Hello all, have a question for any one that can help. I'm new to Toyotas and recently purchased a 98 Tacoma 4X4 reg cab 2.7 at an auction, 135k miles. Anyway I've noticed a sort of clunking noise coming from the front passenger side. It doesn't do it all the time. Seems to be rotational. Sometimes in a straight line under braking. Sometimes when making a left turn. But it doesn't do it every time, it's not very loud, and is not felt in the steering wheel. I'm thinking maybe a CV joint or the locking hub. Not sure where to start though. The CV is not leaking around the boot, and the boot isn't torn, but the shaft that isn't covered by the boot is painted blue. The shaft on the driver side is black. Don't know if that means anything. Replacement part maybe? The 4-wheel drive seems to work fine, tested it after I took delivery.
Is there any way to diagnose this further without tearing it all down and part swapping?
Also concerned about the mileage and the timing chain. The engine runs great, but have been told by friends that the chain should be replaced.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

If you replace the chain also replace the sprockets, guides and tensioner if bad...

 

Thanks for the reply, I will do that. Looks like an all day job according to the repair manual. Is 135k alot of miles for a timing chain on this engine?
What about the front end noise? How can I diagnose that further to pin point the cause?

 

I had a similar experience with my 4Runner and it turned out to be a broken sway bar link.