Hi Everyone,

We're buying a 2011 GX 460 for my wife tomorrow. We were set on a 4Runner and discovered the GX in the hunt. Totally off my radar, but looks like a great vehicle. I'm a DIY maintenance guy. I have had good luck with Mobil 1 and Royal Purple oil and filters. I see most people use Mobil 1 full synthetic and a factory oil filter. Is there a reason why everyone uses the factory oil filter over a Mobil 1, K&N or WIX? Just trying to educate myself. I've searched and haven't found the answer. My buddy has an 2005 Tundra with the 4.7L and used Penzoil Platinum Full Synthetic and a WIX filter. He has 415K miles on it! Hard to argue with that, right? He just passed the Tundra down to his son who just started driving and picked up a 2014 Tundra with the 4.6L. This has completely SOLD me on Toyota/Lexus. This will be my first one, but looking to move into a Tundra as well.

 

It's a cartridge filter element. For some reason this section doesnt use stickies but there are plenty of useful posts and DIY maintenance threads in here including oil changes, just dig a little. Would do yourself a favor and switch to the aluminum cartridge cap and fumoto drain valve for the pan at first change.

I'm partial to amsoil and OEM filter but any full synthetic will work so long as your change interval is appropriate.

 

Yeah it's not a full cartridge filter so anything that would last 10k miles (if you go with manufacture recommendation OCI), is good. I use OEM because I can get a box of 10 from ebay for around $4 each.

 

I have Fumoto's on 2 of my other vehicles. That's happening for sure. Also, looking into the aluminum cartridge cap. Any insight on why everyone is using the factory cartridge. Maybe cost as bbqsoup suggests? Aftermarket is just a little easier to find locally, but I may just go down to the Toyota dealer for the cartridge and put some Mobil 1 in it.

 

I like the Amsoil Oil Filter which is the same as the Toyota TRD filter for our GX.

It's more money, but will pay that for a higher quality filter.

 

I think the aluminum cap is way overkill. get a proper wrench and you're fine.

I am partial to Napa Gold filters (Wix).

There are a lot of people that think because it comes from lexus that it's somehow better.... but if they are $4/each, they are pretty cheap, so I can accept that argument.

 

Just looked it up. Looks well made. Thanks.

 

Thanks. As I stated in my post, my buddy uses Wix and has 415K miles on his Tundra.

 

Any reputable full synthetic oil and filter element will work, pick.what works for you. (Your truck could have easily done the same with any oil or filter given a regulator OCI) If you want to know more, investing in some Blackstone oil analysis after reach change to figure out how the combo is performing for your engine...

 

there’s reason to believe that the plastic housing heats up and rapidly cools down and “fuses” to the opposite end making it nearly impossible to remove during the next oil change. I had it happen to mine, but didn’t have to destroy the housing (unlike some other members) to get it off.


parts info on post #7
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...l#post10482687


oem filters for all my Toyota/Lexus vehicles. Cost effective, reliable, and easily purchased on amazon, eBay or locally

 

YEARS AGO Consumer Reports did extensive oil filter testing (flow, filtration, particle sizes ... etc) and (at that time) rated Fram and WIX as being very low quality ... significantly less pleats (surface area) when compared to an OEM equivalent ... less effective filtration ... with many samples not completely bonded to the cartridge, allowing unfiltered oil to circumvent the filter element. Times may have changed, but for me OEM is my default. Most other brands of oil filters are simply "branded" by the major oil filter manufacturers (Fram, WIX, Champion ... etc).

 

Great info, thank you. Have had some major wrestling matches with the filter on my 2005 4Runner over the years. Glad to know there's a method to avoid that with the GX.

Since it requires a non-standard filter after this mod, have you labeled it to make sure a shop doesn't try to use the wrong one? Just thinking down the line a bit.

 

I general, manufacturers spend millions to spec out replacement parts to make sure that they won't have issues down the road. IMO, there is no reason to use a non-OE filter unless it is of equal quality (how are you going to know?) and significantly cheaper. There is also the warranty issue. If, in the extremely unlikely event that you have a lubrication caused issue, do you really want to take the chance on the dealer blaming the failure on the filter (or non-approved fluids)?

Here, the OE filter is quite reasonably priced.

 

You still can use the same filter element as before with the plastic cap.
The only difference is the new filter has an extra small gasket which most don’t replace.

 

Just a note on that list I put together: the metal filter and plug came together when i bought mine. I've seen amazon listings where they are separated. You need that little screw plug.

Regarding the filter labeling:
I honestly never thought about doing that. It would be a good idea. I remember with my 4Runner, I changed the oil at the next interval after I took it in for their free 2 yr, 25,000 mile free scheduled maintenance. The oil filter they put in the 4Runner was not the right one, it was a smaller one that looked like it belonged in a 4 cylinder car. Can't trust anyone but yourself to do it right...

With the fumoto valve, oil changes are a lot easier. I wasn't a believer until I put it in my commuter car and it makes little to no mess with a hose attachment. Saves me a lot of time from going to the dealer or shop and having to wait.