ANYBODY KNOW OF A GOOD SHOP IN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN???

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Joined
Mar 14, 2018
Threads
16
Messages
109
Location
Port Washington, WI
I have searched this entire site and found two possible candidates, but so far no returned calls. The two shops my 02 LC has been to produced nothing - they looked at the rig as if it was from Mars. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated - thank you in advance!!
 
I have searched this entire site and found two possible candidates, but so far no returned calls. The two shops my 02 LC has been to produced nothing - they looked at the rig as if it was from Mars. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated - thank you in advance!!

jman, what kind of work are looking to get done?

Go Bucks!
 
I do my own work but I've heard Scotts Automotive in West Allis and Chi-Town 4x4 in Carol Stream, Illinois are good on Land Cruisers.
 
jman, what kind of work are looking to get done?

Go Bucks!
I would love to do the work myself, but this is over my head...I've got a clunk that has been getting worse and it's either coming from the front PS CV axle, front diff or front driveshaft. I have lubed all the U-joints and slip joints with the appropriate grease and my mechanic told me the U-joints are good - no play in them at all. The rear slip joint moved when it was greased, but grease did not come out...not sure if that's bad or not. The front driveshaft didn't move at all...which I've read on here that's normal, but no grease came out...which is not normal. Then, when the driveshaft was rotated by hand the front CV axle on the PS had considerable play...roughtly 3/16" vs the DS where there was next to nothing. So far I've heard on here it could be front diff bearings, The teeth at the end of the axle on the PS/hub, or the CV axle is bad and needs to be replaced. All of that is far beyond my mechanical capabilities and I don't want a mechanic sitting there scratching his head wasting time trying to figure things out while charging me by the hour to fix this thing...and then maybe not even fix the problem. I'd rather just find someone who knows their way around a 100 series and pay them for the fix.

Bucks have a big game tomorrow night!! Go Bucks!
 
I got a call back from CTR Automotive out of Janesville, WI and the owner of the shop owns a 100 series and is obviously very familiar with the drivetrain. I'm going to take it there b/c he sounded very confident he could diagnose and fix the problem. Slightly relieved, but nervous about the fix running over $700 if the CV axle needs to be replaced. I just can't get over the Yota CV axle assembly costing over $400...seriously. Oh well, it's the price we pay to play I guess. Who needs to save for a house anyways? :flush:
 
I use Randy's Imports in Waukesha for my 99 TLC - couldn't be more pleased with the work he does.
Thanks for the referral - I gave him a call and he said he was not really familiar with LC's drivetrain but he was open to checking it out and giving me a third opinion as to what could be wrong with it. I think I'm taking it to CTR in Janesville though - just need to arrange a ride.
 
I do my own work but I've heard Scotts Automotive in West Allis and Chi-Town 4x4 in Carol Stream, Illinois are good on Land Cruisers.
So I called a couple places and Scott's in Stallis is going to look at it next week to hopefully diagnose the problem. Originally I was going to drive it nearly 2 hours to Janesville, but I figured that's probably not the best idea seeing it spitting grease out of the CV boot. The mechanic I talked to at Scott's sounds like a very knowledgeable guy - thank you for the recommendation! I'll follow up with you guys and let you know what's going on. Have a good weekend - 60's & 70's up here in WI...FINALLY!!
 
I use Randy's Imports in Waukesha for my 99 TLC - couldn't be more pleased with the work he does.

jman, glad you got some local places to try. My recommended places would have worked ok, but sounds like you got a perfect fit.

I do the majority of work on all my vehicles, but I do have a couple gotos if I really need it.

Chaussee Automotive in Sun Prairie. I used to work with the service writer/manager and trust him with my life. This is a no-frills family owned place that stands behind their work and are reasonably priced ($60 hr. shop rate).

East Madison Toyota is my other backup. I don't typically trust dealers, but these guys have treated me fair on several occasions. At least one of their master techs owns a 100.
 
jman, glad you got some local places to try. My recommended places would have worked ok, but sounds like you got a perfect fit.

I do the majority of work on all my vehicles, but I do have a couple gotos if I really need it.

Chaussee Automotive in Sun Prairie. I used to work with the service writer/manager and trust him with my life. This is a no-frills family owned place that stands behind their work and are reasonably priced ($60 hr. shop rate).

East Madison Toyota is my other backup. I don't typically trust dealers, but these guys have treated me fair on several occasions. At least one of their master techs owns a 100.

Thanks! So you are on the East Side / SP area. I am too. I will have to look into Chaussee Automotive. They are good with lifted trucks? I need to have UCAs installed on my Sequoia sometime next month.

I had East Madison Toyota replace my frame for the Sequoia's recall and the service manager I worked with fit the statement about treating me fair... though they gave me a under powered Camry as a rental (haha!)
 
Thanks! So you are on the East Side / SP area. I am too. I will have to look into Chaussee Automotive. They are good with lifted trucks? I need to have UCAs installed on my Sequoia sometime next month.

I had East Madison Toyota replace my frame for the Sequoia's recall and the service manager I worked with fit the statement about treating me fair... though they gave me a under powered Camry as a rental (haha!)

I would say Chaussee is better for things like timing belt, steering rack, general maintenance that you might not have the time or patience to tackle.

I am sure they could work on a lifted truck, but doubt they are used to it. There is JL 4wd in sun prairie, but I have not experience with them. I'll PM you my address, etc... stop by the garage any time. We have a house too, but don't use that as much.
 
Good info, thanks all!

Anderson Weber Toyota here in Dubuque gets my business for all parts and anything I'm not comfortable with - The Weber family (Owners) have owned a 2001 Hundy since new, apparently the Mrs. won't drive anything else and it's well up and over 200k. I found that good reassurance!
 
How did it go with Scott's Automotive from West Allis?

I'm currently in Milwaukee and really need some skilled hands to do some maintenance on my 1995 fzj-80.
 
How did it go with Scott's Automotive from West Allis?

I'm currently in Milwaukee and really need some skilled hands to do some maintenance on my 1995 fzj-80.
DO NOT go to Scott's Automotive. I repeat-do not waste your time going there. They told me my front diff was fried and it needed to be rebuilt or replaced for over $1500...took it to Badger Transmission in Milwaukee for a third opinion and he told me my CV axle was junk and my transmission and front diff were perfect. I would recommend them for serious drivetrain issues. I ended up having Homestead Auto in Saukville baseline my LC and he did fantastic work. He uses NAPA parts by default, so if you want something different you'll need to tell him what kind of parts you'd like put in and he'll get them at a discount. He will put your own parts in, but he gets pissed if you do that...and the labor warranty goes away if you provide the parts. Typical for most shops. Great guy, and he does awesome work. Plus he's super busy b/c word has gotten out. Also he charges $75/hour I believe.
 

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