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2nd Gen RX Upgrade/Modification List, DIY Help & More
This is inspired by my "1st Gen Bolt-On Upgrade List & Other Modifications" thread I made over a year back for 2001-2007 Highlanders on Toyota Nation. While most of the info on that thread can be followed and used here, the mechanical differences between 2001-2003 Highlanders and 2004-2007 Highlanders is like comparing an RX300 to an RX330/350/400h, there are lots of little mechanical differences to be aware of, whereas any 04-09 RX is a lot more mechanically similar apart from which engine it has.
Here, I will upload links to DIY threads I've made, upgraded & cross-referenced parts, and as many torque specs and part numbers as I can find. This post will consistently be updated with new info on a regular basis. Fitment info is confirmed with real-world field testing experience on my 02 Highlander, 08 RX350 and 14 RX350. This post should NOT be used an end-all-be-all solution, it should be used as a reference and is designed to make buying parts more simple & concrete.
August 3rd, 2022
- Finishing it up for now! Added a part number section and just generally trying to improve this over my Highlander DIY thread. That doesn't mean it's the end though, it's just the beginning!
August 6th, 2022
- Introduced fluid specifications for engine oil, coolant, differentials, refrigerant and more! Added an info section for bolts and torque specs
August 9th, 2022
- Links to posts from here and Toyota Nation
November 3rd, 2022
- Added must have reliability upgrades for 07-09 3.5 (2GR-FE) owners
April 27th, 2023
- Added DIY links and keeping it up to date with my Highlander DIY post
June 5th, 2023
- Engine and transmission part numbers taken from Toyota Nation (Keeping up to date with Highlander DIY thread)
January 14th, 2024
- Full bulb list completed for entire car, sway bar info completed for all models
February 19th, 2024
- More links added for various posts, brake info completed for RX330/RX350
August 13th, 2024
- More links added for various posts, completed brake info for 2nd gen HL vs 3rd gen RX rear brakes, confirmed 2004-2010 Sienna front sway bar links fit,
GREAT CROSS-REFERENCING & OTHER SOURCES:
These are some of the websites I use for cross-referencing, parts-binning as well as finding info for my projects
- rockauto.com - Pictures of parts, sizes and info of components (brakes, sway bar bushings, dimensions), etc - toyotapartsdeal.com - Part no. cross-referencing - lexuspartsnow.com - Part no. cross-referencing - parts.lexus.com - Part diagrams - as-pl.com/en/c/alternators_a - Alternator info - riw.com.tr/en - Suspension & Steering part info - ebay.com - Pictures of parts - prodemand.com - Wiring diagrams, repair instructions
- aliexpress.com - Appearance & part no. of wire connectors - zinref.ru/avtomobili/Toyota/386_Toyota%20Wiring%20Repair%20Manual__en_4600_raznie_11/000.htm - Toyota electrical connector types - tiresize.com/comparison/ - Visual tire size comparison - willtheyfit.com/ - Visual wheel fitment comparison - wheel-size.com/ - Car tire & wheel specs info - summitracing.com - Finding component specs - oreillyauto.com/ - Finding component specs
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- Important reliability upgrades for all 07-09 350 owners! -
MUST HAVE FOR ALL 07-09 350 MODELS! BE INFORMED: PREVENT ENGINE FAILURE (DISREGARD FITMENT WARNING FOR 07 - IT WILL FIT)!
Bank 1 (rear) VVT-i all-metal oil line: 15772-31030
Crush washer: 90430-16016 x2 (x3 if doing front / bank 2 VVT-i filter as well)
VVT-i filter: 15678-46020 x2
MUST HAVE FOR ALL 07-09 350 TOWING PACKAGE MODELS! BE INFORMED: PREVENT ENGINE FAILURE!
