Recent content by MattinLA

Do this please I got plenty to say about all this, although I don't have my Toyota 4runner anymore. I would try to flush the rad manually by disconnecting hoses and using the garden hose approach in BOTH directions to GENTLY flush it clean, then possibly run it with rad cleaner as per...

I live in Los Angeles. There are always street mechanics here that will do most big auto jobs for peanuts, including this one. Somebody quoted me $200 labor for this and there's plenty more guys that will be happy to do it for that. Anybody but me. After seeing photos of this job I'd rather...

Heater Core I sold the car before I did this job but I did buy the heater core. I did not buy OEM instead bought one of the better known aftermarket brands - looked ok /well made to me! OEM is always more expensive - for engine components I would go OEM but not a heater core. Get ready to...

right on good idea or bring along your local T Rex creature to get them in.

Block tester This is the absolute hands down way to diagnose a blown head gasket. Just make VERY sure, you get quality, fresh working detection fluid.

Ok, so my mechanic at 280,000 miles replaced my UBJ on both sides 96 4runner. They were the original Toyota UBJ. Here's the question. Because I am now suspicious of every mechanic, I examine everything. I looked at these UBJ that he removed. The BALL component on both sides, swiveled more...

UBJ replacement, final deal FYI getting them out was EASY. Getting them IN was the biiiiitch! My mechanic had to remove both spindles on my 96 to do this job, and then press them in with his massive BJ press, with an air tool turning the jack-screw to seat them. Done. Pretty unbelievable...

Why pull the spindle..? If you don't need to? NO BRO, that's a WAY bigger job! The tie rod end has to be removed IF you can get THAT out, plus you have to remove the lower ball joint bolts and MINE were not coming! NO WAY! Plus the Basic BJ Autozone kit they lend you is incomplete, it...

Fantastic! *****ing! I love you guys.

It's NOT a simple job. Because the castle nut/ stud of the BJ is facing UP on my 4runner there is no way to fit a ball joint press in there, requiring either spindle removal OR a gear puller approach, NOT SIMPLE.

Not if I am doing this job only ONCE! Thanks!

RE: Control Arm. YES! That was the easy part. No, this is a 2x4.

Unbelievable - Thanks. I knew this was a nightmare removal. This is just great. I'll show this to my mechanic, so he doesn't have to pull the spindle off.

Ok so we are replacing UBJ on 96 4Runner and this is some massive job. First of all, the UBJ stud/castle nut side points UP which means the Autozone BJ press cannot be used because large screw-bolt is sticking up inside the wheel well if it fits at all. You are not hammering this freaking...

OK so I have a 96 V6 4runner high mileage, and the fuel gauge does not read correctly below 1/4 tank. SO, I am thinking of changing sending unit AND pump all at the same time but THIS repair is expensive. The sending unit and pump seems to cost $250 and to do the remove and reinstall is like...