Bought a 4Runner cross-country driving home-what am I missing

[t4r92]

Bought a 4Runner|Cross-country driving home|What am I missing

Well the time has come to go and pick up my "unicorn". Was blessed to find a '99 with a SS 1.2, 5-speed, with some other goodies way out West. I've been looking for some time and have had no luck so after becoming comfortable with what the seller and the condition of the vehicle I'm about to head use some flight miles to fly to Denver on Friday and drive it back to Kentucky.

The truck has a new battery and brakes, as well as a fresh timing belt and water pump install with OEM products so I should be in good shape as far as TB/WP and electrical are concerned. Even so I'm taking my multi-meter along with me. The tires seem appear to be in good shape, so short of an alignment it appears I'll be set to drive home.

My main reason in posting this is to see if there is anything I should be thinking of that I am (most likely) missing that I should take with me or pick up before making the trek back home.

Thanks.

 

[Scotty_h]

The new "One Direction" album

 

[jeremyc74]

I'd want to check the fluid levels in everything, if possible. Especially the rear diff, just in case it's had a seal leak.

Other than that I'd say you're good to go. I regularly do 2k mile road trips in mine. It will roll over 200k miles tomorrow. :whoo:

 

[t4r92]

[MENTION=116745]jeremyc74[/MENTION] ,The owner and her mechanic said that it does in fact have a minor seal leak in the rear, but that they would feel comfortable driving it home.

I will definitely be keeping an eye on that. The thing I'm divided on at this point is whether or not to visit some cool places while I'm out there or just duck back east after it's mine due to that reality.

 

[UnderFire]

Axle seal leak isn't a big deal at all, if you're worried about it, bring the wrench to open up the filler and a bottle of gear oil to fill it up about halfway.

I'd say have some fun with the trip, it's not ever day you're driving cross country.

 

[jeremyc74]

Axle seal leak isn't a big deal at all, if you're worried about it, bring the wrench to open up the filler and a bottle of gear oil to fill it up about halfway.

I'd say have some fun with the trip, it's not ever day you're driving cross country.

That's exactly what I'd do too.

You can probably get to it without jacking the vehicle up, in a pinch. Personally I'd find a parking lot and put two wheels up on the curb to make it easier.

Buy one of those cheap gear lube pumps that screw into the top of the bottle, and you're all set. If you can't find info on the wrench size I can crawl under mine tomorrow morning and tell you what it is. Headed to the bar now though. :evil:

 

[UnderFire]

That's exactly what I'd do too.

You can probably get to it without jacking the vehicle up, in a pinch. Personally I'd find a parking lot and put two wheels up on the curb to make it easier.

Buy one of those cheap gear lube pumps that screw into the top of the bottle, and you're all set. If you can't find info on the wrench size I can crawl under mine tomorrow morning and tell you what it is. Headed to the bar now though. :evil:

Not trying to be a dick to you, but you should be able to get at it on any flat ground, especially since you said it's already lifted, and the pump isn't a necessity, just get a bottle with a nozzle and you'll be good to go.

 

[scrap metal]

you didnt mention how many miles it has. for all i know it has 35k original miles and it doesnt need anything :shocked:

 

[Unner]

I would have some fun on the trip, and see about if you need an oil change before driving back.

 

[Quadsbc]

Lower ball joints?

 

[THatfield]

Lower ball joints?

^This

If those are alright just bring along some fluids. coolant, atf, oil, gear oil, just in case. Don't forget the good jams to keep you company and maybe a cooler full of tea/gatorade/pop/water to save on drink stops. But by all means if possible when you stop to eat try to enjoy local fare. Tons of good places people pass by just for the familiar golden arches or the like.

Have fun, take pics and good luck!

 

[LoBrau]

Ha, you snaked that one out from under me. Fortunately for me I found a 5spd on this side of the country that I'm picking up on Sunday.

 

[t4r92]

haha [MENTION=120929]LoBrau[/MENTION], no snaking intended. Glad you found one as well. Post some pictures of it on here if you wish. I always enjoy looking at another 4Runner!

 

[LittleCaesar]

AAA card. Otherwise you should be good to go.

Props to ya for making such a long sojourn to get it. Back on 06 when I got mine I wouldn't drive 200 miles to get the color I wanted.

Try a high mileage oil (Maxlife, Mobil Super HM) to keep the rear main leak at bay until you can replace the seal.

 

[t4r92]

Thankfully it's not a rear main seal leak on the engine [MENTION=69868]LittleCaesar[/MENTION] , but rather rear axle seals.

Truck should be good to go on oil, and her mechanic has checked the play on the lower ball joints with the wheels up in the air and on the ground. That's not to say I won't do my own checking but even so, I imagine I'm in pretty good shape.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to offer up their two cents worth. I'm definitely all ears when it comes to an undertaking of this magnitude.

 

[LittleCaesar]

That is good to hear.

Rear axle seals can be a PITA, and I would change the bearings out when you change the seals after driving it back to KY.

If you have a chance tomorrow/today to get to a dealer, get this part and change it out before your drive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jea_uo82ekQ

 

[t4r92]

That'd probably be a good one to have ordered [MENTION=69868]LittleCaesar[/MENTION]. Actually ran into a hiccup in my travel plans. It appears I should trust our local weatherman a bit more. .

We had a front of ice and snow come through Bowling Green last night and it was worse than I thought. Banks were closed the next day, including mine, meaning I couldn't get funds out of the bank.

This meant that I had to change my flight, adjust my vacation days, and that the "stealership" was closed so the diff breather will have to wait. Maybe a dealer one in CO will have one in stock, as I plan on heading home through either Denver or Colorado Springs at this point.

 

[habanero]

On that minor axle seal leak, check first to make sure the dif breather isn't simply clogged. That can cause it and it's easy enough to check. If it's extended don't assume it won't be clogged, either. If you're lucky that might be all that it is.

 

[farmerjon]

Let us know how it goes...

Bought mine in OH three years ago this month, drove it 1700 miles right away, right off the bat home out west. Now, I drive back and forth to school about twice a year (about 1500 miles each way), no problem.

These trucks are amazing. Glad you snagged one!

 

[t4r92]

Well gents,

It's been a while since I flew out and headed home with the 4Runner. Would it be appropriate to start a new thread for maintenance/build items as the truck progresses or just repurpose this one?