2018 Lexus GX build

[WashingtonTaco]

This is a mod most folks won't do, but I need it on the regular for classes.

I ordered the Kaon transmission shift lock release button. This allows one to shift the trans mission into neutral with out pushing the start button to energize the system. No power, no problem, push the button.

The problem is the GX is different than the Prado. As you can tell the GX button is not compatible with the one Kaon makes with the GX trim.

I thought about it a bit, trimmed the back of the GX trim piece with the Dremel Tool and fabricated a piece of stainless for the push button. Works like a champ!! The GX can now be shifted into neutral with out energizing the electrical system. No more dinging telling me that the trans is in neutral!!

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Installed existing trim piece, fabricated a stainless push button, works like a champ! I did paint my push button with orange paint, currently drying. Ill post a picture of that tomorrow.

 

[java230]

Can you make it shorter? Interesting mod.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Can you make it shorter? Interesting mod.

Probably, but I also need to find it. I'll only have it in place when training. The orange paint should be good and cured now, been setting on the bench for a few days.

 

[java230]

Probably, but I also need to find it. I'll only have it in place when training. The orange paint should be good and cured now, been setting on the bench for a few days.

Ah, good point about only being used during training. That makes perfect sense.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Painted orange for better visibility.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Needed to clean up the storage area a bit more. Bought some ABS plastic on Amazon, bent it up and added a fastener hole. This helps cover the air compressor wiring and cover the void of missing factory trim.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

New project! When I installed my Kaon shelf I lost the room for our dog kennel. Our dog is getting old and doesn't move around well and Stacey wasn't to keen on camping with her anymore, she is Grandma Puppy, snores, farts, sleeps and eats!

We will be getting one of these in 4-5 weeks.

They are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. This will be our 3rd. Hoping Grandma Puppy is around to teach them the yard is for doing there business.

The project is a fridge divider/kennel. The divider will stay installed full time to keep items from falling behind the fridge when open. I will have a quick install for the front panel to box the area in, to turn it into a kennel when needed.

Using two Grey Man Tactical MOLLE panels 30.25 X 17 RMPX™ - https://greymantactical.com/collections/shoprmpxseries/products/30-25x17rmpx , two 4"x1" x 1/8" and two 3"x1"x 1/8" 6063T6 L extrusion. Today I located and drilled up the divider to the Kaon shelf and Truckvault.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Received my fridge/divider parts from powder coat. Installed the divider today for my up coming trip to Colorado. I need to purchase some more fasteners for the forward portion.
I will only use the forward section when we haul the pup so the Truckvault is still my primary sleeping surface on solo trips.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Tito tested (daughters dog) Ellie approved (our new Greater Swiss Mountain Dog pup).

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Been a busy summer of training. We took the month of August off to enjoy summer a bit. I went to Colorado to see my daughter, camp and wheel.

September arrived and we returned to training in the PNW! Here are few pictures from our end of summer drivers course. We rent a private OHV park and have the run of the place!

 

[WashingtonTaco]

More pics of our class. The full moon was amazing! This was taken around 5:00 am before the sun came up!

 

[WashingtonTaco]

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Next up September 23rd-25th, The Panhandle Overland Rally in beautiful Sand Point ID!

https://panhandleoverlandrally.com/

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Lexus shot photos of my build @ Expo PNW this past summer, glad to be a part of the inspiration of this build!

Lexus GX SEMA rear door.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Refacing dust/tailgater lights. This has been a project I've wanted to complete for sometime and finally got around to it.

When out in a big group the rear facing dust lights are a good way to keep the person at your 6 from following to close and makes it easy to locate the conga line. When you get a tailgater that doesn't back off, give em a quick light flash.

I had to fabricate a anti rotation device, the lights normally mount with a carriage bolt to eliminate the light from rotating. The way I wanted to mount these the carriage bolt was replaced. I also used TMR Customs zip tie tabs to manage wire routing. Filled the last switch on the sPOD.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

 

[Dave]

Nice. I have the Baja Designs RTL on the back of the Gladiator and it provides great peace of mind when in heavy traffic and especially bad weather. Dust lights are a hard requirement for me.

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Pretty excited about the next mod! The windshield washer reservoir is huge on the GX, it has three pumps and sits low and forward in the right front wheel well. I often rub it in full compression and hard left turn.

Snowbound makes a fantastic relocation reservoir for the GX. Should have it early next week.

https://snowboundcustoms.shop/products/gx-460-10-23-aluminum-washer-fluid-relocation-reservoir

 

[WashingtonTaco]

Ah the smell of new rubber!

A friend owns a Grease Monkey in Everett WA and is trying to differentiate his store from others. He has access to tires, I just picked up 5 BFG KM3 285/75/17 and had them installed.

If you live in the North end and are in need of tires DM me.

The bad part is while on the rack I was able to detect a slight bit of hub bearing play on both sides. The good news I just ordered them out of Japan with seals and shipping for $260.00 bucks! Should arrive early April at the latest.