Preventive Maintenance - Round Two (1 Viewer)

[sheptastic]

This thread started at a good time. I'm over 105k miles and want to replace the alternator, radiator, water pump, and belt/tensioner/idler. I have a bunch of questions looking at part options.

@r2m and @WTITW, looks like you both use or have looked into Tuscon Alternator. I don't plan to have a significant additional power draw, say 50A over stock. Is there a reason to upgrade from the "Quality" tier at 150A ($172)? The next tier up ("Premium") is only 160A, but is $299.
The Quality Tuscon Alternator is cheaper than any of the OEM options from Bell Lexus, and I think puts out an additional 50A. Does the OEM alternator output 100A?

3 options come up for OEM alternators searching Bell Lexus, does anyone know the part for a 2015 GX Premium?
Part: 270603811084 $245, Part: 2706038080 $365, Part: 2706038110 $430

As far as cooling, has anyone come up with a parts list for radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses and clamps?
Is the aluminum CSF radiator (CSF Racing Radiators 2019 LEXUS GX460 | Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/csf-radiator/year/2019/make/lexus/model/gx460/part-type/radiators/product-line/csf-racing-radiators?SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending&fr=part-type) worth it over an OEM?

 

[WTITW]

I knew there were two OEM, but don't know what the third is. For my year, there was a 130A part for models with no rear AC and a 150A model for those with rear AC. It looks like Tucson Alt sells rebuilt OEM's also. Toyota used Denso for at leas the 150A (that's what's in mine) and I think one manufacturer.

If I were going to go oversized I'd skip that $300 that only gets you 10 more amps and go for the 240A model for $60 more. They have some crazy high amperage models but I can't imagine what you'd need that for other getting a lot of amps at idle. If you're not trail welding, not sure what you'd do with all that.

 

[sheptastic]

I knew there were two OEM, but don't know what the third is. For my year, there was a 130A part for models with no rear AC and a 150A model for those with rear AC. It looks like Tucson Alt sells rebuilt OEM's also. Toyota used Denso for at leas the 150A (that's what's in mine) and I think one manufacturer.

If I were going to go oversized I'd skip that $300 that only gets you 10 more amps and go for the 240A model for $60 more. They have some crazy high amperage models but I can't imagine what you'd need that for other getting a lot of amps at idle. If you're not trail welding, not sure what you'd do with all that.

I can't find the value in the Premium tier and I don't think I have a need to jump up to the 240A model. My biggest draw is the air compressor, which only runs for a few minutes when airing up. Worst case is my fridge cycles on and starts charging while I'm airing up, but that could be prevented and I haven't noticed it being an issue with the OEM alternator. No plans for an inverter or welder. I think I'll just go with the 150A Quality tier from Tuscon Alt.

 

[r2m]

I can't find the value in the Premium tier and I don't think I have a need to jump up to the 240A model. My biggest draw is the air compressor, which only runs for a few minutes when airing up. Worst case is my fridge cycles on and starts charging while I'm airing up, but that could be prevented and I haven't noticed it being an issue with the OEM alternator. No plans for an inverter or welder. I think I'll just go with the 150A Quality tier from Tuscon Alt.

Unless you're extremely frugal or can't afford the extra cash for the larger alternator, myself, I'd opt for the larger alternator. The shop cost and time to replace is the same regardless of size.
The reason? If my rig was not already built out as it is, I'd want a larger alternator for any future upgrades, e.g.: lights, winch, inverter, dual batteries, etc. Unless you're drop-dead sure you'll NEVER do another electrical upgrade to your rig, go stock. Otherwise, upgrade.
Too many times in my past, I've opted for cheaper/easier and in time regretted it and wound up buying twice. Hence I always encourage folks new to their GX and possible adventures with it, to carefully consider their "end game" of where they would want their rig to eventually be, and THEN buy only once.
My point of view only...

 

[r2m]

As far as cooling, has anyone come up with a parts list for radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses and clamps?
Is the aluminum CSF radiator (CSF Racing Radiators 2019 LEXUS GX460 | Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/csf-radiator/year/2019/make/lexus/model/gx460/part-type/radiators/product-line/csf-racing-radiators?SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending&fr=part-type) worth it over an OEM?

