I know this question has been posted before but I need a specific answer and I do not have much time to research this as I am in the middle of writing papers for a few of my Masters classes (10 min Study break).
My issue is when its cold out like say below 40ish and I warm up my truck, my speedometer makes a buzzing noise and the needle fluctuates between say like 60 and 100 while I go 40 mph. It doesn't stop until the truck has been running for well over 30 mins. I talked to a few people today . A. Stealership- wanted 90 for cable (expected) and 2 hours of$91/hr labor (oh my SAS is less with welding involved). Also they mentioned something about wanting to charge me $500 to do a valve clearance check (more if adjustment was needed) and they needed to do this even if it wasn't pinging or making any noises it needs it every 60k, I got truck at 95k and am not sure on the past history as it looked like the owner had a "friend" work on it. Its at 125k running well with the normal issues ..bad gas mileage, 3.0slow etc. I have done a lot work and replaced many parts over the past few years as well. I called a few local shops as I am too busy right now to do my own maintenance as I work and goto school full time. I talked with one about the valve clearance and they said that they check for noises and unless there is indication there is no need to adjust the valves and they are going to do that with the Tune up I'm getting done. They also said that the speedometer issue could be cables or possibly gears in the head unit.
A. Is there a way for me to tell what is broken on the speedometer. If It ends up being the gears in the head unit that means I have to take it apart and take it to the only place in New Mexico that fixes them but this process can take over 3-4 weeks.
(no speedometer for that time), or if its the wire its an easy fix for like 200.
B.The Valve Clearance issue...what do you all recommend.
Thanks in advance, I'm sorry for being winded. Also, I don't have a lot of extra cash as most was sunk into the SAS and bumper project and a few cosmetic fixes.

 

If you have a mechanical speedo, try and lube the speedo cable. Try a motorcycle shop for a cable oiler.

 

Ummm... im pretty sure the 4runners from 93-95 dont have a speedo cable, they have an electric sender, so someone is jerking you around.

 

My main observation is to not go back to that shop, period. They think they have a live one. Too much for the speedo, and a ridiculous quote on the valve check/adjust.

 

Some 3.0's have electronic and some have cable. Mine is electronic. I would also like to know about the valve issue. Runner is running smooth and no pinging and at near 120k miles it has never been done.

 

My 95 had a cable. I beleive they went back to cable around 93 due to all the electric sender troubles.

Try lubing it...

ISSPRO is Portland can rebuild them, and add an adapter to correct the speedo if its off, cheaper than new.