It's hard to believe it's been 3-1/2 years since I posted an update here, but I've barely done anything to my 4Runner but drive it since then. It's been very reliable, but it recently started having issues that needed to be addressed.
Off and on I had been experiencing a semi-violent clunck in the drivetrain when shifting from park to drive during cold weather. I noticed that if I were to first put it in reverse, then shift to drive, it would not do it. But after a while, even that didn't help much. Searching through the old threads lead me to a couple causes: 1) under lubricated joints on the driveshafts or 2) leaky axle seal(s) causing the rear brakes to stick.
I lived with it for a while, but a few weeks ago the MPGs were really taking a dive. From an average of about 17.5 to about 14 to 15. With work and too much to do around the house, I decided to take it to a shop, rather than do it myself. And since I was going to be out of town for a week, I went ahead and gave them the go ahead to do some other stuff, while they had it. Here's a list...
- Timing belt service
- Cam seals
- Valve cover gaskets
- New steering rack (bushings and inner tie rods were shot)
- Rear axle seals
- Rear drums, shoes, wheel cylinders
- Front brake lines
- LF axle
Needless to say, my wallet was hurting after all of that. But I am glad to have it back and it's much more enjoyable to drive now. My project car was holding my jack stands hostage for almost 2 years. So with them freed up and a some new shop space, I hope to do some more wrenching on the 4Runner myself in the near future.
I'm not sure anyone really cares to read all of this, but I just wanted to update this thread and check in to say hello.