2005 GX470 vs 2004 100-Series Landcruiser (1 Viewer)

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KDSS is not easily found in the 2004s and 2005s that I'm looking at. I'm going to look at a 2004 without navigation and in the 170k miles. I doubt it has KDSS. Price is in the high $7k.

I dropped off facebook a while ago and I don't want to get back to it, so I'm missing a lot of info from the fb site. I have been doing a lot of research lately and I want to get bigger tires (say 34s), but not sure what's the minimum lift needed if any. I rather not lift it, but maximum lift would be 2"

I'm also compiling a list of issues from all the threads I've been reading....
  • Chrome/painted rims corrosion in some regions (lots of people replace OEM rims)
  • Dash board recall due to cracks in some model years
  • A/c weak in some hot regions in 2003-04 models TSB
  • Gas cap seal getting loose
  • Rear air springs fail (can be replaced maybe w OME 2896 rear coils n N60004-S rear shocks)
  • Front e-shocks with coil springs (can be replaced maybe w OME 2885 front coils and N90000-S struts)
  • Ignition switch pins wear out (replace pins)
  • Transfer case o-ring leak (replace o-ring)
  • 2005+ VVTi injection pump issues letting water in high water crossings (not sure if this is common)
  • Seeping radiators
  • Door handle issues (listen for unusual noises when opening)
  • Front brake calipers seizing issue (flush brake fluid as preventive maintenance)
 
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The FB site if public so you dont have to sign in or join to browse (I own it and set it up that way for this very reason).

A 3" lift is preferred for 34s, and even then you will have to do fender work. It just is that way.

Oh, the gas thing. 03-04 are more tolerant of regular fuel. None of the GXs require anything other than regular.
 
HomersCanyonero said:
KDSS is not easily found in the 2004s and 2005s that I'm looking at. I'm going to look at a 2004 without navigation and in the 170k miles. I doubt it has KDSS. Price is in the high $7k.

I dropped off facebook a while ago and I don't want to get back to it, so I'm missing a lot of info from the fb site. I have been doing a lot of research lately and I want to get bigger tires (say 34s), but not sure what's the minimum lift needed if any. I rather not lift it, but maximum lift would be 2"

I'm also compiling a list of issues from all the threads I've been reading....
  • Chrome/painted rims corrosion in some regions (lots of people replace OEM rims)
  • Dash board recall due to cracks in some model years
  • A/c weak in some hot regions in 2003-04 models TSB
  • Gas cap seal getting loose
  • Rear air springs fail (can be replaced maybe w OME 2896 rear coils n N60004-S rear shocks)
  • Front e-shocks with coil springs (can be replaced maybe w OME 2885 front coils and N90000-S struts)
  • Ignition switch pins wear out (replace pins)
  • Transfer case o-ring leak (replace o-ring)
  • 2005+ VVTi injection pump issues letting water in high water crossings (not sure if this is common)
  • Seeping radiators
  • Door handle issues (listen for unusual noises when opening)
Click to expand...

Another thing to add to your list is front brake calipers like to seize. The rear door would be much better if it hinged the other direction IMO. Wish ours was a non-nav, but otherwise it's been a great vehicle.
 
I went from a 2000 100 to a 2005 GX that I still have. The 100 is built heavier and stronger, but it also weighs more and is not as maneuverable. The engine, awd/4wd system, and atrac are very similar. They both ride well and are quiet. I find the Lexus to be suitable for my needs. It is built well enough to handle anything I will throw at it.
 
I'm still searching for a good deal on a gx470...
 
No, I didn't post this question on the 100-series forum. I own an 80 and I didn't know about gx470. It's an obscure model and I figured not too many people on the 100 forum even know about the gx470. I somehow got asked a question from a friend about the gx470 because he saw one selling for like $55k in expedition portal. I did some research and learned that it was a junior landcruiser at a discounted price.
 
Right on, as I mentioned before I came from an 80 series as I mentioned above. I personally feel Toyota has gotten to big and bubbly with their vehicles and it started with the 100 Series and continued with the Sequoia and Venza.
The GX is built very well the feel and layout will be very similar to what you are used to from the 80 and the thing is quiet. Every time I think it is getting noisier I drive my wife's 09 Suby and I can't wait to get back in the GX!
 
Can someone again explain to me why the KDSS is bad? I found a 2005 with the sport package and it has KDSS. I like the fact that the sport pkg is kinda hard to find. I think that black steering wheel, black dash, and smoke headlights is growing on me.
 
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Nothing wrong with kdss as long as you don't want to do more than a basic lift and buy different skidplate part numbers
 
Not a unicorn. It has navigation with the sport/kdss. I'm still trying to schedule a visit. Price is a little high for me.

I have a few more questions if anyone can help:

1. Is there a way to tell if the timing belt has been changed? On the 100s there's a sticker where mechanics write the date, mileage the timing belt was change. Is there a similar sticker? Some carfax reports don't have that information either.

2. I've seen people post that upgrading to the FJ 17" stock alloys allow you to better fit a slightly larger 33" tire without rubbing. Why do some alloy wheels allow for a slightly bigger tire without rubbing? I don't understand how that works (like a built-in spacer into the design of the rim?)

I've created my own used car buying guide...work in progress.

Used Car Buying Guide – Checklist

1. Check that timing belt was done every 90K miles, maybe water pump and radiator for good measure

2. Check for seeping radiator leaks

3. Check for oil leaks on the KDSS boot, leaks on the transfer case actuator

4. Check for weak a/c, cracked dashboard, and KDSS light on startup

5. Check for driveshaft clunk when braking

6. Check the rear air springs make sure they stay high

7. Check for corrosion on the alloy rims

8. Check door handles for noise when opening and watch out for worn ignition pins (not sure how to check...)
 
There is a sticker on the decorative middle engine cover where date and mileage should have been written when changed. It's a bad spot in my opinion I would prefer the sticker would be on the under side of the hood and not a removable item.
 
Well, I decided the 2003 GX470 was good enough. Picked one up with 126K miles from Expedition Portal. It has Blistein shocks in front, spacer over the air springs in the rear, custom black wheels, and BFG KO 285/70-R17 tires with some thread left.

I'll baseline some fluids like tranny flush, ACH fluid flush, new spark plugs, new engine air filter, new ac filter, after cat O2 sensor, and I'll add some armor: Metal Tech Sliders (ordered) and Total Chaos UCAs (ordered).

If you were to order skid plates, which one is the most important: Front, Transfer Case, or Transmission?
 
The full set really. My gas tank actually takes the most hits
 
Pics?
 
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