Why is there a leak in the steering mechanism that connects from the driveshaft down into the engine bay? I'm not sure what the whole box thing is called. It is not power steering, but it seems like there is oil leaking from inside.

Also, to loosen the torsion bars and have an easier ride in the front, would I loosen the huge bolts, or act like I'm tightening them?

Thanks

 

the "steering mechanism" you speak of with the "drive shaft" most likely is the steering gear box (outside of the driver's side frame rail in the front wheel well) and looks something like this. I'm not 100% sure why its leaking but most likely its a rubber or plastic bushing that needs to be replaced, I have the same problem.

as for the t-bars, yes just loosen the big 22mm bold at the end of the torsion bar which is roughly under the front seats, and be sure to loosen both sides the same number of turns, unless you want a side lean

 

ive got the same problem too.... what u guys doin about it? just keep checkin' your PS fluid levels?

 

Yeah that's the correct mechanism im talking about.."Steering gear box."
But I didn't know there was oil in it that would leak out. I'm ganna try to get a quote to replace it.

 

i hope you dont have a heart condition when you see the prices of these things.

 

well in that case ... i think ill just invest in a case of ATF

 

I'm pretty sure it just uses power steering fluid, but i'm not 100% sure.

as for getting a quote DO NOT go to a dealer they'll sell you a new gear box for ballpark of $1300 (I think...or it was $3000, what ever it was it was something absolutely ridiculous) and that's not covering the labor. I'd definately look into a rebuilt unit. (Marlin Crawler has them for $300 for the 4x4 version...not sure if there's any difference though)

 

When I bought my 4runner, it had 135K on it and it was leaking bad. When I went to a shop to ask about it, they wanted to put in a rebuilt one, and the cost was going to be about $500. Another shop told me the same thing. Finally, I went to a mechanic that my friends had used and he has been my go to guy every time. He just sealed it. I think it was a kit, but it cost about $70 and its held up for 40K miles.

 

sealing it sounds like a good idea, how do you go about doing that? can you give up some more info.

tangent, i started to play with the adjustment screw on the IM that connects to a small diaphram to 2 lines that run over the valve cover toward the distributor and onto the PS pump. I cranked it all the way open ... and the leak got noticably worse ... i squeezed it practically shut ... and i am seeing a slow but steady drying of the chassis sterring gear boz and splash gaurd, Keep fingers crossed