New T4R owner - 97 Limited with 210K

[Forrest97]

I just picked up my first T4R over the weekend and overall very happy with the truck. Its a 1 owner 97 Limited with 210K miles.

After some inspection over the last couple of days I found I need to replace the sway bar bushings and the links. Im getting the exhaust replaced tomorrow and I have noticed some oil collecting at the bottom of the bell housing at the rear seal.

When I first noticed the oil I wiped it all off and checked in the morning. No oil was collecting and no drips on the drive way. I ran it a day and started to see a little oil on the sides of the bell housing and with gravity it eventually collects down to the bottom but no enough to leak onto the drive way.

Today I put it up on the ramps and crawled under it. There is definitely a leak/weep somewhere but Im not sure where yet.

So here are my questions:

From the research I have done so far on the forum is it possible it is the valve gaskets since it appears to be coming from the top down?

To replace the sway bar bushings and links do I need to remove the tires and put it up on stands?

Any suggestions to get the engine bay all clean so I can get a better view of the source of the leak?

I appreciate any advise and look forward to learning more about the truck.

Thanks,
Forrest

 

[subiedrewbie]

Try tightening the vc bolts first, but it's not too hard to replace the gaskets. I still get a small leak from either my half moons/cam seals but it doesn't bother me. I just sprayed it to clean up with brake cleaner and looked from up top and under and saw it was off the back of the engine. Don't over tighten the vc bolts

 

[JBurt]

From the research I have done so far on the forum is it possible it is the valve gaskets since it appears to be coming from the top down?

Absolutely. Try tightening them first. The torque spec is very low. I think about 4.8 ft pounds. Don't overtighten them as the valve covers have been known to crack. The bolts getting loose is a very common problem.

To replace the sway bar bushings and links do I need to remove the tires and put it up on stands?

Nope. You can do it all without jacking it up.

Any suggestions to get the engine bay all clean so I can get a better view of the source of the leak?

Simple green and some elbow grease.

Replies in red.

 

[Forrest97]

Ok, I will definitely take a look at the valve cover bolts after and try to get a thorough cleaning in there.

Good to hear I can change those front sway bushings and links without having to put it up on jacks. The current bolts are pretty rusted and I don't like to get under there with it up on jacks and try to get those loose.

Thanks for all the advise. Im certain Ill have more questions and I go through the maintenance on it.