ground clearance Lexus GX470 2004 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2004 GX470 FROM NOV. 2003 THROUGH DEC. 2003 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A74U)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
v
On-pavement and off-road driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from an ordinary passenger car because it is designed for
off-road use also. In addition, this vehicle has a higher ground
clearance and center of gravity than that of an ordinary
passenger car. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, accidents or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. Be sure to read
Off-road vehicle precautionsº on page 430 and Off-road
driving precautionsº on page 435.

DRIVING TIPS
430
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to
the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design
feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles. An advantage
of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems. It is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to minimize
the risk of serious personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all
possible. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make
the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate
this vehicle correctly.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of
its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is
more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have
better control.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
479
6. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise
it high enough so that the spare tire can be
installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground
clearance when putting on the spare tire than when
removing the flat tire.
To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle extension
into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise
with the handle, making sure the handle remains firmly
fitted onto the jack handle extension. As the jack
touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double-check
that it is properly positioned.
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle
is supported by the jack alone.
7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.
Roll the spare wheel into position and align the holes
in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel
and get at least the top bolt started through its hole.
Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.

CHASSIS
572
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size
and construction, and the same or greater load
capacity as the originally installed tires. Also, all
the tires must be the same brand and have the
same tread patterns.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously
affect handling, ride, speedometer/odometer
calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between
the body and tires or snow chains.
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is
greater than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle,
whichever is greater. As for the maximum load of
the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire
inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire,
and as for the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR),
see the Certification Label. For details about
Certification Label and sidewall of the tire, see pages
522 and 561.CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise,
an accident may occur resulting in death or
serious injuries.
Do not mix radial, bias belted, or bias-ply tires
on your vehicle, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of
control.
Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause
dangerous handling characteristics resulting
in loss of control.
Do not use tires of different brands, sizes,
construction or tread patterns, as this may
cause dangerous handling characteristics
resulting in loss of control.

CHASSIS
577
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
Do not use wheels of different brands, sizes and
types, as this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of control.