a maintenance decision question

[stellarblue4runner]

From a non gear head.
I have a 96 SR5 with 244k miles and it has a lot of issues
Here is the list;
Antifreeze leak, no milkshake
Rusted through rear axle housing
I suspect a torque converter replacement

Engine is sound.
I love my runner and don't want to get rid of it, but when do you draw the line on spending money on it?
Also, I am in Michigan and am wondering if anyone knows of any good shops in mid Mi area?
Any insight would be appreciated..

 

[KidVermicious]

Draw the line where your yearly maintenance budget costs more than what you'd pay to finance and insure a newer truck. Adjust based on how much extra you're willing to pay a mechanic or the bank in order to not have to do that maintenance (in my case, not much - I do my wrenching in self defence, not cuz I like it ).

Rear axle housing is an easy replacement that can be done with basic hand tools and a couple extra jack stands - be sure to hit the new one with a good coat of paint so it doesn't rust on you. Depending on where your coolant leak is, that could be easy or it could be a b!tch, have you pinpointed it? Replacing the TC is probably the hardest job on your list, but it's still just turning bolts (although renting a transmission jack will make it lots easier). No need to be scared of bolts. I say keep it and get dirty.

 

[Doc2012]

I second. I've got a housing sitting in my storage building I'll let ya have for 200. Has all the control arms still on it, as well as the pan hard.

 

[stellarblue4runner]

Thanks guys!
Had a friend of mine look at my 4runner, the frame is rusting through and I have bigger fish to fry than I want to deal with probably going to part it out but right now I need to be driving it til I find something in my price range.