Complete Newbie to 4Runner and first SUV. Need suggestions.

[964Runner3rd]

I purchased a Kansas salvaged title 1996 Toyota 4runner at the end of February. I live in Missouri and finally got my title from MODOT last week.

I had the 4Runner checked out by my mechanic and he says I need to get my Sway Bar and bushings changed. His price is $312. I was wondering how difficult it would be to fix? Im thinking my dad probably could do it even though he has never dealt with SUV's before.

I didn't get a manual with my 4runner. DO you know where I might get one or if there is a free PDF online?


I looked under the vehicle today and this is what I saw....

Here is the list my mechanic gave me...

 

[nissanh]

It is easy to replace the sway bar end links and chassis mount bushings. You'll need 14 mm tool to remove the sway bar end links. Try ebay, you can buy the link ends for $40 or so and bushings for like $20.

Toyota has tons of 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19 mm nuts and bolts. So keep these ready for the project.

Seems your rear shocks needs to be replaced. And it has LOTS of corrosion. Can't you spray WD 40 to prevent any further corrosion?

 

[fourwd1]

It's definitely stuff you can do yourself if you have minimal tools and some jack stands.

 

[Jbot]

You can actually find owners manuals here on the forum. There in a sticky thread at the top of the 3rd gen page marked :
3rd gen FAQ, tutorials & documentation

heres a link

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html

 

[flyinbrick]

Cheapest place for sway bar links is Rockauto. They have Moog Problem Solvers for $20/each and they come with the bushings (links only). Usually I'd say go OEM for important parts, but sway bars are not critical. You can order polyurethane bracket bushings (the larger ones holding the sway bar to the frame) from wheelersoffroad.com (they have a complete kit but you can call for just those bushings). Very easy to replace.

Holy moly I had to do a double take - your rear shock broke off !? Well at least the hardest part is done If your other side is intact, you will have fun removing them. Removal is the hardest part. Do a search to see if this is within your reach.

 

[shootmymime]

Welcome to the forum neighbor! ill be home to kc in 2 months, if you need help let me know.

where exactly are you at? im parkville area, 10 min south of the airport.

PS. im not running any end links right now on my sway bar, i think it handles just fine. but i would recommend replacing the broken shock.

let me know we can do something about that rust you have under there.

 

[964Runner3rd]

Hey everyone thanks for your help. I didn't know the shock was broken. I thought the shock was the coil. I will defiantly check out Ebay and Rockauto for those parts.

Yeah rust is really bad. I will spray wd40 but what else do you think I should do?

I downloaded my 4runners Manuel and didn't realize I was suppose to have Overdrive on for better fuel economy. I though that overdrive used more fuel but I guess not. It also makes the vehicle not run as loud.

 

[964Runner3rd]

Welcome to the forum neighbor! ill be home to kc in 2 months, if you need help let me know.

where exactly are you at? im parkville area, 10 min south of the airport.

PS. im not running any end links right now on my sway bar, i think it handles just fine. but i would recommend replacing the broken shock.

let me know we can do something about that rust you have under there.

Hey thanks! Im only about 2 miles from 135th and StateLine Road in Kansas City, MO. I didn't know it was the shock that was broke. I will make that my priority.

 

[shootmymime]

Yeah rust is really bad. I will spray wd40 but what else do you think I should do?

power wash it, use a wire brush to knock off the bad rust, apply rust converter then paint it.

 

[downpour11]

I wouldn't take it back to that mechanic since he clearly couldn't see your rear shock was broken off lol.....ugh

 

[4-Ripcord]

I wouldn't take it back to that mechanic since he clearly couldn't see your rear shock was broken off lol.....ugh

My thoughts exactly haha