Revised all-metal engine oil cooler lines & gaskets: 04004-29131 - Buy this if you can! Cheaper and has everything included in a kit (Lines, two gaskets)
(Brackets) - Extra details
[Brackets] - Cars this part can be obtained from, brand will be added in CAPITALS: if it is not from Lexus/Toyota Underline - Currently installed on my car Green - Direct upgrade confirmed fit Blue- Untested fitment Bold - OEM part Yellow - Not 100% direct bolt on, some fabrication required Orange - POSSIBLE but not recommended due to difficulty / need to buy other parts Red - The part will not fit
2004-2009 (RX330/350/400h)
Suspension:
Coilover max drop:
Ceika: 2" front, ? rear
BC Racing: ? front, ? rear
Fortune Auto 500: ? front, ? rear
(Tested by MheityRX on his FWD RX330)
Springs:
Example picture of 2nd gen Highlander rear struts on a 1st gen AWD Highlander Hybrid vs. a stock one
Lowering springs[1999-2003 RX] (1-1.5" drop, front spring is shorter than stock, likely due to the RX300 having a different spring perch) Lowering springs [2004-2009 RX] (1-1.5" drop, may be ever so slightly stiffer due to the 2nd gen RX weighing a little more) Stiffer lowering springs? [2009-2015 Venza] (H&R) Lifting springs [2001-2007 Kluger] (1" lift, King Springs) Front springs [2008-2009 Highlander] (Slightly different lower coil seat, stiffer than stock, ~0.5" lift) Rear springs [2008-2013 Highlander] (Same upper and lower coil seat as 2004-2009 RX springs, stiffer than stock, ~2" lift) Front Springs[2009-2015 Venza] (Resemble 2008-2009 Highlander springs, can be bought on Rockauto) Rear Springs[2009-2015 Venza] (Resemble 2008-2013 Highlander springs, can be bought on Rockauto)
Struts/Dampers:
WARNING: 2008-2013 Highlander & 2009-2015 Venza front struts have a slightly narrower spring seat, take caution when fitting 2RX springs on these assemblies! Lowering springs would be an even bigger issue due to increased thickness.
Note: To maintain your alignment, you should use the 1st gen strut mounts, everything else can be taken from a 2nd gen Rear Struts [2008-2009 RX350 AWD / FWD] (Likely identical to 04-06 struts except for the 19mm mounting holes for the knuckle instead of 17mm, which allows for more camber adjustment, specs are the same as 04-06 according to KYB) Rear Struts [2006-2007 RX400h & Highlander Hybrid] (Similar to 04-06 struts, except the strut body length has been extended by 0.4", the stroke length has also been reduced by 0.4". Spring perch is in the same place) Rear Struts [2008 RX400h] (Likely identical to the 06-07 RX400h strut, except it has the 19mm holes like the newer 08-09 RX350 ones) Front Struts [2008-2009 Highlander] (Higher spring perch, provides ~0.5" lift) Front Struts [2010-2013 Highlander] (Higher spring perch, provides ~0.5" lift, option for Bilstein B6, YOU MUST USE 2010-2013 springs & lower isolators with these for the front passenger strut!) Front Struts [2014-2019 Highlander] (Option for Bilstein B6, untested fitment) Rear Struts [2008-2013 Highlander] (Higher spring perch, provides ~1" lift - option for Bilstein B6, 2004+ end links recommended if 2001-2003 AWD model. DOES NOT FIT 01-07 FWD) Front Struts [2009-2015 Venza] (Similar to 2008-2009 2nd gen Highlander, except more stroke length and no internal rebound spring) Coilovers [1999-2003 RX300] (Rear strut mount holes too large, front would need modification too, height would be less adjustable) Coilovers [2004-2009 RX] (Various examples on the forum)
Torque:
Strut mount (front & rear): 59 ft lbs (AFTERMARKET IS LOWER, BE CAREFUL!)
