1997 317k 4Runner aka: Back Alley Sally

[1985taylor1925]

Whoa thanks!!! Yeah Id really appreciate that!

Sorry for the delayed response. Life is so hectic.

So I thought that at this milage LBJ's were a must?
If the bushings on the lower arms are shot, will that affect my alignment at all?
If I do OTR's do I need to do ITR's?

Yeah I would do the ITRs with the rod ends. The inner rods are basically a ball joint, which wears out over time and can develop looseness. Mine had developed a knock before I replaced them. And yes Im sure worn lower control arm bushing can affect the alignment. I imagine a shop would be able to align it sitting on the machine. But once you get driving down the road youll have too much horizontal movement in the a arms if the bushings are bad

 

[1985taylor1925]

Do you want the rack guide as well?

 

[mexellent]

Do you want the rack guide as well?

I should probably get that, huh? Ill PM you and maybe we can set something up for paypal or something.

I guess im not really entirely sure what all I need right now. I imagine everything since she's got so many miles on her. :lmao:

I was driving it yesterday (actually been driving it non-stop for about 2 weeks) and braking was pretty bad in the sense that the car was pulsing like the rotors were warped but yesterday it was really bad. Then while driving without braking i started getting some pulsing/shuddering from the front end and decided she had had enough. Turned around and drove her home. I ordered LBJ's, ITR's, and OTR's. After that, brakes will be next.

:barf:

 

[Spdstr280Z]

So how's it going ? If it makes you feel any better, I have a 98 with 256K, and I have pretty much decided to keep her going and started repairing things that need attention in the last few months. In fact I realized that this is only my 3rd post here despite how much I have been reading. You are exactly right, there is just something about these that makes them hard to walk away from. I have looked at new / newer vehicles, and really can not find anything to replace it, especially since I want to keep a manual. If you are still at it, they are damn good trucks, it's probably worth putting a few bucks in it.

Oh, and some bad news, I recognize how she marked her territory, you have more than the valve covers leaking, probably oil pan and possibly oil pump seal too.... Enjoy dropping that front diff... It's not really that bad, I just did it, but while you are in there...

Jason

 

[airmax233]

I should probably get that, huh? Ill PM you and maybe we can set something up for paypal or something.

I guess im not really entirely sure what all I need right now. I imagine everything since she's got so many miles on her. :lmao:

I was driving it yesterday (actually been driving it non-stop for about 2 weeks) and braking was pretty bad in the sense that the car was pulsing like the rotors were warped but yesterday it was really bad. Then while driving without braking i started getting some pulsing/shuddering from the front end and decided she had had enough. Turned around and drove her home. I ordered LBJ's, ITR's, and OTR's. After that, brakes will be next.

:barf:

And I thought my seats where bad
:shrug:
Did you go with Oem parts? Or after market?

 

[StreetCreeper]

The front drivers seat is pretty much completely shot. The passenger seat is ok. I really want to find some non-power seats to put in there.

Your front seat looks pretty much like mine which is also on a 1997 limited. To be honest though, while they look like shit, they ride like heaven still. And I'm a big guy too.

I'll eventually change mine out (or figure out how to repair them) but only for aesthetic purposes. For now though, the front end needs some love more than anything.

 

[mexellent]

Spdstr280Z

So far its going pretty good. It got cold here in texas which required the use of a heater. Well... for a heater to work you gotta get the engine to heat up. This when I discovered that the thermostat was gutted. So a friend and I did a LEGIT coolant system flush. We drained the old stuff (came out brown), then we grabbed a hose and ran water through the engine block and the radiator until the water came out clear. Then we sealed the system back up and filled it up with distilled water and let it idle for 10-20 minutes. We did this 3 times. Then we filled it up with ZEREX asian and installed a thermostat. Now she runs like a dream! Thats the great part about getting old beat up junkers like this, you give em a little love and then they love you back.

airmax233

I went with SENKAI 555 stuff. My brother is a mechanic and he got me a killer deal on all the stuff. I think for the ITR, OTR, IBJ, OBJ I paid about $400. In addition, I bought an Energy Suspension bushing kit, which fit terribly. The poly stuff was good but the steel bits they sent me were all wrong. I made it work though. Unfortunately I guess while I was moving the steering rack to install the bushings whatever was left on the seals gave out. I filled up the power steering fluid reservoir and it had all leaked out in less then a day. Im going to have my brother redo the power steering and put in new valve cover gaskets. Ill have to pay for the labor but he helps me with part costs. Right now Im driving with no power steering. Its really not too bad unless Im in a parking lot.

StreetCreeper

I did a double take! It looks exactly like mine! Yeah, actually the seat is not uncomfortable, but the mechanism to move the seats does not work, so thats annoying. Im going to raid the junkyards to see if I can find some Tacoma manual seats.

_____________

Anyway, after the power steering and pump are replaced and the valve cover seals are replaced then I will do brakes. Hahahaha....

Oh man where is all my money going?