From the garage

Repair guides

The jobs owners actually do, rated for a competent home mechanic — symptoms, the fix, tools and parts. Pick a truck.

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 1st Gen

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 2nd Gen

Full guide →

3VZ-E head gaskets

Coolant disappearing with no external leak, white exhaust, overheating, cylinder 6 misfire. 4Runners.com members call blown gaskets almost inevitable on an...DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Several days; heads usually go to a machine shop

3VZ-E timing belt and water pump

Unknown history, a cracked or glazed belt, a weeping water pump. A snapped belt leaves you stranded.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full day for most

Exhaust crossover delete (V6)

Not a failure so much as prevention: the crossover pipe that runs behind the engine puts heat into the back of the heads, which 4Runners.com members link to...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon, plus exhaust shop time

Rear coil spring replacement

Rear sitting low, bottoming out loaded, a nose-high stance.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

22R-E timing chain and guides

A rattle from the front of the engine on start-up, or broken guide pieces in the oil pan.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a weekend for a first-timer

Idler arm and front-end slop

Wandering on the highway, play in the steering, clunks over bumps — worse on bigger tyres.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Power tailgate window that sticks or drops

The roll-down rear glass works only some of the time, stalls part-way or suddenly drops into the tailgate. IH8MUD members flag the electric rear window as a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

4WD won't engage: the ADD vacuum system

The lever goes into 4H with no noise and no front drive. On ADD trucks the hubs are locked all the time and the front axle is only connected when a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour or two to diagnose

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen

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Lower ball joint replacement

Stiff steering, poor self-centering, front-end clunks or squeaks, a torn boot. Toyota's 50J letter warns a worn joint can separate from the knuckle.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 30–60 min per side

Timing belt and water pump (5VZ-FE)

Due at around 90,000 miles or with unknown history; a cracked belt, misfires or rough running. It's non-interference, so failure usually strands you rather...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 8–14 hours (AdventureTaco's first attempt took about 14)

Rear axle seals and bearings

Gear oil on the backing plate or inside the drum, oil-soaked shoes that won't stop the truck, a growling rear wheel bearing.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ a full day for most (press work)

Steering rack bushings

Vague steering, wander and clunks; rack visibly shifting in its mounts. AdventureTaco treats about 1/16 in of play as normal and 1/4 in or more as time for...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–4 hours

Valve cover gaskets (5VZ-FE)

Oil seeping down the heads, a burning-oil smell after a drive, slowly falling oil level.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–5 hours (intake plenum access)

Spare-tire crossmember and frame rust repair

Flaking scale where crossmembers meet the frame, holes behind the rear axle, a spare carrier that won't release or sags.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ a weekend

4WD won't engage: ADD vacuum system and actuators

Lever or button in 4WD but only the rear wheels drive, and the 4WD light stays off. On a part-time truck, a slow tight turn on pavement should make 4WD bind...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (diagnosis, hoses, VSV) · 3 / 5 (actuator rebuild) · An hour or two to diagnose · an actuator rebuild needs a day for the glue to cure

Rear hatch window drops or won't rise

The back glass drops into the hatch and won't come up, often in wet weather, or lowers itself unasked.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen

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Replace X-REAS with conventional shocks

Leaking or rusty X-REAS shocks, a floaty or wallowy ride, a quote for four OEM units that's more than the truck feels worth.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Rear air suspension to coil conversion (Limited)

Rear sagging after sitting, a compressor running constantly, a height-control warning on the dash.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Differential and transfer case fluid service

Unknown service history, whining diffs, a 4WD system that's never been exercised.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · A short afternoon

Front wheel bearing / hub assembly

A hum or growl that changes with speed, play in the front wheel, an ABS light.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Radiator replacement and external trans cooler (V6)

Coolant weeping from the bottom of the radiator — the driver's-side bottom is a common failure point on 4th gen V6s — or an old original radiator you don't...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

2UZ-FE timing belt and water pump (V8)

Due by mileage or age, no records, a weeping water pump. A failed belt can do severe engine damage, per LC Engineering.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full day for most

VSC / TRAC light zero-point calibration

VSC, TRAC or TRAC OFF lights that stay on after a battery change, alignment, sensor work or a fluid service — with no actual fault.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Minutes

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen

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Automatic transmission drain and fill

Due on mileage or unknown history; dark or burnt-smelling fluid. There is no dipstick — the level is set at temperature through a check plug.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Trail4R's author budgeted about 6 hours including parts runs

Front and rear differential + transfer case fluids

Due at 15,000 miles under severe service (towing, roof loads) per Toyota, or at whatever interval you set — Trail4R's author does all driveline fluids every 30,000.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A morning

Front axle (differential-side) seal

Gear oil weeping where the CV axle enters the front differential; a puddle under the front of the truck.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

CV boot replacement (inner and outer)

Grease flung around the wheel well, a split boot, clicking on turns once dirt gets in. Lifted trucks with excessive droop tear boots on the lower control arm.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day; Trail4R's first axle removal alone took 2 hours

Aftermarket upper control arms

After a lift: out-of-spec caster/camber, upper ball joint at its angle limit, or you're installing coilovers anyway.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon with a helper

