Potential GX470 buyer question

[vachss]

I've been considering getting either a GX470 or 4th-gen 4Runner. While there's lots to like in both I have one small detail question I think you guys can answer. Does the GX470 have a manual stick for actuating the transfer case while the 4Runner uses an electric actuator? This would be a selling point for the GX for me as I come from older generation 4Runners and much prefer manual stick to actuators that can freeze up. I assume center diff lock is electrically actuated in both vehicles, but I could live with that.

Thanks!

 

[acas1229]

Yes, I believe the GX470 has the manual shifter. At least the models I considered did. I had a 4th Gen and moved to a GX460. Don't quote me on this but as I recall the Lexus has a locking transfer case versus the 4Runner which has a locking differential (or vice versa - can't recall). Ultimately, I traded my 4th Gen V8 4x4 for the GX460 because the 4th Gen V8 is an interference engine. I looked at the GX470 and it was the same. If you go with the 4th Gen then be sure it's a V6 model (a lot less headache to work on).

 

[vachss]

As someone who's actually had a Toyota timing belt fail while driving (fortunately on an MR-2 with a NON-interference 5S-FE motor) I'm a real believer in scheduled T-belt replacement. I would hope that doing this at the required intervals would mostly render the interference issue moot - sure would suck if it didn't.

More to the point, I've not heard of many 4th gen owners blowing a timing belt, crashing their valve trains and destroying their motors. I have, however, heard of a good number of folks with frozen 4WD actuators - also a really expensive repair. So while the V6 is OK with me, if I can get the V8 without the actuator issue then that makes me lean toward the GX.

 

[BlackCat914]

The GX is a full time 4 wheel drive truck. The only option you have is a center diff lock and high and low t-case range, which I believe is electronic.

 

[vachss]

The GX is a full time 4 wheel drive truck. The only option you have is a center diff lock and high and low t-case range, which I believe is electronic.

So the 2nd stick for the t-case stick just controls an electronic actuator rather than shifting the t-case directly? Since a lot of GX owners never put their vehicles in 4LO does this mean that GX's are prone to the same issue of actuators freezing from non-use as 4th-Gen 4runners?

 

[BlackCat914]

So the 2nd stick for the t-case stick just controls an electronic actuator rather than shifting the t-case directly? Since a lot of GX owners never put their vehicles in 4LO does this mean that GX's are prone to the same issue of actuators freezing from non-use as 4th-Gen 4runners?

Yeah, the t-case is electronically shifted. I can't answer about the actuators freezing, my truck has never been in 4 low. I should go see if it'll go in, I'll need it in August! I'll be in Moab.

Edit; went right into 4LO perfectly.