Oil Filter

[studlee]

i read in the forums somewhere what you can use a 04or 05 v8 4runner oil filter. can someone confirm this? where else can u get the cabin filter and air filter from other than the dealer?

thanks

[Jim_Chow]

I believe the oil filters from the tundra/sequoia/4runner all will fit the GX since the engine is the same. In fact, I run the landcruiser/LX470 oil filter, which is made by Denso in Japan, in an old 4runner.

The parts guy at American Toyota in Albuquerque, who's a cruiser buff, told me the media inside the Japanese-made Denso filter is superior (resin core) to the cheaper filter that comes in Tundras/Sequoias (and probably 4Runners). The list price is like $15 vs $5 (these were Toyota USA prices, not Lexus prices; so you really do get better quality parts in Lexus and the top-line Toyota [landcruiser] vehicles :) ). It's really using the Denso filter that Toyota based their 7.5K mile oil change intervals on, so I hear. The Denso filter also has a pre-lubed gasket (has a piece of plastic protecting it, gasket is red color). The bad news is, Toyota USA no longer stocks the Denso filter, but I believe you can still buy through through Lexus. :) A number of 4x4 toyota guys (including myself) have stocked up on the good Denso filters before they were discontinued. You can still buy them in Japan, but they cost 2000 yen ($18) each. The replacement filter (looks the same from the outside, but no pre-lubed gasket) is made in Thailand. If you plan to keep the vehicle for a while, the best thing you can do is to run the Denso filter and a top-quality synthetic oil (like Mobil 1 0w40 [ACEA-3 appproved and factory fill for Benz/BMW while Mobil 1 5w30/10w30/15w40 is only ACEA-1 approved for GM]), Mobil 1 Delvac 5w40).

In fact, some toyota dealers will work on common Lexus vehicles (LX450/470, etc.), while others refuse to. In Japan, the GX470 is the Landcruiser Prado w/ a slightly different front fender/grill, 4Runner is the hilux surf (built in the same Tahara factory), LX470 is the Landcruiser "Cygnus" (higher-grade LC), Landcruiser is the "Landcruiser 100." Also, overseas, the Prado/Surf are only available w/ the 3.4L 180 hp V6 engine (found in the previous 4runner), 2.7L 150 hp 4-cylinder, or the 3.0L 180hp turbo diesel...the V8 is a North America-only thing in the prado/surf platform.

[dchan865]

I haven't check to see if this is the first topic about oil filter. Now that this issue comes up, has anyone done a DIY oil change yet? I only have about 3K so I don't see myself changing it at about 10K after my complimentary oil change.

When the time comes, I wonder if I should rely on the oil filter Quality Tuneup uses. I typically take my other cars to this franchise shop so I am wondering if I should be concern and bring my own filter. Now I am leaning toward not to bring it since I always change my oil about 4-5K miles(mainly freeway), so maybe a more superior filter may not be worth the money .

What you folks think?

[Jim_Chow]

If you must go w/ a 3rd party filter, a number of guys on the LC forum use Mobil 1 and Amsoil filters. The preferred is the Japanese-made Denso filter. A number of the LC guys have stockpiled these. Oil filters vary in quality/price from like $1.50 (cheapo Lee) to $15 for the Denso. It's like cars vary in quality from a KIA to Lexus...you get what you pay for :)

[dchan865]

Excellent point, Jim.

Thanks!

[msmith]

Changed oil on my 05GX this Sunday with Mobil 1 and KN Filter. Getting the "skid plate" off to get to the drain plug was easy.

But who has a suggestions as to how to best access the filter, from the top and snake it out, or take off an additional protection plate and access from the bottom?