Looking for Mechanic in KC

[KC Landcruiser]

Hi guys,
I have a 1995 LX 450 that needs serious work on the steering. Apparently the left front differential is shot. Dealer says the work will start at $2,000. Could be higher. Other than that, the car is pretty good. Engine work has been done, new Michelins, new leather front seats. Let me know if you have any suggestions for a mechanic who specializes in Land Cruisers.

 

[1994pd]

@KC Landcruiser did you mean left front Birfield is shot? If so the are not overly difficult to change. It is just a messy job. You can buy parts from numerous vendors. If it’s something you decide to tackle it yourself there are people around who can help. My schedule is kind of hectic, but I can usually free up a few hours to help if you have a place to tackle it.

 

[KC Landcruiser]

@KC Landcruiser did you mean left front Birfield is shot? If so the are not overly difficult to change. It is just a messy job. You can buy parts from numerous vendors. If it’s something you decide to tackle it yourself there are people around who can help. My schedule is kind of hectic, but I can usually free up a few hours to help if you have a place to tackle it.

Thanks for the reply. I'm not really mechanical at all so I am looking for someone who can do the work.

Also, my original post said left from wheel. It's actually the right front differential.

 

[1994pd]

Ok. Hopefully someone else can give you an idea on a good mechanic. I haven’t used anyone to work on my cruiser.

 

[cjmoon]

I'd be curious to here more about the issue. If it's needing a new front gear set. That is a pretty extensive repair with a full front end rebuild. That you might as well do while your in there.

If it's just front axle rebuild couple locals have used a shop in olathe I want to say it's S&K automotive. Maybe some one will chime in as I've never used them.

Is this your daily that needs immediate work?

 

[KC Landcruiser]

It's leaking hydraulic fluid from the right front wheel and the wheel is loose. Also when the steering wheel is turned, the car doesn't turn at the same rate. It's like there is a disconnect. It's my son's daily driver.

Thanks for the tip about S&K. I'll check that out.

 

[2fpower]

@kc_chevota may be able to take on this project.

 

[BigRedOne75]

It's leaking hydraulic fluid from the right front wheel and the wheel is loose. Also when the steering wheel is turned, the car doesn't turn at the same rate. It's like there is a disconnect. It's my son's daily driver.

Thanks for the tip about S&K. I'll check that out.

Mark at SK Mechanic.

 

[BILT4ME]

I see Land Cruisers frequently at Exact Performance in Mission, KS
Exact Performance | We wouldn't put anything on your car that we wouldn't put on our own.

I have not used them and do not know anyone that has, but one of the owners drives an LX470.

If you have not taken this to a shop yet, please stick your head under the RIGHT front corner of the truck (passenger side) and see if there is a long arm that has 4 bolts in the bottom. That arm should be tight to the hub above it. This is the Steering arm. If this is moving independently from the hub, STOP DRIVING IT!

Where are you in the Metro? It's possible one of the guys on the forum could stop by to offer 10 minutes worth of advice to make sure what you are experiencing is not life threatening. What you are describing points toward a loose steering arm and that is very dangerous. I almost had mine come off, but I caught it before it happened.

 

[KC Landcruiser]

Thanks for all the responses. I've sent the truck to Mark at SK Mechanic to sort things out.

 

[Inmux]

I see Land Cruisers frequently at Exact Performance in Mission, KS
Exact Performance | We wouldn't put anything on your car that we wouldn't put on our own.

I have not used them and do not know anyone that has, but one of the owners drives an LX470.

If you have not taken this to a shop yet, please stick your head under the RIGHT front corner of the truck (passenger side) and see if there is a long arm that has 4 bolts in the bottom. That arm should be tight to the hub above it. This is the Steering arm. If this is moving independently from the hub, STOP DRIVING IT!

Where are you in the Metro? It's possible one of the guys on the forum could stop by to offer 10 minutes worth of advice to make sure what you are experiencing is not life threatening. What you are describing points toward a loose steering arm and that is very dangerous. I almost had mine come off, but I caught it before it happened.

A little late but I have used Exact Performance on my daughters Toyota and they are honest and do real good work. I just picked up an LX and plan to bring it to them for any work that I can't do myself. I can also recommend KH Auto, they are just around the corner from Exact but work mostly on German stuff, however those guys are great and a quick phone call would be all it takes to see if they can tackle your job

 

[KC Landcruiser]

I ended up taking my LX to Mark at SK Mechanic in Olathe. They really know these vehicles they did a fantastic job. It drives like a new truck and the price was fair. I actually live closer to Mission so Olathe is not really convenient. But from now on I won't let anyone else other than SK work on the vehicle.

 

[rockstate45]

I ended up taking my LX to Mark at SK Mechanic in Olathe. They really know these vehicles they did a fantastic job. It drives like a new truck and the price was fair. I actually live closer to Mission so Olathe is not really convenient. But from now on I won't let anyone else other than SK work on the vehicle.

Glad to hear another positive thing about SK. Seems to be pretty consistent with what I've heard and read in the past.

Do you happen to know what they fixed and mind sharing if their price was fair?

 

[KennyG]

I ended up taking my LX to Mark at SK Mechanic in Olathe. They really know these vehicles they did a fantastic job. It drives like a new truck and the price was fair. I actually live closer to Mission so Olathe is not really convenient. But from now on I won't let anyone else other than SK work on the vehicle.

Hey man,

sounds like you got some good service at SK.
If you need any other help at all, mainly aftermarket or service, I work at Adventure Motors in Grandview. I am very familiar with Land Cruisers, and would be more than happy to help you out.
Stop by the shop sometime, I’d love to meet you and check out your cruiser!
Cheers!

 

[cjmoon]

Hey man,

sounds like you got some good service at SK.
If you need any other help at all, mainly aftermarket or service, I work at Adventure Motors in Grandview. I am very familiar with Land Cruisers, and would be more than happy to help you out.
Stop by the shop sometime, I’d love to meet you and check out your cruiser!
Cheers!

Old thread, going to bring this up to date. adventure motors as Kenny G mentioned for Lee summit but 2 long term cruiser fanatics are now working full time on rigs. @kc_chevota south Kcmo and @cjmoon south Overland Park (me, for transparity) both do work, from there homes on cruisers and other automotive projects full time. Lots of knowledge and history on Toyota land cruisers locally.