Brake pads and rotors

Steering-wheel shake under braking (warped rotors — Trail4R blamed cold water crossings), noise, thin pads.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours front and rear with two people (Trail4R)

Rear hatch window won't close (re-initialise and clean)

The rear glass bounces back down as if it found an obstruction, or stays down. Common after a battery disconnect or an obstruction event.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Propeller shaft greasing

Due every 5,000 miles on dirt or dusty roads, or when towing/heavily loaded, per Toyota's schedule as quoted by Trail4R. Dry joints may pop when greased.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 6th Gen

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Front brake squeal fix (TSB pad and shim kit)

Squeal from the front brakes, typically when reversing and often worse cold. TSB T-SB-0046-25 applies to 2025 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid (and 2024–25 Land Cruiser).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Dealer flat-rate ≈ 0.9 hours (TSB op BR2503)

Front and rear differential fluid

Due every 15,000 miles under severe use (towing, roof loads, heavy loading) per the maintenance chart; otherwise inspect. Many owners do an early break-in change.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A morning

Transfer case fluid

Due at the transfer-case interval in the maintenance chart for dusty roads or towing; first change is a common break-in item.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Engine oil and filter (2.4 turbo)

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months normally; every 5,000 miles or 6 months when mostly on dirt or dusty roads, per the maintenance chart.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Cabin and hybrid-battery filters

Weak HVAC airflow; on i-FORCE MAX trucks used on dusty roads, clogged hybrid battery intake filters that can let the pack run hot.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 20 minutes

Propeller shaft greasing

Part of dusty-road and towing maintenance. Owners count five zerks on a 4WD truck.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Water in the liftgate (weep-hole plugs)

Water sloshing inside the liftgate or dripping from the inner panel with the gate open, after rain or a wash.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 10 minutes

Chevrolet K5 Blazer & Suburban

Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1st generation)

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Brace the steering box mount before the frame cracks

Steering that wanders or clunks, the steering box moving on the frame when someone saws at the wheel, or visible cracks around the box mounting bolts on a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Reseal the hardtop, liftgate and doors

Water on the floors after rain or a car wash, wind noise at speed, or rust starting under old seals.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Cut out and replace rotten floors, rockers and wheelhouses

Soft or perforated floor pans, bubbling rockers and door bottoms, or rotten rear inner wheelhouses. These are the areas Velocity Restorations and The Drive flag.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends

Repack front wheel bearings and replace spindle seals

Play at the top and bottom of the tire, a growl that changes as you turn, or grease and water inside the hub after deep water.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Replace worn locking hubs

Hubs that won't engage, pop out in four-wheel drive, or let the front driveshaft spin in two-wheel drive.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Rebush the leaf springs and shackles

Clunks over bumps, vague steering, a truck that leans or sits low on one side, or cracked rubber at the spring eyes and shackles.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Service the brakes (drums to 1970, front discs from 1971)

A pull to one side, a low or spongy pedal, or seeping wheel cylinders. Also any truck that has sat for years.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Chevrolet K5 Blazer & Suburban

Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1973–1991)

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Repair and brace a cracked steering-box frame rail

Wandering steering, a box that visibly moves on the frame when someone turns the wheel, or hairline cracks running from the steering-box bolt holes. Big...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend (more if the rail needs welding)

Swap a worn or leaking steering box

Play at the wheel, wandering on the highway, fluid weeping from the box's seals, or a box that has been loosened by a cracking frame.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–4 hours

Convert seized automatic hubs to manual locking hubs

The truck won't pull with the front wheels in 4WD, grinding from the hubs, or front wheels that drive at one corner only. Automatic locking hubs arrived...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Reseal an NP208 or NP241 and fix a leaking slip yoke

ATF dripping from the rear output, a driveline clunk, or a slip yoke pulling out as the suspension droops on a lifted truck. A worn chain can also skip or slap.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day (case out of the truck)

Rebuild the front axle ends (ball joints, U-joints, bearings)

Death-grip steering, clunks over bumps, uneven tire wear, a front end that won't hold alignment, or clicking from the axle U-joints in tight turns in 4WD.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Renew leaf spring bushings and shackles

Clunks, wandering and axle wrap. Sagging rear springs are also common, and cracked rubber bushings often squeak.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

6.2 diesel glow plugs and controller

Hard cold starts, long cranking, white smoke until warm, or a wait light that misbehaves. On an M1009, a bad resistor pack or a mixed 12/24-volt conversion...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Chevrolet K5 Blazer & Suburban

Chevrolet/GMC Suburban (1973–1991 square body)

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Brace or repair the frame at the steering box

Steering that wanders or clunks, the box moving on the rail, or cracks around the box bolts. It's most likely on lifted trucks with big tires.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day (bolt-in) · longer if welding

Replace rotten rockers and floor supports

Rust bubbling along the rockers below the doors, soft floors under the carpet, and doors that sag or won't line up.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends

Convert automatic locking hubs to manual hubs

On 1981-and-later trucks, a front axle that won't engage in 4WD, grinding as the hubs try to lock, or hubs that stay locked in 2WD.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Repack front wheel bearings and replace spindle seals