Strut piston nut (front & rear): 36 ft lbs
Brake line: 14 ft lbs
Bolt info:
Strut piston nut (front): M14 x 1.5, 19mm nyloc flange nut (not reusable)
Strut piston nut (rear): M14 x 1.5, 19mm lock nut (reusable)
Strut mount nut (front & rear): M12 x 1.25, 14mm nut (used to be M10 x 1.25 for the rear on RX300)
Part numbers:
90080-17217 (Front strut piston nut)
90080-17212 (Rear strut piston nut)
90080-17215 (Front strut mount nut)
90080-17225 (Rear strut mount nut)
Front knuckle, hub & wheel bearing assembly [2010-2015 RX] (Beefier than stock, no real point of putting these on as they add unsprung weight, but I tried it on my 2002 Highlander. You'll need 2011-2014 Dodge Charger inner tie rods, 2nd gen outer tie rods, different brake dust shields, wheel bearings and a deflector/dust cover for the CV axle. Everything else fits like hub, ABS sensor, ball joint, strut and CV axle) Rear knuckle, hub & wheel bearing assembly [2008-2013 Highlander, 2009-2015 Venza] (Resembles our stock rear knuckle except thicker and it has 19mm strut/camber holes. They include a larger dust shield/backing plate to accommodate the bigger 2nd gen Highlander rear brakes without having to trim anything. The Venza dust shields are slightly different compared to the Highlander ones, they sit a little closer to the larger 08-13 Highlander rear caliper, and fit the 10-15 RX rear caliper better, 04-09 ABS sensors will work fine with these knuckles) Rear knuckle bushing [1999-2009 RX, 2001-2013 Highlander, 2009-2015 Venza, 1992-2018 Camry] Rear knuckle AWD[2008-2013 Highlander, 2009-2015 Venza] (Direct fit, has 19mm strut holes instead of 17mm. Uses same bolt and nut combo as front struts, more camber adjustment possible) Front knuckle [2008-2019 Highlander, 2011-2020 Sienna AWD, 2010-2015 RX] (You will need 2011-2014 Dodge Charger inner tie rods & 2nd gen outer tie rods. You will also need 3RX brake dust shields, CV axle deflector plates and wheel bearings, make sure hub has right amount of splines) Front hub (Spline count: 30) [2001-2019 Highlander FWD, 2014-2019 Highlander AWD, 2004-2020 Sienna, 2009-2015 Venza, 2004-2017 Camry, 2010-2015 RX] Front knuckle [2016-2022 RX] (You will need the Charger inners and 4th gen RX outers at the minimum, the stock ball joint will fit but the ABS sensor may needs modification/swapping, no confirmation on CV axle fitment. Uses bolt-in wheel bearing / hub assembly) Front knuckle [2009-2015 Venza] (In short, it is a 10-15 RX knuckle that uses the smaller wheel bearing & CV axle deflector of an 04-09 RX)
Torque:
Knuckle-to-strut (front): 177 ft lbs
Knuckle-to-strut (rear M15 bolt / 19mm hex): 133 ft lbs
Knuckle-to-strut (rear M17 bolt / 22mm hex): 214 ft lbs
Rear wheel bearing bolt: 55 ft lbs
Dust shield bolt: 74 in lbs
ABS sensor (front & rear): 71 in lbs
Bolt info:
ABS sensor to knuckle - M6 x 1.0, 30mm long, 10mm head
ABS sensor to frame - M6 x 1.0, 20mm long, 10mm head
Brake caliper bolt (front & rear): M12 x 1.25, 30mm long, 17mm hex
Dust shield bolt: M6 x 1.0, 10mm hex
Bolt sizes (knuckle):
Rear rearward - M14 x 1.5, 75mm long, 19mm head, 28x3mm thick washer, 19mm flange nut
Rear forward - ^ Same as above
Trailing arm - M12 x 1.25, 80mm long, 17mm head, 23.5x3mm thick washer, 17mm flange nut
Wheel bearing (x4) - M12 x 1.25, 43mm long, 17mm hex flange head
Bolt sizes (control arm):
Rear rearward: M14 x 1.5, 80mm long, 22mm head (Special toe alignment bolts - use OEM or MOOG K100401)
Rear forward: M12 x 1.25, 90mm long, 17mm head (swap out to bolt 10mm shorter)
Trailing arm - ^ Same as knuckle (swap out to bolt 5mm shorter, will make your life easier)
Part numbers (Multiply by 2 if you need to do both sides) -
Strut-to-knuckle bolts:
M17x1.5
90105-107008 (17mm "Type A" bolt - removes ALL camber adjustment, just a regular M17 bolt)
90105-107009 (15.9mm "Type B" 1-dot bolt - STOCK for front of all 04-09s or rear if you have the larger M17 bolts)
