What have you done to your 4th Gen 4Runner today?

Today I had my leaky front differential seal replaced and an ECGS clamshell bearing installed. For anyone here in north Georgia, I used Baker Automotive Off-Road Specialists in Cumming. Here’s my Google review: “Easy process from first contact to driving away after. Great communication, fair and accurate estimate, nice waiting area with fast wifi, and work completed on time. Highly recommend.”

I usually do my own work but too many moving parts in my life right now, especially when that diff seal can be tough to seat properly.

 

Early this morning, I learned a lesson about the pitfalls of being overzealous about "preventative" maintenance. I replaced my coils in December 2023 at around 250K miles with a set from 1A Auto. On my way to work - thankfully, only 10 minutes from the house on an hour-long drive - the truck started running very rough. CEL light began flashing (bad news when it flashes) and the usual suspects (traction control, et al.) lit up on the right side as well. I thought it might be the dreaded "rumble strip" transmission issue b/c that's exactly how it felt - like running 40 mph down a washboard road.

Babied it home and interestingly, shifting from D to 4 helped immensely. At the house, got code P0305 (iirc) for cylinder 5 misfire. Fortunately, I kept my OEM coils. Swapped one in, cleared the code, took a test drive, all is good. I plan to change the oil since I was just about due anyway and some posts warned that the oil could be contaminated with fuel b/c of "cylinder wash" caused by the misfire.

I've used several different 1A Auto parts with no issues, though I know their pricing gives rise to doubts over quality. To their credit, I filled out a form online and within minutes, I had a no-cost warranty replacement confirmation. Bottom line - I should have ridden with OEM until they needed replacing. Wish I'd thought to check Rock Auto as they have the Denso part for a little over half of Toyota's price. Live and learn.

EDIT: 1A Auto shipped the warranty replacement the same day.