Play at the top and bottom of the tire, a growl that changes on turns, or water in the hubs after crossings.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Fix a power tailgate window that won't move

The rear glass won't go up or down from the key switch or the dash switch, the motor runs but the glass doesn't move, or the motor gets hot and stops.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Rebush the leaf springs and cure the sag

Clunks, wandering, and a 'Burb that sits low at the rear or leans to one side.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Replace a cracked dash pad

A dash pad split down the center or cracked by the sun. Hagerty says this is common.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco (1966–1977)

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Floor pan, rocker and door-post rust repair

Holes or soft spots in the floor, bubbling along the rockers, sagging doors that won't latch cleanly, rust around the door-post hinges and water on the...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends, depending on how far it goes

Front disc brake conversion (1966–75)

Fading, pulling or long stops from the original four-wheel drums, especially on bigger tires. 1976–77 trucks already have factory power front discs.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Fix wandering and lean: caster, C-bushings and track-bar bushings

The truck darts and wanders on the highway, needs constant correction, shimmies after bumps, or sits visibly lower on one side at the front.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Front-end rebuild: ball joints (or king pins), wheel bearings and spindle seals

Loose or sloppy steering, wander and uneven tire wear. With the front jacked up, the wheel rocks when you grip it at the top and bottom.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Steering box mount, play adjustment and power-steering conversion

Steering play, a box that shifts on the frame when the wheel is turned, cracks in the frame around the box, or heavy manual steering (manual was standard...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for a conversion; more if the frame needs welding

Dana 20 transfer case leaks and rebuild

Oil weeping from the case or the joint with the transmission's intermediate housing, gear whine, jumping out of range, or a stiff shift.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Vacuum wipers to electric (1966–69)

Wipers that slow down or stop when you accelerate uphill, the classic vacuum-wiper failure, or a vacuum-wiper fuel pump blocking a power-steering pump.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Ford Bronco

Full-size Bronco

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Fix a tailgate window that won't move

The rear glass won't go up or down, moves from the key but not the dash switch (or the other way round), or grinds and stalls part-way.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Correct TTB camber with adjustable bushings

Tires wearing on the inner or outer edge, especially after new springs or a lift, and an alignment shop saying it's 'out of adjustment'.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours plus an alignment

Replace radius-arm bushings

A clunk over bumps or on braking, wandering steering and caster that won't hold. The rubber at the rear of each radius arm, where it passes through the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Rebuild the TTB knuckle: spindle bearings, axle U-joints, ball joints

Clunk or play at the front wheel, grease flung around the hub, a clicking U-joint when turning in 4WD, or a ball joint that moves when you lever the wheel...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours per side

Replace the TFI ignition module (1985–91 EFI)

Hard hot starts, intermittent stalling that clears once the engine cools, misfires or erratic running on a fuel-injected V8.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 30–60 minutes

Fix a push-button transfer case that won't shift

The 4WD lights blink or the case won't go into (or out of) 4-High or 4-Low on an electric-shift truck.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Service the E4OD (1990–96)

Late or harsh shifts, a flashing overdrive light, or dark, burnt-smelling fluid.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Cut out and patch the rust

Bubbling paint along the rear wheel-arch lips, holes at the bottom of the B-pillars or tailgate, a soft floor near the rear seat-belt anchors, a rotted...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend per area

Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco II

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Replace cracked 2.9 cylinder heads

White smoke when warm, clean spark plugs, low compression on one or more cylinders, coolant loss with no external leak, or milky "snot" on a warm dipstick...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 days

Replace 2.8 valve stem seals without pulling the heads

Blue smoke on start-up or overrun, and oil consumption on a high-mileage 2.8. The Ranger Station says the original rubber valve seals deteriorate and leak...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours

Reseal leaking valve covers

Oil weeping down the heads onto the exhaust manifolds, a burning-oil smell after a drive, an oily engine bay.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Replace or relocate the TFI ignition module

The engine dies or won't restart when hot, then runs again after it cools down, without leaving a trace of the fault.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes (replace) · 2–3 hours (relocate)

Service the A4LD, replace the modulator and add a cooler

Dark or burnt-smelling fluid, slipping, no overdrive, hard or erratic shifts, a missing 1–2 shift or third gear, or white exhaust smoke from ATF being drawn...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Refresh the TTB front end and set camber

Tires wearing on the inside or outside edge, clunks over bumps, wandering, or play when you rock the wheel top to bottom.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours plus an alignment

Find and seal water leaks

A wet front floor, water in the glove box, drips from the headliner just behind the windshield, a wet cargo carpet, fogged windows and a musty smell.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–8 hours depending on the leak

Fix a liftgate that won't release

You turn the handle, feel resistance and a click, and the tension lets go without the gate opening, or it only opens if you push on the handle while turning it.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Ford Bronco

Bronco (sixth generation)

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Rear shock reservoir corrosion (Bilstein, HOSS 2.0)

Rusty or swollen reservoir bodies on the rear shocks, a reservoir hanging by its hose, oil on the shock body, or a bouncy rear end.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to replace a pair

Hardtop crazing, delamination and leaks

Spider-web crazing or bubbling in the outer skin of a molded-in-color top, water dripping at panel joints, or a roof panel that won't latch flush.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 (inspection) · dealer replacement · ≈ 30 minutes to inspect and reseat

