Transfer case actuator

Just arrived back from Toyota dealer with 4 wheel drive issues. They ran diagnostics and determined the transfer case actuator has failed. The estimate was $2400. I can’t afford this repair so, I feel like this is something I will repair. Can anyone suggest a quality aftermarket actuator for me to purchase? 2016 TRD A/T
Thanks

 

I’d ask for a copy of the quote, it might be an inexpensive part with a lot of labor to replace. But i would rather get an OE part, especially if it’s a labor intensive job. Maybe an independent shop can be more competitive on labor, or you could replace yourself.

 

If the actuator is anything like the 2nd Gen.
Technically, if you replace the whole actuator. You have to open up the transfer case.
I don’t anyone that does that. They slap the motor and housing on and send it.

That said, I’d make certain it was the actuator and not a power/ground issue.
(It’s probably bad contacts in the actuator)

 

The FSM has you remove and fully dissemble the transfer case to get to the C-clips that hold the actuator rod inside the case. The FSM also says not to dissemble the actuator as the timing of all the contacts is delicate. So that quote is mostly labor, though the actuator is $700. A new OEM actuator comes w/ the rod attached as it assumes you've got the transfer case apart. There are youtube videos where people clean/repair/replace the actuator w/out pulling the transfer case. Here's a few: one and another one.

The actuator isn't water proof, so if it's been submerged it'll corrode internally. It'll also stick/seize in place if not used on a regular basis.