Hi Everyone. I've been lurking here for few weeks and decided make an account and introduce myself since I plan doing some work on my GX470 and I'd appreciate any input members here are willing to give.
I've owned my 06 GX470 (Black, non-KDSS, Nav, ML audio) about four years now. At the time I bought it, I was just looking for a truck that could haul a trailer for a move I was about to make, and then last me a few years after that. I came across a GX with 150k miles on it that was considerably less expensive than other options I was considering (mainly used 4runners). The dash was cracked and the front leather seats were showing signs of damage from baking in the Florida sun, but I was ok with that. I test drove it and bought it the same day. Fast forward to now (185k), the car is paid off and has served its purpose. The only problems I've had with it were one of the air bags got a leak and needed to be replaced, and just recently I needed to replace the alternator. I consider myself fortunate to have found this gem given that the circumstances that required me to buy it were less than ideal.
I've been wanting to get into overlanding/off-roading for a while now, and I've decided hold on to my GX and invest some money to make it moderately off-road capable so I cut my teeth and make all of the rooking mistakes in that before upgrading. I plan on doing a 3" lift and so far I've purchased:
One thing that concerns me is the maintenance history of this vehicle. I checked the Lexus owners website and there are regular service records to 85k, then it looks like the first owner traded it in. There are only two records for the second owner - one replacing the battery and a second regarding the stereo. I've only done regular oil changes while I've owned it (sorry, I've learned a lot about this car in the short time I've been reading this forum). I looked under the hood and didn't see any sticker indicating a timing belt/water pump change, and I'm due for what should be the second one. I plan on replacing the timing belt, water pump and serpentine belt as well as replacing (and flushing if necessary) the transmission, transfer case, power steering and rear differential fluids asap. The radiator looks ok, but I'm also considering replacing it with the timing belt and water pump. I'll also replace the spark plugs. Any other suggestions of service or pm that I should do would be helpful; I'm still researching this. The car still drives great and I haven't noticed any fluid leaks. The power steering pump whirs at full lock, which is the only noise I notice that doesn't sound like normal operation. The wheel still turns smoothly and there is no noise in between.
I don't mind spending the money bringing the car up to date on its required maintenance if I can get a few more years of mostly trouble free ownership out of it - like I've had so far. However, I am worried about the possibility of problems resulting from neglected maintenance turning this car into a money pit. I figure the risk is low since I have it paid off and I can cut my losses and walk away at any point, but I'd appreciate any input or opinions regarding this.
I've owned my 06 GX470 (Black, non-KDSS, Nav, ML audio) about four years now. At the time I bought it, I was just looking for a truck that could haul a trailer for a move I was about to make, and then last me a few years after that. I came across a GX with 150k miles on it that was considerably less expensive than other options I was considering (mainly used 4runners). The dash was cracked and the front leather seats were showing signs of damage from baking in the Florida sun, but I was ok with that. I test drove it and bought it the same day. Fast forward to now (185k), the car is paid off and has served its purpose. The only problems I've had with it were one of the air bags got a leak and needed to be replaced, and just recently I needed to replace the alternator. I consider myself fortunate to have found this gem given that the circumstances that required me to buy it were less than ideal.
I've been wanting to get into overlanding/off-roading for a while now, and I've decided hold on to my GX and invest some money to make it moderately off-road capable so I cut my teeth and make all of the rooking mistakes in that before upgrading. I plan on doing a 3" lift and so far I've purchased:
- Bilstein B8 6112 coilovers with 650lb springs for the front
- B8 5160 - Shock absorbers for the rear
- Dobinsons Rear Variable Rate Coil Springs (C59-675V)
- Dobinsons Upper bumpstop/Isolator for Lexus GX470/460(BS59-562K)
- Metal Tech GX470 Rear Coil Conversion Kit Stage 1
- SPC Light Racing Lexus GX470/GX460 Upper Control Arms
- ICON 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 Billet Aluminum Sway Bar Relocation Blocks (Necessary?)
- Total Chaos 1" Diff Drop Spacers: 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 | 2010-2018 Lexus GX460
- KMC - KM101 Tempo 17x9, 6x135/4x5.5(6x139.7), OS: -12, BS: 4.53, Bore: 106.1; Finish: Satin Black w/ Gray Tint
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W - 285/70r17, E rated
One thing that concerns me is the maintenance history of this vehicle. I checked the Lexus owners website and there are regular service records to 85k, then it looks like the first owner traded it in. There are only two records for the second owner - one replacing the battery and a second regarding the stereo. I've only done regular oil changes while I've owned it (sorry, I've learned a lot about this car in the short time I've been reading this forum). I looked under the hood and didn't see any sticker indicating a timing belt/water pump change, and I'm due for what should be the second one. I plan on replacing the timing belt, water pump and serpentine belt as well as replacing (and flushing if necessary) the transmission, transfer case, power steering and rear differential fluids asap. The radiator looks ok, but I'm also considering replacing it with the timing belt and water pump. I'll also replace the spark plugs. Any other suggestions of service or pm that I should do would be helpful; I'm still researching this. The car still drives great and I haven't noticed any fluid leaks. The power steering pump whirs at full lock, which is the only noise I notice that doesn't sound like normal operation. The wheel still turns smoothly and there is no noise in between.
I don't mind spending the money bringing the car up to date on its required maintenance if I can get a few more years of mostly trouble free ownership out of it - like I've had so far. However, I am worried about the possibility of problems resulting from neglected maintenance turning this car into a money pit. I figure the risk is low since I have it paid off and I can cut my losses and walk away at any point, but I'd appreciate any input or opinions regarding this.
), engine coolant (should wait til you do radiator/timing belt/water pump all together, so you don't have to drain it and refill twice or three times if you do all those separately), replace spark plugs, PCV valve, clean throttle body, lubricate driveshaft zerk fittings (all 6 of them: 4 + 2, see owner's manual for service interval), and you should be good to go. Don't forget, if you're getting new tires, replace and reprogram your TPMS (some guys choose to delete the system once the batteries on TPMS die), otherwise you'll pay separately for dismounting and mounting back the tires just to replace each sensor as it does dead, and don't forget the spare tire (that has a sensor too, so it should be replaced at a 10-year mark or sooner if battery is dead and your TPMS light is blinking). I think you are on track with replacing the suspension components. Once that's done, you're good to go for another decade or even longer!
