The Hidden Costs of Off-roading a Lexus GX470

The top 5 things you're going to have to replace if you plan on off-roading or overlanding your #GX470. No one has made a video on any of these items so I wanted to bring it to everyone's attention. Yes, #lexusG470's are very reliable vehicles but they aren't bullet proof. It can cost up to $5,000+ in repairs before you even start #offroading. All the mods in the world aren't going to matter when your brake booster, wheels bearings, headlights, or rear end starts to go out.
Agree or disagree? Leave a comment below.

[@RickCarswell3]

Front wheel bearings are wearable items just like tires and should last about as long as your tires. Excessive water crossings are an example of what kill them because they are "sealed" bearings meaning that they are not actively lubricated like the rear wheel bearings are. Water and debris will infiltrate through the hub assemblies and render them quicker. I feel the same about tie rod inners and outers (typically less expensive, I know). I usually 15-18 months before they start to get sloppy, regardless of mileage - 35's will do that. Timing service lumped together with water pump/tstat is normal, because it is more like "while we're in there..." and not necessarily because those things die at the same time. The whole front of the engine has to come off for the timing service, so it saves on labor to go ahead and replace wearable items in the removal process.

[@shawnballard794]

Agreed owned my gx since 2020 everything that you said is spot on. Also grease your driveshaft ppl

[@TobyCostaRica]

If you cover the headlights with paint protection film after buffing it seals them for good and adds impact protection. No air, no oxidation. It’s an easy shape. Some bulk 3M or xpel PPF film will do it.

[@aynsleyjeansonne]

Agreed. The t-belt/water-pump/thermostat are all scheduled maintenance.

[@PittiesAndMore]

I must be lucky. I haven't to replace anything in my GX470 after lifting it and replacing the brake pads. It runs perfectly. The timing belt/ water pump was done before I owned it.

[@jonathanburnette3373]

Just the air bags and I replaced it with shocks. Mine has 230k

[@georgec2562]

Overlanding and ROCK CRAWLING is very different!

[@dermotwallace5533]

A much intuitive video. Thanks for the pointers. 👍🏻

[@elli003]

I'm about to get one very soon myself. Thanks for the heads-up !

[@CoolGuyClub]

Of course!

[@ryanthomastew]

Great informative video.

[@reynosoautodetailing]

Thank you for this video 🙏🏽 I'm looking at buying one of these since my last off roader (2000 suzuki grand vitara) just got totaled...

[@CoolGuyClub]

You’re welcome. Maintenance is key with any off-road rig but those are some of my key problem areas

[@slanina1]

Great video, very inciteful. I know you've had the Sequoia for a shorter time but could you do a similar video for it. I"m doing research on 2nd gen Sequoias after watching your video comparing to your GX470.

[@CoolGuyClub]

I definitely will once we get some years under it. The big thing about our rig is the rust but I don't think all of the Sequoia's are this rusted out.

[@ianhaselmire9741]

One of the best GX videos on youtube

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you!

[@benkohout6495]

200k miles when I got mine. Valve cover,timing belt/pump. Control arm kit. New wheels,grillle,tail lights . Probably about $3-4k

[@luissandoval3402]

Very good video I like your pods lights ✨️ Is possible can u share info about them? Thanks I would like get same for mine

[@matt34003434]

Stock brakes are undersized and warp, I ended up getting a big brake kit (wilwood 6 piston caliper). The other common issue is exhaust manifolds.

[@manuelcardenas77]

Nice rigs . Your neighborhood looks amazing. What part of Washington are you in?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thanks man! Are you up here too?

[@sorrellsmatt]

Where did you get the grill and Lexus emblem?

[@Tallnerdyguy]

When did you buy them, how many miles when you purchased?

[@alvinyu7529]

Nice rig! What type of roof rack base do you have?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Rhino Rack Pioneer platform

[@yeongminhan5536]

Can you share the link/brand of the GX front grill?

[@brianabare7515]

Nice! Is that the JW tire carrier? How does it hold up with the 35s?

[@CoolGuyClub]

It had done really well. I'm sure over time it could sag a bit

[@maddog8148]

Very cool brother I got a 2008. I just had to replace the AC compressor. Lexus wanted 1900 bucks. I still love the truck.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Right on

[@jamesgreen9048]

2004 gx470 with 109k on it. Lifted on 33’s since 73k. T belt, wp, t stat, radiator, door ajar switch, brake pads. Headlights need to be replaced for sure. That’s all that’s broke for me. I do wonder how long the wheel bearings will last, however I run 6 ply tires to keep it light!

[@franklinmason9722]

Yes where did you get your grill, I love it!?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Thank you! The Grill is from JimmySpeeks on instagram.

