1GR-FE Head gasket leaking

[Tim88XJ]

So basically just posting to rant- A co-worker of mine has an 06 4runner with the 1GR-FE 4.0L and is telling me the head gasket is leaking coolant into one cylinder. Long story short he is getting quotes in the $4-5k range to replace the head gaskets. No valve work, no machining included (extra if needed) etc. This seems outrageous to me as the motor has 220k miles on it. I know this is a somewhat common problem but something doesn't add up. Disclaimer- I know nothing about Toyota's, this job, or the 1GR-FE motor but have taken the heads of several different vehicles in my life.

1) Why is the labor cost so high?
2) Any independent shops in the area worth looking at?
3) I suggested a remanufactured motor but apparently they are upwards of 5-6k (which again seems high) so no question here but see #4 below.
4) Any advice on best practices here? New/Rebuilt motor, Used Motor, Pay the man, etc?

Rant over maybe its inflation, or maybe it is the most difficult motor to work on, or it could just be a case of the "Back when I was a kid I had a jeep motor rebuilt for $1800" but hell I'm barely in my late 30s

 

[Chris_Keziah]

I'd get another quote for good measure, without seeing an actual quote it's hard to determine if that is high or not. I'd even get a quote through a reputable dealer to compare. Honestly reman motor for 5-6k doesn't sound out of line to me.

 

[lbyota85]

My wife’s let go about 180000. Did it myself with the help of a buddy of mine that worked at a Toyota dealer. All I can say is this ain’t no ol’ jeep motor.
DOHC, cam phasers, 4 timing chains, and all the covers and pans are machine fit and just use rvt so they have to be perfectly clean. It’s not a small undertaking in the least, and that doesn’t include any machine shop work. I don’t know what it would have cost at a shop but I’d say that’s in the ballpark.