90105-107010 (15mm "Type C" 2-dot bolt - I run this on the front and back of my RX and Highlander to give me a little more negative camber adjustment)
90105-107011 (14mm "Type D" 3-dot bolt - Tried these and the camber adjustment is a little excessive)
90178-17002 or 90178-A0027 (Nut, I bought both they are 100% identical)
M15x1.5
90080-10398 or 90105-A0038 (15mm M15 rear strut-to-knuckle bolt, no camber adjustment on these guys)
90080-17213 or 90179-15001 (Nut, both are 100% identical)
Alternative:
MOOG K100401 (Replaces 48409-0E010, 90178-A0001 and 48198-0E020 per kit)
Rear rearward, To frame -
48409-0E010 OR 48409-48020 (Toe alignment bolt)
48198-0E020 (Toe alignment plate)
90178-A0001 (Nut)
Rear rearward, To knuckle -
90080-11672 (Bolt)
90080-17223 (Nut, notched)
Rear forward, To frame -
90119-A0015 (Bolt)
90080-17228 (Nut) OR 190178-A0001 (This will work too)
Rear forward, To knuckle -
90080-11672 (Bolt)
90080-17223 (Nut, notched)
Trailing arm, To frame -
90080-11695 (Bolt)
90178-A0011 (Nut)
Trailing arm, To knuckle -
90080-11695 (Bolt)
90178-A0011 (Nut)
Front sway bar end link [2007-2017 Camry, 2010-2019 ES350] (Required if you want to run a 3rd gen RX front sway bar without rubbing of the end link on the strut, fitment is absolutely perfect. Sway bar end link angle will not sit parallel to the body, but it is identical to that of the respective Camry the part originates from, it is by design) Front sway bar end link [2007-2009 ES350] (Resembles the above end link, but has a heavier-duty 14mm body instead of 10mm) 26mm front sway bar bushings [2008-2019 Highlander, 2004-2020 Sienna AWD, 2009-2015 Venza, 2010-2015 RX] 26mm front sway bar bushings [2004-2020 Sienna FWD, 2007-2018 ES] (Bushing does not require "clipping" to fit into the stock lower brackets) 26mm front sway bar [2008-2019 Highlander (non-hybrid), 2010-2015 RX (non-hybrid)] (DOES NOT FIT 400H, MAKE SURE TO BUY RIGHT VERSION DEPENDING ON IF YOU HAVE FWD OR AWD - AWD bar will work on either FWD or AWD. 10-15 RX450h models come with FWD bars as indicated by the ORANGEstripe on driver's side, you want a WHITEstripe for AWD!! The FWD bar will contact the transfer case on AWD models!!) 28.5mm front sway bar [2016-2022 RX] (Lower and upper brackets, mount bolts & bushings are unique to the 16-22 RX, the spacing & size is larger and different so major modification is likely required) 29mm front sway bar[2020- Highlander] (Subframe has been too drastically changed, the bar will not fit) Front sway bar upper & lower brackets [2009-2015 Venza] (These brackets were designed for the Venza's subframe, therefore they are too tall as a result) Rear sway bar brackets AWD [2001-2013 Highlander, 2009-2015 Venza (Driver's side needs modification to fit), 1999-2009 RX] 23mm front sway bar bushings [2001-2007 Highlander, 2004-2009 RX] (2004-2009 models have updated design with teflon inner coating, this is the preferred part) Upgraded front sway bar upper brackets [2008-2019 Highlander, 2004-2020 Sienna AWD, 2007-2015 RX] Front sway bar end link[2004-2010 Sienna] (Thicker sway bar end link for stock 23mm sway bar. Uses a 13mm body vs 10mm body - direct upgrade) Aluminum rear sway bar end link[2000-2011 Ford Focus] (Super light and strong aluminum front sway bar end link from a Focus, goes onto the rear bar - has a 17mm welded nut) AWD: Ultra Racing UR-AR49-2148 19mm rear sway bar [2004-2009 Toyota Harrier AWD] FWD: Ultra Racing UR-AR19-030 19mm rear sway bar [2004-2009 Toyota Harrier FWD] Cusco 924 311 B18 18mm rear sway bar [2004-2009 Toyota Harrier FWD]
Torque:
Front sway bar bolt to frame: 12 ft-lbs
Front sway bar end link nut: 55 ft-lbs
Rear sway bar bracket & bushing bolts: 14 ft-lbs
Rear sway bar end link nut: 29 ft-lbs (A little too low IMO - I did 45)
Bolt info:
Front sway bar bolt: M8 x 1.25, 40mm long, 12mm head
Front sway bar end link nut: M12 x 1.25, 17mm head
