86 runner that im looking at

[redrunner6]

hello im currently looking at buying a 1986 4runner,it is the 22re 4cly with a 5spd transmission,it has 210000 miles.it has problems but overall doesnt have much rust and seems solid,the biggest problem is the owner before me was on a trail and managed to hit a tree with the tire and mess up alot of stuff in the front end,he was only doing about 10-15 mph.we took it to some shops and the thing they seem to say was the steering gear box? so i was wondering if anyone knew a general idea of how much that would be to replace,one shop even said the frame may be bent,im skeptical of that but what do you think?we did the front end measure thing and our mechanic told us it is ok if the front end is 1/4inch off but when we measured it was about 1/2inch,any ideas? the engine runs good and has a smooth idle but when it gets warmed up it has a sputter,almost like a put.any ideas? i would appreciate any input and this week or next week it will be taken in to a shop to get the frame measure,i will post anything we hear.

 

[Thurlo76]

the "put" might be a fuel filter, thats what mine was doing before i replaced it. it was like 6.99 i think

 

[markfagus]

I just replaced the steering gear box on my 88. the part was approx $400. my mechanic charged $150 to install and when you replace you have to do an alignment too so add another 50-75.

 

[redrunner6]

the shop got back to us and the frame is slightly bent but not enough to be affecting wats going on with the steering,they said it will basically need new everything up front besides the axle,so taking that into consideration i tlaked the kid down from 800 to 500 and i think i will still purchase it and put alot of time in money into saving it but it will be well worth it when i get it done,wish me luck!

 

[T?@\7]

man idk, a bent frame would freak me out. Id buy and use it for parts, or make money off parts. fvck a bent frame mate

 

[Bad_Vision]

man idk, a bent frame would freak me out. Id buy and use it for parts, or make money off parts. fvck a bent frame mate

agreed!
buy a good frame.
buy a low mileage engine.
then assemble one good 4 runner!

 

[cometobanks]

A strike to the leading edge of the tire can push the upper A arm back into the frame, Ive done just that. compare the two sides of the frame Driver and Pass. for uniformity. Frame shop charged $160 (two hours) to pull it out.

 

[redrunner6]

we have already taken it to a collision shop and had is measure,they say it is tweaked outta place just a little but its not wats enough to be the problem,the problem is the front end.Plus if the frame was bent i go to a trades school and we have a frame rack thats operated by computer software that we can fix by ourselves if i need so all that will be free,and im not gonna buy if for parts becasue i dont have enough room for 2 trucks and if i dont buy this to fix im buying a 79 camaro