Builds GXOG: My 2003 GX470 (1 Viewer)

[GXO]

Thanks! I am investigating an interesting vibration that I think is the DS front diff mount. The PS cracked clean in half, and the DS looks to be a bit deformed. If this is the case, the redesigned and TSB worthy new parts may become mandatory PM for us offroaders. Will update once I swap it.

 

[NGA-FJC]

I'd love to participate in a GX wrenching day. 2015 has been a nightmare for free time. I should have some free time in October to come out. I'll let you know

Yeah. I decided I can keep the 80 and the GX (both paid for) a lot cheaper than trying to go the G route.

Plus, I can get long travel for the GX and give the 80 to my son in 2 years when he turns 16!

 

[SouthernSS]

Time for an update:

- Added Method Wheels with a much improved offset (-12) and backspacing (4.5") than stock, which will require some body mount chopping this coming Tuesday (thanks ACC!).
- Ordered a High Output alternator (199A at idle, 270A max) from nationstarteralternator.com. They had a real deal alternator vs. just diode stacking so I opted for the big boy.
- Ordered new brakes all around. The rotors are starting to cup and the slots are almost worn away, so I guess it is time
- Ordered an ARB power mount and ARB fridge plug to reengineer my Iron Man power since the stock DC plug sucks. I will either plug in (if it fits) or splice the ARB plug onto mine...the screw in nature of the ARB plug is very good for me.
- Also, ordered both sides front wheel bearings pre-assembled (Koyo) from bluepitbearings. Bolting on new bearings in minutes vs. dealing with a press is good stuff.
- Scheduling to have the stock Driveshafts rebuilt (u-joints, clean out the splines, balanced) this week as well.
- Have to order a new front diff damper once I get all the above done, I think the rubber is rotted a bit and causing some vibration. I replaced the PS diff mount and it was a changed design, so I heard the DS was redesigned as was the damper, so I may just get it all and do it once and for all.

Once that stuff is all done, I get to save up for long travel in the rear, then the front in two stages of upgrades.

THEN, I am done until I need tires or other PM (most likely the rack)

Am I the only one that gets excited about maintenance parts? Once I finish one, it's like a weight is lifted from my shoulders until another 50k miles or so. Alternator install is nearly as bad as the timing belt. I think you actually have to take the timing belt cover off to get the alternator out.

 

[470SNC]

I'm just glad my previous owner replaced my alternator done by a Lexus dealership and i got my timing belt done 5k miles ago, so I'm good for a while I hope

 

[123ROBERTELEE]

Am I the only one that gets excited about maintenance parts? Once I finish one, it's like a weight is lifted from my shoulders until another 50k miles or so. Alternator install is nearly as bad as the timing belt. I think you actually have to take the timing belt cover off to get the alternator out.

I get excited over preventive maintenance!

My alternator has not been replaced yet and is on the list of to-do's soon. Not sure if I will go OEM or to a higher output aftermarket. I have always put OEM parts like that on my vehicle but a higher output might fit my needs better since a dual battery is not in the (financial) plans for a while.

 

[GXO]

With a winch, 60A stereo circuit, and a fridge running on a single battery (plus my various gadgets) I felt I need the HO.

I am farming the alternator to ACC, I know when to take things to the pros.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I think you actually have to take the timing belt cover off to get the alternator out.

Almost. Some people claim you can pull the alt out sideways through the wheel well, but I think you'd have to be a magician in order to accomplish that. To get mine out, I had to pull the fan and shroud, and the alt just baaaaaaarely fit out the top.

 

[JLee]

I work on MR2s so I'm used to being a magician... but I might swap alternators when I replace the timing belt. For the guys with high output alternators, are you running 150, 200, or 250 amp? Where from?

 

[GXO]

I bought this one:

Toyota & Lexus 4.7L V8 2UZFE 270 Amp DC Power Alternator

with the cable upgrade.

I think you can pull it from a lifted truck from the wheel well, it is RIGHT there, just have to get the bolts out.

 

[123ROBERTELEE]

Would you mind posting some close up pics where you had to trim the fenders to fit the front bumper? I have an ARB on order and would like to see what I have to do. Thanks!

 

[123ROBERTELEE]

I bought this one:

Toyota & Lexus 4.7L V8 2UZFE 270 Amp DC Power Alternator

with the cable upgrade.

I think you can pull it from a lifted truck from the wheel well, it is RIGHT there, just have to get the bolts out.

I think I will be upgrading to this alternator also.

 

[GXO]

Would you mind posting some close up pics where you had to trim the fenders to fit the front bumper? I have an ARB on order and would like to see what I have to do. Thanks!

will have to go take pics. It is quite a bit of metal. I didnt use an ARB so your cuts may be different!

 

[123ROBERTELEE]

will have to go take pics. It is quite a bit of metal. I didnt use an ARB so your cuts may be different!

yeah I figured there would be differences but from what I hear they are pretty much the same. Your pics would just help me get an idea. I appreciate it!

 

[GXO]

Best I can find. Shows the cut without the flare.

 

[123ROBERTELEE]

Awesome thanks!

 

[Milky84]

I just replaced the alternator on my 05 GX470. I removed the bottom sway bar (4 bolts) and dropped the alternator out the bottom. I did have to move the power steering pump, but just enough to be able to slide the pump forward and get the alternator off.

 

[JLee]

I just replaced the alternator on my 05 GX470. I removed the bottom sway bar (4 bolts) and dropped the alternator out the bottom. I did have to move the power steering pump, but just enough to be able to slide the pump forward and get the alternator off.

Thanks! Did it fail or did you replace it preemptively (if it failed, how many miles)? I have ~108k on mine, wondering when it might go.

 

[GXO]

Check your amps. 130 is stock. Anything less is the start of failure.

 

[Milky84]

No, it failed and I have 119k on it now. I actually took it offroading for the first time about a month ago and I don't know if I got mud in it or knocked it around or hosed it down too much, but the next time I drove it (about a week or so later) the battery light was on and that was that and it died on the way to work. I ordered the Denso replacement from RockAuto which had the cheapest price even if I didn't return the core.

 

[Milky84]

Damn is there an edit button I am missing? I just finished changing it on Saturday so if anyone has any questions while it is fresh in my mind I can answer them.