Rear sway bar bolt: M8 x 1.25, 20mm long, 12mm head
Rear sway bar end link nut: M10 x 1.25, 14mm head
Part numbers:
90080-17224 (Front sway bar link nut)
90080-17227 (Rear sway bar link nut)
Steering rack[2001-2003 Highlander] (16:1 ratio, 3 turns to lock. Provides a more raw, weighted steering feel to the car which I prefer. These racks are made by Koyo and have more road feel/feedback compared to the JTEKT 04-09 racks as well as being cheaper. These racks can directly fit 04-09 without any modifications, as I found on my RX350. Will not fit a 400h as it has an electric rack)
Steering boot & Clip [2001-2003 Highlander] (Shorter and firmer boot, it'll fit an 04-09 rack but you might need a heat gun to get it on, otherwise it'll fit alright and is long enough to compensate for the longer 04-09 ITRs)
Steering rack bushings [2005-2015 Tacoma] (Replacement poly bushings offered by Nolathane and Energy Suspension will fit all 04-09 (incl 400h) steering racks and cut out some of the dead zone while steering)
Gates 349770 [1988-2002 Corolla] (90 degree elbow used to convert our power steering rack return line to all rubber)
Torque:
Tie rod lock nut: 54 ft-lbs
Inner tie rod to rack: 37 ft-lbs
Steering rack to frame: 52 ft-lbs
Outer tie rod to knuckle: 36 ft-lbs
Steering pump to engine: 32 ft-lbs
Intermediate shaft: 26 ft-lbs
Bolt info:
Tie rod nut: M14 x 1.5, 19mm hex
Steering rack bolt: M12 x 1.25, 17mm hex
Steering rack nut: M12 x 1.25, 19mm hex
Power steering line frame bolt: M6 x 1.0, 10mm hex
Power steering cooler frame bolt: M6 x 1.0, 10mm hex
Rear differential [1999-2000 RX300, 2001-2003 Highlander] (Rare optional Torsen Type-2 limited slip differential marked, offered only on models without traction control. Can be confirmed by pulling the drain plug and looking, and can be made to fit any 2001-2013 Highlander or 1999-2009 RX by swapping / removing side flanges. Legend has it that eBay sellers will send you an open diff 3 times before you get an LSD!)
Rear differential [1999-2009 RX, 2001-2013 Highlander] (Standard open diff mostly marked “17SU”. Can be made to fit any car in the range by swapping / removing side flanges)
CV axle snap ring 90520-22012 [1999-2009 RX, 2001-2013 Highlander - No LSD]
Front CV axle [2001-2007 Highlander AWD] (Probably a possible swap if you want to go from the RX's 30-spline setup to the older 26-spline setup for some reason)
Transfer case [2001-2003 Highlander, 2007-2009 RX350] (Viscous coupling unit, interchangeable between the 2004-2007 Highlander and 2004-2006 RX)
Transfer case [2004-2007 Highlander, 2004-2006 RX330] (Standard T-case, more complaints of these going bad for some reason)
Bolt info:
Plugs - Differential: M18 x 1.5, 10mm allen head (Can be swapped for 24mm hex down below, highly recommended)
Plugs - Transfer case: M18 x 1.5, 24mm 6-point hex
Breather (Differential) - M16 x 1.5, 17mm hex
Axle nut: M22 x 1.5, 30mm 12-point hex
Part numbers:
Gasket - 12157-10010
Fill (24mm hex) - 90341-A0002
Drain (24mm hex, tall magnet): 90341-18040
Drain (24mm hex, short magnet): 90431-18057
Breather (Differential) - 90930-03129
Breather (Transfer case) - 90930-03133
Alternative drain plug (17mm hex, magnetic) - Cummins 3924147
Interior: Armrest [2001-2007 Highlander, 1999-2003 RX300] (Beefier and more padded! Definitely an upgrade! You can find them in the same colour too except for black) Front Headrest [2001-2007 Highlander] (Interchangeable between all models, 04-07 are more large and plush. The 04-07 ones also fold backward instead of forward, colour is same) Front seats [2001-2007 Highlander] (Bolts down perfectly, but you need to rewire the power and heating - side air bag still plugs in) Underseat subwoofer [1999-2003 RX300] (Will not fit the RX because of the change in carpet shape and the yaw rate sensor. Also, not compatible for space reasons due to the 07-09 having height adjustment seats) Illuminated Accessory Port [1999-2003 RX300, 2001-2007 Highlander] (Simple plug and play swap)
