97 Limited 4WD w/112k miles $11,400

Ride looks really nice, so I had it checked out by an independent mechanic. The report states that all is satifactory. Coolant hoese show some wear, wear on the outside of the front wheels on original suspension, brakes, tires looking about 3/5 worn.

He had the rear axle seal replaced 6 months ago by his mechanic and when he pulled the wheel to remove a nail last week the tire guy saw fluid strewn again. Seller took it back to same mechanic and had the leak "fixed" but it only lasted 150 miles. Brings us to this afternoon, my mechanic see's the leak and informed me. The sellers mechanic said he would order a used axle shaft from a yard as that is all the guy could think it was.

Do I run far away to steer clear of future issues with the rear axle or is this a common problem that will be solved with a new (used) axle shaft? I know you dont have any details other than my story but advice please.

Thanks in advance!
-Stu.

Worn coolant lines, well nothing lasts forever. That's a cheap fix. New hoses + flush ~$100

Worn outside suspension could be an alignment issue. $50

I would make sure that the real seal issue is taken care of before you buy it though

Thanks SLC for the quick response. Do I want his mechanic to fix it or do I want him to take a couple of hundred off the price, have a buddy of mine fix it? I think want the underlying issue might be is that from what I have read here (in the last 15 minutes) is not too promising with a truck that has this issue in the first place. No?
-Stu.

the big one: timing belt and water pump! did they have this done? might even need to replace the thermostat too. tack on about $500 (in that range) for that one.

bob

The rear seal is a common problem for the 3rd gens, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. I would see if they would let you take it to a different mechanic by yourself and let him check it out as well. Also take what Bob said into a lot of consideration. Believe me the timing belt alone is very costly, so just make sure you know what you are getting into before you jump in head first. Good luck with it!

Timing belt, thermo, water pump done, saw receipt. Good call. He is taking it to his mechanic friend who does not seem to charge much labor so I don't think the guy will want to go to my shop. I found a list that the guy with a hill climbing Alabama avatar posted with the parts for replacing the axle.

90310-50001 $3.53 Inner Seal
90313-48001 $2.90 Outer Seal
90363-40020 $39.18 Bearing
90301-88077 $2.52 O-Ring
90520-36045 $1.12 Snap-Ring
42423-20010 $10.99 Retainer Ring (two if for ABS)
43517-35010 $30.29 Rotor

Are all these items necessary to replace if buying a used rear axle from a yard? Is there more needed/suggested? I was quoted $225 for the axle shaft and these parts total to ~$125 w/o the rotors. Just reuse the old ones right? thanks for the looking out people!
-Stu.

What can be re-used from the "bad" axle, just the drums correct? Replace the seals, o-rings, shaft, gasket, and shoes??? Sorry for not understanding. 4Runner noobie. -Stu.