Recent content by rkjohns1

Awesome! As for me, I don't think I'll be getting the mod bug anytime soon. My rig is for commuting to work, hauling the kids/dogs around, and lugging my surfboards to the beach. I do have visions of short surf trips down to baja with the family, but that ain't happening for awhile (kids are...

Based on the maintenance records I have, the rear suspension was replaced during the recall (187k); both rear axle seals were replaced at 186k; and front rotors replaced at 125k. So things to keep an eye on - front suspension, sway bar bushings and end links, and the breather. Maintenance...

Yes, that's my goal, to avoid having another car payment until our '17 4Runner is paid off. The U-joints were replaced by the original owner at 139k miles - actually the dealership performed the work at no cost. Could that have been a recall issue? Regarding ball joints, is there a way to...

I use Emerald Auto Service Center in Vista. After having to re-insert my eyeballs after seeing Carlsbad Toyota's quotes to do the work, I looked for a small independent shop, where the prices are 50% less or more.

Hi all, in the past 18 months, I've had to repair/replace the following on my '98 2WD Limited, with 244k miles: Transmission (my fault) Rear main seal Power brake booster Master cylinder Power steering rack Engine valve cover gasket Resealed cam towers Spark plug seals Timing belt Drive belts...

Not fun, right? What happened to yours?

The original owner had transmission number 1 replaced at a dealership with a re-manufactured Toyota transmission at 136,657 miles. The torque converter disintegrated and the transmission fluid was burnt. The last transmission fluid change was about 4 years/22,575 miles ago. Is that odd?

The torque converter disintegrated and discharged FOD throughout the transmission. The fluid was burnt to a crisp. Again, user error.

Thank you for your reply. I'm probably the lemon in this situation. Looking back, there were some tell-tale symptoms and I should have been proactive in identifying the issue and taking care of it. How often should the transmission fluid be changed?

Hi all, my 98 RWD Limited needs another transmission, it's third in the life of the vehicle (242,285 miles). While I'm willing to pay the price to have it repaired, I'm wondering what other significant repairs lie ahead of me with this vehicle? Anything in particular that I should keep a...

Thanks jgue467 & dmauldin This is exactly what I thought when I was inspecting the leaks myself. I'll get those valve cover bolts tightened and see how it goes. Thank you for your help!

Back in May, I went to my Toyota dealership for routine maintenance (oil/filter change, rotate tires) and I was told that my engine valve cover gaskets were leaking oil (needs replacement, $792) and that my engine oil pan is leaking oil (need to remove/reseal, $503.00). I thought this was odd...

Temporary Solution I've been having issues with my moonroof retracting/tilting on my '98 4Runner. It will retract/tilt up just fine, but more often than not it will not close. I hear a click when I press the button, but no movement. I did try a simple solution that I found while doing some...