All the part numbers can be found in the FSM: GX 460 Manuals
I think it's the third post down.

 

[WTITW]

I'd opt for the larger alternator.

Winch is a good point. They don't like voltage drops and mostly run at idle. I wish I had had the time to go with the Tucson Alt when mine went out. Maybe I'll swap it when I change my radiator which I'll likely do next year. At 205K miles it's getting a bit harder for me to put things in the 'future upgrades' column though : )

 

[Rednexus]

I'm putting a DC Power Engineering 180A alternator in mine. They have a really high idle amperage, so it should come in handy when I'm running accessories at idle and if I ever winch something.

 

[sheptastic]

Unless you're extremely frugal or can't afford the extra cash for the larger alternator, myself, I'd opt for the larger alternator. The shop cost and time to replace is the same regardless of size.
The reason? If my rig was not already built out as it is, I'd want a larger alternator for any future upgrades, e.g.: lights, winch, inverter, dual batteries, etc. Unless you're drop-dead sure you'll NEVER do another electrical upgrade to your rig, go stock. Otherwise, upgrade.
Too many times in my past, I've opted for cheaper/easier and in time regretted it and wound up buying twice. Hence I always encourage folks new to their GX and possible adventures with it, to carefully consider their "end game" of where they would want their rig to eventually be, and THEN buy only once.
My point of view only...

All good points. I’m not extremely frugal, but also don’t see a point in spending money unnecessarily. I’d go with a portable LiPO over second battery and/or inverter if I need additional power, which I don’t foresee. Adding to my current lighting would be an insignificant current draw. There may come a time when I’d add a winch, but that’d also involve a new bumper and a significant investment. That’s the one thing that may sway me towards a higher output alternator now. Harbor Freight doesn’t list a current draw for a Badland Apex 12,000. They only mention having a battery of at least 650 CCA. That leads me to believe that the winch will just use the battery and the battery will be recharged by the alternator. Can the battery even use more current from a higher output alternator to charge faster? Seems like there’s some limit and I’m not sure the extra output would ever be utilized, except the battery drain would likely be less with more alternator output. Given any potential use case like that would be infrequent, I’m not sure I see a need to upgrade. I’m full of assumptions and sure I’m missing things, though. Feel free to enlighten me.

 

[sheptastic]

All the part numbers can be found in the FSM: GX 460 Manuals
I think it's the third post down.

That’s super helpful and answers most of my questions for radiator/hose/water pump/t stat replacement. It also clarifies the 3 OEM alternator options. The 2014+ is the most expensive one. Since the Tucson Alt 240A is about the same price as a 150A reman OEM, that sways me towards the Tucson Alt 240A over their 150A.

 

[sheptastic]

Alright, I'm at 105k and my plan is get this preventative maintenance done by 120k. Super grateful for all the info and parts numbers here and on CL. OEM has been good to me so far, but I am planning on an aftermarket alternator and adding a transmission cooler while I'm doing all of this. Total cost estimate is just over $1,500. I had the dealer do a transmission fluid flush at 90k, and I plan on doing a drain and fill when I add the cooler. I drained the coolant from the radiator and engine block at 100k, and just plan to replace whatever comes out with the radiator replacement. Here's my parts list, let me know if I'm missing anything.

Item	Description	Qty	Cost Each
alternator	Tucson Alternator HO 240A	1​	$359.00​
idler pulley	16603-38012	1​	$82.00​
tensioner	16620-0S012	1​	$68.00​
belt	90916-A2033	1​	$57.00​
radiator	16400-38290	1​	$274.00​
radiator cap	16401-30020	1​	$14.00​
thermostat	16031-38010	1​	$46.00​
upper hose	16571-38100	1​	$34.00​
lower hose	16572-38151	1​	$12.00​
upper/lower hose clamp	90466-A0026	4​	$10.03​
water pump & gasket	16100-09525	1​	$121.00​
coolant	00272-SLLC2	2​	$22.00​
transmission cooler	Hayden 678	1​	$53.00​
cooler mount	Goliath Off Road	1​	$105.00​
trans fluid filter	3/8" Magnefine	1​	$25.00​
upper/lower hose clamps	90466-16004	4​	$2.84​
trans fluid	00289-ATFWS-LX	4​	$12.05​
trans pin	1.5mm	1​
trans drain/level washers	35178-30010	2​	$2.61​
trans fill plug o-ring	90301-15004	1​	$2.42​
engine air filter	17801-38051	1​	$21.00​
cabin air filter	87139-50100	1​	$29.00​
PCV valve	12204-38010	1​	$8.27​
spark plugs	90919-01191	8​	$10.00​

