2004 GX470, what do I need to know?

[10ga]

My son is thinking about buying a used 2004 GX470 with 110,000 miles and I don't know anything about them. What do I need to look for? I have't looked but I'm sure it has a timing belt and with those miles, guessing it needs to be changed if it hasn't already? Anything that's a common problem with them? I've owned several Land Cruisers and 4Runners, and my wife has a IS350, but no experience with the GX model.

Thanks for any and all help or advice

 

[IanB]

Mechanically, it's a 4th gen V8 AWD 4Runner with the LTD trim's air ride rear suspension, so nothing too exotic there. 90,000 mile service includes the timing belt and waterpump, make sure these have been done. Front calipers are prone to seizing so have a look for abnormal brake wear. Make sure the rear suspension raises and lowers as intended, repairs to this system are expensive. Check the rad real well for signs of coolant seeping, should stain the fins pink if it's an issue. Try to find one without the navigation system, it's 11 years old now and there's no updating it to something you'd want to use, and it's much easier to add an aftermarket deck to a base stereo truck.

Really great trucks, thirsty though.

 

[10ga]

Mechanically, it's a 4th gen V8 AWD 4Runner with the LTD trim's air ride rear suspension, so nothing too exotic there. 90,000 mile service includes the timing belt and waterpump, make sure these have been done. Front calipers are prone to seizing so have a look for abnormal brake wear. Make sure the rear suspension raises and lowers as intended, repairs to this system are expensive. Check the rad real well for signs of coolant seeping, should stain the fins pink if it's an issue. Try to find one without the navigation system, it's 11 years old now and there's no updating it to something you'd want to use, and it's much easier to add an aftermarket deck to a base stereo truck.

Really great trucks, thirsty though.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. When you say thirsty, worse than a V8 4Runner? Hopefully better than a 100 Series Land Cruiser. My son works at a hospital about 40 miles away so he works 5 days one week and 2 days the next. Are they AWD or part time 4 Wheel drive? I think the last V8 timing belt and water pump done at the Toyota dealer was around $900, will the GX be about the same and can Toyota do the work? Thanks again, much appreciated..............John

 

[10ga]

Also meant to ask, any year model GX's that I should stay away from?

 

[IanB]

They are full time AWD, literally the exact same as a V8 4Runner, we average 14-16mpg mostly city driving, but with 265/70/17 tires so that hurts gearing a bit. And it's cold here 1/2 the year which doesn't help.

Toyota should be able to do the timing belt service with no issues, it's all the same under the hood.

'05+ gains vvti and a nice power increase, and there are several different versions of the factory nav through the years, they gained Bluetooth (calls only, no streaming) at some point, but otherwise they are pretty well the same from '03-'09.

Sport models got KDSS which improves handling on road, while allowing it to still flex offroad, I don't have this system so can't really comment on if it's worth holding out for.

'04+ gets the 5A tranny, so I'd skip the '03's for that reason.

 

[the great him]

they all had the 5spd actually.

Lexus GX470

i second the stay away from the factory nav system. its integrated into the HVAC system. so if you ever do want to upgrade the stereo you lose the ability to control the temp of AC or defrost ect. plus the Mark Levenson sound system is nothing special other than running on a special OHMs thats not supported by most aftermarket speakers -basically all of this means that if you have Nav you are stuck with it, and if anything ever fails or goes bad its paying lexus dealer prices for new stuff.

some of the GXs had the 3rd row seating, its nice, mine does and i like it, just used it yesterday taking the wife and parents and kids to the beach. they are basically a V8 4th gen 4runner like [MENTION=62240]IanB[/MENTION] said. its on the 120 chassis so all most all 4th gen 4runner suspension or lifts/skid, etc. can be used -also some FJC stuff as well.

i have a 04 with 137k mi, no timing belt yet -yes i know i need to get hot on that soon, but it runs great and has been a joy to own and drive. i am very happy with it!