(Note: Our cars require min 17" rim up with stock brakes)
Wheel Specs (Stock)
Size: 17 x 6.5" OR 18 x 7" (Premium model)
Offset: 35mm
Bolt pattern: 5 x 114.3mm
Hub bore: 60.1mm
Tire Specs (Stock)
Size: 225/65R17 OR 235/55R18 (Premium)
Pressure: 32 psi
Load & Speed rating: 101S or 100V
1999-2003 RX300 16x6.5” rims (Will not clear front brake calipers) 2004-2009 RX330/350 17x6.5” rims
2004-2009 RX330/350 18x7” rims 2010-2015 RX350 19x7.5” rims 2008-2013 Highlander 19x7.5” rims (May not fit with stock single piston front calipers)
2008-2013 Highlander 17x7.5” rims (May not fit with stock single piston front calipers)
2014-2019 Highlander 19x7.5” rims (May not fit with stock single piston front calipers) 2020-2023 Highlander 20x8” rims(May not fit with stock single piston front calipers) 2016-2022 RX350 18x8” (30 offset) rims(Only 0.06” of thread engagement (vs stock 0.35") front & rear, extended wheel studs from 16+ RX or GR Corolla recommended - WILL NOT fit stock single piston calipers!) 2023- RX rims rims (Offset is 40 vs 35)
ARP 100-7715 wheel stud kit [2001-2005 IS300] (Fits perfectly on the front & rear, you will need 4 kits to do a whole car. Be careful as certain cheap aftermarket hub assemblies might not have conventional wheel studs - do note you need to keep the stock long nuts) Wheel stud 90942-02078 [2003-2007 Matrix AWD] (DO NOT try these! You will not be able to put your wheels back on tight due to the stud's shank extending past the rotor) Wheel stud 90942-02052 [Newer trucks, 2016-2022 RX] (46mm length, lets you run the newer RX rims, longest factory Toyota studs that fit our cars) Wheel stud 90942-02098 [GR Corolla] (49mm length stud vs. stock 41mm, lets you run the newer RX rims as well as fit a 10mm spacer as well - size limit before rear bearing has to come out to put longer)
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Braking: Goodridge 21550 stainless steel brake lines [1999-2003 RX300] (Worked on 2002 Highlander) Safebrake LEX-XU30.4W stainless steel brake lines [2004-2009 RX] (REALLY nice!) Frontbrakes "Highlander BBK"[2008-2019 Highlander, 2011-2020 Sienna, 2010-2021 RX350/450h, 2015-2021 NX200T/300] - 328x28mm rotors, 17" wheels minimum required (GREAT BRAKES), stock brake lines fit perfectly Rear brakes "Highlander BBK" [2008-2013 Highlander] - 309x10mm rotors Direct fit if you use 2008-2013 Highlander or 2009-2015 Venza rear backing plates Rear brakes "Highlander BBK" [2010-2015 RX350/450h, 2014-2019 Highlander, 2011-2020 Sienna] - Reuse the 2nd gen Highlander rear rotors with 3rd gen RX rear calipers and pads. This caliper is a little less beefy, and the pad is slightly shorter but taller. The benefit of this swap compared to the 2nd gen rear calipers is that the 3rd gens are way more common to find used in good in good condition, and pad choices are better as it's a highly used part. Stock lines still fit perfectly Frontbrakes [2002-2003 ES300, 2004-2006 ES330] - Can run smaller 296x28mm rotors & 16" wheels, but dual piston like 2nd gen brakes Frontbrakes[2020-2023 Highlander] - 340x28mm rotor, similar cast iron dual piston caliper to 2nd gen except takes different pads, uses M14 x 1.5 mounting bolts instead of M12 x 1.25, so knuckle may have to be drilled, unfortunately requires an 18" wheel Frontbrakes [2021-2023 Sienna, 2021-2023 RAV4 Prime, 2022+ Lexus NX] - 328x34mm rotor, similar cast iron dual piston caliper to 2nd gen except wider to accommodate a 6mm thicker rotor, takes same pads, uses M14 x 1.5 mounting bolts instead of M12 x 1.25, requires 17" wheel Front brakes [1993-1998 Supra] - Test fit by Lexus RX330 owner, fitment was unsuccessful Front brakes[2007-2023 IS350] - Test fit on 3rd gen Sienna, the calipers weren't possible to mount due to the clocking of the caliper, even with multiple custom bracket designs Front rotors [Supra TT] - Test done by RX330 owner with 3rd gen front calipers. Directional rotors. They had to be machined thinner to fit the calipers properly
