Assorted Problems (with Pics)

[Maritimer]

Please help me with these as much as possible. I'm still learning my ropes, but I'm learning as fast as possible.

Several issues, and the pics are self explanatory I hope:

1) WTF is this sensor? It came out of the same place where the hood pop wire enters the cabin and ended up between the radiator and the grill. It was dangling and an apparent mystery to the collision repair shop and the Toyota dealership.
2) Is that my front differential, and is the gasket leaking?
3) How much of an emergency is the boot leak? It won't be able to be fixed until next week. I might have to travel 6 hours round trip this weekend.
4) My rear suspension photos are basically me wanting input on refurbishing shocks and springs, and the possible cost I'm looking at. Bushings are important, as they are shot. Not sure if any have just disintegrated or not.
5) Running boards **** up paint in rust belt country. Thinking about grinding and painting the bottom area. How tough is the dividing line between outer body and under body going to be as far as grinding/sanding goes?

 

[rjaudi]

You can drive with that boot for a week. The only real problem is water getting into the boot. Check your inner tie rod when it is replaced. That sensor is aftermarket I believe. Alot of those bushings dont look bad, but you have no rear suspension travel. I couldn't help but notice how close your cone stop is to the axle.

 

[Maritimer]

Alot of those bushings dont look bad, but you have no rear suspension travel. I couldn't help but notice how close your cone stop is to the axle.

It's the first time I looked at it from that angle, and I was surprised, too. No wonder it bottoms out on some not so severe bumps. This is a matter of new springs, and maybe shocks, too? It'll probably make the ride better. I'm just worried about $$$ these days. I'm wondering how much it'll run for basic replacements front and rear.