Upgrade or replace tie rods

A bent tie rod after a hard hit on the trail, toe out of spec, the steering wheel off-center, or a tie rod that has failed outright on a lifted truck with big tires.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours plus an alignment

Fit 35s to a non-Sasquatch Bronco

You want 35s, but your truck has +55 mm wheels and stock height.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend with a level kit

Check the front suspension fasteners (2024–25)

A clunk from the front end, or nothing at all: a missing or loose upper ball-joint nut or lower control-arm bolt may give no warning before the arm separates.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Re-secure loose fender flares

A flare that flaps, gaps or rattles at speed, or missing clips along its edge.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Protect the engine-bay wiring

Chafed or melted insulation on the harness in the engine bay, intermittent electrical faults, or a burning smell.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G-Class W460

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Front axle rebuild (bearings, kingpins, swivel seals, CVs)

Oil or grease weeping from the steering ball (the big swivel housing behind the hub), play at the wheel, clicking on full lock, torn CV boots.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full weekend (estimate)

Diff locks won't engage (hydraulic system)

The dash control moves but the lock indicator never lights, locks engage then drop out, or fluid is low or weeping at an axle.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day (estimate)

Steering box leak

Power-steering fluid on the frame rail under the box, low reservoir, groaning on lock, or play in the steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day (estimate)

Cooling system refresh

Temperature creeping up on climbs or in traffic, weeping radiator end tanks, coolant smelling of oil. These engines warp heads when they overheat.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 4 hours (estimate)

Transfer case output seals

Oil dripping from the transfer case flanges or slung around the propshaft ends, and a low transfer case oil level.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours (estimate)

Sagging doors and rear-door leaks

Doors that drop when opened and have to be slammed, wind noise, or water and rust around the rear door hinges.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours per door (estimate)

Springs and shocks

A thump over bumps (a broken coil), a truck sitting low or leaning, a wallowing or bouncy ride, oily shock bodies. Classic & Sports Car lists broken coil...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per corner (estimate)

Water leaks (wiper spindles, windscreen, sunroof, heater plenum)

Wet carpets, damp footwells, a musty smell, rust under the mats. Classic & Sports Car flags leaks from the wiper spindles, sunroof and heater plenum.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours for the wiper spindles. Most of a day for a windscreen reseal (estimate).

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G-Class W461

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Cardan shaft recall check

On affected G 280 CDI and G 300 CDI trucks built from 4 April 2016 to 13 September 2021: power loss or drivetrain failure caused by the cardan shaft...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Minutes to check

Front axle service (bearings, kingpins, swivel seals)

Weeping from the steering-ball swivel housings, wheel-bearing play, clicking CV joints, torn boots.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full weekend (estimate)

Locker won't engage

Lock indicator stays dark, a lock drops out under load, or one lock works and another doesn't.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · 2–4 hours (estimate)

Springs and shocks

A thump over bumps (a cracked coil), sagging ride height, a wallowing or bouncy ride, oily shock bodies. Corrugated roads kill shocks: see the Canning Stock...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per corner (estimate)

Steering box reseal

Fluid weeping from the bottom of the steering box, low power-steering fluid, vague steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day (estimate)

No heat or fan (24-volt blower)

The blower is dead or works on only some speeds, or a fuse blows repeatedly.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours (estimate)

Sagging doors and hinge rust

Doors that drop when opened and need a slam to latch, wind noise, and bubbling paint or rust around the hinges. Handsome Motors lists every door hinge as a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours per door (estimate)

Windscreen gasket, wiper spindle and floor leaks

Wet footwells, rust bubbling around the windscreen frame, water tracking down the A-pillars. Handsome Motors names the windshield gasket perimeter as a...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a day for a windscreen reseal (estimate)

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G-Class W463

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Lockers won't engage: find the vacuum leak

One or more lock lights never come on, the centre lock drops out (and takes the rear with it), or locks release when engine revs fall.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–4 hours

Centre diff lock vacuum diaphragm

Vacuum reaches the transfer case but the centre lock still won't engage, or a hand pump on the actuator won't hold vacuum.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours (estimate)

Transfer case actuator motor

Low range won't select or deselect, a warning on the dash, or the shift sits half-done. Handsome Motors flags transfer case motors and actuators as a weak...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours (estimate)

Propshafts: grease, flex discs, judder

Vibration or judder at speed, clunks on take-up, cracked rubber flex discs, notchy U-joints.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–3 hours

Cracked coil springs (front and rear)

A loud thump over bumps, a corner sitting low, a visibly broken coil, often after a cold snap.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · 1–2 hours per axle (estimate)

722.6 transmission service and conductor plate

Harsh 2–3 shifts, flares, limp mode, speed-sensor codes such as P0715, ATF wicking up the harness.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours (service)

Viscous fan clutch (M113 G 500)

Temperature climbs in traffic or on slow trails, or the fan freewheels easily with a hot engine (or roars all the time).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours (estimate)

Front axle service (bearings, kingpins, swivel seals)

