I'm going to restore this high-mileage Lexus GX470 | Ep.1

The GX 470 is a pretty sweet rig. But they all have high miles and they all need the same maintenance and repairs. We'll address all the requirement maintenance items in this series.
Watch the full High Mileage GX470 Restoration playlist here: • High Mileage Lexus GX4...
Get the High Mileage GX470 Restoration parts list here: practicalenthu...
Toyota Land Cruiser J120 Prado 2uzfe 2UZ-FE UZJ120

[@benjaminjantzen1398]

I own 2….After diagnostic on 2003 GX470 304,000 miles I did new battery, tires, rims, back door handle, brakes, and that’s it…it has a couple small leaks but running strong. 2004 GX470 226,000 miles I pulled trigger on everything…new hoses/fluids, brakes, tires/rims, battery, wiper blades, CV axles, trans filter/pan, gaskets…and running boards taken off - timing belt was just done before I bought it…maybe new Belts/Fan at some point

[@devanrogers3133]

Your still rolling on original suspension parts.........That's crazy. The ride is probably pretty rough. I'm doing all my suspension on my 2014 GX460 and I only have 114k miles.

[@misterpotato4775]

Those r small numbers mines a J120 Prado 5L-E engine got 320k

[@MrMetsMeeseek]

I just bought an 06 black also. I’m already looking at every video I can find to get some ideas

[@benjaminjantzen1398]

My white 2003 GX has 340K and still going strong…minus a couple small leaks from hoses

[@Glide-USMC]

Nice. We bought our 08 GX470 in 2010 that now has 180,000 miles. We replaced the air bags earlier this year with the Arnott bags from Rock Auto. We also replaced the headlights with new OEM lights. Best vehicle we’ve ever owned as it looks and drives like new (Nufinish wax at least yearly). Use quality synthetic oil and quality filters plus timing belt changes every 100k and it will last to 300,000 plus miles. Don’t forget the front-rear diff and x-fer case gear oil change also. Best SUV ever made.

[@VainakhQuranites]

500,000+ easily.

[@brkbtjunkie]

@@VainakhQuranitesagreed. If properly maintained land cruisers were designed w a 25 year service life and you can easily go 500-600k before engine rebuild.

[@melvfernandez]

Since you’re upgrading your front rotors, i recommend doing the gx460 brake caliper kit. Gx460 brakes are a wider rotor and caliper is bigger. Bolts right on .I did it to mine and feels way better.

[@mountainwild5474]

However aftermarket drilled and slotted would work well too! If you plan on off-roading this can actually create headaches for you in the long run. on my gx470 I’ve had three Little Rock’s get stuck in the drilled hole on the rotor, needless to say you will be replacing rotors and pads once a month lol

[@Somewhere_in_Russia]

Hello. I live in Russia. great car. Lexus is my dream. but unfortunately I can't afford it. Our used car costs about $25,000. it is very expensive. I work in the oil industry and my salary is about $1000 a month. On average, salaries in Russia are about 400 dollars. For us, such a car is a luxury. Thank you for the excellent review of an excellent car.

[@motorcyclemicah6309]

I'm really looking forward to these episodes. We have a 2008 GX470, and I debate whether to do it myself or send it off to the mechanic. I enjoy how thorough you are in the projects and how well you explain it. Thanks again!

[@bobblack3870]

I bought my '08 just a few months before yours. At 8:50, you say "... transmission complete drain and refill ..." I would caution you that you probably do not want to do that. If you do good research into the topic, you will find two opposing viewpoints. There are some who say never change the fluid - drive until the transmission fails then rebuild. There are some who say drain and flush every ___k miles. But the best advice may be something between those two. I once had a pickup with 110k miles and asked a quick lube shop to replace the fluid, and was told "No. We won't do it. Not even if you sign a waiver." They stated that it was well known that replacement of the fluid of a "high mileage" transmission may seem like the right thing to do, but many burn up within a few months. Those most knowledgeable, including the YT channel "The Car Care Nut", say that complete replacement removes all contaminants, thereafter causing slipping with the bands which require friction to function. And slipping bands create heat, causing failure. The answer then is to remove only part of the fluid, if you do. And hope the old does not look dark or smell burned.

