Solid Mechanic with Cruiser Experience

[CREACHR]

Hello all,

I'm moving into the Wichita area and would like to know if someone has a good Toyota knowledgeable mechanic they use. I bought my 80 a few months back and I know I will need a head gasket and some other seals replaced soon. I LOVE tearing into my trucks, but really I don't have the time nor experience to start tearing into the engine. Any suggestions?

 

[IBCRUSN]

I'm not too familiar with mechanics here in town as I do nearly all of my own wrenching. For stuff like engine work there are so few people I trust to do the job right I end up doing it myself. If you have the space and time to work on it a little at a time and a spare vehicle to drive I'd be happy to help.

When are you heading south?

 

[CREACHR]

Wife and kids arrived in KS today in 80, while I am back home finishing my job. I don't have immediate need, but I have an oil leak and know that I will need to dig in sooner or later. Space will be limited for a while as we will be at my in-laws until we find a new house. Ideally I'm looking for some land and will be building, but need to sell my house up here first...so time will be scarce as well for awhile.
I had a 93 4-runner that was effectively killed by a cr@ppy mechanic before my move to Wisconsin. I have a hard time trusting anyone myself. I LOVE to dig into new projects (why I bought the 80), but I hadn't planned on making this move a few months ago.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Is the HG actually leaking at this point? Where's the oil leak coming from?

 

[CREACHR]

I don't believe HG is leaking, but 165k on original. I'm assuming I will need to adress soon. Leak apears to be from a seal toward the lower driver's side. I haven't isolated yet. That whole time thing. I need to do some cleaning to better determine source. It isn't using using oil and the oil looks/smells ok.
I will be baselining everything as soon as I make the move. Any help that can provided will be apreciated. I do have other transportation, and will have weekends to use toward the projects.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Let me nkow when you get to town and settled. It sounds like it may be the power steering pump which can be resealed for ~$40 and few casual hours.