Black on Black GX550 with Sherpa Atlas Rack, MT64 Suspension, Victory 4×4 Armor, Switch Pros, and 35 Inch Kendas
Andrew brought us his 2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail to spec an OEM++ build for off-road use while keeping the Lexus feel and a clean black on black look.
This GX now runs a Sherpa Atlas rack with full scene lighting, an Old Man Emu MT64 suspension lift kit for heavier loads, Victory 4×4 armor front to rear, Switch Pros control, and Method 703s wrapped in 35″ Kenda Klever RTs.
If you are looking for an off-road shop in Denver that understands GX builds, we spend a lot of time on this platform and the related Land Cruiser 250 chassis.
Sherpa Atlas Roof Rack and Scene Lights
On the roof, we installed Sherpa Equipment Co’s Atlas rack at half height. This gives the GX a low-profile rack that still carries gear, mounts lighting, and keeps wind noise manageable.
The rack carries a Baja Designs S8 40″ light bar in a driving and combo pattern with clear lens. That bar is mounted on Sherpa specific S8 brackets so the fit is tight and centered. Sherpa handle light brackets and Baja rock lights provide side scene lighting around the truck for camp use and slow trail work at night.
Wiring is handled through a Baja Designs harness, a KC universal wire hider, and a custom harness built in-house. Everything is routed cleanly, protected from the weather, and set up for easy service later.
Old Man Emu MT64 Suspension System
Suspension is an Old Man Emu MT64 kit built for added weight.
The front is set for roughly 3″ of lift and a front accessory range of 220 to 330 pounds.
The rear springs are spec’d for around 880lbs of constant load.
To help control bump events on and off road, we added Timbren Active Off Road Bumpstops front and rear. The combination of MT64 shocks, heavy-rate springs, and progressive bumpstops keeps the GX composed when it hits holes, ledges, and rough county roads.
After the suspension was installed, the truck received a full alignment so that caster, camber, and toe are set correctly for the added height and tire size.
Kenda Klever RTs and Method 703 Bead Grip Wheels
The tire and wheel setup is a set of Method 703 Bead Grip wheels in Matte Black, size 17X8.5 plus thirty-five (+35mm) offset. Gorilla ET black lug nuts tie everything down.
Tires are Kenda Klever RT in 35X12.50R17 load range E. The Klever RT is a good fit for a GX that sees both highway and rough trail use, with sidewall support and a tread pattern that clears well without being overly loud. The Bead Grip wheel design helps keep the bead secure at low pressures without needing a traditional beadlock.
Victory 4×4 Front Bumper, Winch, and Lighting
Up front, the GX runs a Victory 4×4 Blitz front bumper finished in black powdercoat. It follows the Lexus lines but adds protection and winch mounting. This bumper improves approach angle and opens up airflow while retaining a clean front view.
Recovery is handled by a Warn VR Evo 10S winch with synthetic line. The front bumper also carries a Baja Designs S8 20″ bar in Baja Amber, using a driving and combo pattern to add penetration in dust, snow, and bad weather.
Skid Plate Package
Underbody protection is handled by Victory 4×4 skid package. This includes engine, transmission, and transfer case skids, all in steel with powdercoat finish. The plates tie into factory mounting points and protect critical components that sit low in the chassis, which is important on a mid size SUV.
Victory 4×4 Rock Sliders and Rear Bumper
Rocker panel protection is handled by Victory 4×4 Blitz rock sliders in steel with powdercoat finish. These sliders include integrated rock lights and a dedicated wiring harness, so they function as practical steps and armor. They are tight to the body but strong enough to carry the weight of the truck in contact situations.
In the rear, the GX runs a Victory 4×4 Strike rear bumper in powdercoat black. This adds departure protection and stronger recovery points, and it also carries a pair of Baja Designs Squadron Sport work and scene lights for backup and rear scene lighting.
Final Setup
A Pillar Lighting and SDHQ Mounts
For additional forward and corner lighting we mounted Baja Designs Squadron Sport pods at the base of the windshield using SDHQ A pillar light mounts and cowl panels. The pods are set up with a wide cornering pattern and can be fitted with amber rock guards as needed.
SDHQ laser cut panels and mounts keep everything rigid and remove flex at the mounting point. This makes the lights more stable and reduces vibration in rough terrain.
Switch Pros 9100 and Mounting Solutions
With this much lighting and electrical gear, a clean switching solution is critical. We installed a Switch Pros SP9100 system, which gives a compact solid state power distribution and eight programmable switches.
Inside, the keypad is mounted using Slees grab handle mount and adapter, which positions the switch panel in a natural reach zone without cutting the dash. Under the hood, SDHQ mounts hold the power module and related hardware securely in the GX550 engine bay.
If you are planning a GX550 build and want help with suspension choices, armor options, wheel and tire fitment, or wiring layouts, we can walk you through the full process. You can browse our services or request a free build consultation and we can help you put together a complete plan before you start buying parts.