[@misterpotato4775]

Thanks for mentioning Prado. Sadly the world is calling the new LC just LC when it's a LC Prado haha

[@angellmarrero8326]

New subscriber :). I just bought a 2003 gx470 with 300k miles, timing belt was done at 290k. It looks good but the inside need some love, but not to bad, air susp is working great, no engine leaks. So far, I have two items I need to fix, the abs/vcs off code ( it looks like is just a speed sensor in one of the wheelwells) and one of the airvent actuator is stuck and needs replacement. Other than that, pretty solid

[@brkbtjunkie]

Passed by a heavily modified GX on the trail yesterday. Looks really good with wheel spacers and a steel bumper. Kind of a quirky design but very unique those GXs are. Best of all, it’s still a land cruiser underneath so you know it’s rugged and reliable (once you remove those airbags 😂)

[@NoelT-k8q]

Thanks for the videos! Very well made!!!

[@andywerner6399]

my 2006 has 227,000 odometer mini-overhaul on engine $3800, new Strut-master suspension $1700, new headlamps $360, rear upgrades slotted rotors & pads $318 and $800 fluid replacement on all 4 wheel drive/tranny components. $10,300 paid Dec 2022 (218,000)) fabulous SUV 16.6 mpg overall on 91 Octane

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It might seem like you've thrown a lot of money at it, but truthfully, it will serve you well for a long time to come. I always put the cost of maintenance items in perspective of sales tax on a new car. I could buy a new car, but nearly 10% on top of the sale price goes to the government. That same amount could easily keep a nice older one on the road! It's a no-brainer for me.

[@jmac13131]

Just bought a 2005 with only 138k. Pre purchase inspection didn’t show a ton needed immediate attention. Owner had an inch worth of all service receipts. The owner had backed over his mailbox so the passenger side back corner needs a little work and the paint overall will eventually need redone (blizzard pearl). Engine sounds and runs like new. The steering had a little wobble when I’d cruise around 65. I’m guessing the front tires need balanced and maybe alignment. This along with front struts and cv boots will be first services I do.

[@CORZER0]

Always loved this gen. More Ducati vids, please!

[@964tractorboy]

Really look forward to this new series even though I don't have any skin in the game. Just so interesting to see how things are put together and problems solved (or not) across manufacturers. A big fan of the bike videos too. I still maintain you should have many times more subs... Thanks for all your hard work. Glad the Audi found a good home. How could it not?

[@funkonsight]

Just got my 04! Great video 🎉

[@rushmatic]

What a strange surprise! 😮 Looking forward to this new series

[@JK-dl5nt]

I did the air suspension delete. Put static struts and springs instead! We were over dealing with it..

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Definitely a reasonable route to go. I'm giving the air suspension a chance this time around, but if it gives me additional issues I'll likely convert to springs.

[@holdridgetom]

I have a 2006 with 262000 miles and made a mistake replacing the rear air bags. When a front strut started leaking my mechanic replaced them with after market shocks and disconnected the electrical component. Now the air bags in the rear have overinflated and I'm looking possibly replacing the new bags with coils and new shocks. I should have been more informed before replacing the bags in the first place. Other than that, extremely reliable. The interior is still in excellent condition, too.

[@GeronimoJenkins]

great vehicle for this kind of series. can’t wait for the rest of it.

[@tbdaemon]

IIRC, the 2UZ had a bigger displacement but uses a cast iron block but the 1 and 3UZ use aluminum blocks. They aren't essentially the same engine.

[@saakiaskani]

GREAT SUV THE GX470❤

[@GaJeepr]

Excellent. Have kept tossing around the idea of this or an LX470. The Rubicon is more nervous now that two long-terms were recently sold ( Wrangler and Miata #3). This, like all your others, will be educational. I am sure the analytics for GX470 searches on FB-MP will be getting a workout from all of us. And Dad kept the 4Runner right?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

The 4Runner has been sold I'm afraid and this is the replacement. Much less rust prone that's for sure. I don't think you can go wrong with an LX or GX. They're pretty well built but not without their issues!

