Recent content by jlaho

Just in case it helps someone - I had this same issue happen. I couldn't open the driver's door from the inside. I took most of the internal mechanism apart only to eventually find that the 69749-89101 plastic clip had broken. Its a small plastic clip that the metal rod snaps into near the...

Similar to what JT1USA mentioned, my Walker converter has been good to me so far. I spec'd out the correct converter on Walker's website then sourced the PN from rock auto and welded mine in. I wouldn't expect it to last as long as the OEM one, but the price was right and worth the extra effort.

You had mentioned that you noticed a damaged inner seal on the knuckle? That would point me in the direction of the wheel bearing. Logic being a compromised seal would allow oil out and contaminants in. Or possibly the bearing failed first, and the unsupported/misaligned axle damaged the seal...

One quick way to determine if the brushes are worn is to tap the alternator housing with a hammer. More often than not, the vibration will cause the worn brushes to reposition slightly, contact will improve, and the battery light will go out. Old tip from a Toyota mechanic I work with. I was in...

I replaced my converter with a universal Walker and muffler with a universal Magnaflow 12255. So far the new converter has been working just fine (I would expect the same for you as long as you fix what killed it). As for the Muffler, its a little loud for my preference. Wish I went with a...

The exhaust hanger mount on the new one looks to be in a different location. In the second picture it looks like your exhaust hanger mount on the exhaust pipe has rusted off. Your exhaust may be sagging and vibrating against the frame or rear axle somewhere? Normally the loss of that support...

Good deal! Give us all an update on how it goes? Oddball issues like these are neat to follow.

1st option: Have a word with the shop. There's a strong possibility they beat the end of the axle with a hammer to disassemble the shaft assembly. Check for possible denting from a hammer on the shaft's end to confirm. There are much more refined ways to do that... 2nd option: Replace the...

Not sure if I'm adding much value here, but that doesn't look like a factory Toyota fastener to me. My first guess is it came from somewhere else, or something aftermarket on/in the vehicle. If it did come from the vehicle, it would guess it came from the inside. Hopefully others can post to...

Another great alternative to Helicoils and Timeserts are Full-Torque inserts (by Lock-n-Stitch). I have never had to insert a cylinder head myself, but they make special kits for that here: Spark Plug Thread Repair Kits On Lock-N-Stitch They also make a wide variety of other inserts for many...

While a bit anecdotal, I can say that I installed Felpro PermaTorque MLS headgaskets in my own 4Runner and have had no issues so far. While getting my heads resurfaced, I chatted with the owners of the machine shop and they had no concerns with using Felpro either. They certainly weren't in a...

That, or possibly internal corrosion from coolant that was in service for too long. That should be easy to rule out once the plugs are out. Good luck, Devbo.

I have noticed that the cladding on the front driver/passenger doors has abrasively worn through the paint and into the metal on my 4Runner. The spots that have worn through are fairly small, but are already rusting and will need to be taken care of at some point. I think the cause of this is...

I can't recall if the drain plugs on our diffs come with a magnet or not. If they do, great. If they don't, I would suggest removing the rear diff fill and drain plugs and adding a small neodymium magnet in the recess on the plugs Install the plugs, drive as you normally would for 500kms or...

I think you mentioned that you already changed your fluid, but if you still have your old fluid, or you're able to run the transmission with new fluid, then consider sending in an oil sample for analyses. Its a cheap method to help diagnose the true issue. Good luck!