Grease or oil weeping from the steering-ball swivels, torn CV boots, wheel-bearing play.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full weekend (estimate)

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

500 GE V8

Full guide →

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels, a gear-oil smell, oil on the caliper or rotor, braking that pulls to one side.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Front axle repack (knuckle & wheel bearings)

Grease weeping from the steering knuckles, torn CV boots, play or noise from the front wheel bearings, or simply no record of the service.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · 1–2 days

Fuel pumps & accumulator

Weak or noisy pumps, hard starting, or a truck that's been stored for years.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Diff locks won't engage

The centre or rear lock won't engage, or engages and drops out. On W463s the fault is usually in the vacuum supply, not the differential.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Steering damper & front-end wander

Wander at highway speed, shake around 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Sunroof drains & water ingress

Damp headliner, wet carpets, odd electrical faults. Every 500 GE had an electric sunroof as standard.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Rust on the frame and body

Bubbling at the tailgate's lower edge, door bottoms and sills; scale on the rear frame tubes and strut mounts.DIFFICULTY 2–5 / 5 · Ongoing

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Europa International Gs

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Front axle repack (knuckles & wheel bearings)

Grease weeping from the swivels, torn CV boots, wheel-bearing noise or play, or no record of the job.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · 1–2 days

M104 head-gasket seep (I6 G 320)

Oil seeping at the right rear of the cylinder head, visible from underneath; oil smell after a run.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · 2–3 days

Harmonic balancer (V6 & V8)

On the M112 V6 and M113 V8, vibration at idle, a wobbling crank pulley, cracked or bulging rubber, or belt chirp that changes with revs. If the outer ring...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2.5 hours

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels or calipers, brakes pulling to one side.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Diff locks won't engage

One or all locks won't engage, or drop out. It's usually the actuation, not the differentials. On a 2005 G 500 an MBWorld owner found the centre lock...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Steering damper & front-end wander

Wander and shake at 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel, front-end clunks.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Rust on the frame and body

Bubbling at the tailgate's lower edge, door bottoms and sills; scale on the rear frame tubes and strut mounts.DIFFICULTY 2–5 / 5 · Ongoing

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 500

Full guide →

Harmonic balancer (M113)

Vibration at idle, a visibly wobbling crank pulley, rattle or chirp that changes with RPM, cracked or bulging rubber, belt squeal. Don’t keep driving it: if...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2.5 hours

Oil filter housing gasket leak (M113)

Oil collecting at the top front of the engine in the V, running down the front of the block onto the belt, pulleys or harmonic balancer; a burning-oil smell...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Valve cover gaskets & breather hoses (M113)

Oil on the coil packs, plug leads and the top of the exhaust manifolds; a burning smell after a drive; in bad cases oil reaching the plugs and causing...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend morning

Diff locks won’t engage

One or all locks refuse to engage, or engage then drop out; sometimes paired with central-locking oddities. The fault is usually the vacuum system, not the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels, a gear-oil smell, oil on the caliper or rotor, brakes pulling to one side.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Steering damper & front-end wander

Highway wander, wheel shake around 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Cracked coil springs

A loud thump over bumps, uneven ride height, especially after cold weather.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Sunroof drains & water ingress

Damp or sagging headliner, wet carpets, electrical gremlins from a wet fuse box or climate actuators.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Propshaft judder

Shake or judder under way, often worse under load.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

Rust on the frame and body

Bubbling at the tailgate’s lower edge, door bottoms and sills; scale on the rear frame tubes and strut mounts.DIFFICULTY 2–5 / 5 · Ongoing

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 55 AMG

Full guide →

Intercooler pump (Kompressor)

Power drops after heat soak, especially in traffic or at crawling speed; intake temperatures climb.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours

Harmonic balancer (M113)

Vibration at idle, a wobbling crank pulley, cracked or bulging rubber, chirp or rattle that changes with RPM. If the outer ring lets go you lose the belt drive.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2.5 hours

Engine & transmission mounts

Clunk on take-off or shifts, extra vibration in the cabin, engine movement when you blip the throttle.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Spark plugs, wires & coils

Misfire codes, rough idle, hesitation under boost. Many owners don't know when the plugs were last done.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–3 hours

722.6 service & 13-pin connector

Harsh or delayed shifts, limp mode, or ATF wicking into the wiring at the gearbox connector.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–3 hours

Diff locks won't engage

One or all locks refuse to engage or drop out. On mid-2000s W463s the centre lock is vacuum-operated and the axle locks hydraulic, so one vacuum leak can...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels, a gear-oil smell, oil on the caliper or rotor, brakes pulling.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Steering damper & front-end wander

Wander and wheel shake at 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel, front-end clunks. On a 500 hp truck you'll notice it quickly.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 550

Full guide →

Thermostat (M273)

Engine slow to warm up or running cool, erratic temperature gauge, poor heater output, codes P0597, P0598 or P0599. Note that 80–95 °C can be normal on a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Intake manifold swirl flaps (M273)

Check-engine light with P2004, P2005 or P2006; sometimes a lumpy idle or flat spot. The operating lever on the flap shaft breaks.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a day

Crankcase breather & oil-cooler seals (M273)

