Looking for a reliable shop in states bordering on Mexico (1 Viewer)

[Adriaan]

We have been travelling South-America for over one year and the wear and tear on the car (overweight Land Cruiser 100, 1HD-FTE 4.2 ltr diesel engine) proves it. We squeak and peep like there's no bushings left. There's enough play in the front bearings to have the wheels oscillate. We're currently in Colombia. The official Toyota dealer here suggests replacing the rear control arms in order to get new bushings. Some people suggest replacing the whole steering rack instead of just the bushings once you have play. I don't know what to believe (anymore). We will ship the car to Mexico and drive up into the USA (april 2020), probably squeaking and wobbling all the way.

Questions:

1. What bushings set would be suitable (OEM, aftermarket)?
2. Would replacing that steering rack be a good idea?
3. Most important: could anyone recommend a reliable shop close to the border with Mexico (give or take a 1000 miles) that could fix our car?

Any tips welcome!

 

[hickuptruck]

Yes, if you are near Baja MX and San Diego, then look no more than RPM Garage to refresh your ride!

 

[Adriaan]

Thanks for your quick response. You mean the one in Tijuana? (Juana de Asbaje 50, Tomas Aquino, 22414 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico)

I will be shipping to Veracruz, Mexico. I was hoping for suggestions inTexas (would be closest), but I'll keep this address in mind.

 

[hoser]

I prefer OE bushings when possible. There are some cases, like the rear control arms, where the OE bushings aren’t officially available but they actually are, if you know where to get them. Some of the steering rack bushings are available OE and some have to be aftermarket.

I would contact Cruiser Outfitters in Utah @cruiseroutfit and they get you all the bushings, ball joints and bearings you needs.... and send them to a shop of your choice in Texas. Just make sure the shop you choose will be willing to install customer supplied parts.

 

[Adriaan]

Thank you for pointing out CruiserOutfitters. Their website looks promising and I will contact them once I find a suitable shop.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Might be best to post this in the TX- Alamo City Land Cruisers. That Cruiser Club is the closest to Veracruz that I’m aware of, and I’d bet that those guys would know somebody in southern TX trustworthy to take your Cruiser to for repairs.

 

[davegonz]

Drive it up to Austin and you can get Land Cruiser Specialists to swap in a new rack or just do the bushings/TRE's. Edwin, Shawn and Hunter will take care of you.

Web Hosting - This site is temporarily unavailable

www.lcspec.com

Address: Building B, 13501 US-183, Austin, TX 78750

Phone: (512) 996-9111

 

[I Lean]

Cruiser Outfitters is less than 1000 miles from the Mexican border at El Paso. Just sayin'.

 

[Adriaan]

@davegonz: That may just be the shop I was looking for (judging by the 'design' of the website: no fuss). I'll contact Edwin.

@I Lean: Very funny! It's only 850 miles. After 40,000 miles in South America, we're starting to think 1,000 miles is kind of close .

 

[dogdaysindurham]

I second RPM Garage RPM Garage | Auto Repair Monrovia, CA | Tires | Brakes |

1136 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016 (626) 303-2486

 

[jLB]

Depending on where in Mexico, these may be relevant (or not), but both are well trusted...

Javier's Autos Unlimited in Houston, TX​

​

or​

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Land Cruiser Specialist in Austin, TX​

 

[fjcruising]

I know a good shop in Guatemala if you will be driving through - its where I received my mechanical roots as a summer intern. They are good people. It will definitely be cheaper than if you get into the US and I'm sure they are willing to help somebody going through your journey.

You can check out their instagram - @autobel_sa

They specialize on european classics (as I'm sure that pays the bills), however, they do work on Japanese cars fairly regularly. DM and I'm happy to put you in contact with the owners.

 

[bwell]

@orangefj45
Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Cruiser Brothers

 

[Adriaan]

After two years of pandemic delays, we're in Mexico. Posted this question to the Alamo City Land Cruiser club. But I'm open to updated other suggestions.

 

[OGBeno]

After two years of pandemic delays, we're in Mexico. Posted this question to the Alamo City Land Cruiser club. But I'm open to updated other suggestions.

If you are in the AZ area, we’d be happy to help if you have any issues:

www.olc4x4.com

We are 30 mins north of Nogales crossing.