5th Gen 4Runner vs GX470

[TLar25]

Daaaaaaaaaang! At first glance I thought you actually had them mounted up. Haha. That’s gonna be quite the transformation.

I wasn’t shopping suspension back in November. How much did you end up paying, may I ask? I’ve read good things about the Dobinsons suspension.


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Ended up paying $1076 after shipping. Had 15% off with the sale, and I went with the long travel rear, and pre-assembled front struts assemblies. Didn't order any control arms arms yet for the front or rear, but I'll probably be going with the freedom off-road's due to the price (like $350). I'll most likely get an emkeith PCK for the rear eventually, and I'll just be pulling the sway bars off FR/RR. Already have stainless brake lines all around with extended ones in the rear. Oh yeah also need to get wheel spacers as well as I don't have the budget for new wheels any time soon. I'm very excited for the transformation though.

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[Decipher]

Ended up paying $1076 after shipping. Had 15% off with the sale, and I went with the long travel rear, and pre-assembled front struts assemblies. Didn't order any control arms arms yet for the front or rear, but I'll probably be going with the freedom off-road's due to the price (like $350). I'll most likely get an emkeith PCK for the rear eventually, and I'll just be pulling the sway bars off FR/RR. Already have stainless brake lines all around with extended ones in the rear. Oh yeah also need to get wheel spacers as well as I don't have the budget for new wheels any time soon. I'm very excited for the transformation though.

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Respect. That seems like a solid deal. I’m still doing a lot of research on good setups for the GX. I did the Bilstein 5100s on my 5th Gen, being my first ever lift. They’ve absolutely impressed me and are still going strong. I do want something more robust for the GX since I have higher plans and expectations as I’ve progressed in my off road interest.


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[chiz45]

Stop with the timing belt already—90,000 /6500=a preventative maintenance every 8-13 YEARS!

I debated 5th gen and the GX, and the weird door was the decider. Picked up a new ‘14 T4R, and it’s been great! I didn’t care for the power, knowing that the previous gen had a V8. I always wondered whether I made the right choice.

Fast forward to 2017, I picked up the GX with 117k on it. My buddy was a Toyota tech, so I had him do water pump, timing belt, thermostat,plugs, brakes, and most fluids. I put about $1,500 into it on the front end to baseline it, and it’s been very smooth. Last year I put an Eibach kit with 5 x 265/70-17 Wildpeaks. I modernized the audio by putting in a GROM VLine2, so now it has CarPlay.

I can’t say that today’s prices are worth it, but lots of people seem to have discretionary funds to spend these days. You already know these trucks are aging, and will require servicing. You can diy and use Toyota or Lexus parts (or Denso) or take it to a Toyota or Lexus dealer for service. You’ll even see people using 5th gen/460 brakes on 470s.

My kid has since tAken over the GX, but I do enjoy driving it when I am allowed. The 4Runner remains my daily.

 

[Decipher]

Stop with the timing belt already—90,000 /6500=a preventative maintenance every 8-13 YEARS!

I debated 5th gen and the GX, and the weird door was the decider. Picked up a new ‘14 T4R, and it’s been great! I didn’t care for the power, knowing that the previous gen had a V8. I always wondered whether I made the right choice.

Fast forward to 2017, I picked up the GX with 117k on it. My buddy was a Toyota tech, so I had him do water pump, timing belt, thermostat,plugs, brakes, and most fluids. I put about $1,500 into it on the front end to baseline it, and it’s been very smooth. Last year I put an Eibach kit with 5 x 265/70-17 Wildpeaks. I modernized the audio by putting in a GROM VLine2, so now it has CarPlay.

I can’t say that today’s prices are worth it, but lots of people seem to have discretionary funds to spend these days. You already know these trucks are aging, and will require servicing. You can diy and use Toyota or Lexus parts (or Denso) or take it to a Toyota or Lexus dealer for service. You’ll even see people using 5th gen/460 brakes on 470s.

My kid has since tAken over the GX, but I do enjoy driving it when I am allowed. The 4Runner remains my daily.

