Quick Facts:
- Builder: Mountain Yotas, a fabrication shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
- Builds: MTN 550 Recon (Lexus GX550) and MTN Kintaro (4th Gen Tacoma).
- Axles: 74Weld portal axles on both trucks.
- Tires: 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires on both trucks.
- Shown at: SEMA 2026, Rockstar Performance Garage, Central Hall #21417.
- Build price: Not published. 74Weld lists its GX550 portal axle at $17,000.
- Best for: GX550 and Tacoma owners weighing a 40-inch build.
6 min read
In This Article
Mountain Yotas Brings Two Portal Builds to SEMA 2026
Want 40s on a GX550 or Tacoma? Mountain Yotas showed two portal-axle trucks at SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas. Both are built around 40-inch tires, and 74Weld lists the GX550 portal axle alone at $17,000. Based in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the shop released the builds on November 2.
The first truck, the MTN 550 Recon, is an armored Lexus GX550. Alongside it, the MTN Kintaro is a 4th Gen Tacoma built to carry a full camp. Per the builder’s SEMA press page, both trucks also carry 74Weld portal axles, forged beadlock wheels and 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires.
Toyota brought five SEMA 2026 builds of its own, including a Tacoma. Our look at the Toyota Snowhunter SEMA concepts shows them. These two trucks come from the aftermarket side instead.
The press release gives no price, weight or horsepower figure for either truck. So this article follows the published parts list, then adds 74Weld list prices and ownership context. In short, axles are only the start, and the support parts add to the bill.
Tire size changes the air routine before the trail starts. The Kintaro carries an onboard ARB compressor, so any truck without onboard air needs a portable unit. Because 40-inch tires hold so much air, compressor output matters. Consider the ARB CKMTP12 twin motor portable compressor with the ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator kit. Then add the Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge to check each tire.
Tire air gear for big tires
ARB (CKMTP12) 12V Twin Motor High Performance Portable Air Compressor
ARB ARB505 Deflator Kit 10-60 PSI Tire Pressure Gauge Rapid Air Dow…
Accutire Digital Tire Pressure Gauge (5-150 psi) psi/bar/kPa/kg-cm2…
Key Facts: Mountain Yotas SEMA Builds
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release date | November 2, 2026, Las Vegas |
| Booth | Rockstar Performance Garage, Central Hall #21417 |
| Axles | 74Weld portals on both trucks |
| Shocks | Fox Live Valve (Recon), Fox Factory Race Series DSC Evo (Kintaro) |
| Lockers | Hardblock 4×4 front locker on both trucks, with factory lockers behind it |
| Winches | Warn EVO front (Recon); Warn EVO front and Warn Comp rear (Kintaro) |
| Build price | Not published |
MTN 550 Recon: What the GX550 Gets
The Recon starts with custom black anodized portal axles from 74Weld. Billet upper control arms and billet rear links also come from 74Weld. Fox Live Valve shocks set the stance, and forged beadlock wheels wear 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires.
The shop says the GX550 “crawls anything you point it at and still rides like a Lexus.” However, we have not driven it, so the ride claim remains the builder’s word.
Both builds also use Fox shocks. Our comparison of bypass, reservoir and monotube shocks explains how those designs differ under heavy overland loads.
Traction comes from a Hardblock 4×4 front locker paired with the factory center and rear lockers. For protection, the truck carries custom front and rear bumpers and a seamless skid plate system. Hybrid boatside rock sliders add UHMW inserts from Next Venture. A new Warn EVO winch sits in the front bumper. Custom steel fender flares frame the wheels.
Range and visibility get attention too. A hidden 18-gallon Helivue auxiliary fuel tank stretches range, while stainless oval-tube dual snorkels feed the twin-turbo V6. Baja Designs light bars ride on actuators controlled from a custom roof console, which also runs the cameras and lockers. Finally, a GOST security system adds thermal cameras and AI monitoring.
MTN Kintaro: A Tacoma Built to Carry Camp
The Kintaro applies the same portal approach to a 4th Gen Tacoma. It also uses 74Weld portals, billet upper control arms and billet rear links. Fox Factory Race Series DSC Evo shocks sit at all four corners. Raceline Ryno forged beadlock wheels also carry the 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires. A Hardblock 4×4 front locker pairs with the factory rear locker.
