One Problem at a Time.

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burnera

New member
I just bought a 1991 4runner for $950.
Automatic, 4 door.
It's got some issues.
I want to fix most of them.
There's no real 'plan' for the truck at this time, i just want to get it back to a confidence inspiring state. Right now it drives pretty poorly to be honest. I want to use it to move, since everything i own can be packed into and on top and maybe tow a trailer. Of course i'm gonna have a little off road fun.


If you guys could link me to guide threads, or tell me what to search for, that would be much appreciated. I've read up a little bit, but i'm no expert on these trucks. Thanks in advance, i'll update the thread like a sort of project thing.



To do list so far, from most important to least:

X-Starter is on 'tap to start' status.(replaced. There was already a reman starter on there, found the receipt in the glovebox and had it warrantied. I opened up the old one and a wire to one contact was missing. dunno how it even started at all. New starter is nice and pretty.)

X-pulls left when braking (i dunno bout this one. Start by checking the pads and rotors i guess?)Replaced both brake calipers and pads

-Steering is crap, the wheel has to be turned 90* to the right before a right turn starts to happen. (replaced idler arm)

-transfer case (seller said sometimes it works, sometimes not. i'm guessing its a relay or the vacuum lines. )

-leaky power steering pump.

-bumpy. Hitting potholes delivers a great shudder to the truck, it feels just like axle hop from hard launches.

-needs shocks n springs. (i plan on using an OME kit)

-needs tires (first set will just be for road use, all seasons. I don't really plan to ever get huge tires, but will get some off road specific tires if i can find another set of rims)

-undo the horrid sound system wiring.
 
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burnera said:
-Starter is on 'tap to start' status. (I just need to replace the solenoid right? or just replace the whole thing?)

-pulls left when braking (i dunno bout this one. Start by checking the pads and rotors i guess?)

-Steering is crap, the wheel has to be turned 90* to the right before a right turn starts to happen.

-transfer case (seller said sometimes it works, sometimes not. i'm guessing its a relay or the vacuum lines. )

-leaky power steering pump.

-bumpy. Hitting potholes delivers a great shudder to the truck, it feels just like axle hop from hard launches.

-needs shocks n springs. (i plan on using an OME kit)
Click to expand...

- you don't even need to replace the solenoid, just rebuild it. Then see the stickies up top for a link to how Rad4Runner fixed his wiring issues. Do those two things and you shouldn't have any starter trouble again for a long time.

- yup, start with the pads and rotors. That'll fix that trouble 99% of the time.

- yikes! So that could be a wasted ragjoint on the column, but if it only happens in one direction it might be in the steering box itself. New tie rod ends and ball joints and all that couldn't hurt, but I think you're in for a steering box rebuild/replace. In any case, I'd start at the top and work your way down.

- intermittent four wheel drive is almost certainly a vacuum issue, but a relay is possible. It's way easy to troubleshoot, you have vacuum or you don't. :)

- not the end of the world, as long as the leak isn't too bad. Keep stuffing fluid in there until you get around to fixing it.

- is the truck lifted? Lots of guys crank the front torsion bars in order to achieve lift, and it makes the truck ride like crap if you crank them too far. An OME lift and relaxing those torsion bars will improve the ride 300%.

Let's see some pics!
 
pics!

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What kind of jack or jackstands do i need? lol
The hydraulic jack i have won't do anything here.

also, where do you guys get your stock replacement parts?
i'd like to replace the draglink, ball joints, etc.
 
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1. Whatever will reach.
2. Hit up a Harbour Freight/Cummins Tools if you have one for jack stands on the cheap.
3. The dealer if all else fails, or rockauto.com
Steering parts you are going to want to stay with Moog or 555. If you go the cheap route and do any wheeling it will be hard to keep it aligned. This was my experience on my first 4runner.

I use this link when I have any questions:
Massive truck info post: everyone must read before posting! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Lastly, get a factory service manual. It puts Haynes/Chiltons to shame. A quick google search should net one in no time. Good luck getting it up to spec, as these things are fairly capable out of the box. If you get bored a rear locker will let you go much farther than most people are going to need to go.
 
