capability, without being too loud, and while also providing the best stopping power and performance on sand, rocks, and hot and/or wet pavement

Am I making any rookie mistakes? Do my assumptions hold up?

Any recommendations for picking an installer for the bumper and lift kit?

Any “must have” accessories you’d recommend or bet that I stay away from?

I don’t want to do anything that will create opportunities for squeaks, creaks, or rattles. I already saw one accessory that screwed into the plastic with coarse thread screws and I want to avoid stuff like that like the plague I think.

Looks like you have a great list of mods ready. I too am from Houston and thought I wanted an OT+ (earth) until I research deeper. I'm coming from a Gen 1 Raptor and wanted that same rugged look/ride but I realized the Lux+ model was more of what I want/need.

Are you going to take it out on trails or just for the looks? Reason being b/c the Lux+ has power third row, roof mounted vents (for second and third row), power steps, digital mirror and real leather - to name a few distinctions.

In regards to what I suggest you do differently... is buy outside of Texas. I too was told my spec (Lux+, incognito, saddle, bench) was 12-18 month wait. I posted on the GX FB group and got mine out of NJ (Lexus of Edison) within 4 weeks. If you don't mind flying out and shipping/driving it back, you can get into your GX within 4-6 weeks. Happy to share my sales guy if you're interested.

Edwin