 

[2000SR5]

Hate to be "that guy" but as an owner of a 2008 GX470 I feel obligated to clarify.

I keep seeing the four wheel drive system referred to as "AWD," this is incorrect.

"All Wheel Drive" means all wheels permanently driven non-lockable "open" transfer case, non-selectable transfer case. In other words no low range.

"Full time four wheel drive" which is found on all GX, LX and Landcruiser models, utilizes a selectable transfer case that may be shifted into low range and generally will feature some kind of locking differential. Under normal conditions (4H) all four wheels are driven with differentials open allowing use on pavement. In the case of the GX if the center diff is locked the front and rear drive shafts will spin at the same speed, much like a conventional truck would behave in 4H. Low range in the GX is also open so either may be used on dry paved surfaces. The center diff should be locked only on loose surfaces and could cause binding/damage to vehicle if used on dry pavement.

There are significant differences between the two systems, it's worth noting that a conventional all wheel drive system will provide little or no advantage off-road over a two wheel drive vehicle. In contrast a Full time four wheel drive vehicle utilizes low range gears required to navigate extreme off road conditions.

End rant.

 

[the great him]

Go ahead and be that guy, cause even you are wrong... Several AWD vehicles have locking diff's... Both center and or rear. Audi, Subaru, BMW just to name a few of the more popular and common ones.

So if you wanta come in and start bustin in balls on things and not contribute to the thread at least have your info correct

While AWD yes, does typically speak to the fact that it lacks the hi-lo option of a permanent 4WD system they both otherwise function the same way. Because not all permanent 4WD vehicles have locking center diff's -think Land Rovers...

 

[2000SR5]

Go ahead and be that guy, cause even you are wrong... Several AWD vehicles have locking diff's... Both center and or rear. Audi, Subaru, BMW just to name a few of the more popular and common ones.

This discussion is in reference to Toyota vehicles on a Toyota forum, I did not say there is NO AWD vehicle in existence with locking differentials. For that matter I didn't even mention lockable differentials in my comments on All Wheel Drive systems.

As it relates to Toyota drive systems, the Lexus GX470 is NOT All Wheel Drive. Lexus GX470 drive system is commonly referred to as "Full Time Four Wheel Drive." Calling it "All Wheel Drive" is simply incorrect.

So if you wanta come in and start bustin in balls on things and not contribute to the thread at least have your info correct

When purchasing a vehicle knowledge is power, the more you know about the product you are buying the better. Referring to the GX470 as an AWD vehicle gives the impression that person is not familiar with general automobile terminology.

By Bringing unrelated vehicles, manufacturers and drive systems into the discussion not only are you "not contributing" you are deteriorating the thread by submitting irrelevant information.

 

[J-Fonz]

After this weekend - have the brakes checked. Both of my front calipers were frozen and had to be replaced.

 

[IanB]

This discussion is in reference to Toyota vehicles on a Toyota forum, I did not say there is NO AWD vehicle in existence with locking differentials. For that matter I didn't even mention lockable differentials in my comments on All Wheel Drive systems.

As it relates to Toyota drive systems, the Lexus GX470 is NOT All Wheel Drive. Lexus GX470 drive system is commonly referred to as "Full Time Four Wheel Drive." Calling it "All Wheel Drive" is simply incorrect.



When purchasing a vehicle knowledge is power, the more you know about the product you are buying the better. Referring to the GX470 as an AWD vehicle gives the impression that person is not familiar with general automobile terminology.

By Bringing unrelated vehicles, manufacturers and drive systems into the discussion not only are you "not contributing" you are deteriorating the thread by submitting irrelevant information.

For the sake of argument, if we accept that the GX470 is a "Full Time Four Wheel Drive" vehicle, and is in "Four Wheel Drive" mode under normal conditions, what do you call it when you lock the center diff? Four Wheel Drive Plus?

Semantics aside, it operates as an AWD driveline under normal conditions, with the CDL'd it operates in 4x4. Marketing speak does not override common sense IMO.

