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The most comprehensive LX570 overhaul project in history
Overall project 95%done. I will update this article weekly.
Background
I recently bought a 2010 LX570 with 135k KM (84k miles) for 110k USD. Don't be surprised, in my country and many other areas, a brand new LX570 costs over 280K USD due to some prohibitive displacement related taxes. Thanks to years of ownership of VW/BMW, I learned alot about DIY repairs. Another few years of Toyota prado ownership gave me great confidence to take on this LX570 overhaul project. I will try to explain this project as detailed as possible with part numbers and procedures. Most procedures can be DIYed if you have decent skills.
Why overhaul a 7-yr old LX570
- First, most LX570 parts are very affordable if you source around parts, especially from UAE. A same part could literally cost 2x-3x if you order from Japan and US.
- Second, overhaul means replacing only 5-10% of all the parts on the vehicle to restore to 95% brand new state. This overhaul could not be economically feasible for unibody vehicles, especially german vehicles which age much worse than Toyota trucks. In my experiences, German vehicles have a general degradation of every component, from every rubber/plastic piece to electronics such as ABS motor to mechanical such as engine/transmission/differential. I learned all repairing skills from a VW jetta when I was 19, also from years of listening to the NPR Car Talk show.
- Third, Toyota trucks with independent chassis last for decades as we all know. Think how many LC60/LC80/LC100/hilux/prado/tundra are still running strong. LX570 is no exception.
- Forth, The added "high techs" on LX570 actually have very modest component costs, especially those that are considered consumable parts. For example, the high tech hydraulic linking AHC rear shock on LX570 costs less than 50 bucks. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the quotes. A similar air shock on GLE/X5/Q7/range rover costs more than 1000 bucks a piece.
0. Inspect, buy, and order parts
Seeing her on the dealer lot for the first time
Having her inspected thoroughly by a trusted mechanic friend. Always treat a good mechanic as a family member.
After driving her off the dealer lot, the overhaul journey began. It took me about a month to understand her and order parts (local sources / amayama /ssg asia). The comprehensive list has over 150 items down to bolts and plastic clips, totaling 8k-9k USD. I will list every one of them before I finish the project. For now, I will just highlight a few items.
Brand new dashboard
- 1000USD. Dashboard part number 55401-60420-C0 (C0 is color code for MD gray)
- replaced dashboard because after years of toyota prado ownership, I learned that most prado 120s run flawless after 10-15years but many have cracked dashboards. So I took the preventive route.
2013-15 headlight assembly
- 1000USD each, much cheaper than most other manufacturers
- 3M scotchgard film applied before installation. In my experiences, what gave old vehicles the dull look are paint, headlight, and plastic trims. So protecting the headlight cover from dings and UV yellowing is a good idea.
2013-2015 bumper and lower grille (300USD)
- I upgraded from 2007-11 to 2012-15 face, not for the look but for the factory HID low beam that only came after 2012.
- The 07-11 model years have candle like halogen lights
Five rear control arms and 2013-2015 bumper support bracket just to show a few parts ordered. The new shocks sit at the bottom of the picture.
4. swap out the 2001-2011 with 2012-2015 face (finally factory xenon low beam wit ASF). I will also add LED high beam light bulbs later. Some custom fitting might need to happen as most LED light bulbs come with a big electric fan at the end. The fan would not fit inside the factory plastic cap.
5. de-rust and ceramic coat the entire exhaust
All brand new gaskets / bolts / clamps ordered before taking down the exhaust. A few rusted bolts did break off.
VHC high temperature ceramic manifold paint applied to the surface after cleaning. 2 layers of primer and 2 layers of surface paint.
6. remove, clean all fuel injectors, replace all o-rings and rubber seals.
7. swap out the 2007-2015 4-spoke steering wheel with the 2016-2017 3-spoke steering (all buttons working)
8. replace transfer case bearings to repair the 1700-2100rpm gas pedal vibration
9. remove carpet, clean the cab floor and insulate all plastic wire clips to permanently prevent any squeaking
10. remove the toxic factory firewall-dash insulator and apply 3M HD9020 rubber compound and Thinsulate mat
the deadly smelling factory insulator, not from mold growth but from chemical release after years of heat cycles. This chemical smell is an auto industry wide problem. It is common on toyota, BMW, volvo, audi just to name a few.... basically every auto manufacturer. Why don't they use higher quality materials like 3M? I guess cost is the main reason.
Not a spot of rust inside the cab. This truck will last decades.
Actually your refurbishing your 2010 LX 570 makes a lot of sense when new ones and used sell for that much money.
If you think about it, even in US, Japan or Australia, if someone can get a used LX470/570/LC100/200 for maybe 15-40K USD, a rebuild project is still feasible. An "as is" truck in this price range will drive not that great with every rubber mount cracking and every shock absorber leaking.
In accounting 101, they taught us not to judge the overhaul worthiness based on the current residual value, but on future benefit. Commercial truck fleet and industrial machines are always viewed with this principle. To me, Toyota trucks are not cars. They are reliable industrial machines. Therefore, dropping 10-15k on a used one (no accident, little rust, no abuse) can ensure the next 5-8 years of relatively trouble free operation. It is a great proposal for anyone who desires a summer weekend project.
These vehicles were designed for a 25 year life cycle in a 3rd world country per Toyota chief engineer
For Japan/US/EU/ and part of Asia with decent roads and quality gasoline, I am confident they will last more than that. My son is 1 year old. My goal is to teach him how to drive in 15 years with this truck. I will keep her in pristine condition for the entire time. I will paint/replace/repair/rebuild as necessary.
In fact, I am thinking of getting another LX470 as a weekend offroad truck. I honestly think LX470 is prettier than the 2007-2017 LX570.
10-05-17, 03:30 PM
The most comprehensive LX570 overhaul project in history
