'94 4Runner Tie Rod Ends Replacement

[Dylan]

1994 4Runner SR5 V6

To keep it short, the right side inner and outer tie rod ends are frozen and need to be replaced. I called around to 3 Toyota dealerships to get estimates on costs and they range from $370-$700 depending on just replacing the one side or replacing both (as one service tech "recommended"). The problem was found when I was at a Honda dealership for a complimentary non-Honda alignment. So a Toyota tech has not actually looked at the problem 1st hand yet...

I'm not a mechanic, but I am very capable of doing certain repairs on my own. I am wondering if this is a task that I could tackle on my own, with proper tools. I understand that an alignment is suggested afterward for obvious reasons, and I would go to a certified mechanic for this. Bottom line, I'm young and can't afford a large cost (esp. if it's in the $700 range).

Also, I recall a tech saying something about the sway bar coming into question with this kind of service. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice.

 

[fourwd1]

Do you have any steering problems?
I'd get a second opinion first, that's an awful lot to be all frozen at once.

If you have some know-how, tools, and a pickle fork you can do it your self.
Measure the overall length of your TR's before so you can get it close when you install the new ones, and alignment will be close.

 

[Dylan]

The steering problems are minor. After an alignment check it appears the Toe on both front wheels are off, left at approx. +.25* and the right at -.68*...the only effect I see is that to drive straight the steering wheel is turned a little...although I understand in the long run uneven tire wear will result.

 

[Dylan]

After a second opinion from Toyota, the tie rods are in fact frozen. The parts department quoted a fully assembled inner end, sleeve, and outer end at $134 each side. Am I wrong, or can I find a much better price on the internet. Just in searching on some sites (Rock Auto, etc.) I see that the sleeves run anywhere between $5-$12 and the tie rod ends are about $15-20...I'm not missing anything here, am I?

 

[4runner_kid]

After a second opinion from Toyota, the tie rods are in fact frozen. The parts department quoted a fully assembled inner end, sleeve, and outer end at $134 each side. Am I wrong, or can I find a much better price on the internet. Just in searching on some sites (Rock Auto, etc.) I see that the sleeves run anywhere between $5-$12 and the tie rod ends are about $15-20...I'm not missing anything here, am I?

It's NEVER cheap to buy from a Stealership, i mean dealership. This is something you can do yourself then going and getting an alingment done.

 

[Dylan]

Before and after pics. They really were rusted frozen. I think I spent a total of about $50 all together...would've been about $500 with the jabronies at the stealership :flipoff:

 

[Soulprogression108]

How tough was this job? Also where did you get parts? I’m trying to locate a jack and stands but may have to use my little bottle jack and some blocks of wood beam I have laying around.

I can’t afford the 5-700$ shops have quoted me.

They wouldn’t do an alignment after new tires because there is play in the outer tie rods. Mine are pretty rusty. Hawaii living so I just wanna replace the whole thing.