[@MrRitchiecraig]

Mine is sitting at 244K. I replaced my air bags And that was not that big of a deal. I prefer the air suspension. Replacing the transmission fluid is debatable. I see more guys saying don't do it at that kind of mileage and thus far I have elected to leave it alone. If I did service it, I would just replace the filter and put in enough new fluid to get back to full. I would never try to flush it.

[@allenstevenson8766]

What about the window seals? My 07 were rotten.

[@davidwayne9982]

I LOVE these things-- doesn't matter about the mileage-- they are documented to go over a MILLION miles with minor maintenance... it's just the mpg that concerns me... what does it ACTUALLY get? I know they SAY 14-18... but I'd say more like 8-maybe 10 on a good day??

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'll have to report back on the MPG after I've put some miles on it. Definitely curious about that myself. Not too hopeful though 😆

[@davidwayne9982]

@@PracticalEnthusiast As much as I'd love one of these-- I don't think I could really enjoy it-- I have injuries that won't let me go where the riding is rough to get bounced around even a little-- and the only benefit would be for snowy weather for me. Maybe I should stick to small and AWD-- and they're easier to fit in small parking spaces too..(and with ONE eye now-- might be handier!! )

[@KyleGer]

I have a 2008 with 240000 miles on it. I've been getting roughly 14 in town and 17 to 19 on the highway

[@davidwayne9982]

@@KyleGer THANKS- that's going to be rough after being use to 25-30...and I'm on SS right now.. I really can't go " offroad" any more anyway-- got mashed between 2 trucks in 99 and just lately those injuries are making it dangerous- doc says I could get paralyzed if jolted suddenly to the side or something (which happend often in offroading..).. guess I better stick to pavement..

[@haduong5828]

With all these replaced parts how much it’ll cost if not DIY.

[@OBLAXMEDIA]

Awesome video. Subbed for sure!! Thanks for this helpful tutorial

[@jsnow6925]

Have to disagree, consistent oil changes are the most important record to have. That said, everything would be nice too

[@harryireland1935]

Nice purchase. Did you manage to sell the Audi? Thank you.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks. Yes, the Audi has been sold and has gone to a good home!

[@dfkuipers]

Nice one! Looking forward to the next video!

[@khsea5210]

Did you figure out whats wrong with rear window switch? What was wrong with it?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

No I haven't. It could still possibly be the master driver window switch since I've only tried used replacements.

[@deanirwin3645]

Can you at some point address the common trans fluid replacement conundrum, which is to NOT change the fluid if one is not sure if the transmission was ever serviced, but just top off? One would think with as many automatics running around, that there would conclusive evidence on whether to change or not change fluid in a trans with high mileage and unknown service history.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I've heard this urban myth before, and all I can say is I always recommend flushing the transmission with new fluid. And by "flushing", I mean letting the transmission itself cycle new fluid throughout without any outside influence (i.e. a transmission flushing machine). I've never had issues before and can't imagine the presence of fresh fluid harming anything. There will be a detailed video coming up on how to do this procedure on a GX470!

[@markc7889]

My 2009 GX 470 had 262k miles when I got it. I did drain/fill 4 times to the point the fluid looked new over a few months. I have had no negative effects on the transmission!

[@wallybigwheels8993]

Awesome

[@terrydamron110]

I have one with 70,000 miles I bought new. With every option

[@terrydamron110]

Will be selling before end of summer

[@calebsiemens5067]

What would you be asking for it? I have one with 230k on the ticker, but am always keeping my eye out for a lower mileage one. Might be interested

[@terrydamron110]

22500

[@terrydamron110]

New tires last week new windshield

[@waldiroliveira9845]

Lexus all the way

[@Ac22768]

This isn’t high mileage. Come back at 500,000 and talk to us.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

This comment isn't high mileage.

[@cphilly1931]

I don’t think he meant it as an insult lol

[@paulhong732]

❤🎉❤