- Thread starter
- #101
They're supposed to do a visual inspection as well so I suppose if the bypass is done in a way to reduce the chances of it being seen, it's possible.
Build Zzyzx85's 2007 GX470
- Thread starter zzyzx85
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If you knew what you were looking for, it would be super easy to spot. There is a pigtail that ties into the MAF sensor and has additional wires coming out of it. Assuming they are spending more than 5 minutes looking around under the hood, I think they would probably notice it. If they just pop the hood and drop it, maybe it's not a big deal.
Does that visual inspection include popping the Lexus "beauty" covers? I imagine it would but I honestly don't know.
- Thread starter
- #104
not sure. i haven't had to take the GX in for a smog check yet but i doubt they would go beyond peeking around the engine bay to confirm everything looks stock.
- Thread starter
- #105
I decided I'm going to wait a little bit for the next sale and pick up OE SAIS parts. If it fails again in the future and I still have the GX, I will bypass it (I'll also keep an eye out for any sales from Hewitt).
Since the GX has 166k miles on it, I will take this "opportunity" to replace the starter with a rebuilt Denso starter as well as check the rear coolant crossover for any leaks and replace the gaskets as needed.
Since the GX has 166k miles on it, I will take this "opportunity" to replace the starter with a rebuilt Denso starter as well as check the rear coolant crossover for any leaks and replace the gaskets as needed.
- Thread starter
- #106
Currently at 170k and the CEL hasn't come back. I do have all the parts ready to go. Maybe I should grab knock sensors too.
Changed the oil and lubed up the front suspension arms. Grease gun was giving me issues and it was hot so I decided to put off the drivetrain greasing today.
Since it's been a year since I bought the GX (yay!), I also replaced the engine and cabin air filters. The engine air filter wasn't too bad but noticeably dirty compared to the new one. The cabin filter though...
(the other side was still white so props to Denso for making good cabin air filters; new filter is Bosch)
I drive around with the HVAC on "Auto" and I noticed it's always on Outside air and it seems to default to this. I have hardly ever seen it switch to Recirc. Maybe I need to do that more lol.
Changed the oil and lubed up the front suspension arms. Grease gun was giving me issues and it was hot so I decided to put off the drivetrain greasing today.
Since it's been a year since I bought the GX (yay!), I also replaced the engine and cabin air filters. The engine air filter wasn't too bad but noticeably dirty compared to the new one. The cabin filter though...
(the other side was still white so props to Denso for making good cabin air filters; new filter is Bosch)
I drive around with the HVAC on "Auto" and I noticed it's always on Outside air and it seems to default to this. I have hardly ever seen it switch to Recirc. Maybe I need to do that more lol.
- Thread starter
- #107
I received my registration renewal in the mail and I needed to get it smogged this year (FYI, I needed to go to a STAR station to get it done.)
Yesterday, I plugged in my OBD reader to check my readiness monitors and they were all ready to go so I went to the nearby smog place after work.
I kept an eye on their procedure while there. They looked at the underhood stickers, did a brief lookover under the hood around the air intake area, and used a mirror to look under the vehicle, i'm presuming to verify the cats were still there. No engine bay covers were removed.
I suppose the SAIS bypass could be done in CA as long as you keep all the covers on and tuck away the wires as much as possible. The amount of checking will vary from station to station but it's a possibility.
Yesterday, I plugged in my OBD reader to check my readiness monitors and they were all ready to go so I went to the nearby smog place after work.
I kept an eye on their procedure while there. They looked at the underhood stickers, did a brief lookover under the hood around the air intake area, and used a mirror to look under the vehicle, i'm presuming to verify the cats were still there. No engine bay covers were removed.
I suppose the SAIS bypass could be done in CA as long as you keep all the covers on and tuck away the wires as much as possible. The amount of checking will vary from station to station but it's a possibility.
- Thread starter
- #108
Feeling productive this weekend. I diagnosed the M3's thermostat code yesterday (that was a fun one lol) and since the GX's new speakers were delivered this week, I tackled the front speaker installation.
