2008 T4R v4 repair feedback

[leo]

Hi, I have about 100k miles on my 2008 6c LTD 4Runner. I went to do standard brake pad replacements (and a seized caliper) and the shop (dealer - they had a good coupon for the brake pad work) is telling me I need the following...

I'm looking for feedback on the pricing they offer, and feedback on legitimacy of my needing them at 100k or needing them at all even if issues are present (while in general I don't trust dealer service shops, this one seems legit and from looking under the vehicle I think it might be legit) - I've limited :

1) Axle Replace - My front boots are leaking, it's visually evident... shop says it's cheaper to replace the entire axle vs. only doing the boots (labor considered)... $965.

2) Lower Control Arm - My ball joins are leaking (visually evident) and my bolts are seized so they recommend replacing both lower control arms... $2100.

3) Front Shock Absorber Replace - Mine are clearly leaking, they want to sell me KDDS/Bilstein replacements for $1900... I imagine I could have them reconditioned for less but what's the advice here?

- - -

In addition, I think at 90-100k (most all pavement and most of it highway driving) the following should be done ignoring need, or no?:

- Replace plugs
- Flush coolant
- Service differential fuid
- Service transmission fluid
- Flush brake lines/fluid?
- Replace power steering fluid?

Thanks everyone!

 

[ArthurKotb]

The Toyota certified shop I use is a very trusted shop by many people. I have trusted them over the local dealership for years and years. They are even certified to do warranty work and worked only on Toyotas. Now they will work on a few other brands.

I had the CV axle replaced on the left side in 2023. At that time they told me the same thing, that it's easier just to replace the axle ($445). The CV boot started leaking in 2025 and the shop replaced it again, no cost to me.

No control arms replaced

My shocks are the X-REAS that came on it in 2003 and I've never had a problem with them. They give me excellent control when towing my 17' Ranger bass boat or my 23' Airstream travel trailer. I have seen some posts in this forum about replacing them with Bilstein. You might search for those posts and ask in the thread about the cost.

- Replace plugs - Replaced at 100K and will be replacing at 160K this spring
- Flush coolant - They flushed when they replaced the timing belt, water pump, etc.
- Service differential fuid - Replaced at 146K because I pull the travel trailer (also the transfer case) $1141 for all 3 of these
- Service transmission fluid - Replaced at 146K because I pull the travel trailer
- Flush brake lines/fluid? - I flush my own perodically, maybe ever 8 or 9 years
- Replace power steering fluid? - The pump developed a leak and they replaced the hose and fluid at 140K

I suggest you check some local shops' reviews on Google and other areas. Find a good one or two and get estimates for all these repairs.

 

[leo]

The Toyota certified shop I use is a very trusted shop by many people. I have trusted them over the local dealership for years and years. They are even certified to do warranty work and worked only on Toyotas. Now they will work on a few other brands.

I had the CV axle replaced on the left side in 2023. At that time they told me the same thing, that it's easier just to replace the axle ($445). The CV boot started leaking in 2025 and the shop replaced it again, no cost to me.

No control arms replaced

My shocks are the X-REAS that came on it in 2003 and I've never had a problem with them. They give me excellent control when towing my 17' Ranger bass boat or my 23' Airstream travel trailer. I have seen some posts in this forum about replacing them with Bilstein. You might search for those posts and ask in the thread about the cost.

- Replace plugs - Replaced at 100K and will be replacing at 160K this spring
- Flush coolant - They flushed when they replaced the timing belt, water pump, etc.
- Service differential fuid - Replaced at 146K because I pull the travel trailer (also the transfer case) $1141 for all 3 of these
- Service transmission fluid - Replaced at 146K because I pull the travel trailer
- Flush brake lines/fluid? - I flush my own perodically, maybe ever 8 or 9 years
- Replace power steering fluid? - The pump developed a leak and they replaced the hose and fluid at 140K

I suggest you check some local shops' reviews on Google and other areas. Find a good one or two and get estimates for all these repairs.

Thanks. Sounds like you did a water pump and timing belt replacement - was that due to some issue, or a proactive/standard maintenance?

 

[ArthurKotb]

The shop did the timing belt and it's all there together so it's advised that the other things are replaced as well. I have a gen 4, 2004 with the V8. The timing belt is a 90K mile maintenance item. The engine is an interference engine and if the belt breaks it will pretty much destroy the engine. It's coming up again this year or next...and it's expensive

 

[leo]

The shop did the timing belt and it's all there together so it's advised that the other things are replaced as well. I have a gen 4, 2004 with the V8. The timing belt is a 90K mile maintenance item. The engine is an interference engine and if the belt breaks it will pretty much destroy the engine. It's coming up again this year or next...and it's expensive

Oh, now remembering why I never did a timing belt - I have a timing chain. Thx!

 

[IVD4R]

Lol, right.