I have owned an 03GX470 for a long time (years). It has around 300k miles. The steering is tight, the suspension is tight. It is totally stock and no replacement of any suspension parts (though I have done ball joints, etc.). But... I bought an 04, and it drives like an old pickup truck. Seriously, the side stripes on the road appear to be suggestions to this car. 150k miles. New Michelins. All front end new or close to new - including rack and pinion. I didn't do the work, and I don't know if it was done correctly. Driveability... First, when I make a semi-hard turn (left and/or right) (high speed and/or slow), the inside rear tire will squeal. Second, it drives straight, but it jumps around. Thirdly, when you hit a bumpy area, it comes unhinged. Vibrates. hard to steer. So... generally, I would look at three areas to diagnose. (1) alignment. to me, it feels like the tires aren't tracking. I think severely out of camber would lead to all of the problems. I'll probably start there. (2) suspension/air-ride - the pump works, and it goes up/down. Doesn't SEEM like anything wrong with the system, but I suppose that the ride could be due to the suspension. (3) problems with the rack/pinion or power steering? Wheel bearing? Brakes? Rear diff? Rear and/or front sway bars? (Note - not a KDSS System). I'll probably do the following: (1) put it up on jack stands and turn the tires; (2) bleed the brakes; (3) listen for any sounds/hesitations on power steering system; (4) check all fluids/levels on trans/gearbox/diff; (5) visual on all bushings/links/etc.; then (6) take it in for a 4x4 alignment and see if there is anything that is way out of whack (camber?). Then, if the problem persists, I suppose I'll replace all sway bar links, and then ultimately swap out the air ride for coil conversion. All that said, if any of all y'all have experienced something close to this "driveability" issue, let me know. I'm also up for ideas.
Some notes:
1. Tires - The tires are at 35psi, and all in balance. They are high quality Michelins and others recommend them for the GX470. Personally, I've stopped buying Michelins from Costco. I think Michelin makes an inferior product particularly for Costco. So, I've been buying the Cooper Discoverer AT 4s (or non 4s for the stronger sidewalls). They're a good all around tire. Tires were my starting point on this issue. I suppose I might swap out the tires from the 03 to the 04 just to confirm, but I think I've ruled out the tires.
2. Rear diff - I only bring this up b/c I once had a limited slip diff on an older car and the diff stopped doing it's thing correctly, and then the tires squealed on all turns by virtue of one tire turning faster than the other. Could this be a rear diff prob for me? I'm not ruling it out, but sure would be happy if one of you told me I should rule it out.
There ya go. Thanks for any thoughts. - Mike
Some notes:
1. Tires - The tires are at 35psi, and all in balance. They are high quality Michelins and others recommend them for the GX470. Personally, I've stopped buying Michelins from Costco. I think Michelin makes an inferior product particularly for Costco. So, I've been buying the Cooper Discoverer AT 4s (or non 4s for the stronger sidewalls). They're a good all around tire. Tires were my starting point on this issue. I suppose I might swap out the tires from the 03 to the 04 just to confirm, but I think I've ruled out the tires.
2. Rear diff - I only bring this up b/c I once had a limited slip diff on an older car and the diff stopped doing it's thing correctly, and then the tires squealed on all turns by virtue of one tire turning faster than the other. Could this be a rear diff prob for me? I'm not ruling it out, but sure would be happy if one of you told me I should rule it out.
There ya go. Thanks for any thoughts. - Mike