It was much easier than I had anticipated. Everything just assembled together without much drama.
I also put new foam surrounds on the rear tweeters in the back door.
While I was back there, I also put in LED reverse lights.
It was much easier than I had anticipated. Everything just assembled together without much drama.
I also put new foam surrounds on the rear tweeters in the back door.
While I was back there, I also put in LED reverse lights.
- Thread starter
- #109
I've been thinking about getting new replacement LEDs for the burnt out ones in my switches and realized my old suspension control switch had 3 functioning bulbs that match the brightness of the original bulbs.
seat heater and DAC switches back to standard lighting:
At least these can remain OE in appearance. Most of the switches to the left side of the steering wheel are burnt out, so I'll try out the LEDs there first.
seat heater and DAC switches back to standard lighting:
At least these can remain OE in appearance. Most of the switches to the left side of the steering wheel are burnt out, so I'll try out the LEDs there first.
- Thread starter
- #110
I went out to Ridgecrest to hangout with friends and do a little wrenching on the project BMW. It was a hot one so we only did the rear suspension.
Afterwards, my friend with the 1G Raptor and I went to the Spangler Hills OHV area to do a little exploring. It was the first time for both of us. Here's a quick little video:
On the way back, I stopped by Jawbone station to check it out. Took a few photos while I was there.
Afterwards, my friend with the 1G Raptor and I went to the Spangler Hills OHV area to do a little exploring. It was the first time for both of us. Here's a quick little video:
On the way back, I stopped by Jawbone station to check it out. Took a few photos while I was there.
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Impressive Build - we have done about 3/4 of the same Items including bulb changes to LED, Airbag Delete to Bilsteins, and Bumpstop and Sway Link Replacement.
You added Rear Door - Catch all and I added Table.
Also Changed Headlights to LEDs
Next up I'm doing the Timing Belt.
I already installed the Air Injection Bypass due to Parnoia. From what I read the Pump Delete is a Nightmare Job.
Mine is 10X more Rusty than yours - Midwest Upbringing. I had the Rust Remedied and Added about 3 Gallons of Fluid Film in
Back in the Game - Added an 2005 GX470 - Toledo Ohio - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/back-in-the-game-added-an-2005-gx470-toledo-ohio.1308617/
You added Rear Door - Catch all and I added Table.
Also Changed Headlights to LEDs
Next up I'm doing the Timing Belt.
I already installed the Air Injection Bypass due to Parnoia. From what I read the Pump Delete is a Nightmare Job.
Mine is 10X more Rusty than yours - Midwest Upbringing. I had the Rust Remedied and Added about 3 Gallons of Fluid Film in
Back in the Game - Added an 2005 GX470 - Toledo Ohio - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/back-in-the-game-added-an-2005-gx470-toledo-ohio.1308617/
- Thread starter
- #112
Hello! Thanks for looking through my build. Just saw yours as well. Man, I'm glad I'm missing out on the rust haha. I've heard stories from my sister's husband and his family who are from Ohio (Sandusky).
December 2025 update:
I am approaching 180k so I'm planning out my tb/wp service, as well as anything else "while I'm in there":
- Aisin tb/wp kit
- Aisin thermostat and gasket
- accessories belt (Continental Multi-V?)
In regards to "while you're in there" during a timing belt change on the 2UZ. Gotta draw the line somewhere but here's a few ideas
- Always use OEM parts
- Make sure you also replace timing tensioner / idler ( Maybe part of your Aisin kit? )
- Might as well replace serpentine belt, idler , and idler pulley / tensioner too. I see you mentioned that above, why go continental ? Just get a Toyota belt and be done with it for another 80k+ miles
- There are some small cooling hoses that will be within reach near oil filter housing and should be swapped now while you can reach them. Use new clamps too. Mine were bulging a bit but not cracking , figured it was worth changing. I will try to find parts diagram when I'm back at computer.
