[Picked up a 87!]

I think you will probably need a center link rather than a pitman, unless the taper is ovaled out or something, wouldn't really hurt to put a new one in with the center link though. The center link is what actually has the ball joints in it.

 

You could probably knock it out in a weekend, depending on how much it fights you.

 

Ball joint are easy on these, loosen the castle nut, couple hits with a decent hammer on the knuckle, they pop right out. 4 bolts hold them onto the control arm. Bushings are going to be the biggest challenge, they've likely been in there for 20 some years, you could try the bushing press that some parts stores rent out. I'd recommend a two piece bushing to replace it, preferably polyurethane, it helps stiffen it up, and won't swell up like a marshmallow in a microwave if you get oil on it for some reason. The lower control arm bushings may require the removal of the torsion bars. Mark them before you take them off.

 

 

Thanks Pathy - Im confused - as this part http://www.ebay.com/itm/231930177476 has a ball joint in it, but so does the center link here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201071795151

 

As listed above, I do need the control arm as well.

 

Do I want both or?

[Picked up a 87!]

Ok so priced out all the parts at around 200 bucks - now the question is time.

 

May have to buy that Dewalt impact wrench Ive been thinking about.

[Picked up a 87!]

 

Best to pull them and check the rod. Make sure it hasn't warn the the metal sleeve. My bushings didn't look too bad until I pulled it apart to inspect further.

 

 

Ok guys so went to get her aligned and the shop said it could not be aligned and came back with this:

 

 

 

 

 

What am I looking at for parts cost and time for this work? The shop wanted $1100 for labor which is not happening. What do you all think, something that could be done in a weekend?

[Picked up a 87!]

Does it grind into reverse even if the clutch is in for like 3 or more seconds?

 

 

no issues with Reverse so far - it does feel low on fluid though. Lot less room under there than on my '82 toyota ha

[Picked up a 87!]

If its the front defrost, pull the controls out and make sure the cable moves when you put it to defrost setting. If its your rear defrost, unplug the tabs and take a multimeter to the terminals and check for continuity. If you don't have continuity, then your defrost lines are broken. check the compression/strut rod bushings and make sure they are not worn, and have a tire shop check the alignment on your front end because mine was off barely and did the same thing. For the 4wd light, its possible you just have a burnt out bulb.

 

Sorry, yes its the front - guess I need to find myself an FSM for her first off.

 

Good advice on the strut rod bushings - just watched a cool youtube video on replacing them:

 

Can you tell by inspecting them if they need to be replaced? I looked at mine - they arent cracked or anything - certainly not new, but is there anything specific to look for?

 

Im gonna try to get an alignment this afternoon and top off all gearbox fluids.

[Picked up a 87!]

Thanks guys - best way to describe the 4wd behavior is when it hits a slippery spot it pull suddenly in the direction of that front tire - so if the left front tire hits an ice patch, it will pull sharply and suddenly left - really weird.

 

Also forgot to mention - defrost does not work whatsoever. Heat works fine as do the forward vents. Any ideas here?

[Picked up a 87!]

Hi guys new to the forum here. Just picked up a 1987 V6 MT pathfinder.

 

 

Couple questions:

 

 

No 4WD light - doesnt come on

 

Pulling in 4WD - Scared me pretty good coming home tonight, in 4WD the front end is all squirrely. Most notably, if I go over ice and snow the car will slip on the slippery surface, pulling suddenly in one direction, even off throttle.

 

 

Sporadic grinding going into gear - really only 1st and 4th, and its not all the time. Clutch master was just replaced - maybe not making enough pressure to full engage the clutch?

 

 

Stoked to be on here and hope to learn a lot!