Help! Toyota quoted $5K for repairs!

[RonJR]

You can also use this method.
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

In my mind it's safer than a spring compressor. I'll trust my 3 ton floor jack over a rented spring compressor any day.

 

[nicheel8]

You can also use this method.
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

In my mind it's safer than a spring compressor. I'll trust my 3 ton floor jack over a rented spring compressor any day.

I second this method. Here are some youtube videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6u7dC7EHg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo0FJSi-KYs

Also recommend the following.

Front strut mounts - I purchased KYB from AutoZone for $32 ea. Don't know about your area but no one had them in stock. If you don't use them, just take them back.

Front Shock lower bolt/nut. I stripped mine pounding them out. Home Depot carries Grade 8 bolts. maybe $6 total

 

[wc11]

Drive shaft ??
And how does a "wobbly" rear end, the trucks , result in a front door lock ass'y replacement?

 

[Erkelbot]

you can always pay a shop 50 bucks for them to do it for you if op doesn't feel comfortable.

Yes, key thing is why are they quoting you for upper and lower arms without telling you why.

also 7 hours for anything in the rear is very excessive...

I don't think a shop will jump for joy over $50 for the install of the 5100s -- just sayin. The compressor work is kind of like working on a spring for a garage door. Lots of load, and can be dangerous if something doesn't go well. I had a friend that did mine at his shop, and it took him a good ~2hrs. Friend rate: $200. Regular shops were quoting me between $600-$1000 for the labor for the swap. I think $400 is probably on the lower end of the spectrum.

And, yes, why the CAs?... I cannot imagine they went bad and need replacing.

OP, keep in mind this is an 10+ year old 4runner with some ticks on the odometer. keep it lean and mean when it comes to repairs. Cheap is your friend.

 

[RonJR]

I think he's talking about $50 (each?) for bringing in the assembled old strut and having the shop disassemble it on the bench using their strut compressor and reassembling with the new shocks and springs. Actual removal and install in the vehicle would be done by the owner.

Actually, since the OP is replacing both springs and shocks, he doesn't need the shop to disassemble the old strut, just put the new parts together.

I think I would pay a shop $50 before I used a spring compressor. Those springs are about 700 lbs/in, and you have to compress them a good 2 inches to assemble the strut. That's a lot of stored energy right in front of your hands and face. That's why I like the "no spring compressor" method. The spring is securely captured around the shock and seated in the spring perches before you start compressing it, so it can't go anywhere. Then you have all the power of your floor jack to compress it while you're safely out of the way on the other end of the jack handle.

 

[CXS]

I think I would pay a shop $50 before I used a spring compressor. Those springs are about 700 lbs/in, and you have to compress them a good 2 inches to assemble the strut.

I agree 100% after having an auto parts loaner compressor fail when compressing mine - that sucker shot across the garage. Fortunately the two of us happened to be missed. I now pay to have it done.

 

[Propaganda]

Is the Toyota Dealership a good spot to get an alignment? My options are Toyota Shop or Les Schwab.

 

[rcebowl]

I went though similar parts showing problems. NAPA is a great place to get manufactured half shalfs (axles). The biggest tip I could give you is ONLY get the OE re-manufactured ones. I had to replace both of my axles, the first NAPA auto parts I went too had one OE and one from Cardane (or other aftermarket company). I ended up having to go to 3 different NAPAs to make sure that I got OE ones.

There's a couple links on the web that show you the difference.. it's super easy to spot out.

I also had to replace my lower control arms. I got Moog, which are reviewed well. The only concern I had was I got both however I didnt know until it was too late that Moog had updated their control arm and the newest model has a nipple for you to lube the bushing. So I got one newer one and one older one.. which bugs me.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Is the Toyota Dealership a good spot to get an alignment? My options are Toyota Shop or Les Schwab.

After that quote to fix a wobbly rear end, I'd be afraid to go back to THAT Toyota dealer. However, if they cannot align a 4Runner, I'd be worried.

I think there's also a Sears in Twin Falls, isn't there? May be worth seeing if they have their Lifetime alignment on sale right now.

 

[HOJeepster]

Hi guys, I've got a 2005 Toyota 4runner Sport V8 150K miles with the XREAS system. My wife complained that the rear end of the car felt loose or wobbly. So I decided to take it into Toyota to diagnose. Attached below is what they quoted me, $5,067!:toilet:! Any advice on what I should do and replace and how difficult it would be would be great! My biggest concern is ordering the right aftermarket part, unless I should be ordering all Toyota OEM.

I did some research and found that I can order Bilstein 5100 and FJ cruiser springs to remove the XREAS system (I just ordered this). However I'm unsure of the control arms and axle parts. I can't seem to cross reference the parts number besides putting the part # into rockauto which is returning nothing. Can I replace just the lateral links (which I think is the problem) or do I need to replace the control arm also?

Why in the world are you going to a dealership out of warranty and with 150k miles? Find a smaller shop that specializes in Toyotas, you can easily shave half that off your bill.