[@joshuamclean6564]

The wheel bearing issue is due to the weight of your wheel tyre combo. 31" and 32" on stock weight rims will do 100,000 miles with decent wheeling.

[@CoolGuyClub]

You're absolutely correct. Wheel weight takes its toll on a ton of components.

[@antonioalvarez8751]

Where did you get the grill?

[@alexnelson9023]

How many miles are on it? I haven’t heard much about the brake systems but that’s good info!

[@CoolGuyClub]

Bought it with 72,000… I put on 60,000 in 5 years

[@hughjanus5843]

Question. When you put on your 35s, did you lift it? Also did you do your upper control arms or anything else in there at the time?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes the vehicle has an Eibach pro kit lift kit and JBA upper control arms. You 100% need to lift a GX to fit 35's.

[@TNBShooter360]

what settings do you recommend for beach driving? I usually only air down and also put it to 4lo, in the gx theres also a diff lock and 2nd start. Should these be used as well?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Those are all really good options. Depending on tire size and sand looseness (is that a word?) id air down to 20 psi and go lower as needed. Don’t get below 10 psi on non bead lock wheels.

[@TNBShooter360]

@@CoolGuyClub yeah im running 33 inch ko2's on beadlock wheels!

[@NaterTater182]

How do you like that grill ? I was looking at the other one where it just says Lexus but idk lol

[@CoolGuyClub]

I love it. It bolts up perfectly and it’s unique

[@iheartgs400]

Overall maintenance costs is pretty decent for the GX good thing it shares many parts with 4Runner and the 2UZFE you can easily source the parts off your local Toyota dealership.

[@nofyfb123]

There are same quality yet a lot cheaper options than a stealer.

[@instinct_71]

This is a good video, but some items are missing from what I’ve seen over the years on forums, FB pages, or personally. I’ve gone thru 2 center diff actuators. Typically what fails is the oring inside it. Which ends up filling it with gear oil. Speakers will likely need to be refoamed, or replaced if you have the ML system. Sun roof sliders wear out, which causes rattle. Exhaust manifold WILL leak at the flange. Likely because it cracked. Drive shaft clunk, typically a regrease can solve this one, but sometimes it requires a drive shaft replacement. Wheel bears, all 4 corners if you wheel a lot. But the front ones are most prone to failure. 8” diff is too small if you wanna actually rock crawl your truck on 35”s. So at minimum a 8’2” upgrade from a newer 4runner works. They bolt right in. (You’ll need 10+ runner/GX rotors cause there is a little 1mm flare on the mating surface. Headlights sucks. Brake boost can fail, but I actually rarely hear about this one. Abs senses can fail, if you’re lifted good chance you’ll encounter atrac/abs lights codes. Starter can fail, what’s annoying about this one is that it’s located at the back of the motor under the intake manifold. A pain to get to! Trans cooler is too small for 33”+ tires, you’re gonna kill your transmission. Highly recommend upgrading.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Yes sir, that's a lot of stuff that can go wrong. Luckily, my video is based off my own experiences and I didnt have to replace all that but it's good to know.

[@kigor34]

My 2007 GX has 254k miles. Runs like new. I had timing belt / water pump replaced at 120k and front bearings due to overtightening original ones when replacing dust boots on the axles. Also replaced transmission fluid and flushed brakes. Front brake calipers also got replaced. Front and back shock absorbers also replaced with original ones. And that’s about it. I’m original owner. Now looking for ideas to replace front and back shocks with something other than stock parts. Any good recommendations?

[@nofyfb123]

I tried bilsteins, and they are junk. I am not aware of good ones other than OEM. You may want to try foreign sellers (I found one in Dubai that sells OEM stuff for a fraction of the US stealer cost).

[@dougiethompson1206]

Hi I do have one but the light in the dashboard all on do you have that problem

[@kigor34]

@@dougiethompson1206 I had that problem once when there was burned fuse and that caused all lights to come on like traction control VSC and others. Another time lights came on when the fuel tank cap was not closed all the way.

[@shawnballard794]

​@@nofyfb123 I thought it was just me but for daily driving the 5100s aren't good

[@nofyfb123]

@@shawnballard794 My main concern is that one started leaking within a year, and the other one - in a couple of years. No offroading/abuse. Their warranty is not worth the paper it's printed on.

[@alexadeshigbin8129]

Awesome video, I'm considering buying one of these as a commuter (I'm young but tall so my knees don't love low cars)

[@CoolGuyClub]

It gets pretty horrible gas mileage for city driving especially with wheels tires and a lift but it’s a GREAT daily.

[@phildo3668]

Get the seat comfort mod, a 1" spacer in the front 2 bolts tilts the seats back more and greatly helps if you're tall, especially if you ever ride in the passenger seat.

