hawaiiguy

I just bought a 1988 4Runner V6 4x4 and the only real issue it has is pulling to the left and it won't turn to the right all the way. After some research and a bit of help from a local shop we determined that the "Center Link" is bent and the Pitman Arm is worn. This seems reasonable so my next thought is what would the best way to go in replacing it. Here in Hawaii parts are pricey and even if you can get a decent deal online the shipping kills the deal ($55 to ship one and $20 for the Pitman arm). Considering the 4Runner is older my mechanic suggested I look for a decent used one. The local salvage yard has a nice new-ish looking one for $50 on a 1994 4Runner. Anyone know if this will fit? Looking online (eBay) the parts there say they are compatible from 1987 through 1995. Feel free to chime in if you think there are better ways around this too... I'm just looking for an inexpensive solution to ge my surf cruzer fully-functional.

Thanks!

dutchboy

Try this (if it hasn't been done by previous owner). Certain year model Toyota's trucks and SUV's,had a factory recall to replace the center links. I have a 90 4runner and got a recall notice and I'm the 3rd owner. I took it to the dealership and it was replaced and aligned,free.
So,contact your local,authorized Yota shop and see if your rig's center link has been replaced on the recall notice already.
If it has NOT been,then their ya go...one free center link. Pitman arm cost about $70 bucks at Pep Boys and I replaced that myself the day before I took it to the shop to have the center link replaced.
Hope this helps ya.
Michael

Read the sticky thread at the top of the forum. Or go here:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...8-t100s-66901/

hawaiiguy

Oh YES, that would be awesome if I could pull that off. Thanks a heap for the recommendation I will give it a shot ASAP.

Cheers!

desertcamper67

So how bad was the centerlink bent? Just curious. I wonder how the bent centerlink affects steering radius to one side only. Hmm Your steering wheel must be way off to the right when you are going straight. Please let us know how it turns out.

tc

Recall doesn't cover '88 4Runners

Unfortunately, it DOES cover most of the vehicles you may find a used one on. Anything from '86 to '95, truck or 4Runner would work.

Be sure to check the idler arm too - that's usually the first thing to go! The labor of replacing it is pretty darn easy - you could do it yourself, but you will need an alignment check afterwards, so it might be just about the same to have a shop replace the parts and do the alignment all together.