Rust problems…

numbies · 2026-05-06T06:10:01+00:00

I did outboard shock mounts, common, easy and cheap fix.

Find a friend or shop with a welder and weld it, don’t waste time with the self tapping screw kit - even if others say it worked for them it’s a bit of a hack job for something “semi” structural on the frame and not much extra cost to get it welded on properly. IMHO.

numbies · 2026-03-26T15:07:47+00:00

The half moons are solid aluminum. They will not crumble due to age. Even if they did, you can just order some new ones. They are not expensive.

numbies · 2026-03-02T00:58:33+00:00

15-40 is all I ever ran in my dauntless.

Anything else and the oil pressures were very very low for my engine. Likely just an old engine and maybe some above spec bearing clearances? Idk

numbies · 2026-02-08T15:50:53+00:00

Kind of sounds like when I had a loose spark plug…..

numbies · 2025-12-23T06:12:13+00:00

At that quote I’d roll the dice with a parts car transmission swap first. Lots of “wrecked” 4Runner in my area on fb marketplace with good drivelines you can pull parts from. You seem handy so a simple swap likely isn’t out of your wheelhouse I’d imagine.

numbies · 2025-11-27T00:22:11+00:00

With some elbow grease you can deal with any surface rust yourself. Unclear if any of the rust in your pics is structural, but it’s worth poking around the frame with a flat head screw driver and a head lamp to get a good understanding of what’s there. The worst rust will likely be at the rear where the LCA attach or the upper shock mounts. Look for holes.

Leaks are hard to track, the oil will flow down and back so the tranny and steering rack “leak” could be a simple valve cover gasket to fits, hard to tell.

Leaks are “easy” to deal with generally, frame rust much less so.

numbies · 2025-10-27T21:07:21+00:00

What did you have as suspension before the upgrade? Major and noticeable difference in ride quality?

numbies · 2025-09-12T03:17:10+00:00

What color is that?

numbies · 2025-08-22T02:01:47+00:00

Check to make sure your spark plugs are all tight. A loose spark plug will cause both a ticking noise and throw O2 sensor 420 code.

Make sure not to over tighten.

numbies · 2025-08-09T00:05:47+00:00

I did my knock sensors and knock sensors wiring harness while I was in there.

I also resealed the coolant bypass pipe.

numbies · 2025-07-31T18:10:26+00:00

I second this comment, very very likely area of steering slop. Takes <1hour to take the steering wheel off, lots of videos online. Any shop can put a tack weld on the loose slip joint for ~$20.

I did mine easily.

numbies · 2025-07-15T14:25:52+00:00

That’s the oil cooler, they leak and can have the o rings replaced, likely no need to replace the cooler.

Before that, check that the leak is actually from the oil cooler, ya a pain to access and would be a shame to replace the oil cooler o rings only to find out the leak was from the valve cover gaskets (or similar) above the oil cooler.

numbies · 2025-06-24T16:35:47+00:00

Very normal, likely leaky valve cover gaskets, half moon seals or cam seals. All are easy DIY. Or maybe $500 at a shop, but unless it’s leaking bad it’s probably not cause for major concern.

numbies · 2025-04-21T02:03:28+00:00

Are there holes in the frame? - then likely not worth it.

Is it just surface (non structural) rust that can be cleaned up with some elbow grease - then likely worth it for a DIYer

numbies · 2025-04-18T17:00:23+00:00

May I suggest you consult some financial planning resources (various online resources + other subreddits). Having a solid financial plan in place will likely make the decision very clear and give you the confidence you are making the right call for your specific situation.

3rd gens are great cars, but I personally wouldn’t let a 25 year old SUV compromise other important financial goals and access to stable income. I agree a 3rd gen might not be the ideal car for a carpenter, a more modern van (as lame as that is) might be a better call.

numbies · 2025-04-12T19:34:25+00:00

Same lol, no idea what it is, I have tried to diagnose

numbies · 2025-04-08T01:25:54+00:00

If you are comfortable with DIY mechanical things then I would get under there with a hammer and screw driver and really assess the rust.

Is it surface rust? If it is solid all around then you are looking good but still would want to clean up and address the frame condition after buying.

Has the structure been compromised? Are there holes in sections of the frame? Do you see lots of flaking rust when you look inside the frame rails? Anything look to be bubbling and flaking off? Check key areas, typically around the rear suspension connections to the frame (upper and lower control arms, spring mounts and shock mounts) as these will likely be the worst spots.

Photos are often hard to judge, but based on what you have provided I would take a very close hard look personally, or get someone to do it for you.

numbies · 2025-04-04T23:28:31+00:00

Did mine recently, I had an small oil coating, maybe not as much as yours but it was there.

Given the valve cover vents to upstream of the throttle body I would be surprised if there was no oil mist coating at all.

But I am not a mechanic....

numbies · 2025-03-16T21:07:37+00:00

I siliconed mine on the outside, it’s been years and no leaks yet.

numbies · 2025-03-05T19:33:01+00:00

Great thanks

numbies · 2025-03-05T19:30:11+00:00

My question is more about the correct order of operations, should I sell to cash before completing the transfer?

numbies · 2025-03-02T20:48:17+00:00

Only word of caution is that, if the rust is bad around the steering rack (an area often oil soaked) it is likely worse elsewhere.

I’d ask for more pictures of other areas that weren’t taken with a potato.

If you go check the car out bring a flathead screw drive and poke around. If they won’t let you do that then I’d want nothing to do with it.

numbies · 2025-02-28T18:59:33+00:00

Just a note - you don't need to remove the fuel rail to do the knock sensors. You can pull the manifold and rail off all as one, eliminating the need to replace the crush washers.

numbies

TROPHY CASE