I had a little Craftsman 2 ton jack but got tired of stacking 2x4s under it to reach the frame. I bought this guy from Home Depot and it's been great. Don't cheap out on the jackstands, get 6 ton at least, and if you get the kind with a ratcheting extension get one that has a safety pin.

Links for the FSM are in the stickies up top.
 
burnera said:
To do list so far, from most important to least:

burnera said:
-Starter is on 'tap to start' status. (I just need to replace the solenoid right? or just replace the whole thing?)
Click to expand...

I new one is not that much, and you can get one with a lifetime warranty.

burnera said:
-pulls left when braking (i dunno bout this one. Start by checking the pads and rotors i guess?)
Click to expand...

You have a caliper that is not working. Replace both sides.

burnera said:
-transfer case (seller said sometimes it works, sometimes not. i'm guessing its a relay or the vacuum lines. )
Click to expand...

Check the ADD vacuum lines in the front differential.

burnera said:
-leaky power steering pump.
Click to expand...

10 to 1 says it has power steering fluid in it and not ATF. Change fluid out and I bet the leak goes away.

burnera said:
-bumpy. Hitting potholes delivers a great shudder to the truck, it feels just like axle hop from hard launches.

-needs shocks n springs. (i plan on using an OME kit)
Click to expand...

Good call! Here is great kit that gives you some mild lift as well.

*NEW* Full OME Suspension '90-'95 4Runner - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

burnera said:
needs tires (first set will just be for road use, all seasons. I don't really plan to ever get huge tires, but will get some off road specific tires if i can find another set of rims)
Click to expand...

Consider the BFG All terrain KO. They are a good tire both on and offroad.

burnera said:
-undo the horrid sound system wiring.
Click to expand...

Car Toys.
Click to expand...
 
One of the other things you might want to add to this list of things to do, especially if the last time its been changed is unknown, is your timing belt. I learned this lesson the hard way. Thankfully the 3.0 is a non-interference motor and I didn't have to do the valves.
 
well i got the speakers and wires yanked, just the head unit left. I don't feel like taking apart interior bits today though. ugh.
Easter is cramping my style right now, can't go out and buy parts.
 
Ready to buy parts now, just putting together a list.
I want to tackle the starter and steering first.
Soooo......
Starter contacts
Idler arm bushing
Some kind of grease for idler arm.
Steering shock
Tie rod ends?
Tie rod sleeves?
Pittman arm?
Balljoints?

I've got $300 to blow and prefer to use decent quality parts on things that could kill me if they fail.
Input welcome.
 
I like Moog/555 suspension bits. Check Rockauto.com for part numbers, but then check Amazon.com before you buy - Amazon frequently comes in cheaper, and has free shipping to boot.
 
There's no zerk, but I intend to rebuild it, replacing the bushings and cleaning it up abut. Assuming its not trashed anyway.
 
burnera said:
There's no zerk, but I intend to rebuild it, replacing the bushings and cleaning it up abut. Assuming its not trashed anyway.
Click to expand...

If it's an Autozone idler, get the bushings from SDORI. If it's not an Autozone idler, get an Autozone idler, then get the bushings from SDORI :).

(This is the only time you will see me recommend buying anything from Autozone)
 
i got the idler arm replaced. The outgoing one was downright floppy.
I'd start on pulling the starter, but i can't remember where i put the socket extensions that i just bought yesterday. :lol:

edit: Sunday. starter is replaced. It went from 70*F outside to raining in five minutes, so i guess i'm done for the day.
 
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update!

-Brakes don't pull anymore. However the pedal travel is really long and soft. It's near the floor when real braking happens, but it works. Normal?

-Steering is still boned. It's not floppy anymore. Steering wheel is still turned far to the right to go straight, and something squeaks on left turns.
I replaced the Idler Arm already, i guess steering box is next?

-Oil pressure gauge reads zero, but temp gauge stayed right in the middle the whole 20min trip home. Check engine light came on once, but went away after restarting the truck.

-Drivers window seal gets stuck on the window and jams it.

-Also hoses that go to the intake manifold are disconnected and plugged. I don't know what is supposed to go where

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