New Owner Lx470 Advice

[lx470alabama100]

Recently picked up a ‘00 LX470 with 145k on it. Had the shop here take a look at it and they recommended doing new CVs, new UCAs, new lower ball joints, and the steering rack and tie rods. AHC is deleted and running a 2” Ironman kit with a dobinson differential drop kit. I’ve been looking at the freedom off road UCAs to accommodate the lifted geometry a bit better and they have the replaceable ball joints. The CV boots are spraying some grease but no clicking, I was thinking I could put an aftermarket (cardone HD or GSP) for now and have the OEMs rebooted. I was looking at doing Senkei 555 LBJs as someone said they’re nearly OEM quality. Could you give me any advice on these? Assume if I do steering rack it needs to be OEM or reman but that price is tough to swallow. The shop here is only quoting about $900 in labor for all that so will likely do it all, just going back and forth on parts to order.

 

[Super77]

The areas you named are kind of inter-related, but what evidence is the shop using to conclude that they need replacement? Do they have any LC experience, and do you have reason to trust them?

 

[lx470alabama100]

The areas you named are kind of inter-related, but what evidence is the shop using to conclude that they need replacement? Do they have any LC experience, and do you have reason to trust them?

It’s a shop on the military base here. I know they have experience with lifted vehicles and they don’t work on any commission since they’re subsidized, makes me at least somewhat more inclined to trust them. I do 100% believe them on the CVs, I don’t see the tears but the surrounding components are covered in grease which makes me think they’re slinging some. Zero noises turning though and the alignment is still great. I took it there for confirmation after the local Lexus dealership told me I needed new CVs and UCAs, they didn’t mention the steering rack though.

 

[Bisho]

It literally takes and extra 20 minutes to redo the inner boot on the CV axle, if it actually needs to be rebooted and doesn't just need a new wormgear clamp to keep from seeping. I wouldn't put in a cheap axle, but just rebuild what you have. The outer is a different animal, but is rarely the culprit.

Also curious what evidence that a pretty low mile truck needs the work.

 

[Bisho]

It’s a shop on the military base here. I know they have experience with lifted vehicles and they don’t work on any commission since they’re subsidized, makes me at least somewhat more inclined to trust them. I do 100% believe them on the CVs, I don’t see the tears but the surrounding components are covered in grease which makes me think they’re slinging some. Zero noises turning though and the alignment is still great. I took it there for confirmation after the local Lexus dealership told me I needed new CVs and UCAs, they didn’t mention the steering rack though.

Post pictures

 

[lx470alabama100]

Pics below

 

[lx470alabama100]

And more

 

[Bisho]

Your CVs look like they just need to be reclamped. You can see the grease is leaking out from the boot under the small band. You can get new worm gear clamps - preferably McMaster Carr clamps that have curved edges. Cut the old band off, clean up the grease, and install the new clamp.

Your steering rack does look like its leaking, but not so bad that you need to be in a hurry to replace it. I recommend you flush the old fluid, and add AT205 with the new fluid. It adds plasticizer back into the rubber seals and can slow or stop leaks. Its very effective. I generally add it to all the oil when I get a new truck and do fluid changes. Afterwords, keep an eye on the level, and if it isn't going down don't sweat it.

 

[Super77]

… they have experience with lifted vehicles … makes me at least somewhat more inclined to trust them.

I start with zero trust, even at a dealership. Show me the problem, convince me of your conclusion and discuss the alternatives.

It’s not that mechanics are thieves, it’s just they have a business to run and most customers are not mechanically savvy. That what you have ‘Mud for.

 

[lx470alabama100]

Thanks! Would I need to repack any grease in there or just reclamp and seal? I’ll flush and add AT205 and see if it stops leaking.

Your CVs look like they just need to be reclamped. You can see the grease is leaking out from the boot under the small band. You can get new worm gear clamps - preferably McMaster Carr clamps that have curved edges. Cut the old band off, clean up the grease, and install the new clamp.

Your steering rack does look like its leaking, but not so bad that you need to be in a hurry to replace it. I recommend you flush the old fluid, and add AT205 with the new fluid. It adds plasticizer back into the rubber seals and can slow or stop leaks. Its very effective. I generally add it to all the oil when I get a new truck and do fluid changes. Afterwords, keep an eye on the level, and if it isn't going down don't sweat it.

 

[lx470alabama100]

Its been a great resource, preciate all the help and hoping to drive her for a while.

I start with zero trust, even at a dealership. Show me the problem, convince me of your conclusion and discuss the alternatives.

It’s not that mechanics are thieves, it’s just they have a business to run and most customers are not mechanically savvy. That what you have ‘Mud for.

 

[Bisho]

Thanks! Would I need to repack any grease in there or just reclamp and seal? I’ll flush and add AT205 and see if it stops leaking.

No need to add grease - there's a lot in there.

 

[Ellingsworth01]

Trackin you said you were on post when you got your quote, and I have a word of caution: the Firestone on post at JBLM performed some of the least professional, lowest quality maintenance I've ever had done on my own vehicles, ranging from forgetting to reinsert bolts and attach nuts to doing things totally wrong. I'd be VERY cautious buying anything an on post agency is selling. Much like DoD Civilians, they feel unfireable and often phone in their work.