is the Lexus GX470 as reliable as the 4th Gen 4Runner?
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470SNC
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They all came with airbag rear suspension, but now Metaltech has a conversion kit to coil, which I just installed in mine.
The GX and the v8 4runner are identical minus the interior and some electronics, reliability should be very similar minus misc electronics going out but its still a toyota so it should be fine.
The GX and the v8 4runner are identical minus the interior and some electronics, reliability should be very similar minus misc electronics going out but its still a toyota so it should be fine.
Thanks for the reply guys. Looking at possibly trading in for one. It reminds a lot of the Prado in looks and if I pick up one I just might re badge it to look like one, lol. Honestly it looks like a Toyota Prado re badged as a Lexus.
I would for sure in time covert it from air bag suspension because I don't want the pain of dealing with it later down the road. Lol
I would for sure in time covert it from air bag suspension because I don't want the pain of dealing with it later down the road. Lol
Wow you traded in your FJ for one? That's amazing to hear. The FJ was a vehicle I've always considered but have never fully jumped on. Knowing you traded your FJ for a GX470 gives me more confidence and drive to jump on one because the FJ has always been on the back of my mind and the Prado/GX470 + Land Cruiser/LX470 has always been my lust. I like my 4Runner but it's horrible for rust because it was from the upper north east so I'm looking to trade it. I like or love my 4Runner and would keep it if it were not for the rust - it's very bad. Underneath is a goner, rear hatch is gone at the top, inside door jams are starting to rust through, rust in floor boards which is staining the carpets front and back, under hood rust is crazy to and more. I would take a new 4Runner but it's outoutof my price range atm.
The Jeep Commander was and has been a slight option cause I love the exterior look and I love the inside cabin but you can see its poor quality, poor plastics, horrible reliability, can't stand Jeep fanboys, Jeeps are horrible in reliability as a company and keep creating junk and ugly vehicles. The Wrangler is the last solid axle and body on frame Jeep left but may not be soon. Chrysler killed Jeep and Fiat put the icing on the cake. Because deep down none of these Jeep vehicles since the 90'start are truly Jeeps but instead Chrysler’s. Jeep died a c long time ago and the Wrangler is holding on by its teeth.
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Lolrax
New member
It's not just looks, it is a Prado rebadged as a Lexus. Even down to the barn door tailgate which is a Prado thing designed to have a spare tire hanging on the tailgate. The GX never gets the repect it deserves from the North American 4x4 community.
Exactly which is what I've always thought.
I've always assumed the same with the Land Cruiser and LX450, LX470 and LX460, which is pretty apparent. Lol
470SNC
New member
I had the FJ for 8 years, bought it right when it came out, and modded the hell out of it, had some amazing trips with it, but it was time for something new. Once I researched the GX, found out all my FJ suspension swapped over so I didnt have to start over, it had 4 doors (more space) and a V8 I was sold
I still miss the ol' girl though:
I still miss the ol' girl though:
I had the FJ for 8 years, bought it right when it came out, and modded the hell out of it, had some amazing trips with it, but it was time for something new. Once I researched the GX, found out all my FJ suspension swapped over so I didnt have to start over, it had 4 doors (more space) and a V8 I was sold
I still miss the ol' girl though:
Nice FJ
I really like the FJ's a lot but it's limited with room. I wish Toyota would release a 4 door version but with the old retro look. I still wish Toyota would have released the FJ Cruiser more similar to the FJ40 retro style as well.
I love these
IMG_8735.jpg Photo by CLK_305 | Photobucket
http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/74079751.jpg
Wish the FJ Cruiser was more like these.
I know you can buy the ICON but I don't have that kind of money.
BlackWorksInc
New member
The GX470 & GX460 are based on the J120 & J150 platforms respectively. From the frames down, the entire set-up is identical to the 4th & 5th gens save for some minor differences in shocks and springs (the obvious difference being that the 5th gen does not have a 1UR-FE 4.6L V8.) Everything is pretty much the same, the body even shares a lot of similarities with the 4th gens (the Master Cylinder, radiator, EVAP Core, ect.) Though with some more luxury electrical junk thrown in.
The difference between the Land Cruisers and the LX Platforms of similar years is almost down to just suspension, badging, and some extra trim in the Lexus. Its like 90% compatibility based on what I have seen and doing a side by side comparison with my stepdad's LX470 and a Landcruiser of the same year.
Lolrax
New member
Damn a 5th gen with that 4.6 would be a dream car
Or the 5.7!!! We need to start a petition to Toyota for some more V8 4Runners!!
