So I sunk the 4runner

[nicolasballia]

It took me home fine after we cleaned it and checked there was no water in motor. Got home, and forgot to change the transmission fluid and my transmission went... Awesome. So I found a used one with 90k miles with the transfer case (which also had water in oil) for 500, but it had no oil. Is it safe to buy and just fill, empty and fill again? Or is there any components that damage over time from not having the oil in it? It wasn't ran without oil ever. It just didn't have oil while not in the car opinions?

 

[MStudt]

It took me home fine after we cleaned it and checked there was no water in motor. Got home, and forgot to change the transmission fluid and my transmission went... Awesome. So I found a used one with 90k miles with the transfer case (which also had water in oil) for 500, but it had no oil. Is it safe to buy and just fill, empty and fill again? Or is there any components that damage over time from not having the oil in it? It wasn't ran without oil ever. It just didn't have oil while not in the car opinions?

You stated the used one had water in the oil first, but then said it had no oil? I personally would not buy anything that had water in it.

 

[nicolasballia]

No, mine had water in it ( tranny and tcase) after sinking it. The used one had no water. Sorry for the misunderstanding

 

[MStudt]

No, mine had water in it ( tranny and tcase) after sinking it. The used one had no water. Sorry for the misunderstanding

I'd be a little on the leery side. That fact that it had no fluid in it, it could have rust on the inside. Even though it was empty, it still could have condensation on the inside, and that would cause rust. Another issue could be that any seals should be replaced before being used. Not having fluid causing seals to dry rot. That's just my thought though.

 

[nicolasballia]

Hmmm dammit. The outer seals of the mating surfaces right? If I see there's no rust, and replace those seals there should be no problem right?

 

[02SE]

Hmmm dammit. The outer seals of the mating surfaces right? If I see there's no rust, and replace those seals there should be no problem right?

Well... you could assume that if you want. You might even get lucky. But the reality is that no one can tell you it will be okay with any validity, without someone qualified to do the work, disassembling and inspecting it thoroughly.

 

[MStudt]

Hmmm dammit. The outer seals of the mating surfaces right? If I see there's no rust, and replace those seals there should be no problem right?

I wouldn't take the chance honestly. The t-case is pretty easy to rebuild, and you can do it without much experience. The transmission on the other hand is something I wouldn't try to do if you've never messed with one.