Oil residue around the breather cover’s screws; in bad cases a burning-oil smell in the cabin as oil drips onto the exhaust manifold. A grimy belt tensioner...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Oil in the cam-magnet connectors

Oil inside the camshaft-adjuster magnet connectors; on neglected engines oil wicks up the harness toward the engine control unit.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Diff locks won’t engage

One or all locks refuse to engage or drop out, indicator lights flash or stay off. The fault is usually actuation, not the differential. On a 2005 G 500 an...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels, a gear-oil smell, oil on a caliper or rotor, brakes pulling to one side.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Steering damper & highway wander

Highway wander, wheel shake at 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Cracked coil springs

A loud thump over bumps, uneven ride height — often discovered after cold weather.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 63 AMG

Full guide →

Spark plugs & ignition coils (M157)

Misfire codes (P0300-series), rough idle, hesitation under boost. Often the plugs' age is simply unknown.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–3 hours

Camshaft-adjuster magnets leaking oil

Oil inside the four camshaft-adjuster magnet connectors at the front of the heads. Possible cam-timing codes. On neglected engines, oil wicks along the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours

Turbo coolant lines & water pump

Coolant loss with no obvious puddle, coolant crust or a sweet smell near the turbos, low-coolant warning, overheating. An MBWorld owner of a 2014 G 63 found...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day or more

7G-TRONIC fluid & filter service

Harsh or delayed shifts, flare between gears, or just no service record. FCP Euro notes that the 722.9's most common failures are electronic.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–3 hours

Front axle seal leak

Gear oil on the inner front wheels or the six-piston calipers, a gear-oil smell, brakes pulling.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Pinion & transfer-case seal leaks

Oil drips at the front of either differential or at the transfer-case outputs; oil spray on the driveshafts.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day per seal

Steering damper & front-end wander

Wander, wheel shake at 55–70 mph, vague on-centre feel. au7o reports this as the most common W463 complaint.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Frame & body rust treatment

Bubbling at the tailgate lower edge, door bottoms and sills; scale on the rear frame tubes and spring mounts.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 63 AMG 6×6

Full guide →

Tyre-inflation (CTIS) leaks

Slow inflation, one axle losing pressure overnight, the compressor running a long time, hissing at a hub.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Specialist job

Portal hub & differential oil service

No record of hub service, weeping at a hub, metal on a drain plug magnet.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Differential locks slow or not engaging

A locker indicator that flashes or stays dark, or a lock that engages slowly or drops out.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon to diagnose

Turbo coolant lines (M157)

Coolant loss, coolant crust near the turbos, low-coolant warning.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day or more

Plugs, coils & cam magnets (M157)

Misfires, rough idle, oil in the cam-adjuster magnet connectors.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 3–4 hours

7G-TRONIC fluid & filter

Harsh or delayed shifts, or no record of the job.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 2–3 hours

Steering damper & front-end play

Wander, shimmy on the big tyres, clunks over bumps.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Beadlock wheel & tyre service

Slow leaks at the bead ring, old tyres, mismatched sizes after a replacement.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G 500 4×4²

Full guide →

Spark plugs & ignition coils (M176)

Misfire codes, rough idle, hesitation under load. Plugs are a scheduled item; coils fail individually.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Seven-speed fluid & filter service

Harsh or slurred shifts, or simply no record of a service. The 7G-TRONIC has no dipstick, so fluid level is set by temperature.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Diff locks won’t engage

A lock refuses to engage or drops out; indicator lights flash. On W463s the cause is usually actuation — vacuum or wiring — rather than the differential.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Steering damper & wander

Wander, wheel shake at highway speed, vague on-centre feel, clunks — amplified by tall tires and a rigid front axle.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Sunroof drains & water ingress

Damp or sagging headliner, wet carpets, electrical gremlins.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Frame & body rust treatment

Bubbling at the tailgate lower edge, door bottoms and sills; scale on the rear frame tubes and strut mounts.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend

Brake booster vacuum hose recall (17V-817)

A hard brake pedal that needs more effort than usual to stop the truck. The booster's vacuum hose can collapse.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Minutes to check. Dealer visit for the fix.

Oil leaks from the crankcase vent oil separators (M176)

Oil seeping from the valve covers or from where the engine meets the transmission, a burning-oil smell, and oil consumption between changes.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Separators: a few hours. Rear main seal: transmission out (shop job).

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

G-Class (second generation)

Full guide →

Front-axle harness recall (23V097)

ABS and stability-control warnings; on affected 2019–2021 trucks the front-axle wiring harness can rub through against the auxiliary oil cooler.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Dealer visit

Transfer-case output seal leak

Drips under the centre of the truck, a wet transfer-case housing, low fluid at service, whine from the transfer case.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

Door hinge sag

Doors dropping at the striker, needing a lift or a slam to latch, uneven gaps.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours per door

Infotainment freeze or reboot

Black screen, reboots while driving, frozen navigation, missing camera image, audio dropouts.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 10 minutes

9-speed shift adaptation

Harsh, jerky or delayed shifts.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Fitting a 2.5-inch lift and 33s

Not a fault — the most common upgrade. Stock 20-inch tires are about 31 inches tall.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Diff locks fail, ESP/ABS warnings (recall 20V-090)

A locker that won't engage or report its status, often with ESP and ABS switching off and warnings on the dash. On affected trucks, a resistor in the...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Minutes to check. Dealer visit for the fix.

