At the dealership for an oil change and they told me my drive belt is cracking heavily and needs to be replaced immediately.
How much should this cost? they are charging $168, is that a good price?

Thanks

Drive belt or accessory belt? V6 has a chain and the V8 has a belt. $168 for the accessory belt is robbery (IMHO).

i should add, i have an 03 v8 limited with just under 87k miles

drive belt

I just paid 120 or 130 at my dealership for that.

\

Dayco Poly-Rib Belt at Advance Auto Part cost $24.95. I used a $10 off $25 coupon code found online last week to save some cash. Just add a filler so you can use the coupon. Install is a 10-15 minutes job. It's much easier if you can get someone to hold the tensioner while you route the belt.

I guess that's still not bad. The drive belt for my Jetta was $600 and a major PITA!

You can get the part from advance auto and rent the serpentine belt tool for free just by leaving a deposit. On my 05 V6 its pretty easy and less than 30 minutes. Just make sure you put the belt on exactly as listed in the book.

Isn't it just a matter of turning the tensioner to give some slack and pulling off the belt on the V8? (or V6 for that matter). Is it that much of a PITA to get the belt re-routed on?
I've always used a piece of pipe on a rachet to release the belt.
Haven't had to do the 4runner yet, but it does look pretty tight in there.

EDIT: Whats a serpentine belt tool?

The serp belt tool is basically a rachet with a long arm that uses the pipe leverage technique that we are use to. You could technically use a pipe as well. The V6 has a ridge on the oil filter holder that holds the serp tool in place while you work. (not sure on the V8) Advance auto and Autozone have the tool rental, basically you buy the tool and return it when you are done for the refund.

It is a little tight in there and I personally get scratched up a little. I find that removing the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing will get a little more wiggle room. Just follow the diagram and do not let the serp tool or pipe release when you are working, so secure it well. This is surely a DIY project for most and a big money saver for all, I change mine every 30K.