SOCCER MOM STATUS

The natural progression to eventually get into a big 4×4 was bound to happen, but I did not know how that would happen. I figured a Toyota 4Runner would be an excellent start for a good-looking and capable 4×4 for my needs. On the search for a 4th gen 4Runner, I was having issues finding one with the specs I wanted, but I came across the Lexus GX platform, which led me into a 2006 GX470 – the quintessential soccer mom SUV. Determined to redefine that stereotype, I went down the rabbit hole and began its transformation. A couple of years later, after doing everything I wanted and succeeding in getting rid of the soccer mom status, I decided to upgrade to the GX460, which would give me a little more elbow room and more modern amenities than the GX470. My dive into off-roading/Overlanding wasn’t far from what I did as a kid. Taking “Old Blue” out on fishing trips, equipped with a full camper, I had my share of trips I wanted to now experience as an adult. The overland community as it stands today was a progression of the car community aging out of the custom cars and into off-road vehicles. For the basis of why I chose to build an off-
road vehicle in the first place, adventuring and being outdoors is why I do this, emphasizing photography. Still, in the growing phases of my

outdoor photography, my GX is the vessel that gets me to locations that an average person cannot access—getting to places where I can camp for a couple of days and capture some incredible landscapes and astrophotography. If I can do this with a couple of good friends and a cold beer with a fantastic view, I’ve hit the jackpot. As my outdoor adventures are in the beginning phases, I don’t have specific go-to locations. But, put me next to a waterway, lake, river, or stream, and I’m in heaven. Having camped at a few locations like this, I know I don’t need much

else during my stays at these places. Here’s the kicker, I’m not a fan of the dark. Maybe it was watching too many Friday the 13th movies as a kid, all the things that go bump in the night, and growing up with too many stories. You’d be hard-pressed to get me to take any solo trips. Luckily, I don’t have any crazy stories, but on one of my recent trips, I made a random stop at Hot Creek Geologic Site, where I spent the night under a full moon and on an empty campsite. That yielded some awesome photos, and I experienced a hot creek for the first time.

BALANCING ACTS

The first mods on any truck for me are wheels, tires and lift. The goal was a big lift with big tires, but the bank account said, “you better go see what’s available on Craigslist first.” That’s where I started – a modest lift, tires and wheels, which changed the vehicle’s look. The goal was a balance in form and function, getting something that looks good but could make sure I have a practical use for it. A 6” lift and 35s were unheard of on the GX platform at the beginning stages, so I decided to do the unheard of. Everything else following would complement the build to be both show and functional for my needs. So the essentials for the GX would be a 6” lift and 37” tires provided by X-Comp Tires. This would be the FIRST GX460 in the country to have a 6” lift and 37s. I wanted to have the clearance for most of my off-road excursions but trailblaze the platform by doing something that’s never been done. Scott at Aiden James Customs in Orange County, CA, helped facilitate this part of the vision for me, with my buddy Victor assisting on how we could get this done.

The lift, wheels and tires were the foundation of everything else on the truck. Having experience from my previous GX470, I knew exactly what
I wanted, which started with the custom front bumper (Coastal Offroad), winch (Smittybilt), roof rack (JW Offroad), RTT (CVT Tents), and my tire carrier (RIGd Supply). Following those mods were the Prado tow mirrors, lighting, off-road jack, diesel heater, intake, snorkel, Pedal Commander, multiple molle panels, and my TEQ badges, along with a list of additional accessories. Having the experience of building on both Lexus GX platforms, the GX470 and GX460, I always believe I’m sitting at the 80% mark of completion; the remaining 20% will continuously evolve on current trends and sometimes how I feel that day. I would call myself somewhat of a hybrid truck owner, and I balance the functionality mods of my GX for off-roading but enjoy the show status of turning heads by putting 22” wheels on it for certain occasions. I also have my Honda Odyssey that I put together out of necessity but also to show. It came to be due to the need for a vehicle with better MPGs than the GX460 that I could daily. I’ve always been a fan of vans, this being my third one, mainly due to the drivability and storage capacity for carrying various items, as well as an easy place to take a quick nap. Because I like doing things a little differently, I wanted to make a road trip-ready twin to my GX. With its air-equipped suspension, I mounted a tire carrier with a full-size spare, then mounted a Smittybilt RTT with a small awning. Tossing in my cooler and e-bike, I’m ready for any road trip at the spur of the moment. Putting these rigs together comes from experience and being fearless. Even though it sounds cliché, it’s true. That fearlessness does not come from always having the answers but more from being ok to fail. You won’t always get it right the first time. Do your homework, look into what you want to do for your build, and research how you want to build it, the parts you want to use, and how it will look. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to do something different than other people; build it for yourself and do things because you want to.