Vented rear brakes [2006-2014 IS350 & 2010-2015 RX (EURO)] - 310x18mm rotors. Parking brake works perfectly and can be adjusted, hub fitment is identical to stock. You will need to either modify or use 2nd gen Highlander or Venza rear dust shields, the calipers require 2.5mm washers behind the mounting bolts to clear, and are based off of regular 2010-2015 RX ones. They share the same hardware & pads. Stock brake lines fit perfect - 17" wheels required to clear
Bleeder cap 31478-0R010 [RAV4, Camry, Matrix, Avalon] (A full-coverage bleeder screw cap for the front & rear calipers of our cars, works with the stock front & rear calipers, and the front 3rd gen RX calipers)
Bleeder cap 31478-48020[2008-2019 Highlander, 2010-2015 RX] (A full-coverage bleeder screw cap for the rear of 2nd gen Highlander calipers)
^ These two bleeder caps can be interchanged between the two calipers, however they have a more snug fit on their proper bleeder screw application
Torque:
Front brake caliper bolt: 77 ft lbs
Rear brake caliper bolt: 58 ft llbs
Front ABS sensor [2001-2003 Highlander, 2004-2007 Highlander] (01-03 ABS sensor works despite different construction, puts out same results on live data test and resistance test) Rear ABS sensor [2004-2007 Highlander] (Same part and number, despite some sites saying there's a difference) Trailer hitch [2004-2007 Highlander] (Fitment for 04-09 RX) Maruko SM70 snail horn (Better) [2002+ 4Runner, 2002+ SC, 2006+ IS, 2007+ LS, 2015+ RC, 1998+ GS], [SUBARU: 2007-2009 Forester[b]] Denso Powertone snail horn (Stock, easier to find)[2001+ Camry, 1997+ ES, 1999+ RX, 2014+ Highlander, 2009+ Venza, 2005+ Avalon, 2003+ Sienna, 2001+ Tacoma, 2000+ Tundra, 2004+ Solara, 2001+ Sequoia] Transmission mount [2004-2009 RX, 2001-2013 Highlander V6, 2004-2010 Sienna] Transmission mount [2010-2015 RX350/450h, 2014-2019 Highlander, 2007-2017 Camry, 2007-2018 Avalon, 2011-2020 Sienna, 2009-2016 Venza, 2007-2018 ES350/ES300h] (Fit perfect other than a minor modification, slightly different shape than original. Smooth shifts like new again. Required me to grind off the mounting tab on the top for fitment. Fits U140F and U151F as tested)
Cooling: Power steering cooler[2001-2007 Highlander, 2004-2009 RX non-400h] (3 ft of 3/8" power steering/transmission hose required) Fan shroud [2004-2010 Sienna] (Appears to be a direct fit, 2GR 07-10 Sienna one resembles the 2GR RX)
Illuminated cruise control switch (RAV4/Highlander/Sienna/Avalon)
1x 3v 0805 SMD or 3v 1206 SMD
Steering wheel:
3v 1206 SMD chips
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Disclaimer: I am not responsible or liable for any modifications you make to your car, whether it be the parts or the methods you use to install them! Perform these changes at your own risk. What fits my cars may not fit yours.
Thanks! After how loved the Highlander one was, I figured that it was long overdue for me to make an RX one. It's a lot simpler too without the mechanical differences of 01-03 and 04-07 Highlanders! Right now I still need to track down a lot of part numbers and torque specs but it's going good so far!
Excellent write-up MattRX. thanks for taking the time to put it together. I'm going to try the BBK setup for my 2009 RX350.
I have a question about the hardware needed to assemble the BBK. So I will source calipers from a wrecked Sienna and order rotors/pads from Rockauto. Can I reuse the bolts/slide pins from my 09 RX or do I need to get the hardware from the Sienna to mount the calipers?
Are there any other pieces of hardware that I'll need to pull off the wreck or order to complete the job, eg. shims, slide pin boots, bleeder screws etc...?
