Phrogg4ever invited me to visit and Barnes suggested I should put my cry for help here. Thanks guys. I am in Jacksonville, NC have a 94 Land Cruiser. It has been my daily driver and work horse for 10 years. I have been using the local dealer for my services, seal replacements brake work, etc. They leave a lot to be desired. I really suck at diagnostics but can turn a wrench as well as the next guy. ZOIK(my LC) has started rattling and vibrating a lot. I am inclined to believe the problem is transmission or transfer case. I could use some help diagnosing the problem and some direction as to how to correct the problem or find someone who could do whatever work is necessary. The vehicle is stock. I intend to replace suspension, reconfigure the 3rd row seating area for storage and kitchen install. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
help in Jacksonville NC.
- Thread starter itshimself
- Start date
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I was hoping you'd wander over eventually, Muahahaha!
Anyways, welcome to ONSC.
So, we'll kick off with some basic troubleshooting questions. When does it vibrate? Power on, power off, specific speeds or RPMs, turning, straight and level? Rattling and vibrating could be related, could be unrelated
There are any things that it could be, and some are pretty easy to fix with some basic tools and not a lot of skillz.
So, you can start with the driveline, check your drive shafts, u-joints and pinions and flanges on the transfer case and differentials. While you are under there, check the exhaust, hangers and all the heat shields for anything loose that might rattle. Look for any slop or excessive play in the sfafts and pinions. Check the fluid levels and make sure you are topped off on tranny, transfer and differentials. Any leaks? You can check the motor mounts, cross members for anything loose or cracked. Check your brakes, worn, warped, etc, etc.
Another thing is it could be wheel bearings (maybe) You can jack up the wheels and look for play in the bearings, tie rods, tie rod ends, steering knuckles.
If you think it is the tranny, any problems with the truck shifting through the gears? Aside from the rattling, any grinding, gear whine, any wierd clunks when the tranny shifts or when you put it in drive or reverse? Any problems shifting in between 4H and 4L? If you suspect that, you can always drop the fluid and look for metal.
That's some good things to check out as you have the time. I'd recommend getting an FSM from Mr. Yota (no haynes or chilton, they suck), some good troubleshooting guids in there, and step-by-step walk throughs tearing down and building up. I'm in Afgahnistan until Sept, but custyota (the E. NC Chapter pooh-bah) is up in Havelock and may be able to meet and greet and help a bit. If you truck doesn't blow up before Sept, I'll be in the Swansboro area around then.
Again, welcome
Anyways, welcome to ONSC.
So, we'll kick off with some basic troubleshooting questions. When does it vibrate? Power on, power off, specific speeds or RPMs, turning, straight and level? Rattling and vibrating could be related, could be unrelated
There are any things that it could be, and some are pretty easy to fix with some basic tools and not a lot of skillz. So, you can start with the driveline, check your drive shafts, u-joints and pinions and flanges on the transfer case and differentials. While you are under there, check the exhaust, hangers and all the heat shields for anything loose that might rattle. Look for any slop or excessive play in the sfafts and pinions. Check the fluid levels and make sure you are topped off on tranny, transfer and differentials. Any leaks? You can check the motor mounts, cross members for anything loose or cracked. Check your brakes, worn, warped, etc, etc.
Another thing is it could be wheel bearings (maybe) You can jack up the wheels and look for play in the bearings, tie rods, tie rod ends, steering knuckles.
If you think it is the tranny, any problems with the truck shifting through the gears? Aside from the rattling, any grinding, gear whine, any wierd clunks when the tranny shifts or when you put it in drive or reverse? Any problems shifting in between 4H and 4L? If you suspect that, you can always drop the fluid and look for metal.
That's some good things to check out as you have the time. I'd recommend getting an FSM from Mr. Yota (no haynes or chilton, they suck), some good troubleshooting guids in there, and step-by-step walk throughs tearing down and building up. I'm in Afgahnistan until Sept, but custyota (the E. NC Chapter pooh-bah) is up in Havelock and may be able to meet and greet and help a bit. If you truck doesn't blow up before Sept, I'll be in the Swansboro area around then.
Again, welcome
Im in havenot...
Welcome As "the E. NC Chapter pooh-bah".
I'm in havenot as alex said. Im not a very mechanical pooh-bah but I will try to help. 
If needed I have a car trailer and a f250 (or two) if you need trailer it some where. I won't be much help for a few weeks i just had hand surgery today. 
Send me a pm if you'd like. I have a fj40 that is slowly getting back together. alright enough one hand typing for today.
Welcome As "the E. NC Chapter pooh-bah".
I'm in havenot as alex said. Im not a very mechanical pooh-bah but I will try to help. If needed I have a car trailer and a f250 (or two) if you need trailer it some where. I won't be much help for a few weeks i just had hand surgery today. Send me a pm if you'd like. I have a fj40 that is slowly getting back together. alright enough one hand typing for today.
What exactly is rattling? and vibrating. Normally a rattling indicates something that is broken from a mounting point.
In my case it was the heat sheild for the cats.
In my case it was the heat sheild for the cats.
i don't get down to jacksonville much, actually try to stay away from anyplace that reminds me of florida 
. but if your ever up in south raleigh stop by and i will take a look at it. i'm no machanic but, if i can hear it i'll find it.
. but if your ever up in south raleigh stop by and i will take a look at it. i'm no machanic but, if i can hear it i'll find it.
My 2 cents is to put it on a rack or jack stands, start it, put it in gear and see if you can identify the source of the sound. I chased a couple different things until I did that, pointing to exactly what/where the sound was coming from...