End thread hijack... :first:
Interesting.... I have a Prado snorkel in my office.....Guess I should look for a GX now..
awdjunkies
New member
I like the way you think!!! :rockon:
I have 2008 GX and did about a year of research before I bought it. I was looking at Highlanders (wife's idea - barf) and a limited V8 4runners. For all intents and purposes, a GX is a 4th Gen Runner. Same crappy calipers that seize up, same zerk fittings to lube the driveshaft, etc. Good luck trying to tell people that though, they just see lexus and wont get it. The big differences are in the interior. Most GXs come with the Nav system which also includes the Mark Levenson stereo. A BIG FYI - it is a 8ohm speaker system so you can't just call crutchfield and drop in new ones. These speakers will eventually have their cone tear. Best solution seems to swap cones or some other voodoo to bring it back to life. If you find one that doesn't have nav, it has standard car speakers and you can put whatever single/1.5/double din player you want. Also most GX come with a third row. I like it but it folds up in a kinda odd way.
Another interior quirk is the center console. It isn't the stacked/sliding usual toyota design. I call it the missile silo cause it looks like the ICBM launch doors on some Nebraska prairie.
You will read (what I feel) are a lot of overblown concerns/panic/whatever about the GX suspension. In addition to the rear air, the 4 shocks are magnetic ride. You have a switch in the cabin which you can choose the firmness. These shocks will eventually leak. Also those rear airbags will eventually leak as well. Some people go all in and replace both shocks and airbags with OEM replacements. I think it runs something like $3k. My plan when this happens in the metaltech mounts for actual springs in the back pair with some 5100s. In the front, I plan on going all out with some Icon coilovers.
I think the GX is an awesome truck. Totally capable off road, plush interior and some real character - what other vehicle has nav, backup, barndoor in the back and a cassette player? Not only that but you will get a lot of complements on it, especially if you get a nice color combo (mine is dark blue with tan interior).
PM if you have any other questions.
Another interior quirk is the center console. It isn't the stacked/sliding usual toyota design. I call it the missile silo cause it looks like the ICBM launch doors on some Nebraska prairie.
You will read (what I feel) are a lot of overblown concerns/panic/whatever about the GX suspension. In addition to the rear air, the 4 shocks are magnetic ride. You have a switch in the cabin which you can choose the firmness. These shocks will eventually leak. Also those rear airbags will eventually leak as well. Some people go all in and replace both shocks and airbags with OEM replacements. I think it runs something like $3k. My plan when this happens in the metaltech mounts for actual springs in the back pair with some 5100s. In the front, I plan on going all out with some Icon coilovers.
I think the GX is an awesome truck. Totally capable off road, plush interior and some real character - what other vehicle has nav, backup, barndoor in the back and a cassette player? Not only that but you will get a lot of complements on it, especially if you get a nice color combo (mine is dark blue with tan interior).
PM if you have any other questions.
Lolrax
New member
Or the 5.7!!! We need to start a petition to Toyota for some more V8 4Runners!!
End thread hijack... :first:
That would be nuts, a hot rod 4Runner! Idrove a GX460 for about a year (had to sell it because we had a kid and the payments were too much) and the 4.6 was so balanced in my opinion. It was almost 1000lbs heavier than a 5th gen too.
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TheWhopper
New member
Are not the transmission different?
I've been shopping around to pick up a used 4runner for myself (my wife has one herself).
Needless to say, finding a good one is difficult and pricing tends to be well above blue book...so...I've been thinking about picking up a GX470.
However, I've read several posts on a few sites the transmission in a GX470 can fail before reaching 200,000 miles even when scheduled maintenance is followed. Someone went as far as to use the words "like clockwork" in regards to the transmission failing.
Looks like the 4runner uses the A750E transmission while the GX470 uses the A750F.
Is the transmission of a GX470 as reliable as a 4runner??? :thanks:
I've been shopping around to pick up a used 4runner for myself (my wife has one herself).
Needless to say, finding a good one is difficult and pricing tends to be well above blue book...so...I've been thinking about picking up a GX470.
However, I've read several posts on a few sites the transmission in a GX470 can fail before reaching 200,000 miles even when scheduled maintenance is followed. Someone went as far as to use the words "like clockwork" in regards to the transmission failing.
Looks like the 4runner uses the A750E transmission while the GX470 uses the A750F.
Is the transmission of a GX470 as reliable as a 4runner??? :thanks:
Hey Whopper,
Would be interested to see where you are seeing specific failures of the trans with the Gx470 platform.
I did a year of research (see above) before I got my '08 and never saw anything mentioned about trans failures. The only major issue I can see is if you had a radiator leak that mixed coolant into the trans circuit, aka, the 3rd gen style "milkshake".
Other flat out abusing the truck, and even then, the drivetrains are fairly bulletproof for any 120 platform vehicle.
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