I'm looking into buying a 1987 Toyota 4Runner SR5 for a very reasonable price. The thing has no rust and runs, but I think the timing chain is slapping. It's either that, or the valves need adjusting. If I buy it, the timing chain is getting replaced regardless of the diagnosis. My question is how much would a reputable shop charge to do this? I've helped my buddy do his 83's timing chain, but it didn't have any of the bells and whistles this 87 has. Is there even anything else in the way? Any info would help.

I did one on my 89 and it took about 8hrs. with a few beer breaks. So $45.00 x 8hrs=360 plus the cost of the chain and if the head needs to be machined. I'd no more 500. But thats just a guess not sure.

I normally charge between $150 and $200 labor - depending on whether or not the vehicle has A/C.

I have heard over the years of people paying $700 to $1500....around 9 hours book, at $65+ an hour + parts....find someone on here close by that will help. last one I did, had less then $125 in parts, took me being lazy about 5 hours spread over 2-4 days............:)

All the shops around here want at least $700 for a timing chain swap. You should consider doing it yourself if you have the tools and time. My first one took two days. I could do it in a day now but I work pretty slow. Too many :beer: breaks slows things down too.

Never done a chain but did the belt on my '89 Mazda. Parts are only like 40 bucks and only took a few hours. The hardest part is getting the nut off the crank pulley. A little zip with an air wrench and...
HMMMMMM... What if I convert the 2wd Mazda to an SAS and lose the bed... I haven't seen any Mazda's w/ a solid front axle yet...

Walnut creek toyota quotes $2000 for the job.

Where I work part time they do t-chains on toyotas on a regular basis and with t- chain parts including belts, hoses, water pump, tune up parts, coolant, oil change, and required gaskets with aftermarket parts $450 to $500 with OEM parts $750 or so out the door and thats a very complete Job with out cutting corners

Originally posted by TK
Walnut creek toyota quotes $2000 for the job.

holy jesus!:eek: :eek: it takes me abouit 5 hours, but my girlfriend does most of the work :D the first itme i heard her fart was busting some bolts for the power steering pump mounts:D :nuke: :D

Originally posted by Booger Weldz
the first itme i heard her fart was busting some bolts for the power steering pump mounts:D :nuke: :D


Now that's some funny shit right there! :D

took me about 15 hours...and a 30 pack...of course i had to disassemble it 5 times to figure out where the extra bolt came from....still got that bolt in the ashtray:confused: