The mechanic just called and said the differential needs replacement. He quoted $1300 for this, and $620 for shocks all around. Does this sound accurate?

It's a 2000 4x4 SR5 Auto with almost 170k on the clock.

Is it the entire differential being replaced with a salvaged one? If so then this sounds about right assuming you do not have the rear diff lock. A used rear with the diff lock alone is over a $1000. What is the parts cost for shocks? $640 all around is too much imo. Also, what is the reason for the diff replacement?

Sounds excessive. Can't you put in an ARB locker for about that price?

Also the shock prices sound outrageous. You can get a whole OME lift kit for that price, shocks and springs.

New gears $185 average, Set-up kit (bearings and seals $110 average) that is 300 in parts so he wants 1000 in labor. On Marlincrawler or Inchworm you can order a complete 3rd member with ARB in whatever gear ratio for $1495.00 or complete Open differential for $700. Install is not that hard since it is a removable 3rd. The shock price if it includes labor is in the ball park for average Monroe or KYB shocks. 50 ea per rear (100) and about 75-100 ea front (150-200) and 320 labor.

When I first got my 01 sr5 I bought 4 bilstein shocks online for $160 I think and a mechanic charged me $60 to put them on. My 4Runner is in the shop now for a 100,000 mile check up. I needed a new cat back exhaust (rust) and I also used epoxy to patch the rear differential housing because it had a pin hole leak from rusting through. I don't know how long that will last. Leak in the radiator too and the front brake pads finally went. I've also had to replace the rear bumper with an after market because of...RUST. Yeah, I live in Ohio and the car is 8 years old but the amount of rust shocks me. There's an article in yahoo today saying "WASHINGTON – Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 110,000 Tundra trucks from the 2000-2003 model years to address excessive rust on the vehicle's frame."

I know the 4Runner is more of a Tacoma but still....

Yeah that sounds like WAY too much!! When he says differential I am sure it is something in the third member only. You can buy open, used thirds for as low as 80 bucks. Of course they have to match your gearing, but they are out there and it is super easy to replace yourself. As far as shocks you can get some good ones like Fox or I saw some SAWs recently for 300 bucks and you can rebuild those if they ever go bad. Replacing the rears is a breeze, but the fronts are a pain in the arse. Don't let this guy steal your money, time to upgrade!!!

The details on the estimate are:

2x KG9025 shock absorber - $224
2x KG54317 shock absorber - $137
Shock install labor: $260

Differential (from salvage vehicle) - $950
3qt gear Oil - $20
Diff install labor - $260

The $950 sounds a little excessive considering I don't have a locker.

Aren't shocks something I can order online and have any shop put in?

Do you know what gear ratio you have? Yes teh 950 for a 3rd member from a salvaged vehicle is excessive. Originator of Rock Crawling (since 1994) | Marlin Crawler, Inc. or Inchworm Gear - Toyota Rockcrawling Equipment Randy's Ring & Pinion. The Differential Experts. Auto Parts & Services. all three of those sell complete NEW 3rd members not used for less then what you are being quoted for a used salvage one.

You can get a complete set of new Tokico ( OEM Upgrade shocks) for $235 shipped.TOKICO SHOCKS TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD 96 - 02:eBay Motors (item 400086085036 end time Nov-27-09 11:46:42 PST)
$100 give or take for install
If you call around to local salvage yards or even check craigs list in you area, you should be able the get a used diff for $250 or less and maybe another $100 give or take to install. Which brings you total to ruffly $700. I just saved you $1200!!

i paid $225 shipped, get one off a wrecked one. it took about 2.5 hours to install, start to finish.

Have a 1997 4Runner and been quoted replacement costs at $2500.00 - parts and labor. Seems quite steep to me. This will be new, not a re-build. Am I going to get ripped off here?

My previous 4Runner (98) had the diff go out and the prior owner had a Detroit (Eaton) TrueTrac put in, I'm assuming because it was cheaper than the Toyota diff. I think they're about $450, but you get LSD. With labor and setup, I'd guess you could get it done by a shop for probably $800-1000. Aussie lockers are cheaper but not as good for daily drivers. (When I bought the 2002, I swapped them before I sold the 98.)

What's being replaced? Just the ring and pinion?

There's no way in heaven or hell it's $2,500 for just ring and pinion.


......Right? That sounds too high if that was the only job on it.

I would really hope that that's front, rear, and a locker.