jay-q

hi all,

left my 4runner at the dealer overnight... brought it in because i've recently started parking it in the garage and noticed a transmission fluid leak on my garage floor... i was told it is the tranfer case seals and may cost between $500-1000+ to replace depending on how many seals are leaking (mostly labor, was told it would be 10-12 max hours tech time)... the toyota mech says it has to be done though...

anyone else had this problem?.... if so, how much did it cost you?... doing it myself is out of the question as i neither have the time nor the know-how to do it right.... any advice.... also what causes these to go out?.... anything i may have neglected?(wondering)

i have a 1993 4runner v6 AT 4x4.... im really bummed cause just last april it blew the headgaskets (2nd time).... i paid $1700 to have it fixed (includes new dist, cap, rotor, wires and dealer discounted from ~2500 cause i had a friend who worked there) .... had to pay because it wasn't covered under the factory recall.... believe it or not..... this truck has had 4 headgaskets so far.... 1) the original set 2) changed in '95 at 31K for free 3) changed in 97 at 51K because it blew (engine block also changed) for free and 4) changed 04/03 at 109K cause it blew again not free anymore

after she got fixed in april i figured i'd be keeping her for a little longer so i invested in bilsteins all the way around and HD shocks to raise the sagging rear.... spent $450 for all that inc. labor at ORW.... had the brakes done and replaced the leaking power steering pump.... and fuel injectors cleaner service.... another 600 for that.... thats ~$2750 i've spent on the runner so far for 2003.... yikes...

and now.... i will be shelling out more $$$.... for this leaking transfer case seal(s).... i feel like im throwing in too much money now..... please comment on what you think i should do.... or what you would do in my shoes.... i love my truck.... am the original owner and have stuck with the 4runner up until now... but am at a lost on what to do anymore.....

thanks for the opportunity to let my frustration out..... sorry for the long post.... i appreciate any and all comments....

JQ

jay-q

turns out i got really lucky.... truck had a loose back lock nut.... according to the dealer it was overfilled... but that should have no validity as it has been over a year since the transmission fluid was serviced.... oh wellz.... as long as it is fixed.... only cost $40.00 due to one hour of labor but that is acceptable....