Greetings from E.Ontario and question(long post)

[Grenvilleter]

Hi all ...new here and new to Toyota's.On an impulse, I made an offer on a '98 4runner that was being scrapped. The owner drove it every day but encountered a major problem. She got a quote that it needed a new rear diff and it would cost 4-6k to repair so she decided to scrap it as it had major mileage on (407K-~250 thou miles) on the clock.

V6 engine and used to tow (horses I think). It must have been the deluxe model as it has diff lock, power everything including sun roof, 4x4, good rubber and seems to run fine with clean looking oil in it. Some oil leakage onto EX manifold but not yet investigated. No strange noises to my inexperienced ear bringing up rpm to 4k. (tach redline @5500).

Body is in fair to good state with exception of tailgate that will not open and some rust showing.

The big question is, should I dump it for scrap or start replacing the rear end and then go with minor stuff to make this a reliable vehicle. I'll use the 4x4 function quite a bit on various terrain and possible light towing on occasion.

If it turns out I can replace the rear diff at reasonable cost, I'm willing to spend a few bucks on other things like a paint and rear door repairs to make this little "buggy" a good little "farm truck" able to go to town as well.

Thanks for taking the time to respond and I look forward to learning the little "good to know" things that are related.
Terry

 

[Grenvilleter]

What a great website........!!!!!!!!!!!
A little bit of looking and I am finding lots of answers to my questions.
Now the biggest question of all...make the financial plunge or not ????

I suspect the rear diff failure was due to lack of lubrication due to leaky seal. Browsing known issues really alerted me to probable cause of initial diff failure.
Thanks again for a great website.
:bluejump:

 

[Grenvilleter]

Well..it's almost 4 months since my initial first post. I decided not to replace the rear end on the '98 considering it had so many miles on it and finding a E-Locker rear end was very difficult considering no one could give me gear ratio's of the ones they wanted to sell me.
So.... I found a '97 with a little over 167,000 km that I bought. Figured having 1 for parts and another to drive made the most sense.
The '97 has a few problems that I have to sort out... mainly failure of the 4wd not engaging.

Transfer case works fine but the front diff won't engage or show indication of it engaging on the dashboard.

I've been searching for possible places to look throughout the forum but so far, it eludes me. I swapped out the ECU on a whim as it was very simple and of course, I have spare parts off the '98.

I don't think it's the 4wd switch as I can hear a click on the transfer case actuator when it is depressed but nothing happens on the front diff (no noises). When I engage the diff lock, the dash indicator flashes on and off and the diff lock engages. ABS become inoperable which from all I have researched is normal condition. Not too sure about the flashing diff lock light however. I would have expected the light to remain solid on while diff lock is engaged.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Terry

Does anyone have any links to point me in the right direction to firmly troubleshoot my problem before I really start ripping things apart or, due to the fact I have lots of spare stuff to replace with, what should I try next ?

I'm very new to Toyota in general and from all accounts, they have a good track record.