 

[2000SR5]

I would agree except for the selectable transfer case. Normal driving would be in "Four High Unlocked(or open)" center diff engaged would be "Four High Locked". With ability to drive in "Four Low Unlocked" or "Four Low Locked" as well. With the center diff simply determining weather the front and rear drive shafts turn together(locked) or independent(unlocked).

I believe similar nomenclature is found in the owners manual.

 

[IanB]

I would agree except for the selectable transfer case. Normal driving would be in "Four High Unlocked(or open)" center diff engaged would be "Four High Locked". With ability to drive in "Four Low Unlocked" or "Four Low Locked" as well. With the center diff simply determining weather the front and rear drive shafts turn together(locked) or independent(unlocked).

I believe similar nomenclature is found in the owners manual.

Whether the transfercase is in high or low, or whether there is a selectable transfer case at all makes no difference to the functioning of the driveline, it's simply a means of changing the gearing.

Under normal conditions, the GX470 operates in all-wheel drive mode, where power is delivered to the ONE wheel with the least traction available. The center diff does function as an LSD shifting power from that one wheel to others that have better traction, but that simply masks what is really happening, that the vehicle is in all-wheel drive mode with a center LSD. There is also ATRAC at play, mimicking LSD functions in the front and rear diffs when tire slip is detected, making for a very formidable combo as far as traction in inclement conditions is concerned.

Locking the center diff provides a 50/50 power split between front and rear axles, meaning you are only in 4x4 (or Four Wheel Drive) when the CDL is activated.

The owners manual is not an authority on the proper nomenclature of these systems. It's marketing speak. I will draw your attention to the Toyota Matrix, which is also available in full time four wheel drive according to Toyota, yet varies wildly from the hardware available in any 4x4 vehicle.

Also, I'd have to double check to be sure, but I think the CDL automatically locks when low range is selected, so what you refer to as "Four Low Unlocked" would not be possible on a stock truck.

 

[2000SR5]

Were saying the same thing different ways. As far as the center diff locking in Low range it does not in my 08' until I select it to be locked so I can drive in High or low, locked or unlocked. I believe they did some updates to the GX around 06'-07' can't remember specifically but perhaps it was a change from earlier models.

 

[IanB]

Were saying the same thing different ways.

I'll agree to that, but I'm saying that you're way of saying it is less accurate than mine, lol. And this conversation was spurred by your stating the opposite was true.

Another example, 3rd gen 4Runner Ltd w/ multimode transfercase. This truck is capable of operating in RWD, AWD, and 4x4, WITH a high/low transfercase. If it was true that AWD and selectable transfercase were not things that went together, then I don't know what to believe.

 

[2000SR5]

More or less I'm saying that in general any vehicle with a selectable transfer case and all wheels permanently driven is commonly referred to as "Full time four wheel drive." By calling a vehicle "All Wheel Drive" that says to me the vehicle lacks low range gears. And in general gives me the impression of a less rugged and more "car like" drive system. Where as "Full time four wheel drive" to me implies not only a selectable transfer case but a more rugged truck based system. Just my opinion.

 

[IanB]

More or less I'm saying that in general any vehicle with a selectable transfer case and all wheels permanently driven is commonly referred to as "Full time four wheel drive." By calling a vehicle "All Wheel Drive" that says to me the vehicle lacks low range gears. And in general gives me the impression of a less rugged and more "car like" drive system. Where as "Full time four wheel drive" to me implies not only a selectable transfer case but a more rugged truck based system. Just my opinion.

Commonly referred to does not equal technically correct, and that's all I'm saying. I'm not trying to be an ass, but this is one of my pet peeves.

Also, all wheels are not permanently driven on the GX, put it up on jackstands and see for yourself. You and a couple friends can grab 3 of the wheels and stop them with your hands while the 4th spins with all the power flowing to it alone (until the electronic aids the GX is blessed with kick in).

