This is the thread to post your favorite local 4Runner friendly shops. Recommendations can include customs shops and/or maintenance shops.
A good example would include the shop location, contact information, and review of your visit(s). Pictures are a plus!
If you're in the Orange County area and you need mechanical work, look no further:
Japanese Car Specialties - (949) 583-0811
25672 Taladro Circle, Unit H
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
The owner of this shop, John, is a Toyota guru with 30 years experience. 4Runners are a daily presence at this shop, plus he owns/has owned several. John is a master of the art, an honest mechanic who explains his work in great detail and solely uses only OEM or better quality parts. In addition, he makes sure every nut, bolt, and clip is removed and reinstalled carefully. The prices are fair and the parts he uses are top notch. Rest assured, if John performs a job, he does it right.
His shop contains a vast variety of 4Runner parts and custom tools specifically tailored to Toyota trucks and 4Runners. I wouldn't doubt that he could build a 22RE or 5VZ with his eyes closed.
He can diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues, perform clutch jobs, engine work of any kind, manual transmission rebuilds, transfer cases, suspension, lockers and gears for your diffs, axle seals, air conditioning, interior, you name it.
His wife, Wendy, sets the appointments, so be sure to tell her that James from the 4Runner forum told you to call. They'll treat you right.
Some of his Toyotas:
1985 Toyota Pickup Xtra Cab - Converted to a 22RTE Turbo, Auto to R151F 5-speed swap. It's got loads of custom goodies such as electronic cruise control adapted from a 3rd gen and a custom 28 gallon aluminum fuel tank.
1997 4Runner SR5 4x4 - TRD supercharged, E-Locker retrofit, ARB front locker, and armored. The mod list is very long.
A common sight at the shop
A 96 SR5 and a 98 Limited
96 4R, 1987 4Runner with a fresh John-built 22RE plus an AC service, 97 4R, and another 96 4R, plus an 80 series
Land Cruisers are a common sight as well
3.0 2nd gen in for head gaskets. Alongside is my 99 4runner while installing front axles.
Johns 97 4Runner and my 94 Supra
84 300zx - completely rebuilt by John. My 87 4Runner turbo, which John has worked on. Blue 96 4Runner now belonging to michaeljtomey, which John rebuilt the 5VZ. John's 85 SFA turbo pickup w/ R151F trans.
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