bushnut

I don't know what to say

air conditioning evaporator? I'd pull up the carpet for sure. does it smell sweet?

I think this is way beyond maintenance. drain the transmission and check the filter for metal bits. that will be a definitive clue as to needing to A. rebuild this one or B. find a new(used) one.

When it comes to care and maintenance of your vehicle the more you learn to do your self the better. However when It comes to some jobs that you don't have the skill, tool or space to do finding a good mechanic takes a little effort. 1. ask around, trusted friends and relatives people you work with can help narrow down the search. 2. once you've narrowed it down go and check out the shop, is it clean? are the staff friendly. are there similar vehicles to yours in the yard? 3.I prefer owner/operator type shops as by talking with them I can usually get a "vibe" 4. sometimes cheapest prices could mean poorest work. I believe you get what you pay for. As an example I just had the exhaust done on my R50. I asked around to a few guys I know with custom jeeps and Toyotas and as well as a local 4x4 parts store...1 shop name kept coming up. So I paid them a visit..I talked with the owner, told him what I needed and He asked some questions as to weather I wanted more performance or if I wanted to stay stock then gave me a ball park figure for both. when the funds were available I made an appointment. when I arrived they put the truck on the lift check things out then invited me into the shop took me under the truck and showed me what they were going to do. I mentioned that I do take my truck off road and they assured me that they'd tuck everything up good. when the work was finished, they again took me under the truck and showed me their work. and gave me some advice as to some other things that need doing. all in all a very good experience for me. price was much cheeper that the muffler only shop yet not so cheep that I questioned the quality and he stuck to his quote.

Ya man, I rented a spring compressor and did the job on my front street, with hand tools, and a few beers. just remember to put everything back together as you took it apart and torque things to spec. It might help if you've got a friend to help when re-installing the struts and lining up the bolts. there are a few good vids on youtube.

go for it! I installed 1" spacer in the front with the ironman springs and they've settled enough I might want to change to a 1.5 spacer. strangely the rear hasn't settled at all. I wouldn't bother with spacers in the rear. the Ironman springs give more than enough lift IMO. go with a 1.5 in the front and things should be nice and level.

judging by the condition of the Pathys in the JK, mine is in fantastic shape....I've seen rear shocks rusted through, subframes, rockers and underbody in like condition. there were even a few wd21s that at first glance looked OK but....wow the rust! our climate and road salt just eats stuff up. I bet if it weren't for road salt and stupid drivers most of the auto industry would have gone under years ago...take that for a conspiracy theory. as for interior stuff, I almost pulled all the faux wood out of an Infinity, then I though better of it.

thanks for the advice brother....I'll make a list and check it twice.

So today was my first time at a JY. I found a Right Front fender and turn signal lights as mine is rusted out and my turn signals flop around. I've installed the signals and they work great. and just started prepping the fender for paint. next on the list are some Lower control arms (front) and sway bar end links. and maybe the rear control arms as well. what I'm asking is, while I'm there should I grab things like relays, tension pully, hubs? where do I stop? there are a couple of vehicles that are just begging to be stripped of anything usable. Could I become a Junk Yard addict?

not to much available bro... OME....expensive. Rancho....not sure if they are still available. Munroe.......not very reliable. why not the 2" spacers from steve here on NORPA? way cheeper and very well made. Oh shipping will be much cheaper as he's in Quebec. or if you don't want HDPE try NX4 (I run Nx4) If I remember right, they are in Thunder bay. Why are you ditching the AC springs?

yes!....'97 was like 17 years ago! spend the bucks and keep your truck running right! while your at it change the fluid in both diffs, the transfer case and the brake system. not to mention the oil filter, coolant and timing belt, water pump, sparkplugs, air filter,fuel filter and whatever else it takes to keep your truck on the road.

just had mine done by the dealer...warranty thing don't ya know...didn't cost me a dime! thats if your in an R50... not sure about anything older.

sounds like you've got a short somewhere. Is it throwing a code? have you checked the service manual? have you unplugged the battery let everything reset and tried again? are the brakes dragging? checked fluid levels. any leaks, maybe a seized piston? I'd go at it one component at a time.

forgot to update this thread. crawled underneath and "jiggled" the wires and checked the connections.. nothing seemed to be out of place. the light has been off ever since. If it had stayed on I would have brought it back and complained. I printed out the TSB and left it on the passenger seat. I don't like going in to a dealership without all the facts. as of now no light and pedal seems fine, I haven't had need to slam on the brakes but I really should give it a try....If it doesn't engage the anti lock system..Is that a bad thing. I learned to drive with out it.

engine in top running order? spare fuel? are the brakes up to it? tools and spare belts/hoses/ fluid, shovel/ chainsaw , recovery gear? how challenging is this trail anyway? just a gravel road or a mule track? either way sounds like fun.

So what are your plans for your rig?....with that info we can then point you in the right direction. btw welcome.

the light went off again, so I've kinda been ignoring it. next week I'm having the exhaust system replaced, then I plan on doing front brakes and rotors. Crawled underneath and didn't notice any dripping fluid or broken sensor wires so I'm not sure whats up...brakes pedal feel is fine.

I used hose clamps to tighten everything down, made in all nice and quiet....thought I'm replacing it all next tuesday.

not sure what kind of aftermarket parts will be available for you in europe, but Automotive Customizers does cater to the R51 crowed. (4x4parts.com)

strangely enough no I haven't, didn't even cross my mind.

ever since I got my truck back from the dealership, the ABS light comes on randomly. It'll stay on after I've started it first thing in the morning, then half way to work it turns off. or turns on half way to work then when I get there, and I shut her down then re-start...no ABS light. what gives man? I haven't done the flash test yet but I figure some connection is bad. also I figure front pads need changing but thats just routine. was gonna do it some time this summer anyway.

x2

oil change...Valvoline high milage synthetic AND a new fuel filter...I think it was still the original.

as far as suspension differences, I have noted different rear shock mounting locations on different years....the top mount sometimes is at a very different angle to mine (looking at R50s only as there are very few wd21s around here)

thanks guys, I'll post pics as soon as I start on the work.