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!