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Lexus parts vs aftermarket; Part Supplier Discussion
Having passed 100k miles with my GX, I am tooling up to start some major maintenance and mods.
1. I am considering whether I should go Lexus for everything or if there are any specific aftermarket parts that are known to be better than the OE parts. Does anyone know of any that are definitively better? The first on my list is the infamous timing belt/water pump replacement. The name I keep seeing passed around is Gates but I just cant get a feel for if they're just okay or actually better than any of the OEM parts. I am going Toyota for sure on the water pump since I have heard its such a pain.
2. I am looking for parts/method recommendations for the following mods:
- CB antenna Mount - Should I mount to the rear or get a hood bracket? Does anyone sell GX specific mounts? Is the best way to run through the firewall into the front? Looking at Firestik for the antenna
- Snorkel - What should I do to preserve the rust coat? sand down and repaint or apply some material? Looking at Lenzdesign for that part
- Wheels - Anyone have experience with Stock 460 wheels? I know the bolt pattern is the same but is there a better option for the same money as a used set? the 18" size will let me access a wider selection of tires
- Rock Sliders/Kickers - Brand recs? Can I use the KDSS version on a non-KDSS vehicle? Whats the difference there? I've been looking at Rocky Road Outfitters
- Winch wiring/Battery Placement - I bought a Warn VR10 on sale and now I don't have a clue how to mount it. I picked up an Optima yellow-top 75AH battery to run it but I don't know where to mount it, whether to run all the cables to the back and add a switch and solenoid in the front or I've heard mention of a separator? Mount off battery or straight from alternator? ultimately, I want power in the rear and I don't care if I need to just place the battery in the back and run the line temporary through the rear door seal when in use. I need a way to charge though.
- Lights - the bumper I want comes with slots for lights but I was hoping for a biggun on the roof. The local stores have advised me against this for various reasons but I was hoping someone has done that before without it looking like complete garbage running a line though the door. My initial thought was mount a piece inside the roof rails cover and drill though the cover to run the wiring. then run down to a dash switch and through the firewall to the battery.
Help/ opinions on any part of this would be greatly appreciated!
Gates is the manufacturer for many OEM timing belts, Honda for sure, I'm not sure about Toyota/Lexus, they are a good brand.
For a timing set and water pump kit, the best deal seems to be the Aisin TKT021 kit from Rock Auto for $215.28, uses all OEM spec parts just like you'd get from Lexus, without the markup.
Gates is the manufacturer for many OEM timing belts, Honda for sure, I'm not sure about Toyota/Lexus, they are a good brand.
For a timing set and water pump kit, the best deal seems to be the Aisin TKT021 kit from Rock Auto for $215.28, uses all OEM spec parts just like you'd get from Lexus, without the markup.
Gates Unitta is also the manufacturer for Toyota. Pretty much everyone uses gates.
I had this kit installed on my wife’s GX about 3 years ago and 45k miles and it is holding up fine. It was my understanding Aisin provides or makes the OEM parts for the timing belt and water pump. I know the belt that came off and likely the original belt was Aisin.
02-07-20, 03:10 PM
Lexus parts vs aftermarket; Part Supplier Discussion
