I'm looking at a gx470. It seems to fit my needs almost perfectly. There are 2 areas that I feel Lexus overlooked. The first is the lack of Xenon headlights. I think a set of HID- specific projectors could be transplanted easily enough. The other is the front/rear open diffs. I really feel that Lexus took the cheap/easy route by employing their brake based "limited slip" system. Remember the days when the LC could be had with both front and rear lockers? No, I don't plan on any hard-core offroading but I think a mechanical limited slip in the rear would have been a better idea. Since the GX uses a common Toyota 8" V6 rear diff, there are some limited slips available. Any opinions on this matter? On the other hand, is the brake-based system really that good? I would be driving the GX quite a bit in the snow.

 

I used to have a 94 Landcruiser which had center, front and rear locking differentials. Besides that vehicle, I've never driven a more capable 4wd vehicle. The GX can simply go anywhere. I was caught in the major snow storm on the east coast about 3 or 4 years ago. Driving from Vermont to Virginia I thought I would attempt to miss the storm by going through PA. I didn't. In fact I went right through the worst part of it with snowfall totals of 40 inches. The GX cranked through every inch. I remember the storm was so bad, I could enter Maryland from PA because the state had closed it. Getting off a highway ramp in a major storm like this one with snow piling over the running boards. The wife and I found a motel but I remember the first floor room we had, the snow was piled 1/2 way up the window.

Here's a few links from my original posts.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=time+snow

My original review
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=time+snow

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=time+snow

 

Good to hear. Is the system seamless or do you notice individual brakes being applied to route traction to the tires with the most traction? Also, did you use the center diff lock in heavy snow? Lastly, what kind of tires did you use? (I havent read your other posts yet)

 

Firstly, this vehicle has a Torsen center differential which distributes the engine torque to the front or rear axle which ever needs it most. When making hard turns or when the vehicle is on a slippery surface (typically mud snow, or ice) you feel it ever so slightly working. If things get very slippery you do hear/feel the braking. It's not bad, but you do notice it.

Regarding the cent diff lock, I used it very rarely. Mostly because when on, the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) is turned off. I'd rather have the VSC for higher speeds and sometimes I would turn the Cent Diff for low speeds. The Cent Diff basically gives you less braking interaction because the load isn't distributed or wheel spin is no longer calculated between 4 wheels but instead the two front or rear separately. But as I said, I used it very rarely as the traction control system handled most everything.

By the way. 4 wheeler off road magazine gave the GX 470 4-wheeler of the year 2 years in a row. While many readers gave 4 wheel flack for giving such a luxurious vehicle accolades, they put their money where their mouth is and ran the GX470 slightly modified (mostly for body protection) in the Rubicon.

Here's more on what the magazine calls Project TraiLex.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbu...customization/

They actually aired this on TV and from what I saw they were stuck vehicles out with the GX.

 

Also, do a search on these forums (specific to the GX) for HID lights and you'll see aftermarket kits.

 

Glad to hear that you are considering a GX...

My advice:

1. Drive/buy a GX with KDSS (you won't need or care for LSD once you feel how a GX feels and handles with KDSS)

2. As mentioned above, there are plenty of good HID kits available. Get a kit 5000k or lower and you'll be set.

Dan

 

The KDSS and LSD are unrelated items. Though the KDSS can improve traction, it only makes a difference when a significant amount of side to side wheel travel is realized. A rear limited slip differential will attempt to keep the rear wheels turning at the same velocity regardless of traction to either wheel. The standard differential doesn't do that. It let's the easier wheel do all of the work. Excellent on hard pavement turns (why it was invented) where the inner wheel relaxes but horrible when major traction is required. The GX uses the ABS system as a traction control; braking the wheel that's free spinning to get the lazy wheel turning again.

KDSS is amazing and I would recommend it too

 

I know they're unrelated items.

My point was that a GX with KDSS handles phenomenally to the point where you would not care for a LSD.

Even if Toyota/Lexus did equip the GX with a LSD it would be a beveled geared/mechanical LSD at best (which works under load only) so unless you're driving spiritly (gassing hard through a turn)
those LSD's act like an open diff.
Clutch type LSDs are a different story though, those are the LSDs we'd want...always on whether there is load or not. Only problem with those though is the cost, chattering noise, and high maintenance.

Another issue is the front diff, by leaving the front diff open and having a rear LSD, too much OVERSTEER would be achieved because the rear would have more control over the front.

IMO, a stock GX with KDSS will outhandle a regular GX with LSD.
KDSS activates when any swaying is detected, and when you add that with AWD, i don't think i could ask for more out of a SUV.

Dan

 

Dan,

This is the comment I don't understand. To compare a GX with KDSS vs a GX with LSD seems strange to me. Maybe it's just me. Don't misunderstand me, you obviously know about differentials, so I respect those comments, it's just this comment that has me ...

It's like saying a GX with KDSS will handle much better than one with air conditioning. How do you relate KDSS and LSD in terms of handling?

 

Sorry for the confusion,

KDSS and LSD are both components that enhance handling. KDSS is basically like having an upgraded sway bar on the road, and we both know what a LSD is.
So, my point was that instead of going through the hassle of adding a LSD in a non-KDSS GX to improve handling, a KDSS GX without LSD would be better.
However, if the OP was thinking of adding a LSD for offroad performance (as a alternative to a locker) then there's no point. ATRAC is a phenominal piece of technology.

to the OP
here's a bad example of ATRAC working...if you notice my right front wheel gets off the ground but does not counter spin. I went through some insane terrain that day and as long as you know how to make the ATRAC engage properly, you won't need a locker or LSD. (mild-moderate off-roading of course)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xI1KEMT7XCU

hope that helps

Dan