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to reuse any of the parts from the stock RX calipers except the stock caliper bolts which fit perfectly. The boots might have worked but I didn’t like how they were fitting so I got the ones that came with the newer style caliper.
Parts that are the same:
- Bleeder screw
- Caliper mount bolts
- Caliper banjo bolt & gasket
Just to confirm, I am OK to order 2008 Highlander - Calipers, brake lines, rotors and pads for all 4 corners of my 2009 RX350 AWD.
Whats your opinion of
POWER STOP K412936 Z36 Truck & Tow; Includes Drilled & Slotted Rotors, Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Pads from rockauto
Also I am ordering 4 x Raybestos calipers.
Thanks!
Edit:
How would you say I should go about it? I have no experience buying used parts. I would prefer original toyota parts even if used I just don't know where to look for them in Canada.
I have good mechanical skills but would like to stay away from modifying parts to fit. Prefer straight bolt on parts.
From your thread I gather that a 2008 Highlander calipers and rotors should fit without modifications to the backing plate.
Everything can come from the 2008 Highlander except the brake lines haven't been tested, the 2008 Highlander ones are 1" longer (due to higher ride height) and may not fit as well. The brake hoses are in the same spot on all the calipers so I just bought regular RX ones. You will also need to trim or bend your rear factory dust shields to fit the larger rotors. As for the Power Stop pads, I wasn't a fan of their cold bite and the incl shims rusted out pretty fast on my 2002 Highlander. They also dusted a lot and the performance was not too impressive. YMMV though and others have had good experiences with them. I like the Raybestos EHT I just put on. Cheaper than Akebono ProACT, better bite and almost half the price, plus all the smoothness and low-dust of the Akebonos.
As for rotors, I don't think slotted or especially drilled are worth it for a daily driver. The holes on cheaper drilled rotors are not cast, they are just drilled out so they are more susceptible to fracturing or cracking. Also, drilled rotors will just eat your pads quicker and produce more noise. We do have slotted rotors on our M3 though, but it's strictly a track car and they came with the Stoptech BBK. Supposed to help evacuate gas and brake pad dust to improve performance. @Felix has had great luck with his rotors and Hawk pads on his RX350. Those while more costly, should offer better performance than the Power Stops.
Edit:
Me and a few others I have known have had bad experiences with reman calipers so I try to get used OEM if I can. On my RX350, I got the front calipers from a 2017/2018 Sienna IIRC. You can also use the rear calipers from a 2018 Sienna as well, but these calipers are shared with the 2014-2019 Highlander so they require different pads than a 2008-2013 Highlander. The 2008-2013 rear calipers are slightly beefier, but they are a lot harder to find and generally more expensive for probably the same reason. My brakes were a direct fit on both of my cars because I changed the backing plates to 2008-2013 Highlander / 2009-2015 Venza ones. I can confirm the bigger rotor will not fit the stock 2004-2009 RX backing plate. However, the newer calipers are really nice and lightweight. They're aluminum and are easier to service because they don't have those annoying threaded sliding pins, they are like the front calipers.
So I will order brake lines for 2009 rx350
Rockauto only has 2008 highlander Raybestos "R-line" for the back, are those ok?
I will order the Raybestos-EHT for the front.
I dug into my parts number list and I think Raybestos does offer the EHT for a 2008-2013 Highlander rear too (EHT1325H) as I was planning on replacing my Highlander's Akebonos with them after they wore out (mine has the 2008-2013 F & R brakes). Maybe it's not showing up in the parts list but it is still in stock on Rockauto when I type it into the part search menu.
I found fancy Raybestos rotors:
RAYBESTOS980636 Specialty - Street Performance Disc - front
RAYBESTOS980631 Specialty - Truck Disc - rear
I will combine those with the:
RAYBESTOS EHT1324H Element3 Hybrid Technology; Includes Hardware - Front
RAYBESTOS EHT1325H Element3 Hybrid Technology; Includes Hardware - Rear
Is that a good plan?
I am trying to buy the best rotors I can, since my wife finds a way to warp them every year. Given I was buying the "premium" rotors and pads from the local parts store because I didnt know any better...
08-01-22 | 06:27 PM
2nd Gen RX Upgrade/Modification List, DIY Help & More
