As a new owner of an old (2003) GX470 with 170,000 miles on it, I'm hoping that someone might be able to offer some guidance as to how long, miles or years, that one should expect the original fuel pump to last. I understand that there are many variables that can contribute to fuel pump life. I'm hoping to hear some encouraging 200,000 to 300,000 miles stories regarding the original fuel pumps, and maybe some tips for R & R on the fuel pumps / filters......

 

If this is any help, I friend of mine needed to replace a fuel pump on a 2004 Land Cruiser (same engine drive train) at 450,000 miles…pretty encouraging…

 

It's not a common failure point on these vehicles. Don't run your tank down to empty (fill at 1/4 tank) so it doesn't overheat and suck in debris, and it should live a long life.

 

No problems at 191k miles. But like IanB2 said - I don't let it go below 1/4 tank before refilling.

Chip H.

 

That is quite encouraging....thanks Alan

 

An excellent point regarding all in tank pumps / filters / screens. I've always lived by that rule (1/4 tank minimum), and certainly will with my new old GX470......Just no way of knowing if previous owners might have done so. Since I'll be using this rig primarily as an Off-road vehicle, I'm also thinking about adding a Max Tow Double Vision fuel pressure gauge, in order to be able to monitor fuel pressure in real time....just not sure where the most logical point in the fuel flow might be for locating the sending unit.....thanks all for sharing your knowledge and views....

 

Honestly, you're overthinking this. I've had my GX470 for 9 years now and I've been active on the forums that entire time...I don't think I've ever read of anyone with a fuel pump failure on one of these trucks. You can do some searching on 4th gen V8 4Runners with the same powertrains as well for some piece of mind, but your time is better spent worrying about seized front brake calipers and leaking rads, things that are actual problem areas on these vehicles.

 

Thanks Ian...There is no question that I do frequently "over think", as well as "over do" every used vehicle that I purchase, and will be doing the same with this GX; all new hoses, serp belt, radiator, thermostat, idler pulleys, spark plugs, timing belt / water pump, ALL fluids, filters, etc. I appreciate you mentioning the brake calipers, as I have seen that comment in a number of places......

 

Solid baselining a used vehicle is an excellent practice, but then there are things that "if they aren't broken...", I would suggest the fuel pump falls in the 2nd category.

If you do find issues with the front calipers, lots of guys swap to early GX460 spec front calipers and rotors, they use the same pads, but don't seem to fail at the same rate as the GX470 front calipers. I replaced I think 4 front calipers over the years before swapping to the newer style front brakes.

 

Never heard of a fuel pump faliure on these, These arnot chevys or fords!

 

Thanks again Ian. I did view a video where they installed early GX460 calipers on a 470, but I'm not sure what the actual issues are with the standard GX470 front brakes. Did they completely fail on you, or fade, or freeze up?

 

Seized pistons are very common on the GX470/4th gen 4Runner front calipers, I replaced several over the years before switching to early GX460 spec. Symptoms are brake pads that wear unevenly.