[@alexadeshigbin8129]

@@phildo3668 didn’t even know that was a thing, thanks

[@richeyrich2203]

@@alexadeshigbin8129I find it’s a bit small at the driver position for a 6ft guy. Did you get it?

[@alexadeshigbin8129]

@@richeyrich2203 Nope, ended up in an RX350 which is definitley a little cramped for me.

[@skrinix]

those toyota brake boosters are awful. i feel you. i went through 4 on my 2001 4runner within 2 years. waiting for the GX to go out now… 😂

[@sgoldste02]

Surprised you didn't mention the center locking diff actuator, which is a common GX failure point due to the grease seals going bad.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Oh wow, I haven't come across any GX's with that failure but that's really good to know. Thank you.

[@sgoldste02]

Yes, the center diff either locks very slowly, or doesn't lock at all (light on dashboard doesn't stop flashing). That's the common symptom for this failure.

[@nofyfb123]

It is recommended to activate/deactivate rear/front and center diffs every few months. I am guilty of not doing that but they work fine @280K+.

[@rtigert]

What lift and wheel backspace to run the 35’s?

[@CoolGuyClub]

The lift is just an Eibach pro kit. “3inch” the wheels are 18x9.5 +12 black rhino raid.

[@rtigert]

@@CoolGuyClub Thank you, Kind Sir!

[@bigdamp1]

Where’d you get the grille?

[@CoolGuyClub]

From “jimmyspeeks”on instagram

[@LuongNguyen-yv2er]

How much is replacement timing belt and water pump

[@CoolGuyClub]

DIY kits with all aisin / koyo / and gates is around $450 on eBay.

[@sleepii15]

Just had to replace the driver front CV Boot😅…

[@Creamer91]

This is 100% accurate, I’ve replaced both front wheel bearings, headlights, timing belt and water pump in less then a year of ownership 😂😂😂

[@CoolGuyClub]

Oh man, I'm so sorry. They are great rigs but they definitely need some love!

[@Americancitizen1]

I can attest to this too! BUT!! I find that I never swear at this truck no matter what I’m doing to it. It is a labor of love and well worth it.

[@jameskocks4734]

damn that sucks about the timing belt and water pump. i hope you negotiated before you bought it. thats expensive.

[@ml989]

How much does it cost the timing belt job? Thanks!

[@edhiestand1197]

How much was the timing belt/water pump repair please?

[@CoolGuyClub]

I did it myself. All in with materials and tools I was sub $450

[@jordanl5177]

Just had my water pump/timing belt done at dealer, $1200. Didn’t have time to do it.

[@michaelblock3998]

First and foremost the newest GX470 is 13 years old and well over 100,000 miles. If the previous owner/s were not on top of maintenance then a you will have maintenance requirements. When you install a lift with oversized tires/wheels you are accelerating wear and tear on any vehicle. When you modify beyond manufactures spec’s expect to have accelerated wear. Fluids should be changed on OEM schedule. If not the fluids breakdown and don’t perform to specs. This is common sense OLD vehicle maintenance.

[@jeffchurch593]

Still, not counting changing fluids, my gx costs alot to keep on the road. Plus alot of stupid stuff goes bad...delaminated sun visors, gas caps, steering wheel leather.. my dash better not crack, that's all I've got to say. My gx power seat broke ,my jeep is 6 years older with similar mileage ,the power seats have been under water (didn't plan on it) and they work perfectly, plus the leather looks better in the jeep. I love my gx, I love my jeep....the lexus has cost me waaay more in maintenance and repair, tough to hear but true.

[@ammatapierron7740]

Also door weather seals and dash

[@shawnballard794]

Just twice I've done the headlights six or so times lol really not that big of a deal. One of those while your working on it bit.

[@nrg4285]

Why would you put timing belt at $500, aren't those big jobs that usually cost a lot?

[@CoolGuyClub]

Because that's how much it costs to DIY your own timing belt and water pump on a GX470 (I've done it 3 times) . All the prices in this video are DIY costs.

[@eriksadventurelab]

$500 for DIY and about $1000 if you take it to a good independent shop to do it. It takes a few hours to do.

[@georgec2562]

At least $1200 to do a timing belt replacement.

[@tracereed7457]

Don’t forget the absolute absolutely absurdly priced and weak as moth wing Cv axles. Trying to find OEM ones is like finding the Ark of the covenant and when you do you’ll have to sell your first born child and/or your right leg to afford them and wait a bare minimum of 62 years to receive them. As you can tell u had to do all of the following

[@joelgivenz8226]

Put gmc axles and differential and gmc transmission will be very strong off road gx

[@CoolGuyClub]

You’re right

[@jameskocks4734]

before buying any 4runner/GX 470 with the 2uz-fe 2005-through2009 the first thing you ask the seller is when the timing belt/water was replaced. they dont know you start low balling. they dont budge walk the fuck away. the timing belt every 90k or 7 years.