Thank you and I agree on the timing belt. That’s kind of been my thinking as of late. I’ll have to service it once every 10 years or so. Is it that big of a deal? I guess it’s hard going from the known with my 4R being a reliable beast to the unknown in buying a truck that may need a lot of work to get it to a good baseline like you did with yours. Plus I’m reading to no end common issues like ceased brake calipers, the driveline clunk and other issues that may need to be addressed. With my career and two small kids, time is a premium although I have the luxury of two other new cars in the house to drive.

I appreciate all of the insight a ton!


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[Decipher]

I should also mention pricing. It’s all over the place. I’m shopping in the 150k mile range or less. Some people are more reasonable in the 13-16k range. You of course have your outliers asking over 20k which is insane. Even in the 15-16k range, you can land in a newer 460 with similar mileage for 16-18k I’m finding. So this makes no sense at all.

Finding any of these near the 12-14k range seems impossible without buying a truck with an accident history or something of the sort.


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[TLar25]

Yeah I've had bilstein 5100's on two previous 3rd gens, one with OME and one with Eibach front coils and superflex rear. I was pretty happy with those setups for the price. Currently have a skyjacker lift on my 4th gen and it's been decent, not amazing, but pretty smooth really. I also went with 460 front calipers on the GX not long after purchase, swapped the 4th gen with the bigger sport edition brakes and I've been happy with both. My 4Runner has the driveshaft clunk, but my Lexus does not. I know in the 4th gen community people talk about switching to a GX470 driveshaft and that eliminates the clunk. I was able to find my GX with 194k miles, timing belt job done 7 months prior, along with fresh fluids in almost everything, for $8700 here in Utah. It's not perfect and has the cracked dash and a few areas on the body with some cosmetic blemishes, but overall in great shape, pretty rust free undercarriage as well. Also mine is the pretty sought after non-nav grey interior. And that was just this past September. So good deals are out there, just gotta be patient.

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[TLar25]

I should also mention pricing. It’s all over the place. I’m shopping in the 150k mile range or less. Some people are more reasonable in the 13-16k range. You of course have your outliers asking over 20k which is insane. Even in the 15-16k range, you can land in a newer 460 with similar mileage for 16-18k I’m finding. So this makes no sense at all.

Finding any of these near the 12-14k range seems impossible without buying a truck with an accident history or something of the sort.


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I think the pricing has been driven up in part by the GXOR group growing so large, instagram, and a shit ton of youtube videos talking about how you should buy a GX470 for the ultimate overland vehicle [emoji23] and then the kung flu of course has made everything weird. Currently trying to buy a house right now and it's a shit show.

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[MAST4R]

I should also mention pricing. It’s all over the place. I’m shopping in the 150k mile range or less. Some people are more reasonable in the 13-16k range. You of course have your outliers asking over 20k which is insane. Even in the 15-16k range, you can land in a newer 460 with similar mileage for 16-18k I’m finding. So this makes no sense at all.

Finding any of these near the 12-14k range seems impossible without buying a truck with an accident history or something of the sort.


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I checked some prices, crazy. You could get those GX for the same price 3 years ago. So, prices are up a lot relative to age.

How about a GX460, then?

 

[Decipher]

I checked some prices, crazy. You could get those GX for the same price 3 years ago. So, prices are up a lot relative to age.

How about a GX460, then?

Thanks guys! $8500 is a stellar deal honestly. You can’t even touch that right now without getting one with well over 250k miles.

I considered the 460 and if I can’t find a good priced 470, I’m definitely considering that route. The 470s have become priced so insanely that they are priced right into 460 territory and at that point, why not just get a 460 thats bigger, better build materials, and better features? I’m crazy but I love the look of the 470 better. The 460 just doesn’t do it for me, even lifted with bumpers and all that. They’re too soft looking. But from a practicality standpoint, it might make sense.


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[Decipher]

I drove a 460 today and, uh, hell yeah. I’m going that route. It’s definitely bigger which is good for family duty. The interior is miles ahead of the 470. It’s not even close. That was a massive leap and the one I saw was a 2011. Shopping some now that I can pay cash on. Thanks for all of the input! You guys have been awesome.


