Forgive me, please, if this isn't the best place for this thread. Move it if its not the right place. I just had to say something about an experience I just had by a local yota guy where I live.
I'm not much of a do-it-yourself guy and I'm not good at diagnosing problems on my t4r. So I took it down to Gary at Mudrak in Sonoma, CA. He's about an hour from SF. When you drive in, your surrounded by about 40+ toyotas, mostly old FJ's. But when I called him, he was more than ready to examine my 4runner.
He specializes in building the best offroad machines out of old landcruisers primarily, but he really knows all there is to know about all toyota trucks. He was able to identify all my problems and educate me more on other stuff regarding the best I can take care of my truck. All in all, he loves what he does, and has a very high standard of work that is keenly reflected in the trucks that leave his shop. People ship their trucks from all over the world for him. I know I would. (If I had money)
That shop's always pumping, and he'll always take your rig and give it a tuneup and lookover for a reasonable price.
Anyway, if you're in SF Bay Area, I'd without a doubt tell you to at least say hi to Gary at Mudraks in Sonoma! Seein all the old toyotas there in such good condition is a treat in itself.

Sounds like the kind of mechanic we all wish we had in our neighborhood! You lucky dog.