Hello Guys, I just picked up a 90 4Runner with the 3.0 V6. It's got 100K, Auto 2WD and I have some questions.

First, the front pass side feels like it's falling apart when going over a bump, I would assume it's the shock/strut? The tie rods seem to have too much free/soft play.

The Over Drive light keeps flashing on the panel, but it kicks into OD when I step on it.... the speedometer stopped working on the way home. What could it be? I went under and the cable seems to be in the tranny.

The AC doesn't work (cool) it won't kick in the compressor, but I will play with it and change it to R-134 and recharge in the next day or so. I will change some body parts like the front valance and 2 bumper corners, but everything else is great. Plus it was FREE!!! It's my first Toyota and import vehicle.

I just changed the oil/filter and was going to change the PCV, but I'll wait to make sure I do it in daylight and get the rubber that goes with it. I like the vehicle and will spend the $$$ to bring it back mechanically, it has no rust or accidents, just needs a shampoo and some good cleaning.

Thanks for the feedback,

Eli.

 

Can't help you with the OD or speedo

You're tie rods should have almost ZERO play. Sounds like you need to replace them. I would do all four tie rod ends, see if that fixes it, then look to your idler arm, and finally to the shock. The shock being out would make the truck feel bouncy, but not like it was falling apart. Bad TRE's will though.

As for AC, check the wiring, but I'd put 2 dollars on it being the A/C clutch. My clutch has gone out twice, once at 120k, and again at 210k. I imagine it is due again as it's nearly at 300. It is a pretty easy install. However, I'm ONLY suggesting that because you said you don't think the compressor is kicking on. If the compressor is indeed kicking on, I'd look to getting it recharged.

good luck, and congrats your your first Toy.

 

well, finally i find one with a 2wd 4runner too! alright well yeah, definately x2 on those shocks, if your in there replace the springs so you dont have this back sag (like mine......)

100k is great for your runner! im about to hit 2.

but im not too sure you can know it was well taken care of if this stuff is already happening!

my ac is out too, it happened to be one of my hoses was cracked (check!)

dont forget to run seafoam (search!)

 

Well I tried recharging the AC and the compressor didn't kick in. I'll check the wiring tomorrow. When I turn the AC button inside I can notice a change in the idle of the car, but nothing happens. There seems to be some trans fluid coming right from the driveshaft input at the tranny. I figure that if I spend $500 in fix, it's still a good value! Just found out that the rear window doesn't operate with the key, just with the inside switch. I guess I have a bunch of mini-problems to look at. The previous owner didn't notice any trans fluid ever and he said the AC just stopped working one day....