My Land Cruiser has "Full Time 4wd" on the side of it as well, but if I'm trying to climb over snowbanks in a parking lot and one tire spins and I get stuck, that's not 4wd/4x4 in reality. But don't worry about me, I've got 3X diff locks to get me through that snowbank, lol.

 

[2000SR5]

When I said "all wheels permanently driven" What I meant was all wheels have the potential to be driven. And there is never a possibility of only two wheels having potential to be driven.

Can you provide a reputable source that would define the GX drive system as all wheel drive? The landcruiser and GX drive systems are nearly identical so why would different terms be used to describe each?

The owners manual simply uses the term "Four-wheel drive system."

 

[the great him]

...By calling a vehicle "All Wheel Drive" that says to me the vehicle lacks low range gears. And in general gives me the impression of a less rugged and more "car like" drive system. Where as "Full time four wheel drive" to me implies not only a selectable transfer case but a more rugged truck based system. Just my opinion.

maybe you should drive some other of Toyotas 4wd vehicles, like say a 80 series Land Cruiser for example. thats a full time 4wd, and it drives like a truck and is rugged. a Lexus GX is not a rugged vehicle, i dont care how you want to slice it or break it down. yes it is a very capable vehicle but it is not rugged. in fact it drives very nicely and more car like than many current cars at dealers right now(yes even Toyota cars). your opinion is just that your opinion. the GX drives and acts like a AWD vehicle 99.9% of the time for almost every owner of one, and while yes it is capable of offering more at the table to its owners it typically does not -either by their lack of knowledge of how the vehicle works or their lack of need for the added benefits it offers. most of the people who bought a GX bought it for what it is at face value, a reliable, good looking, luxurious SUV that drives like a car and is comfortable as well as well appointed(for its day). now some of us have realized its true, and full potential later on down the road -being based off of the Land Cruiser Prado chassis, and we know what it is capable of and have picked them up to exploit all aspects of the vehicle. but the fact of the matter still remains that at the end of the day, it still drives and acts like what it was intended to be. and it still operates as a AWD vehicle 99.9% of the time for most of us, despite its being a "chameleon"...

 

[2000SR5]

Full Time Four Wheel Drive

I'm not concerned who is right or wrong my only goal is to be correct.

Here are the reasons I term the GX470 drive system "Full Time Four Wheel Drive" rather than AWD.

SELECTABLE TRANSFER CASE(Capability to operate in low range); Generally speaking AWD vehicles do not have selectable low range gear, at very least not any Toyota products that I am aware of.

SIMILARITY TO LAND CRUISER DRIVE SYSTEM; GX470 drive system operates nearly identical to IFS Land Cruiser's. I have NEVER heard the Land Cruiser referred to as AWD so I ask why these two systems that share many similar components would be described differently?

TOYOTA CALLS THE GX470 DRIVE SYSTEM "FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM" IN THE OWNERS MANUAL MULTIPLE TIMES AND THERE IS NEVER ANY MENTION OF "AWD"; If Toyota designed the GX470 as an AWD vehicle why not call it an AWD System? Why would the manufacturer use an inaccurate term in their own documentation?

I concede that Toyota does not actually refer to the system specifically as "Full Time Four Wheel Drive" in the vehicle documentation (at least not that I could find). However the term "Four-Wheel Drive System" is used throughout and it does in fact operate "Full Time" so I fail to see how it is inaccurate to refer to the GX470 drive system as "Full Time" Four-Wheel Drive.

The features that provide a refined "car-like" ride are nothing more than suspension upgrades added to improve ride quality/handling and have nothing to do with the drive system. My 08' GX rides as good or better than my in-laws new Avalon but at it's heart the GX is a true body on frame SUV and has more in common with a truck than car suspension or drive systems.

As you all can probably tell by now I love a good debate but at the end of the day I want to be correct in my nomenclature. If anyone can provide non-anecdotal evidence from a reliable source, say the manufacturer, that the GX470 has ever been termed an AWD vehicle I would love to see it!