really need some help guys!

[skyguylovesmudd]

Im making this thread or can someone direct me to something that will help me. i bought my 4runner with 230,000 miles about 5 months ago. it is a 3rd gen 1998 3.4 4x4 auto. it was running great! i did the timing belt myself. new oil and coolant. (i did not know when the last filter change or other fluids like diff and transmission). it was running very good. our friend that has been working on toyota runners for 20+ years said it was in excellent shape. about 2 months after i got it i abused the 4runner name and showed it some mud. which is no problem but going through a pond 3 feet deep at 40 mph is something regret. i got dirt into my air filter and intake. checked the throttle body and cleaned that. got a new air filter and it was running perfect again. besides the fact my entire engine bay was covered in mud. just recently ive been getting some rear diff issues. it locks up frequently when turning and my rear diff lock does not work. havent checked the fluids and for metal yet. just over the last 3 days my engine has been running pretty rough. im getting hesitation and it just sounds bad. any body got any ideas on what could of happened. could it of just been it is worn from 230,000 miles? im 16 years old and dont have much knowledge of cars but i know what im looking at when i open the hood. i want to take it to toyota but i dont wanna bet charged $$ for something i can do in my garage. Please help me out! thank you

 

[E-ROCKER]

Do you have a rear E-locker (factory locker)? If so there is a breather tube for that and the rear diff. You might have got some mud/water into the rear diff. Drain it and see what the diff fluid looks like, then put fresh fluid in and see if that helps.
Also, if the locker is not working now you will have to remove it and take it apart, rebuild it and it should work again. That happens when mud/dirt gets into it.

 

[skyguylovesmudd]

yes i do and where might i find these breather tubes? this might be the case with some other things. i know i have vents and they are probably all clogged

 

[E-ROCKER]

The breather tube for the e-locker will be found on the e-locker itself, it's the tube sticking out of the top of it. The axle breather tube should be found on the driver side top of the rear axle housing. If this is the problem I would also take a look at the front diff.

 

[skyguylovesmudd]

alright so i drained my rear diff and found normal metal deposits on the plug. and i checked my plug on the top of the diff and its good. same with the e-locker. so ill have to wait and see if the problem persists. my diff lock still wont work so im assuming im just gonna have to take it out and reinstall it. next issue is my engine. im getting poor mpg and it sounds bad. should i that tune up stuff you put in your gas tank or should i get it looked at ?

 

[bimrunner]

Honestly, I think you should have someone who knows the engine drive it so that they can help diagnose the issues. I doubt running some fuel cleaner will solve bad engine and mpg issues. Could be misfires, plugs or any number of things. Kinda hard to say from your description tbh. I hope you get it figured out soon!

 

[skyguylovesmudd]

well hopefully its nothing too bad. thanks guys !