As some of you know, I have had big plans for my '91 4Runner, but the repairs seem to be outrunning my wallet. Most recently, it has started "popping" on acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gears, and using the gears to slow down, it pops in all gears (as soon as you lef off the gas, with the clutch still out.) It's parked for now, but I will need a vehicle to drive soon. I have looked and found some 5 sp third gen 4Runners around for a decent price (none in east TN) and that seems to be a likely way, and just part out the 91, but I hate to see it go. I could repair it, either the t-case or rear third, but with the long list of other repairs, is it really worth it?

Not to mention that I'm unemployed right now, and seperated from my wife, it puts money into a whole new perspective.

 

Define the popping more. Where is the popping coming from?

 

I had the very same question. Rebuilding mine, sinking tons of money into it and I thought, "Is this really worth it?" and without a doubt it's worth it. Money is just money, you can always make more but you have your Toyota right now and to sell it and get another one down the road would end up costing more so I say keep with it!

 

the popping is coming from the driveline. Unknown if its the t-case or rear diff. tried to check the fluid in the diff and couldn't break the plug loose. It does have a slow leak, but i would not have thought that a low fluid level would have caused this kind of problem. the sound happens ( or started ) when i would try to use the engine to slow down, ie, clutch out, no gas, easing on the brake and only in third...then fourth...then whenever there was any king of idk, "backwards torque" on the driveline, there would be a popping noise like some chain driven sprocket was slipping. This is why i question the t-case. it has evolved into a popping during acceleration, kinda like a transmission slipping, but i can hold the t-case shifter and feel it there but not in the transmission.

is this ok for an explaination

 

If you don`t want to put anymore money into it, then just sell it and get something else, but you will probably end up putting money into what ever you buy to fix any problems it has, so is it worth it to you to sell the 4Runner you have now and get something else ?, only you can decide that.

 

i have made the decision to fix it, build it right, and keep on driving. the car i have to drive now is mine for as long as i need it. so over the next bit i will be trying to rebuild the whole truck. the first stop will be a frame shop, it's shot, then I would only be wasting money. If the frame's good, then the whole thing will be massaged into new condition.