 

[evolute]

Three things. When I did something similar to you at 150k, I also replaced the trans check/level bolt(it’s allen and strips easily). Second, when I ordered my oem radiator it came with a radiator cap. Not sure if they all do, but a call or email might be worth it. Third, you can save a little coin by ordering the aisin water pump off Amazon. I am almost sure it is the same as oem. You can see in the pic where they scratch the part # off. Otherwise, this looks great. Look forward to many trouble free miles afterwards.

https://www.amazon.com/AISIN-WPT-807-Engine-Water-Pump/dp/B0171KSIKU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=VP4VGLOOF962&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x_3beymbbLBLxo_kC9r9YDyRUXo5jW7qjLxtRNDLLKHoDZ-dbxKZyimvE7mk3gdICLDz02LCTCdvnqlBVNbLrDVNVl0O3yF0yR7Smj7fHv0Ah9csd8GzY9_sNJGhKpLSxVTqUFCuapsBsbfB7URfPwudAtFOhg7KU3lSsV7CKE44iAlTNw-AOob-xrIaqM-KjpwfgfuNVMI46K7j5MHDhg.r9fVAQhOqlpafFysmVaIyP4YAIFisP-eJQLAVt5WCiQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=aisin+gx460+water+pump&qid=1746905212&sprefix=aisin+gx460+water+pump%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

 

[rav8]

Alright, I'm at 105k and my plan is get this preventative maintenance done by 120k. Super grateful for all the info and parts numbers here and on CL. OEM has been good to me so far, but I am planning on an aftermarket alternator and adding a transmission cooler while I'm doing all of this. Total cost estimate is just over $1,500. I had the dealer do a transmission fluid flush at 90k, and I plan on doing a drain and fill when I add the cooler. I drained the coolant from the radiator and engine block at 100k, and just plan to replace whatever comes out with the radiator replacement. Here's my parts list, let me know if I'm missing anything.

Item	Description	Qty	Cost Each
alternator	Tucson Alternator HO 240A	1​	$359.00​
idler pulley	16603-38012	1​	$82.00​
tensioner	16620-0S012	1​	$68.00​
belt	90916-A2033	1​	$57.00​
radiator	16400-38290	1​	$274.00​
radiator cap	16401-30020	1​	$14.00​
thermostat	16031-38010	1​	$46.00​
upper hose	16571-38100	1​	$34.00​
lower hose	16572-38151	1​	$12.00​
upper/lower hose clamp	90466-A0026	4​	$10.03​
water pump & gasket	16100-09525	1​	$121.00​
coolant	00272-SLLC2	2​	$22.00​
transmission cooler	Hayden 678	1​	$53.00​
cooler mount	Goliath Off Road	1​	$105.00​
trans fluid filter	3/8" Magnefine	1​	$25.00​
upper/lower hose clamps	90466-16004	4​	$2.84​
trans fluid	00289-ATFWS-LX	4​	$12.05​
trans pin	1.5mm	1​
trans drain/level washers	35178-30010	2​	$2.61​
trans fill plug o-ring	90301-15004	1​	$2.42​
engine air filter	17801-38051	1​	$21.00​
cabin air filter	87139-50100	1​	$29.00​
PCV valve	12204-38010	1​	$8.27​
spark plugs	90919-01191	8​	$10.00​

Looks like a solid list. Like @evolute mentioned, my radiator (from Bell Lexus) came with a new cap.