First T4R- The good and bad and some ?'s

[K-Tanz]

After stalking the forum for months I finally found a rig that was in my price range that seemed worth my cash. I pose some questions below but if I am trying to solve too much in one thread let me know!

1997 4wd 3.4L Auto trans.
149K miles

The Good: 149K miles one owner. The guy had the original receipt for the thing.
Brand new 265 75 16 tires with road certs
New A/C (I live in the desert, so this is important)
Pioneer sat-nav and radio- Not necessary but I'll take it
Rust free purchased in Texas in 1997 lived in Arizona

The not so good (fishing for help and opinions here):
-There is an apparent rapid click at idle and up to about 2500 rpm. It is not very noticeable at idle but with a small amount of throttle at about 1500-2500 rpm it becomes very apparent even in the cabin. It almost sounds like the fan hitting the shroud but is definitely coming from the motor. Some reading makes me think I may need a valve adjustment. I am gonna do some more research but think I may just have my mechanic diagnose for me as this is the only big issue I have identified so far

- I think I have a transfer case leak. There's a lot of buildup where the rear driveshaft meets the T case and I saw a drip of fluid coming out where the two meet from where I am pointing in the second picture below. The first picture is sludge buildup at baseline. What gaskets should I be looking at? Immediate future plans do include diff and T case fluid changes. Is there an easy way to check fluid levels in the T case or is it safe to assume it's low as is?

Thanks for the help! I'm excited to have this forum at my disposal as everyone seems excited to help one another and share knowledge. Cheers!

 

[SR5Runner97]

for the transfer case, you always know it's full when it starts pouring out of the fill plug. if you want to play it safe, go buy a quart of 80w-90 or 75w-90 gear fluid, take the fill plug out 24mm or 15/16ths fits also. fill it up. Also, i'd advise getting a squirt bottle one or get a pump, because holding a bottle of redline, and a funnel with a tiny hose attatched to it over your head while it slowely drips(small hose) into the transfer case is not fun, i ruined a white t shirt that day... If i were you, I would clean the underside of it and see where it starts from. diagnose before spending money.

 

[jgue467]

Very Nice find.

Post a quick vid of its 'clicking'. That'll help diagnose it better.

I'm sure you've read thru this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html

and especially this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706217

 

[K-Tanz]

I have indeed read both of those writeups and they were super helpful in finding a rig. No pink milkshake and the LBJ's seem to be in order. That said before I drop the fun money on the lift, wheels, and tires, I am going to zip up my man suit and do the ball joints, timing belt and water pump, radiator, and trans cooler. From what I've read it will be preventative money well spent.

As for the noise under the hood I posted a video below. In person it isn't as noticeable but in the video it sounds horrendous. Fingers crossed it's not something like a thrown rod. The noise doesn't seem to be as bad when it is warm, if that is of any help w/ diagnosis.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/107857015/Engine Noise.mp4

 

[K-Tanz]

That noise fades considerably when the engine is hot. At one point yesterday it sounded to be completely gone. In the short term I am thinking drain the oil and strain for metal shavings. I've read dropping the oil pan to take a look and see if anything is loose or busted up inside is a good idea as well but at that point (from what I've read from a post by singtoe in a different thread) with that much work a person could conceivably pull the whole motor and do rear main seal, timing belt, water pump, all at once. This seems ambitious for my skillz. Should I be looking at the top end in the valve area first? Thanks guys!

 

[A.Wilson013]

That doesn't sound good.

I'd do some looking around for a competent mechanic in your area. They should be able to get a pretty good idea of what's making the noise using an automotive stethescope.

Good luck!

 

[K-Tanz]

Bump for anyone who has heard something similar? I'm starting some action in Vegas regarding what the sound is. 2:1 it's bottom end. I am taking it in on Monday to my mechanic and hopefully he doesn't give me bad news.

I am a pessimist, however, and found a place in town that will swap in a rebuilt motor for $1800 with install and a 2 year warranty in the event that there's a rod rattling around in there destroying my new baby.