chris3641

On the verge of buying a 2nd gen 4 runner, V6 1990 Auto. Everything about the truck is perfect, however it pulls to the right when 4 wheel is engaged. The truck also has a noticable vibration when 4 wheel drive is engaged.

I had the guy I would buy it from take it to his toyota mechanic.
The mechanic said somthing to the effect of a difference between all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive. Aparently it would pull to the right on dry pavement? This dosn't seem to make since, my father has a 98 4 runner and
it does not have this problem. Anyone have a similar problem or ideas....is this guy full of it or is this normal?
chrismattle@yahoo.com

Thanks for any help!

leebee

hey chris

i have a 93 v6 auto, when i test drove it i put it in 4wd and it didnt pull right or left. just dug in and went! maybe take it to a trusted mechanic for a second opinion, it shouldnt pull to either side in 4wd.

lee

Cebby

Probably a bad CV/shaft. Make them fix it. Look at the CV boots for evidence of a rip (grease everywhere around the joint - flung out of the boot). Front axles are only $80 or so from Autozone (with your old core)

Epic Ed

That's certainly not normal. You'll also want to check to see if it has been in the shop to have the head gasket bolts/head gasket/engine replaced. Most of the 2nd generation 4Runners (including the '90 model) were part of a recall campaign to correct blown head gasket issues. You'll want to know 1) If you vehicle falls in the VIN # range for those affected by the recall, and 2) If the necessary service has been performed.

Ed

elripster

Does this thing by chance have a limited slip diff in the front? You can jack up the front and check. That will make for a pull if the tire pressures are even slightly unequal. It is also possible that different pressure will cause a pull in an open diff but I can't say for sure, just something to check since the difference in radii and therefore torque might cause the pull.

As for 4wd on dry pavement, I have never tried it. The drive train will bind like hell when you turn. The truck has no diff in the t-case to allow for the front wheels to spin faster than the rear when turning.

Is the truck lifted at all? That will increase the front driveline angle and cause a vibe at speed.

Frank