[@Tallnerdyguy]

4runner isn't a gx. the Prada is the same as the GX

[@jameskocks4734]

my 4runner has the 4.7 V8 so my comment has merit @@Tallnerdyguy

[@jameskocks4734]

i actually forgot the Sequoia as well. @@Tallnerdyguy

[@jameskocks4734]

oh and the tundra too @@Tallnerdyguy

[@nofyfb123]

Not sure what you are talking about - I have a 2004 4Runner (mostly the same thing) with 280,000 mi of HARD service and I did replace SOME of those items but at much lesser cost. I did replace one headlight because a deer decided to cut me off but I bought an aftermarket one for about $70 and it was not the cheapest - I could get one for $40. It's been seven years, and it's just fine. No issues with brake booster. Granted, 4Runner (4.0) doesn't have timing belt to replace. Yes, I did replace the wheel bearings but - again - I bought Japanese aftermarket ones for less than $100. 5-6 years later, they are fine. Other things I replaced were AC condenser and radiator but - BUT!!! - if you buy from a stealer, you are looking at $400-500 each. If you buy from Denso (EXACT same OEM stuff), you pay less than $100 each. Same goes for O2 sensors - you can get them from Denso for $50-60 rather than paying a stealer $100+. To make it short, if you are in business of making a stealer rich, you have the right to do so but there are way more reasonable options.

[@phildo3668]

OEM wheel bearings+hubs were like $900 for me.

[@nofyfb123]

Your friendly stealer must LOVE you! I got Japanese AM bearings for about $100 6-7 years ago, and they are just fine.

[@phildo3668]

@@nofyfb123 they're from Bluepit not the stealership

[@georgec2562]

I only paid 400 installed!!

[@phildo3668]

@@georgec2562 so you didn't get Japanese bearings or hubs

[@kopaczp]

Nothing special or fancy on that list. I would say that those are typical things to replace or take care for every car - maybe the brake booster pump is quite hidden gremlin but otherwise ..meeh. Try to drive Discovery from that era :D

[@CoolGuyClub]

You're right about the disco's.. .my god that's a constant hurricane of headaches. We used to have an RRC LWB and it was a nightmare.

[@LifeWithCem]

Hey my friend I just got 2007 gx470 from first very owner. I’ve full service record but car been sitting little over 26 months at dealer lot. I took it for off road so I can take a look 4x4 works low or high modes. It’s totally tank but I stuck in mud after that my steering wheel become very stiff only at low speed checked and replaced fluids but still stiff I don’t know where to look could you help me thru this. I know you don’t live in Bay Area anymore but least help me for maintance. I am planing to do my own. Last timing belt replaced at 122k miles now holds at 238k im planing to replace water pump thermostat and timing belt at shop other things I think I can do.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Check your boots around your inner tie rods. My bet is that they are full of mud.

[@bluefm7370]

Dude......what did you buy or how do you drive....lol

[@CoolGuyClub]

That's just the cost of wheeling my dude.

[@user-js4lt3jy4g]

These repairs are peanuts. Anything Mopar needs a transmission soon and a new motor.

[@Land_Raver]

If you want these things to last dont modify it or take it offroad.

[@CoolGuyClub]

You’re right

[@Land_Raver]

@@CoolGuyClub You really are a cool guy.

[@talallatif6423]

LOL.... dude tellin us to replace headlights cus he forgot to seal them with graphene silicon (25$ anywhere)... broooooooooo, you do it once, seal them, and then 2 years later seal them again, and repeat.

[@CoolGuyClub]

Already did that and I’m not talking about silicone dingus. I’m talking about headlight fade.

[@evajordan450]

Well dont buy used parts....

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Buying a Lexus and complaining about costs? As for headlights, I just use polishing compound and call it done. I do this maybe twice a year. Yeah, it's not perfect, but I'm not that picky.

[@ChuongNguyen-up9fy]

sounds like this car is not meant for offroading.....

[@Constipatedoverlord]

Most of the stuff he overpaid or didnt have to do

[@georgec2562]

Which truck do you think cost less take off road. ,,,

[@davidwayne9982]

this is a Quality vehicle-- NEVER use rebuilt anything on them- EVER!!! NOW- many of the parts you can buy for 4 Runner will work on these... BUT to own a quality vehicle-- yu're going to pay for it ONE way or the other-- either in payments or repairs... ! NO way around that.

[@davidwayne9982]

what did you expect? it's a 2009 or older on these--- and stuff WEARS OUT...