Specifically, the camp setup separates it from the GX550. First, a Bowen Customs bed replacement carries a GoFast Campers Pro Plus. Next, a positive pressure system keeps dust outside. For other camper options, see our truck bed camper roundup.
Recovery and air are covered as well. The shop fitted a Warn EVO winch up front and a Warn Comp winch at the rear. An onboard ARB twin brushless compressor handles air. Air matters at this size, since bigger tires need more of it. Our guide to the air-up strategy for 40s explains why 40-inch tires need a high-output compressor.
What 74Weld Lists for Key Parts on the Mountain Yotas Builds
The builder published no prices, so these are 74Weld list prices for three part types the Recon uses. Portal axles are the headline part, but they are not the whole bill. 74Weld lists its New-Gen Toyota portal axle for the GX550 at $17,000 on its GX parts page. Its billet front upper control arms add $1,600, and a complete rear link kit adds $3,450. Those three items total about $22,000 before wheels, tires, shocks, armor or labor.
Treat these list prices as a starting point, because the bill keeps growing. Portals add ground clearance at the hub and improve effective gearing for larger tires. Larger tires then demand stronger parts. The builder’s portal service page names the fixes: big brake kits, upgraded steering racks and larger rear axle packages.
Recovery gear matters more as builds grow bigger. Both trucks carry Warn winches, yet a winch works best with backup gear. Therefore, pair it with MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards. Next, add the Bubba Rope Power Stretch kinetic rope and the Factor 55 Extreme Duty soft shackle. The rope and shackle list breaking strengths of 28,600 lb and 43,500 lb. Check each rating against your own truck’s weight before you buy.
Recovery gear to pair with a winch
What This Means for You
These trucks are SEMA show builds, not catalog products. The press page lists no price for either truck and no tested range, towing or payload figures. Therefore, treat both as parts lists to study, not packages to order.
If you own a GX550 or a 4th Gen Tacoma and want 40s, start with the support parts. For example, the builder names brakes, steering and the rear axle. Budget for those before you pick wheels. Next, ask any shop about portal service. The builder lists portal oil changes, gear box inspections, seal and bearing checks and hub fastener re-torque.
Also decide what the truck does most. The Recon’s list leans toward armor, security and range. However, the Kintaro’s list leans toward a camper, two winches and an onboard compressor. Pick the list closest to your trips.
My read: the Kintaro list is the better template if you camp. The Recon shows how far a no-compromise GX550 build goes.
Final Thoughts
A 40-inch build takes more than axles and tires. The builder lists brakes, steering and rear axle upgrades for larger tires, and portal service adds more. Mountain Yotas published a parts list for both trucks. Use its axle, shock, locker and winch choices to test your own plans.
The trade-off is cost and complexity. On the GX550, 74Weld’s axle alone lists at $17,000, a serious commitment. However, the builder shares no price, weight or range figures. Should you want only a bit more tire, a smaller step skips the portal axle bill.
Pick the trips you want first, then let the parts list follow them. Bring either list to a Toyota and Lexus specialist, and ask for service costs before you sign. Either way, the parts lists give you specific items to price before you commit.
FAQ
What did Mountain Yotas show at SEMA 2026?
The shop showed an armored Lexus GX550 and a Tacoma built for camping. Both use 74Weld portals and 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires.
What do portals cost for a GX550?
74Weld lists its New-Gen Toyota portal axle for the GX550 at $17,000. The builder has not published a price for either truck.
Do both trucks run 40-inch tires?
Yes. Per the press page, both trucks wear 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires.
Which build suits camping best?
The Kintaro suits camping best. It carries a GoFast Campers Pro Plus on a Bowen Customs bed replacement, plus an onboard ARB compressor.
Where were the Mountain Yotas builds displayed?
The builder listed Rockstar Performance Garage, Central Hall #21417, for SEMA week. After the show, contact the shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
Do portals need extra service?
Per the builder, yes. Its portal service lists oil changes, gear box inspections, seal and bearing checks and hub fastener re-torque.
Related Reading