First I want to give a big 'ol Howdy to the yotatech forums. I've been reading for about the last month and finally made my first post. Yesterday I purchased a '92 4Runner 4x4 v6 5speed122,xxx miles. I got a great deal on it and the more I drive it the more I like it. She (the 4Runner) is a lot like the girls I date: 18 years old, pretty, has some issues, runs hot, needs TLC, but has a great body.

First, 2 things: Occasionally when taking off from stop the tranny will pop out of first gear. I think it has something to do with the "synchros" but I'm not sure. The guys I got it from say it has a minor lift and that may be throwing it off, but I just have no idea and haven't had much time to climb around under the thing to diagnose the problem. Secondly, it started approaching the red bar on the temp gauge while I was driving on the hwy at 60-65. Granted, here in north TX we set a record temp at a 107* yesterday, but it is a concern of mine. I looked in the coolant reservoir and it had a soupy-rusty color to it. Should I just flush it or is it time for me to consider a new radiator? Probably need to flush it anyway.

Also, the 4Runner needs a new pair of shoes. I know there are threads out the wazoo on the subject, and I'm not sure where to start due to the amount of info, but I was curious about what sort of costs to expect on materials alone for an SAS? I want this to be a daily-dependable driver that I can tool around in and take hunting, should I just not really consider an SAS for now? I really just want to get 4" of lift and 33x12.50s on there, am I better off with just doing BJ/Coil spacers and OME? Where's the best place to buy that as a kit if it's even sold as one? I am completely open to any opinions, recommendations, suggestions...

Thanks for any of the help you can give a fella like me, glad to be part of the boards.

P.S. I can't seem to upload photos of the new whip, but I've got some in my account's gallery area, if someone can tell me if the suspension has been altered I'd appreciate it. Thanks again.

 

Nice rig! You might be looking at head gasket issues as a cause of overheating.

 

Now I'm noticing quite a bit of fluid coming from the front battery side of my engine, I don't think it's power steering fluid. Any ideas? The fluid is allover my front passenger suspension and steering members. Cracked block? Blown gasket? I have no clue and it's too dark and tight for further investigation tonight.

 

Change ALL the fluids.

And the trans is worn out. Start looking into a rebuild or pick one up off craigslist for cheap.

As for the coolant, check head gasket, radiator hoses, waterpump, etc for leaks.

 

Was this the one in Arlington, off of cl?

 

Ya it was, do you know something I don't

 

I called on it, planned on picking it up for a resale. In a display of how small the world is, I picked a set of wheels up from a guy in Benbrook today that looked at it. Said the factory motor was blown and they threw a junkyard engine in it that was leaking.

You have 3 days to change your mind

 

I hope you didn't pay too much for that thing with a bad tranny, and most likely a leaking head gasket, and needing new tires, and all the fluid is your power steering pump leaking as well.

 

Nice Rig Man "You ever take that thing off any sweet Jumps!

 

@ Sean88GT-check your PM

 

Ooooooh, thats a bummer, hopefully you can get everything figured out. Might need to go kick some ass

 

^I'm with this guy.

 

One YotaTech guy helping out another! Hope you get things straightened out, keep us posted...

 

"She (the 4Runner) is a lot like the girls I date: 18 years old, pretty, has some issues, runs hot, needs TLC, but has a great body"


That's awesome. I like that quote. Put that as your signature

 

The motor issues sound pretty sketchy... but much depends on the condition of everything else in relation to how much you paid for her. An engine can be repaired or replaced if the economics of it all still work.

The transmission issue may be as simple as replacing the shifter bushing, (which if you think about it might also be like some girls you MAY have dated - cheap and easy

Good luck with it, I hope you get it worked out.