Shop/Repair Quote

Wish I could say good afternoon,

this morning I brought in my truck to a local off road shop because I noticed one of the rear wheels sticking out further than the other. Much to my surprise, the shop had found some other issues. Is anyone familiar with these and if so, does this seem read for what it needs? I had no idea it had this many issues. A few months ago I bought the truck, had it inspected, and according to the Toyota dealership it was in great shape. A few months later and this happens? I get things can break, but how does all this happen at the same time? The truck only has 80,000! Also, in the notes they mentioned how during an alignment, whoever aligned it broke some parts. And just last week I had to replace a tire because I ran over two nails. So far, my experience with this Tacoma has been terrible. I want to love the truck but it’s not giving itself many chances.

 

Did you buy the truck CPO? If so it should have a warranty with it.
Take it back to the dealership and bring the quote with you.

 

Unfortunately I did not. After buying the truck, I had an agreement with the seller that if there was anything wrong with it then he would cover that. After having a full service done and inspection at the Toyota dealer, they didn’t find any issues. I’m bringing it to another shop for a second opinion.

 

Take it back to that Toyota dealer and have them verify the estimate and explain how things were missed.

Then, go back to the seller.

Anyone can abuse their vehicle. My guess is that you’re having a bad experience with the seller, not necessarily the Tacoma.

Let us know what the dealer and the seller say.

 

I disdain using the Lord's name in vain, but Jesus H Christ. (Lord, forgive me)
Kindly have your head examined before you just agree to all that work. Questions I would ask that shop.

* Why are you suggesting I replace all my very expensive Driver Side front suspension components? Driver Side Upper Control Arm? Driver side CV axle? Driver side Ball joint? ECGS bushing? Please be specific and will you show me with the truck racked on a lift? That being said, you need to be honest. Did you tweak your D-side front sus by driving over a curb or anything recently?

* Why are you suggesting the bed be removed and "re-aligned"? Please be specific and will you show me how it is misaligned?

* Why are you suggesting my entire rear end be disassembled and re-built? Show me why.
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My comments and suggestions:
1) ASK THOSE QUESTIONS. My gut instinct is they are taking you for a mark. That you had your truck serviced recently at a Toyota dealer and they did not suggest any of this is a BIG RED FLAG.

2) Get your keys and flee that 4WD shop immediately. Optional bonus points for waving the middle finger as you depart depending on their reaction and behavior. Extra bonus points for calling out any obvious fraud and naming names on social media.

2) Take it to a GOOD alignment shop and get an alignment. Be sure to point out the tire you replaced. In general, it is HIGHLY recommended whenever you have to replace a tire that you also replace the opposite one on the other side. Modern cars & trucks need perfectly matched tires (wheels) on each axle. I would bet a dollar to a donut that is your simple issue

HTH and BEST WISHES

BCF

 

Get a second opinion. Or even a third. I watch my father-in-law law get ripped off all the time from shops. Unfortunately he is obviously to it, even when you show him.

 

We don't have enough information.
I want to know why we are installing Timbrens?
Was that your idea? The shops?

The other things "could" be bad.

The rear axle can leak diff fluid, usually on the drivers side, you need to pull the axle to replace the seal.
There's a 10% chance that changing the the differential vent stop the leak. But differential oil as made its way into the bearing.
And that's not good for the bearing.

The right rear seal almost never leaks.
And the rear bearings last a long time if the seal doesn't fail. Like 150k+ long.

And the bed adjustment thing is "odd".
Is the bed in line with the cab? If so, it wont be when they "adjust it" to fit the axle.

Just not enough info to help.

Price wise, that is about right for the work being done.
But make sure it NEEDS done.

 

Extra information:
I originally brought the truck in to have the issue with the rear wheels being uneven looked at which is why the bed alignment came into play. That’s no longer on the top of my list of issues. I also asked about any adjustments to the rear in regards to the weight since I have a cap on there. Again, at the bottom of my list of things to do. I plan on taking it to a few different shops to see what they can do. I have a cross country trip planned this summer so I want to fix everything that’s necessary to do that. I can spend the $5,000 right now and will do everything in my power not to.

 

and ..... we have.... the rest of the story......

 

Yikes! Run.....and get a second opinion at an normal, independent, ‘non-Off Road Shop’ that usually deals with Japanese vehicles.....

 

Every Tacoma or Tundra I have owned, one rear wheel always sticks out further. It's normal.

 

what makes an american-assembled vehicle japanese?

 

All that actually sounds plausible. As everything stated is known issues with these trucks.
The front needle movement may be “normal”. As even a new truck has “a lot” of play.
If you are not having vibration you don’t really “need” to have it done. But there is no better time to do than when the CV axle is out. And since your boot is torn, you might just want to do it.

The total cost is high. But that’s “normal” any more.

If the control arm bolts are seized the job get worse. And the bushings are no fun either.
I will NOT be doing bushing or ball joints. I’ll buy aftermarket control arms with bushing and ball joints. No way I’m fighting those in and out.

 

It is normal for the rear end to not look centered. It is not really noticeable until you put on bigger tires and have more offset aka poke. Just went through this will a customer on his new 23. After he had a spacer lift a bigger and wider wheels put on. The driver side had a good 3/4' or more poke. We measured several places to verify that the rear end WAS centered to the frame. Even after adjusting the bed, there was still more poke on the driver side.

 

your rear wheels probably look off- center because the bed is misaligned