- How about your fan bracket? Often overlooked but its a bitch to get too otherwise. You are pretty much right there with a timing belt job. I've seen dozens of threads on the 100 series forums with wobbles / failures. Mine started whining around 200k
-Inspect power steering lines and rack bushings
- Inspect and clean radiator hoses, fins, and surrounding area
-
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- Thread starter
- #114
Thanks for the list. I referenced the Conti belt because I've had good results with them with my other cars and they're offered on RockAuto for convenience. The J100 guys seem to like them too.
I will have to check around the engine bay for any leaks.
Would the fan bracket make noise if it's worn out?
Yours looks great and is very similar to mine. Maybe one day I'll make my own thread lol.
Silver, 6112/5150s etc etc. Looks great!!
I was born in Sandusky and was there on Saturday - Cedar Point Water Park - Small World.
I have heard to have Camshaft Seals on Hand if Leaking. The TotalCarCareNut has a Great Video about getting the Belt Timing Correct.
- Thread starter
- #117
12/23/25 (178500 miles):
- Changed oil after "pushing it" to 8500 miles. Oil came out dark but still transparent.
- lubed drivetrain after skipping it last time. This time I used a new tool: Milwaukee M12 grease gun. Actually worked great, saving a lot of effort. Only problem is it's hard to tell how much is actually coming out. I had to give it a few "dry" runs to see how much came out per each "one-one-thousand" trigger pull.
- took a peek at the CVs and it looks like the aftermarket NAPA axle on the driver side is starting to crack on the outer boot. No leaks yet but the cracks look deep. I do have a set of GX460 CV axles ready to swap in.
Then to the fun part:
"New" wheels and new tires!
I finally splurged and bought 5x new tires for the FJC 8-holes I was sitting on since last summer. I went with Falken Wildpeak AT4W in 265-70-17 (non-LT). Overall, very happy with the tires, though it looks like I could have gone larger haha. They have performed great in the rain we've been having in SoCal.
- Changed oil after "pushing it" to 8500 miles. Oil came out dark but still transparent.
- lubed drivetrain after skipping it last time. This time I used a new tool: Milwaukee M12 grease gun. Actually worked great, saving a lot of effort. Only problem is it's hard to tell how much is actually coming out. I had to give it a few "dry" runs to see how much came out per each "one-one-thousand" trigger pull.
- took a peek at the CVs and it looks like the aftermarket NAPA axle on the driver side is starting to crack on the outer boot. No leaks yet but the cracks look deep. I do have a set of GX460 CV axles ready to swap in.
Then to the fun part:
"New" wheels and new tires!
I finally splurged and bought 5x new tires for the FJC 8-holes I was sitting on since last summer. I went with Falken Wildpeak AT4W in 265-70-17 (non-LT). Overall, very happy with the tires, though it looks like I could have gone larger haha. They have performed great in the rain we've been having in SoCal.
This depends on the smog place. I took my detuned go-kart that had its turbo inlet pipe wrapped in heat shielding tape, they threw a fit. Another place was fine with it.
- Thread starter
- #119
I had some fun with the GX and project car today...
(and it was my first time towing anything)
Due to a garage space opening up at my friend's house, I went to retrieve my E30, which was almost 3 hours away at my other friend's house (he graciously lets us use his colossal yard as storage and working space lol). I rented a U-Haul dolly and set off after it. Once there, we finished installing the front wheel hubs on the E30 so it was safe to put on the dolly, loaded it onto the tow dolly, and I headed back. Six hours and 300 miles later, the E30 was safely dropped off.
(and it was my first time towing anything)
Due to a garage space opening up at my friend's house, I went to retrieve my E30, which was almost 3 hours away at my other friend's house (he graciously lets us use his colossal yard as storage and working space lol). I rented a U-Haul dolly and set off after it. Once there, we finished installing the front wheel hubs on the E30 so it was safe to put on the dolly, loaded it onto the tow dolly, and I headed back. Six hours and 300 miles later, the E30 was safely dropped off.