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Another project I took on for our GX was to upgrade our roof carrying capabilities. The GX is my wife’s daily driver and kid hauler, and she doesn’t want me to build it out to an expedition vehicle (I already have my 80 series built for that). So flat platform racks like the Front Runner were not permitted in this upgrade, and instead I was looking for an OEM-like option to carry a full size cargo carrier, skis and boards, or a bike or two.
Goals 1. Maintain OEM look (for my wife) 2. Support Thule whisper bars (I already owned the set that I wanted to reuse) 3. Increase functionality/load capacity over OEM side rails 4. Raise cross bars to clear the shark fin antenna
I looked at all the Prado builds overseas and saw a lot of cool options, and in many cases they discard their factory rails in favor of a platform rack (I couldn’t find one to ship up to me). Looking closer, I discovered that the Prado 150 rails were a raised rail design similar to the GX470/Prado 120 design, and on all the other Land Cruisers. Definitely more functional than what Lexus gives us in the US, and a design that offers more strength and clearance. That got me thinking, and reading parts diagrams, and then concluding that I should swap my Lexus rails for a set of Prado rails.
Japan4x4.com is well known in the Land Cruiser community as a place to buy imported JDM parts (both Toyota and aftermarket), so I contacted them to inquire about price and availability the OEM Toyota Prado 150 rails. These parts should be available in any market outside the US (Latin America, Europe, Africa, etc.), but I didn’t have any connections except Japan. I was fairly certain that the Prado rails would fit on the GX 460, but there was no way to guarantee it without ordering and buying them. Dave at Japan4x4 helped me review the diagram and get all the right parts ordered for the swap.
The package arrived about 2 weeks after I ordered it, well packed and undamaged by the long trip. I took me a few weeks to find some time to get going on the install. Lots of bits and pieces to sort out (but who doesn't love new OEM parts?).
Mounting hardware
Bolts with thread sealer and rubber washers
Mounting bracket for middle mount
More hardware
Plastic end caps
I ordered these cushions since they had separate part numbers, but it turns out Toyota includes them when you buy the rail assembly.
Removing the existing Lexus rails is pretty simple. If you look from the top, there are 3 plastic access panels. Pop these off with a plastic tool or knife.
This will expose the 6 mounting bolts. Remove all 6 bolts, then give the rail a jiggle to unstick it from the roof.
Next, clean up the dirt and debris in the roof channels. I used a shop vac for the big stuff, then a wet rag for the rest. I finished with some denatured alcohol to clean up any sticky stuff and create a nice clean surface.
I spent a good amount of time examining parts and figuring out what goes where, and how I will ensure that I don’t create any leaks. I bought a tube of this Permatex sealant for extra protection.
Each rail came in two pieces that reconnect with a couple of torx screws. All the supplied mounting hardware came from Toyota with rubber sealing washers, helping to ensure a weather tight fit. The middle mount on the rail requires an extra mounting bracket, so I started with that. While the 4 bolts supplied by Toyota to secure the front and rear mounts had threads that were pre-treated with a sealant, the middle two bolts did not. So I applied the Permatex sealant to the threads, around the rubber washer, and where the thread tubes entered the body on the roof.
Once the middle bracket is in place, you simply “drop in” the new rail, lining up the bolt holes in the rail with the holes in the roof. Apply the sealant around the hole and bolt threads, and then tighten it down.
There is an additional bolt to secure the rack to the middle mounting bracket.
I didn’t look up a torque spec, but it’s not very tight based on the effort it took to remove the old rack. I’d guess 10 - 20 ft lbs or so. Snug with good contact on the rubber washer. Over-tightening could cause warping and stripping that would mean leaks down the road.
It’s really a pretty simple install, and only the fretting about leaks slowed me down. I was patient and thorough about applying the sealant wherever I saw a seam.
From there, it’s just finishing touches. Toyota provides plastic end caps to cover the 3mounting points, and these just snap on with a bit of force.
Thule wasn’t able to confirm with 100% certainty that any US foot packs would mount properly to this rack, so I ended up ordering a set from Evan’s Cycles in the UK. Thule foot pack 757 (listed as compatible with 2013 Prado 150 factory rails) is what I used with the 53” Aerobars/Wingbars.
The one part I forgot to order is replacement moulding for the drip channels on the roof that are now exposed because the rails are elevated (also used when no factory rails are installed). These are available from US Lexus parts distributors, so I have pair for both sides on the way.
If anyone is interested in doing something like this, I'm happy to share all the part numbers from the JDM catalog.
Looks good. Good job on sourcing it for your wife. What was the total damage (cost wise)? Do you have a photo of your entire vehicle (front and side) with it on? My imagination is very limited. I think the black rails would look best on a black or gray vehicle, like yours.
The moulding pieces were the final parts to finish it off. 2 for each side and available through Lexus USA:
They are molded to fit snugly in the roof channels - just slide/pop them into place and that's it.
For the price, I wouldn't call these "necessary", but they do finish off the roof line and channel, keep dirt and debris out of the channel, and align with the existing pieces of moulding by the windshield and at the back by the rear hatch.
Not much to show off; just a black strip of rubber under the roof rail...
And a couple of cell phone pics. Not much is different, except a slightly higher profile which makes the rails more functional. I'll get another picture when we mount up the Thule 1800 for a road trip.
Great job, thanks for the pics. It also proves that the Rhino aero bars (the 3-set for Prado) should bolt up with no issues if someone were to go that route. Still on the fence myself. The stock rails and Inno bars are working ok so far for me.
Since I committed, here are some pics of the GX with a Thule box loaded up. You might have to zoom in a bit, but it clears the shark fin antenna by a couple of inches with this setup. The Thule box (Atlantis 1800) needs to be positioned as far forward as possible to clear the spoiler when opening the rear hatch glass.
And a couple of adventure shots. Between Dunton and Telluride.
06-09-15, 03:53 PM
GX 460 Roof Rails Upgrade
I think the black rails would look best on a black or gray vehicle, like yours.
it look more sportier
