3 questions...

[Diagram14]

1. Is the 4x4 indicator light in the dash relayed through the actuator switch in the front axle? I know TC is engaging because the front drive shaft spins. I however dont know if my front diff. is engaged or if my indicator light not showing would be a symptom.

2. Is there a simple DIY diagnosis for bad inner and outer tie rod ends (respectively) vs. a shot steering rack? Please share your findings.

3. Not currently being able to afford a machine induction cleaning, I was wondering if there are any modifications anyone might have to the manufacturer's recommendations for use of SeaFoam? I have read about people leaving SF sit for an hour or more in the induction system before restarting and burning it all out. I dont know if that would be detrimental to any seals or even generally beneficial to the treatment process.

As always your feedback is more than appreciated.

 

[Diagram14]

Could really use the advise here. I hope this experience is out there.

 

[Duhockey]

1. Is the 4x4 indicator light in the dash relayed through the actuator switch in the front axle? I know TC is engaging because the front drive shaft spins. I however dont know if my front diff. is engaged or if my indicator light not showing would be a symptom.

2. Is there a simple DIY diagnosis for bad inner and outer tie rod ends (respectively) vs. a shot steering rack? Please share your findings.

3. Not currently being able to afford a machine induction cleaning, I was wondering if there are any modifications anyone might have to the manufacturer's recommendations for use of SeaFoam? I have read about people leaving SF sit for an hour or more in the induction system before restarting and burning it all out. I dont know if that would be detrimental to any seals or even generally beneficial to the treatment process.

As always your feedback is more than appreciated.

dont know about the 1st question, but the outer tie rod ends usually seize and u will find out when you go to get an alignment, cuz they wont be able to adjust them.

as far as if the steering rack itself is shot, you can tell by undoing your tie rod ends and seeing if they stay put or if they drop.

mine are shot and my tie rods just flop down when they arent connected... but its still fine when its hooked up.

what steering problems are you having? most looseness in the steering is actually from the steering rack bushings which is a fairly simple 30$ fix if you do it yourself.

 

[Diagram14]

My steering rack bushings are indeed bad and i will be replacing them soon. It just seems that the inn/outer TRE's are a pretty common problem and I am just going through my T4R trying to get rid of all of those. Thanks for the response.

 

[Duhockey]

My steering rack bushings are indeed bad and i will be replacing them soon. It just seems that the inn/outer TRE's are a pretty common problem and I am just going through my T4R trying to get rid of all of those. Thanks for the response.

yeah, I had a couple places tell me that I needed to do mine when I went to get an alignment... so I took it somewhere else that would use heat to get the adjuster loose.

I have a couple of friends that have done and will have to do theirs soon and Im prob in that group. it does seem fairly common in high mileage 4runners.

Word I heard from 00spork is that he has done his several times with aftermarket ones and they are crap, he said to go OEM toyota on those, unless you want to replace them pretty frequently

 

[Diagram14]

So adjuster seizure is the main issue with bad TRE's? Is that true for both inner and outer? I've never dabbled with them before so I'm out for an education before I dive in.

Any SeaFoam promoters out there?

 

[panzer]

For your electrical question you may be able to find your answer here:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/wiring.html

For your tie rod question you should see how to test them here (look in the suspension section(s):
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/repair.html

I just did my steering rack bushings. Bought new poly ones at:
4Runner Steering Rack Bushing Kit - Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc

You'll need a press or a c-clamp to push out the old bushings and push in the new ones. I didn't disconnect my tie rods when I did my steering rack bushings though the directions said to do it. Look around and you'll find several write-ups on the removal/install on this site and others.

Good luck.