Off-Roading and Overlanding has arguably become the most popular motorsport activity among automotive enthusiasts. As demand for off-road capable vehicles has gone up, less traditional models have become increasingly popular. Lexus has been making huge waves here due to their reliability and reasonable prices. The 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 sports a 4.7L V8, 4WD, smooth ride, and ample interior space. Pretty much everything anyone who’s not a jeep purist would look for in an off-road platform. Not surprisingly, the GX470 is the Lexus sibling of beloved 4Runner. The 4th Gen V8 4Runner is an equally capable platform for off-roading as well. However, due it’s popularity they are a little harder to find with the big V8.

While the 4Runner/GX470’s 2UZ-FE V8 is one of the most tried and true V8’s from Toyota. It can also be found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia from this time. However, just because an engine is bullet proof, doesn’t mean the auxiliary components will last forever. Although the OEM radiator is well suited for the task of keeping the engine cool in day to day driving, the OEM radiator still has its weaknesses. Also, given that these SUVs are over 12 years old with a fair bit of mileage on them, it might be a good idea to replace that original radiator before it leaves you stranded in the wilderness.

While some may opt for a simple OEM replacement, CSF knows many enthusiasts are always looking to improve their vehicles. With that being said, CSF is pleased to introduce its latest Heavy Duty Radiator for the 03-09 Lexus GX470 & 4th Gen V8 Toyota 4Runner.


Design & Engineering

CSF has a great track record with heavy duty, off-road grade radiators for Toyota/Lexus trucks and SUVs. With most off-road vehicles, the factory cooling components can easily become over stressed. This may be due to the demanding stress on the engine while climbing or dirt clogging up some of the cooling fins. The last thing you want or need is your V8 4Runner/GX470’s radiator to fail on you while you are off-road.

OEM vs CSF

The 2-Row 42mm aluminum core not only increases the fluid capacity of the radiator, but also improves the cores ability to dissipate heat. CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology increases the heat transfer by approximately 15% over regular oval welded tubes. In addition, the super-efficient multi-louvered fins maximize airflow through the core for the best possible performance.


End tanks are made from high grade aluminum and TIG welded to the core for extra strength. In contrast, the OEM crimped onto plastic end tank design is much weaker and creates a weak point where failure is more likely. Because the CSF radiator is designed as a true plug-and-play drop-in fit application, installation requires absolutely no modifications, trimming, or cutting. CSF even includes pre-cut double sided adhesive foam strips to help seal the fan shroud against the radiator. This improves airflow efficiency off the fan.

Additionally, the radiator features a built-in transmission oil cooler. The transmission cooler is a heavy-duty high-performance 5 plate design that connects to the OEM hoses. The upgraded built in cooler is great dealing with the added heat and stress from towing, low gear crawling, and vehicles equipped with oversized tires. While many understand the impacts of oversized tires, it is always good to provide extra incite. By increasing the diameter of your tires, you are reducing the effective gear ratio. This means the engine and transmission have to work harder to move the tires. Obviously this will end up generating excess heat, but the CSF radiator is designed to handle it.


03-09 Lexus GX470 & V8 Toyota 4Runner Heavy-Duty All-Aluminum Radiator Features (CSF #7215)

• 2-Row, 42mm Heavy-Duty Ultra-High-Performance Dual Pass Core
• Cooling Tubes with CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology
• 6.5mm Tall Ultra Efficient Fins with a Multi-Louvered Design for Maximum Surface Area Contact
• CNC Machined Mounting Brackets and OEM Style Inlet/Outlet
• 100% All Aluminum TIG-Welded Construction
• Built in Heavy-Duty High-Performance 5 Plate Transmission Oil Cooler in right side tank
• Smooth Satin Finish
• True Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” Installation Requires Absolutely No Modifications
• Individually Leak and Pressure Tested
• 2-Year Limited Warranty

Applications:
2003-2009 Lexus GX470
2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner V8

OEM Part Numbers:
Lexus: 16400-50313
Toyota: 16400-50300

MSRP: $589.00 USD /MAP: $549.00 USD

I was highly annoyed when CSF released this and I discovered it. Mainly for the fact that I had literally, 5 minutes prior, finished installed and bleeding the New Koyorad radiator I had bought because CSF hadn't released this one yet! My preference was CSF but since the Koyo was already installed, I was SOL for the time being.

Interesting... I was just wondering the other day if CSF offered anything for 4th Gens haha.

They just released new units for pretty much every toyota model. They have these high performance series for all year tacoma, 3rd gen and up 4runner, all landcruisers, fjs, etc. Nice to see them supporting legacy models.

Normally its too little to late, but in your case its too early . KOYO does make a great product though, so no problems there. Hopefully its made a noticeable improvement for you

No, no major improvement in temps with the Koyo over the Denso stock replacement that was in there. The biggest thing is the reliability of not having plastic end tanks. I live in Tucson, so didn't really expect much for the temps.

Unless you have other issues for the most part the coolant temperature is controlled by the thermostat, the durability is what I would expect from a upgrade to an all metal radiator, after all Toyota wouldn't put in a radiator that wouldn't keep the coolant at the correct temperature, even in a desert environment.

Yeah, I wasn't expecting anything drastic in the temps department. The Koyo doesn't have the internal trans cooler like the CSF does, but I haven't seen much of a change in trans temps either, mainly because I have a larger external cooler for that already. And it's difficult to tell around this time of year as here in Tucson, it's just damn hot! Temps have already gone over 100 degrees on several days and we are regularly in the high 90s now.

Oh yeah Tucson is a scorcher, we are in Vegas but you all are normally 10-15deg hotter. Reliability is the biggest factory with these, knowing you have the extra cooling capacity for those hot days, and no plastic tanks to crack or break.