PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

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There is a slight chance I might back out of the deal with Thompson Toyota. I have had my own conspiracy theories since I got the estimate, and my dad and I have unanimously agreed to go to the dealer on Monday morning and make absolutely sure that we can get this quote in writing. One of my conspiracy theories is that when all is said and done, they will charge the full price and it will either end up in court and my truck will sit for months while it is litigated, or we will end up having to sign the title over to settle the debt (because go figure, my truck is worth pretty much what the dealer would normally charge for a head gasket replacement).

My dad and I are both wondering where a service writer gets the authority to cut the cost of a $10,000 job in half; I have a slight feeling that I could have gotten them even lower, and the guy at the dealer is quoting an original price of ten grand to make it seem like I'm getting a better deal than I actually am. If it ends up exceeding five grand, but I still get a loaner and my truck back in less than a week, I'd still say that's a damn good deal. If he stutters or can't officially put it in writing, the truck is going to Pete for head gasket replacement like originally planned.

 

$10k is new engine price.
Maybe that’s how he cut the price. Jeez.

Seriously though, if you think Pete your mechanic is more trustworthy, go with him.
I personally am a trusting person, once I’ve decided I am not doing the job, I turn it over to the guy that can and trust they do me right.

But then again, the majority of the time. If I have someone else do work for me.
It’s because I can’t do it myself. So, I’m at their mercy anyways. I had them the keys and hope for the best, and don’t worry about it.

 

I would just rather be without my truck for four days and have a loaner vehicle, than be without it for up to ten days and not have a loaner...

 

I understand that.
However, I’d rather be with out a truck for 10 days than broke down in a week and out $$$.
I don’t expect that to happen, not matter who you choose to repair the

However, I’d specifically ask them what their plan is if the head is warped?
Because, it can get EXPENSIVE fast, if that is the case.
I don’t even know if Toyota will mill a head, they might only install a new?
And then, the new head might be bare, so then you have the labor of that too.

Ask questions, lots of questions.

 

Also, my mechanic said he could put a low-mileage engine from a totaled truck in mine for a little over $7K...

 

I don’t know what to tell you buddy.

I would definitely inquire about the “worst case” price. Cylinder head warped.
I don’t know what it cost to have one milled, but you can get a new one with cams and valves for about $750. This is where it “might” be better to go with Pete. That’s why I’d ask about the dealerships policy.
I’d hate to have truck pulled apart and THEN be hit with a big bill to fix it. I’d hate to see Toyota’s price for a NEW head.

I’m not at all trying to talk you out of using the dealership.
I’m just trying to be honest. And the truth is, you don’t know the condition of the head until it’s off the engine.

If I knew for a fact the head was good, I’d say choose the dealership to do the install.
But, if it’s bad, Pete might be cheaper? Because then, you’re not work at Plan A prices.
You’re on to Plan B. A new head or having your head milled.

We just don’t know.

I think you and your father should talk it over, and go with the one you feel most comfortable with.

 

Just go with whatever will give you peace of mind.

 

I might have a couple Ohio plates laying around if you collect them.

 

That’s the truth.

When I asked my Grandfather “Why he bought the vacant lot next to his house for 3x what it was worth”. His answer was, “There isn’t a price for peace of mind”. “and I don’t want some SOB next to me giving me problems.

He had a good point.

 

Crap I guess I'm out of the know when it comes to mechanics prices. I'd find a used engine and swap it in during a weekend. Being 2wd it's even easier, I bet you could get a used engine for 3-4k. Add in maybe another $500 for fluids/misc tops. Even $7k seems like a wildly high price to swap in a used engine.

 

I don't know shit about doing an engine swap, and that price reflects the cost of used engines more than my mechanic's price to install one.

 

there isn’t anything to it, it’s just a like for like change. Bag and tag the bolts and take pictures of the connectors.

 

I also don't have the resources to do an engine swap, and I really don't want to put an engine in my truck that I don't know the history of. Last September, my mechanic found an engine from a totaled truck with like 50K miles, and they wanted $5,400 for just the engine.

 

I guess engine prices are that high too, freakin crazy.

 

You can get a new engine for less than that from a place out in Colorado.
But let’s not go that far yet. You’re engine might be just fine

 

And for the curious.
https://www.toyotatruckengine.com/t...-engine-2tr-fe-brand-new-engine-2t-fe-engine/

 

I've been to that exact site, and a trusted friend says it's not OEM...

 

Probably not since it comes with the balance shaft delete.
Of course, like any big purchase, I’d my research and make a phone calls before I bought one.

To be honest, I’d probably tackle the head myself.
I feel comfortable enough to give it a shot on the 2TR.

Can’t say I’d do the same for the 4.0.
More stuff in the way and remove.

 

I’m sure there are plenty of clapped out shit boxes with good engines up here. Just need to do some research and have patience to find one with a good heart.