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[TLar25]

Sweet! Yeah with what most people are asking for 470's right now that's probably a smart decision. Be sure to post pics once you find one!

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[Decipher]

Sweet! Yeah with what most people are asking for 470's right now that's probably a smart decision. Be sure to post pics once you find one!

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That’s been a huge driving point and one well discussed with the better half. For under 20k, I was hoping to have a rig paid for in cash and well modified. The 470 is mostly being priced at or within 1-2k dollars of multiple 460s that are years newer. It just doesn’t make sense at that point. I think I’ll always like the look of the 470 better. I’m shopping the ‘10-13’ year range purely for budget reasons.

Sitting in the 460 really solidified it though. The 470 has aged super well and I’d be totally fine in one but the 460 feels like an upgrade over my ‘10 4Runner. The hunt it on!


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[chiz45]

I feel like your thought process has come full circle—why are you selling the ‘10? I get the new (different) car itch, as I bought my ‘14 premium new i do plan on a newer GX down the line. But will the now 460 of the same vintage (10-13) do more than your ‘10? Full time 4WD, V8, sideways door are now pluses in my book, the mandatory 3rd row reduces your rear cargo area.

 

[Decipher]

I feel like your thought process has come full circle—why are you selling the ‘10? I get the new (different) car itch, as I bought my ‘14 premium new i do plan on a newer GX down the line. But will the now 460 of the same vintage (10-13) do more than your ‘10? Full time 4WD, V8, sideways door are now pluses in my book, the mandatory 3rd row reduces your rear cargo area.

Well, I sold the 4Runner intent on buying a 470. Little did I know, once really digging into them, that they are priced so insanely that a few thousand more will net you a way nicer 460. Will the 460 be as capable as the Runner? Well, with body modifications to correct the approach, break over and departure angles, it should be at least as capable if not more with the locking center diff. My Runner was the SR5P, so I never had all the fancy crawl control and terrain select and locking rear diff. My 4Runner never let me down and I never got stuck so I’m certain this will get me where I want to go...in more comfort to boot. I’ll be adding a better lift than I had with the 4R and bigger tires.

Look wise, the 4R wins all day long and twice on Sunday. Even the 470 does way more for me than the 460 in looks. This was definitely an unexpected turn of events. It’s bittersweet letting the Runner go because it caused me not one single issue in my 6 years with it. I never found the interior to be lacking in any way. It’s just an amazing truck and I’ll always have a soft spot for them. I’m Excited to try to turn the 460 into a tasteful trail rig while not looking like a Middle Aged chiropractor trying to make the truck into something it’s not...while also trying to keep it from looking like I live in the trailer park but won the lottery. Naw mean?


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[4RunnerAquasport]

Don't know much about the 460 and it's reliability, but part of the value holding on the 470 is the unbelievable longevity. Timing belt, water pump, oil and trans fluid changes and your set for a long time. I've got an 03' 4Runner, so I don't have to worry about the Air injection pump and I put Thorley headers on it. The oem manifolds made it to 130k miles with out cracking though.
Hard to beat two million mile 4.7s.
I do understand having an upgraded interior though. My 5th gen seats are much better on long trips than the 4th gen, but damn I love that 2UZ-FE.

 

[Decipher]

Don't know much about the 460 and it's reliability, but part of the value holding on the 470 is the unbelievable longevity. Timing belt, water pump, oil and trans fluid changes and your set for a long time. I've got an 03' 4Runner, so I don't have to worry about the Air injection pump and I put Thorley headers on it. The oem manifolds made it to 130k miles with out cracking though.
Hard to beat two million mile 4.7s.
I do understand having an upgraded interior though. My 5th gen seats are much better on long trips than the 4th gen, but damn I love that 2UZ-FE.

From what I’m reading, the 460 is going to prove to be bulletproof as well. It’s just not as prolific being a newer motor with generally less overall stomping miles than the tried and true 2UZ. The transition to the timing chain, I think, is going to be a huge positive change that could put the 4.6 even above the 2UZ. Time will tell.

