BlackCat81

They can be buffed back to a high gloss again. You can take the overlays off and hit them with a buffer and some mild polish and they'll shine like hell again. That pic is my old 3rd gen 4Runner, but my GX's came out just like that.

ScatAdams

Ah gotcha. Might have to go this route then, although its pretty far down on the list of things to do at the moment


And I agree with Blackcat, I buffed my side pillars a few weeks ago and they look brand new!

NR04

Good luck on your search! If you haven't noticed already, the biggest difference between GX and 4th Gen 4R for me was the sitting position. You sit low like in a sedan in 4R vs. more upright like a truck in GX.

Here is a link to good information on different model years:

http://www.toyota120.com/html/lexus_gx470.html

Some after purchase insights.... I purchased 2006 Sports with KDSS for two reasons. 1) Didn't like the wood trim on regular ones and preferred the black wood trim on Sports. 2) Specifically searched KDSS for off-roading capabilities.

In hindsight, I would have purchased a non-navigation model (all sports come with Nav btw). The factory navigation is terrible and the climate control integrated into Nav screen making the replacement impossible without a serious mod. I knew this before the purchase but didn't do enough homework to figure out that you can't simply purchase the non-nav version's climate control and delete the Nav. The wiring harnesses are different. I hate the unit so much that I bought an used climate control and will be attempting a massive electrical surgery when I get a service repair manual.

KDSS is nice, but not nice enough to overcome the issues of limited aftermarket sliders and skids. I just purchased a set of sliders from MetalTech but they're sitting in my garage because I have to find a fabricator to modify the driver side since that's where all the KDSS plumbing is.

In summary, definitely look for 2005 or newer models for VVTi engine upgrade. Not much of a torque upgrade but definitely help you in highway driving with more horse power. If you don't want to mess with replacing navigation units, get a 2007 or newer since you can better integrate MP3/Ipod/satellite radio.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

bbrowncods

Set of Michelin LTX M/S2 265/65R17. And a set of rear Power Stop Xtreme rotors and pads.

IanB2

New 27F battery in ours, needed a boost after sitting out in the cold for a few days over Christmas. Cranks over noticeably faster than I remember it ever cranking, so that's a good sign!

Blackdog55

Replaced the door front door woofer speakers today. Ordered everything from crutchfield and it went off without a hitch. The original speakers were toast. The rubber that connect the speaker cone to the frame had completely fallen apart.

mswtoyota

Bought a pre-cut key for $53:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRE-CUT-DIY-PROGRAM-3-BUTTON-FOB-REMOTE-KEY-with-RED-BUTTON-Listed-models-03-P/151937968160?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3Dfef6aa5a6128424d8e1d40de89916723%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D151932774567and programmed it in under 5min with Techstream. Now I have a spare!

MGordo

Finally got a GX470!
Been lurking for a few months and the right one came along. I am now the proud owner of a 2007 Ash Blue Mica with Tan interior. Came with 110km (68 miles) and paid 19k Cdn. Nav but no rear DVD, but thats ok because its not the primary kid mover.

Started off the mods quickly..
-Interior LED conversion (Dont love them so far.. a little too blue/harsh)and license plate lights
-HID Kit
-VAIS MML is in the mail
-Just picked up a set of 265/70/17 Goodyear Duratecs (Im in Canada with lots of snow)
-Konig Six Shooters are being picked up tomorrow! Got a good deal on a set of Bronze ones.
-2" Front pre-load spacer not installed yet
-Planning on adjusting the airbags to level until summer... then go shock shopping.

The rear shocks are starting to leak, so I have been looking all over for suggestions. Common theme seems to be the 5100's for mostly road use, but also saw the Icon or Fox 2.0s which cost a little more but I assume are a big upgrade.

SmittysGX

Now I need a new remote key as we lost ours. I was told I was unable to get a replacement???? What all is required to get a new one for our GX? Thx

chiph9

You need a blank that will be cut on a machine to the pattern to fit the mechanical locks.

The fob on the key has two pieces of electronics in it - it has a RFID chip that the immobilizer reads. You will need this coded to the car by the dealer (or perhaps Techstream?? Not sure), otherwise the engine computer won't allow you to start the car.

It also has the remote lock/unlock transmitter, and you can code this to the car yourself (search for GX470 remote programming), but if you're at the dealer to get the immobilizer coded, you might as well ask them to do that too.

Chip H.

burny

buy the key from mylparts.com and use CL5 for discount. They will cut the key to your VIN#. Then buy Techstream off Amazon and program the key yourself.

mswtoyota

Who told you that? I would get a second opinion. I bought this cable from ebay here, threw away the virus infested CD that came with it, Googled for and installed the Xhorse drivers and Techstream software, and programmed the cut key I bought. Techstream is the same software that your local Toyota/Lexus/Scion stealership uses, so now I can program keys, set up custom options, and do factory level diagnostics. All for under $30. So far it has worked fine on a Highlander, several Prius, and my GX.

mswtoyota

New Huskyliner cargo liner.

mswtoyota

Replaced the old chipped-up busted grille:

Old busted grille




New grille




New bumper inserts




Finished

mswtoyota

New Wagner pads and drilled slotted rotors.


New rotor




CV axle boot leaking.
I guess I will add an axle to the list of things to do.