Rear door won't latch or open (recalls 21V-353 and 24V-659)

A rear door that looks shut but isn't fully latched, or one that won't open from inside.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Dealer visit

Ineos Grenadier

Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon

Full guide →

Engine oil and filter change (B58)

Service due, or an 'Engine Oil Low' message. Many owners do an early break-in change, then shorter intervals than the factory schedule.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Engine air filter

Service interval, or after dusty trail use. One owner changes it every second oil change (about 5,000 miles).DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Cabin air filter

Weak airflow or musty smell. Note: one owner found almost no cabin heat in 15°F weather with the filter removed.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 5–10 minutes once you know the trick

Spare carrier clearance after upsizing tires

With 285/75R17 or 255/85R17 tires, the spare hits or barely clears the small rear door.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Tire rub on one side only: re-center the body on the frame

Bigger tires rub on one side but clear on the other, with the same wheels and offset on both sides.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Shop job; time not documented

Door doesn't latch / door button sticks (recall 25V147)

Exterior door button stays pressed in, door doesn't fully latch, or the head unit shows a door-open warning that turns red with chimes once you're moving.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Dealer visit

Steering ball-joint nut check (recall 23V903)

Usually none until it's serious. A loose or missing nut can let the steering rod ball joint come apart, and you lose steering.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes to look; dealer fix

Auxiliary switch panel wiring (recall 23V828)

Electrical faults on accessories wired through the auxiliary switch panel relay, or none at all.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Dealer visit

Ineos Grenadier

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster

Full guide →

Engine oil and filter change (B58)

Service due, an 'Engine Oil Low' message, or the first break-in change. Towing and camper weight are good reasons to shorten intervals.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Engine air filter

Service interval, or after dusty trail use. With a camper or tray, you'll be on gravel roads more than you think.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Cabin air filter

Weak airflow or a musty smell, especially after dusty trips.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 5–10 minutes once you know the trick

Rear sag under a canopy or camper

The rear sits low with a cap, fridge, water and batteries on board. The front bump stops get hit, and the truck tows nose-high.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Not documented; varies by kit

Unladen 'jitter': shock upgrade

The ride feels busy and jittery over small bumps when the bed is empty. Forum owners say the wagon doesn't do this.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Not documented

Relocate the spare out of the bed

The spare blocks the pallet space, a flat tonneau or a canopy floor.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Depends on the mount

Add L-track or O-track to the bed

The four lashing eyes aren't enough for bikes, boxes or a drawer system.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Diesel harshness at 1,700–2,000 rpm (non-US)

Vibration or harshness at a steady 1,700–2,000 rpm on B57 diesel trucks.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

AM General Hummer H1

Hummer H1

Full guide →

Replace geared-hub output and spindle seals

Oil sprayed on the inside of a tire, oil dripping off the lower ball joint, or a CTIS pair that loses pressure overnight. Pull the hub's breather line and...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1.5–2 hours per hub (Flash Off-Road)

Replace the idler and pitman arms

Steering wheel off-center or loose, with an inch or more of free play before the wheels move. Front tires that splay apart over obstacles. A shimmy at...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Relocate the 6.5 TD's pump-mounted driver (PMD/FSD)

A turbo diesel that stalls when hot and restarts once it cools, then gets harder to restart as the fault worsens. Codes P0251 and P0370 point at the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An afternoon

Replace the fuel shutoff solenoid

Occasional hard starts, sputtering and stalling while driving, and an engine that won't restart straight away. This differs from a PMD fault, which usually...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Find and fix a CTIS leak

One axle's tires drop pressure overnight, or CTIS won't inflate or deflate at all. The fronts and rears are paired, so a leak can be in either tire, either...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An afternoon to several days of testing

Rebuild or replace a halfshaft

Torn boots throwing grease, clicking on turns, or a worn seal surface where the shaft enters the hub input seal.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per shaft

Replace inboard brake pads (and rotors)

Pads under 1/8 in, chatter from new pads, a pulsing pedal from warped rotors, or fluid on the caliper from a piston seal.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Test and replace glow plugs

Hard cold starts that get worse as temperatures drop, or black smoke and a stall right after starting. Flash Off-Road's 1996 turbo diesel wouldn't start...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

International Scout

Scout 80 / 800

Full guide →

Floor pan and rocker replacement

Soft or holed floors under the mats, rockers bubbling at the bottom of the doors, and daylight around the fuel-tank compartment. Silodrome warns that rust...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Multi-weekend welding job

Swap the vacuum wipers for an electric kit (800 series)

The original vacuum wipers on an 800 are dead, sluggish or simply not worth rebuilding.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Front knuckle seals and kingpin bearings (closed-knuckle Dana)

Grease weeping from the knuckle balls, torn wipers, and play in the knuckle when you rock the wheel top to bottom. One IHPA forum owner described his 1968...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend for both sides