The largest drawback on both, and you touched on it, is the stupid and problematic emissions control system for startup. Bypassing that will alleviate what I believe is one of the weakest links to the design.

That and the dash doesn’t crack on the 460. [emoji849]


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[4RunnerAquasport]

From what I’m reading, the 460 is going to prove to be bulletproof as well. It’s just not as prolific being a newer motor with generally less overall stomping miles than the tried and true 2UZ. The transition to the timing chain, I think, is going to be a huge positive change that could put the 4.6 even above the 2UZ. Time will tell.

The largest drawback on both, and you touched on it, is the stupid and problematic emissions control system for startup. Bypassing that will alleviate what I believe is one of the weakest links to the design.

That and the dash doesn’t crack on the 460. [emoji849]


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Yea I wouldn't doubt it will be an engine to go 400k miles or more. The only thing about a chain is if it stretches over time, if the guides and tension parts hold up, and how involved the replacement might be.

The belt replacement has been documented a lot so it's a little more in reach of a skilled home mechanic, as opposed to a chain that a lot of people have never seen. But the frequency of replacement is the deal breaker for most folks.

I owned a late 90s exploder and it was actually a nice vehicle with the 4.0 V6, but I started to hear a rattle for a minute during the morning start up, did some research, and found out about the crappy parts that Ford put in to support the 4 timing chains that thing was famous for breaking, and giving it the name EXPLODER. SMDH I dumped it quickly not even owning it for 4 months.

 

[rural]

Brand new to this forum, but this is a spot on thread for me. Happy to be able to read the insight and comparisons. I had a 5th gen 4R Trail, sold that for a Audi Q7 TDI (third row, air suspension, tow package), but now looking to flip my daily driver to a hatchback and pick up a utility for backup.

Originally was just going to go basic and get a Tahoe or Suburban, but have been looking at the GX 470s lately and although the prices are ridiculous, they seem more or less justified. I'm giving up a bit on tow capacity but 6.5K is enough for 90% of my needs, I shouldn't overthink it.

The maintenance tips, what to watch for, and considerations between the 4R & GX in this thread are super helpful for a new buyer. Nice community here guys, thank you.

 

[TLar25]

Well, I sold the 4Runner intent on buying a 470. Little did I know, once really digging into them, that they are priced so insanely that a few thousand more will net you a way nicer 460. Will the 460 be as capable as the Runner? Well, with body modifications to correct the approach, break over and departure angles, it should be at least as capable if not more with the locking center diff. My Runner was the SR5P, so I never had all the fancy crawl control and terrain select and locking rear diff. My 4Runner never let me down and I never got stuck so I’m certain this will get me where I want to go...in more comfort to boot. I’ll be adding a better lift than I had with the 4R and bigger tires.

Look wise, the 4R wins all day long and twice on Sunday. Even the 470 does way more for me than the 460 in looks. This was definitely an unexpected turn of events. It’s bittersweet letting the Runner go because it caused me not one single issue in my 6 years with it. I never found the interior to be lacking in any way. It’s just an amazing truck and I’ll always have a soft spot for them. I’m Excited to try to turn the 460 into a tasteful trail rig while not looking like a Middle Aged chiropractor trying to make the truck into something it’s not...while also trying to keep it from looking like I live in the trailer park but won the lottery. Naw mean?


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Hey the early model 460's can look pretty dang good too imo. Here's a picture I saved the other day. Plus you don't have to deal with the bow tie grill when it comes time for a bumper [emoji2373]

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[TLar25]

Don't know much about the 460 and it's reliability, but part of the value holding on the 470 is the unbelievable longevity. Timing belt, water pump, oil and trans fluid changes and your set for a long time. I've got an 03' 4Runner, so I don't have to worry about the Air injection pump and I put Thorley headers on it. The oem manifolds made it to 130k miles with out cracking though.

Hard to beat two million mile 4.7s.

I do understand having an upgraded interior though. My 5th gen seats are much better on long trips than the 4th gen, but damn I love that 2UZ-FE.

Did the 5th gen seats bolt right up or did you have to modify the mounts?

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