Out with the old...in with the, kind of new

[Schooler]

Well, I wrecked my 4 runner. It is still drivable but it looks terrible. Lots of front end damage. I was really not prepared or even willing to look for a new truck and I knew I would never be able to replace it. I loved my truck.

But guess what--I found a black 93 t4r at the first used car dealership I stopped at. What luck! It has 197,000 miles which kind of worries me but I'm pretty confident I can get at least another 50,000 out of it. It also is the top of the line model with leather, power everything, cruise, a/c (that works), sunroof, hitch, 12 cd changer, 2-10 inch subs, bilstein shocks in front and rear, new distributor cap, wires and plugs, new valve covers, 31' tires, mag wheels, virtually no rust and the back window freakin' works! Transmission feels really good even though the fluid was a little dirty.

So far, I can determine that it has an oil leak and the rubber boots on the front wheels that cover the steering knuckle (I think) are both ripped. The sunroof is also cracked, it looks like it was in a mild hail storm.

Overall, it is in pretty good shape. $4577 plus all those fees they like to tack on. Plus 9% sales tax in Tennessee. When it is all said and done I will pay more like $5200. I'm going to grab it while I can. It is not very often you come across the exact vehicle you were looking for, locally, at the first place you looked at. It's in the cards.

 

[genlrony]

Sounds like you were meant to have the new Runner. Congrats.

 

[mikes4runner]

the rubber boots on the front wheels that cover the steering knuckle (I think) are both ripped.

Are you talking about the axle shaft boots on the IFS?

If so replace quick or you will be replacing both axle shafts.

Also trace the leak it could be coming from a bunch of different places.

Sounds nice though

Mike

 

[Schooler]

I am talking about the boots over the CV joints. I don't know why I didn't know that because I had a dodge truck that had a ripped CV joint boot and I had it replaced. Took me a while to remember that. I always forget names of things. A couple of days ago I forgot what a differential was.

Anyway, I know that the driver side Cv will have to be replaced. There are really bad noises coming from that side on a hard turn. I might be able to just replce the boot on the passenger side. It depends on cost. If you are already in there and it does not cost much more, then you might as well replace it.

Right now I am just dealing with the transmission. After about 50 miles of straight driving, the A/T oil temp light comes on and it will shift very erratically. In 4th gear on a flat surface it will go into 3.5 and back to 4. It will do this a few times back and forth with no change is gas pedal at all. I topped off the fluid because it was low but this did not seem to help. Also for what ever reason after dark (but not just when it is cold like in the morning) First gear is gone. I can manually shift into first okay but it will not go into first on it's own. I've only had it a few days so not a lot of time to evaluate plus I don't know squat about automatic transmissions but I am learning something new everyday.

I am weary about changing the fluid because it is dirty and if the clutches are burned up in there, it will really start to slip and I will be looking at a rebuild very soon. I would like to think it has something to due with the leak and low fluid but it is unknown how long the previous owner drove it with low fluid and how much damaged it caused unless you pull the transmission.

It is in the shop today and hopefully they will be able to tell me that it needs a new seal here, and some soleniods and problem fixed. I am prepared for the worst though. I wish I could switch it for a manual. That is about the only thing missing on this truck.

 

[mikes4runner]

Yes your tranny does not sound good, If the fluid was never changed and or very old changing it might just losen stuff up and speed up the death.

Keep us updated.


And yes your grinding axle is gone and if the other boot is torn it will go too soon.

good luck

Mike

 

[Schooler]

Mechanic seems to think it is the fan clutch. He can stop the fan with his finger while running--no good. I hope that's it. I'm still holding off on changing the tranny fluid though. I'll wait till I get some more money just in case bad things happen. God, i hope it is just the fan clutch.

 

[Schooler]

Dang it! It was not the fan clutch. Dove to NC last night and had the exact same symptoms. I bought a 180 degree thermostat that I will put in and try. The truck does seem like it is ever so slightly hotter than normal and I will see what the new thermostat does.

I will also get some pics up today.