Hey all just bought a used 1993 4runner with 194000 for just over 3k and decided to join here so I could learn and discuss good things and bad things to do these vehicles how fix stuff what is recommended etc. I do this with all my vehicles and hobbies.

Well after bringing the 4runner to the dealer for a look over(was that a good idea?) they say I need front control arms replaced and quoted me $4000 to do uppers and lowers on both sides. A trusted local mechanic quoted me $2700. But they personally have not looked at the vehicle.
when I crank wheel all the way to the left I get a loud clunk type of noise only when it is maxed out tho. Could this be something else? Mayb a simple fix tie rod or just ball joint? I'm hoping so but if control arms need to be replaced how hard is it to diy? I'm not wrencher by any means accept for oil changed changing brakes fluid flushes etc. But hoping I didn't just buy something that's only going to be problematic. What would you do?

 

No one who has not personally examined your truck can possibly answer your questions.

My best reply is::: avoid aftermarket parts.

 

https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/gkpblZsaxfaX

This may or may not work but it's a video of the noise only when turning hard to the left. Does not make the noise when going over bumps or on the road at all just when the wheel is cranked when parking or tight maneuver

 

If it's just when your turning, I would look at steering components as opposed to suspension components, though they are closely related and/or connected. Lol.
Get under there and look while someone else cranks the wheel and makes the noise. If it's a 4WD you're going to have torsion bars instead of springs or struts.
Personally, I wouldn't pay anybody anything to do anything to my rig. That's how you get to know it. You can do the work yourself with Google, this site, a decent set of tools, a desire to learn and achieve, and a lack of fear
of effing something up too bad. Just be careful as hell because there's a wee bit of tension on these parts you're talking about. Get an idea of what you're doing, before you do it. A crash course online of the fundamental function of these systems will go a long way. Roll up your sleeves, pull up your panties, and get it done. LOL

 

thank you for the response!! If definitely was steering components and I'm with you working on our own vehicles but unfortunately due to temporarily living somewhere without my tools and barn and being in an apartment complex I had to have someone replace the inner and outer tie rods, pitman/idler arms, sway links, and upper control arms ( bushings were shot). They did good work and hard to mess something like that up unless you don't torque everything down (which he did).
I now will be doing a bunch of maintenance procedures to the vehicle before a good 3500 mile trip back home

 

Just for my own peace of mind I'm going to record here what I'm doing so I can keep a log of it and if I'm doing anything wrong hopefully someone can chime in.
On the list for today is a coolant flush and replacing thermostat. Though it might be a waste of time because I'm going to be replacing radiator within the next couple of months but don't know what the last owner did and again helps me have peace of mind. I'll be using the prestone cleaner and diluted water and replacing with asian pink stuff.(I think green is in there now)
later on this week when I recieve all new gaskets in the mail I'll be doing a
Transmission drain and refill (not flush or pan drop)
Transfer case drain and refill
Front and rear differential drain and refill
Brake flush
Replace power steering fluid (Turkey baster out res and refill with atf then drive for a day or two and repeat)
Attempt to clean and protect electrical connections

Anything else reccomended im all ears

 

I'll tell you sometimes they don't like a full tranny flush all at once. It can freak them out. The rule of thumb on an older Yota is if the tranny is shifting good, leave it alone. Lol.
I personally would drop the pan & clean the filter if it's an oem filter. It should have a metal mesh not the paper filter. Metal mesh clean with brake fluid. Toyota does not recommend replacing the filter, just clean and replace. When you do this you'll lose 4-5 quarts of crap fluid that you'll replace with new. I bet it'll like that better than a full flush. I use Dex/Merc and haven't had any problems.

 

My experience is that they all clunk after the plastic cap falls off the steering stop (not sure about the correct name for the piece). I just put grease on mine every now and then.

 

You may wish to see if this was fixed on your 4runner. When I had it done on my old 1993, they fixed the recall and several other things for free.