Am I driving a ticking time bomb?

[Mark_BC]

I bought the pullers and did my own LBJ's like mtbtim showed, it was fun. Being in Florida you shouldn't have too much rust so it shouldn't be too hard. You could do one side per day.

I paid the local shop $150 to replace my radiator, I supplied them the new one from Denso. I just didn't have time and I wanted it done. Some things I do myself for the experience and fun and knowledge, other things I get the shop to do because my time is worth a lot to me.

 

[TheDurk]

For a Toyota dealer using oem parts, those are legit prices. Aftermarket parts of course would be cheaper.

Agree. Most outrageous is the rad, where full dealer list for the part is over $400. $163 is about right for one hour labor, plus coolant and incidentals. Gotta be crazy to do that one at a dealer.

$89 for an alignment is actually a decent price around here.

For the record, in seventeen years my rig has never been back there unless warranty was involved.

 

[shoota]

DO NOT have the dealership service an older 4Runner. For the alignment go to Firestone and pay $180 for the lifetime alignment. They will realign the truck for as long as you have it.

That's the second time I've heard this today so I will do just that, seems like a great deal!

Hey, OP, you got this!
Yes, these things are going to feel daunting as hell, but your confidence is going to shoot through the roof even after your first couple of minor DIY fixes. I'd be surprised if there isn't a T4R forum member close to you that wouldn't be willing to point you through some of these things in exchange for some pizza and beer.

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing a happy success story soon! Post pics too!

Thanks man! Funny you say that about finding someone local. I actually did! I found a super cool dude with an almost identical wrecked 4Runner and he switched out the rear hatch for me today, now I can open it! He also has a little something more in store for my 4Runner off the wrecked one but that will have to wait for a photo op

OP, please please please DO NOT pay those prices at the dealership.

Don't worry I won't (and can't). Hell that's 3/4 of what the thing is worth!

 

[shoota]

use this site to create an account and use your vin to see previous service that was performed at Toyota dealers.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site

The first two things I'd want to check on a new to me 4runner are the radiator and lower ball joints. If either have more than 100K miles replace with new OEM Toyota parts. For real just do this. I like to buy my OEM Toyota parts from Toyota of Dallas. Toyota of Dallas is usually cheaper than the local Toyota dealer.

Toyota Parts and Accessories - Genuine OEM at Wholesales Prices | Toyota of Dallas

OMG I love you. Found out the timing belt and water pump was done 90K ago. That just saved me a ton of money. Thank you.

 

[shoota]

I would definitely do the extended rear differential breather mod. With that many miles, it is very likely your breather is clogged which can lead to axle seal failure. The mod only costs like $20 and is cheap insurance for making sure your seals don't fail.

If the axle seals fail, it can be very expensive to fix.

I think that just happened last week. Took the rear wheel off and we noticed gear oil on the inside of the wheel