Is this quote right?

So I was thinking I would go into town and drop my truck off to have a few things done while I golf. Called the shop to see how much it would be to have both diff fluids changed, spark plugs and oil. The tech said it was gonna be $580. Am I missing something or is that ridiculous?

 

Hose job. Easily done yourself for 2hrs plus the price of parts. Maybe $150 in parts/fluids.

 

I'd seek a 2nd opinion

 

If you’re somewhat mechanically inclined and interested in doing it yourself, those are all really easy things to do and would only take a few hours. Not everyone has the means, space, tools, etc, so this might not be anything your interested in reading, so see my next statement.

That said, you could see if your local Toyota dealer site will show their cost breakdown and use that as a reference.

 

That sounds very high... is this a dealer or independent shop?

 

Its on the upper end but for a shop charging ~$100 in labor/hr that isn't too bad. I'd still recommend doing it yourself and cutting that bill in half.

200 in parts / fluids (brand dependent)
1-2 hrs diff fluid depending on if bolt strips
1.5 hrs spark plugs
.5 hr oil change

200+300or400=500or600.

 

Holy crap dude they’re going in dry. It’s a easy task for all those things just a Saturday afternoon and some beers get it knocked out. Here’s a couple of How to’s save your money.
https://youtu.be/EDONxuxYbvQ

https://youtu.be/edw3x37qg-w

https://youtu.be/jNWzQ2MbcX0

 

Shop rate x Book time = cost

Since you aren’t paying actual time, it’s always expensive, slightly less at an independent because their hourly rate tends to be cheaper than a dealer, but book time doesn’t change. They use the same book.

If you want to save money, do it yourself. Otherwise, maybe another quote will save you $20/hr on book time. Convenience isn’t cheap.

 

I know the Toyota dealer near me charges 55 for an oil change. Seems pretty crazy for 2 diffs and spark plugs to run $525...

If it were me I’d get some more quotes from reputable shops.

 

It caught me off fairs for sure. It was an independent shop. Sounds like it may be a little high compared to some. I live an hour from town and don’t have a great place to do it that’s why I was thinking of having them do it. I’m just gonna do it my self don’t think it will be too hard. Other than making sure the fill plug isn’t seized on the diffs before draining, any other tips to make it go smoothly?

 

Have all parts/fluids on hand. Take your time. If you start to feel any fill/drain plugs start to strip- stop. Clean all crud out of recessed hex holes on diff plugs.

 

Seems reasonable actually for a shop. Stealer ship here wants 700 just for the plugs. If you dont want to do any of it yourself Id say that's "fair" for a shop

 

I'd want to know the price for just the plugs. I bet that's the bulk of it. Tackle the fluids on your own, and decide whether an afternoon of plugs or golf is more important for your sanity. Golf on a weekday sounds awfully nice lol

 

That’s par for a dealership. A double bogey on you if you pay it.

 

If you DIY, you'll also save the cost of your round of golf, lost balls, lost bets and refreshments.

 

I’ll just pick up the fluids while I’m in town and hit the golf course anyway. Thanks for the quick responses. Now I have something do this weekend.

 

The Benifit of being friends with the assistant greens keeper is free golf, he finds buckets of balls everyday. I suck so betting is never a good idea. You did get me in drinks but it gets easier to buy them after every hole.

 

Love a player who is honest about his game.........

 

Spend a little time under the truck checking the fill & drain plugs on the F&R Diffs and the Xfer case before you start the fluid change. You should do the Xfer case at the same time as the Diffs. They have the same service interval.

The front diff drain plug can be a big problem. If it doesn't come loose, then you need to prepare for a brute force method to remove the plug.
A cold chisel and heavy hammer will assist with the removal of this drain plug. So, if this method is required, then you will need a replacement plug. Easy to order from many sources, while at it, order the gaskets for all fill and drain plugs.

Remember, tight is good, overtight is not better and will cause problems for future changes.

 

I’ll add, search this forum for the Lexus front diff plug that has an external hex head rather than the internal hex. It’s on here somewhere just don’t know the part number off hand. Should make future oil changes easier