Toyota 4Runner Service and tire help
 

I am mentally exhausted and do not have the energy to research as I normally would so I am asking the kind and wise Revscene folks for help.

1. WTF is the difference between $9.00 and $32.00 windshield wipers? My old truck I walk in find size and buy. I am pretty sure I never paid $32 for wipers.

2. Been getting oil changes and regular XX km service at dealership. Pretty sure I have been upsold on services but this time I need the brakes done and I don't really want to bend over the counter. Any recommendations of a honest reliable shop to get a 4runner serviced.

3. tires...I considered getting new tires last year but finances and my ability to take skytrain halted that process. This year new tires are a must as I will be driving into Vancouver several time a week to take my mother to appointments. If I was working I would get dedicated winter tires and then pick up a new set of all season in the spring. Not going to happen so I am thinking of getting a set of all weather tires. 265/70R17 LT However a friends swears by General Grabber AT2 and buys them for the fleet of construction trucks he uses. Thought or suggestions?

4. Detailing shop. I am embarrassed by the state of the vehicle. It has been a bad year and detailing it isn't even on the to do list. In the past I had it clay barred and waxed regularly. Any suggestions.

1) If you have the OEM wipers, go to the dealership and you can replace the rubber inserts for like $12 and those should match the curve of your windshield. Toyota refills are specific to the vehicle and not the size. They will not match how long the wiper is unlike aftermarket. Go aftermarket and they will not wipe the windshield fully too.

2) If you get an outside shop to do your brakes, Buy the OEM ones from the dealership as well. The material from other aftermarket are but cheaper but they are hard on your rotors and can make unwanted noise. Also, machine the rotors to avoid any brake pulsation.

3) Tire manufactures are giving away rebates (mail in or online) for the purchase of 4 tires. They range from $50-$80 for the set. Take advantage while you can. Costco apparently can give you the discount off the purchase price. You can also check on reviews on tirerack.com

4) No idea

source affordable rotors like centric and good pads like akebono...may not cut costs down drastically but you'll be good to go for a long while

sounds like you have quite the priority list before even worrying about detailing

good luck

what year?

1. The difference between ones that last 1-2 years and ones that last 4-5 (with proper care)

2. Nothing wrong with aftermarket brakes, provided they're premium parts. The only additional service that might be suggested is a fluid flush, unless there's actually something wrong with the braking system (seized caliper, worn flex lines)

3. Grabber AT2's are decent. IIRC they're BFG AT knockoffs. BFG AT and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's go on sale regularly at CT and Costco, so keep an eye out.

Thank you for your replies! any suggestions for a shop?

going to reread winter tire thread. Funny thing is I am willing to buy Generals but you mention BFG and Goodyear knockoffs and want to stick with a brand I like.

I have the General AT2's on my RVR but I wouldn't say that they are knock offs or bad tires. We used them instead of dedicated winters and they performed fairly well last winter. We also used them going down the Coquihalla which was a tad sketchy but we did not air them down at all.

I would classify the General AT2 and BFG KO2 as competitors in the AT category. I believe with the truck sized tires, both the AT2 and KO2 have the snowflake symbol. It is a toss up between pricing and brand preference. I know the AT2's are normally cheaper so that is why I got them.

With brakes and what not, Rockauto will save you a lot of money if you get them shipped to a PO box in the states. You can get a shop like TSS to help you install parts. I've done it many times and they don't mind.

Get OEM if you want (personally I never have) but don't buy them from the dealer. Order quality aftermarket parts online for a lot less money.

Costco has the best install price and the best road hazard warranty that I've seen, and they automatically take care of the rebate as you mentioned so +1 for Costco.

Agreed, my Jeep came with General Grabber AT2's and I never had a problem with them, even when the tread was getting low. I'll be replacing them with KO2's purely for personal preference (Costco doesn't carry General tires).

Why ship to a PO box? Rock Auto ships directly to Canada and with no hidden fees. You might be able to get slightly cheaper shipping within the US but for the hassle of going down and getting the parts I doubt it's worth it.

Like I said, the Generals are decent tires but iirc they're P rated vs. LT, depending on what you use the 4runner for.