Transfer case pops out of gear: Dana 20 rebuild

The transfer case jumps out of 2-High or won't fully engage 4-High. On a 1967 800, an IHPA forum member found the shift-cover opening was too small for the...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend

Front disc brake conversion

Four-wheel drums that fade, pull or simply don't stop a V8 Scout on modern roads.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend

Springs, shackles and bushings (fix the sag and the ride)

A tired stance, clunks from worn spring eyes and shackles, and the choppy ride of forward-shackle front springs.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend

Points to electronic ignition

Hard starting, a misfire that comes and goes, and points that keep closing up. Silodrome lists electronic ignition among the sensible upgrades.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

International Scout

International Scout II

Full guide →

Floor, rocker and rear crossmember rust repair

Bubbling under the doors, soft or holed floors, a sagging door opening, water on the carpets, and rust at the rear spring mounts and rear crossmember.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends, depending on how far it goes

Reinforce a cracking steering-box frame mount

Wandering steering, a box that moves when someone turns the wheel with the engine running, or visible cracks in the frame rail around the three steering-box...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day, more if cracks need welding

Rear main seal on an IH V8

Oil dripping from the bellhousing area and a wet oil pan rear lip. The engine-to-transmission joint is the giveaway, since valve-cover and pan-gasket leaks...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend (the transmission has to come out)

Points or tired electronic ignition → Pertronix

Hard starting, misfires, burnt points, or a failing stock electronic module that's hard to find.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Front ball joints (Dana 30 / Dana 44)

Wandering, clunks over bumps, uneven tire wear, and play at the top and bottom of the tire with the front end jacked up.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Front disc brakes, wheel bearings and seals

Pulling, a soft pedal, grinding, or play in the wheel. Even when new, the brakes were the weak point: Motor Sport's 1978 test said they tended to pull and twitch.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Tired leaf springs and shackle bushings

A truck that sits low or leans, clunks from the shackles, tires rubbing on 31s, and a harsh ride.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Isuzu Trooper

Isuzu Trooper (first generation)

Full guide →

Replace stripped or broken wheel studs

Lug nuts that won't thread on, studs that snap when a tire shop uses an impact gun, or a wheel that loosens. Owners have reported all three to NHTSA.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Timing belt on the 2.3 and 2.6 fours

None until it fails. A truck without a belt receipt is due.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Cooling-system refresh to protect the head

Creeping temperature, steam, coolant loss or a sweet smell. NHTSA complaint files describe cracked heads and blown head gaskets on 1988–89 trucks.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A morning

Service or replace the front locking hubs

Hubs that won't lock in 4WD, grind or clunk when they engage, or won't release.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A couple of hours

Front CV boots and axles

Grease flung around the inside of the wheel, or a click on full lock under power.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day per side

Free up and protect the rear-door hinges

Rear doors that sag, bind or don't latch properly. Isuzu's 1992 recall (92V093) covered 1984–87 trucks for exactly this in salt-belt states.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Automatic transmission service (and the 90V167 recall check)

Late or harsh shifts, a fluid smell or smoke from the exhaust manifold. On 1990–91 automatics, overfilled fluid could escape onto the exhaust (recall 90V167).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour or two

Isuzu Trooper

Isuzu Trooper (second generation)

Full guide →

Manage 3.5 V6 oil consumption

Oil level dropping between changes, blue smoke, fouled plugs and, in the worst NHTSA reports, an engine that runs dry and seizes without the oil light coming on.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (rebuild 5 / 5) · Minutes a week; a rebuild takes days

Replace the intake plenum and manifold gaskets

Stalling when slowing or at a stop, a rough idle, a check-engine light and, in one NHTSA report, fuel-fouled spark plugs.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Timing belt and water pump

None. It's a service item, and owners schedule it around 75,000–100,000 miles. A truck with no record is due.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A long day

Service the 4L30-E automatic

Slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, or a fluid leak. Low fluid is the usual cause of failures, according to Bob Is The Oil Guy owners.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A couple of hours

Fix a flashing TOD light

The TOD light flashes, the truck shudders or 4WD Auto stops working.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour or two

Set ride height at the torsion bars, or fit a mild lift

Sagging front end, uneven side-to-side height, or room needed for bigger tires.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour, plus an alignment

Free a seized front-axle actuator or hub

4WD light on but no drive to the front, or the front won't disengage.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A couple of hours

Front CV axles and boots

Torn boots, grease on the inside of the wheel, or clicking on full lock.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day per side

Jeep

Jeep CJ-5

Full guide →

Steering box mount and frame cracks

Wandering steering, a box that shifts on the frame when the wheel is turned, or cracks around the box mounting holes. RockCrawler.com reports a CJ-5 that...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day if the frame is sound; longer with welding

AMC 20 one-piece axle conversion (1976–83)

Clunks on take-off, a rear hub working loose on its shaft, or worn and spun splines. Quadratec's listing explains the cause: the factory hardened hubs cut...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Clutch bellcrank (Z-bar) rebuild

A sloppy or heavy clutch, trouble finding first, or linkage that falls apart. On Jeep-CJ.com, members say the plastic bushings wear out, and that the pivots...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Carter BBD rough idle (1979–83 258)

Stumbling, sputtering or stalling at idle and poor fuel economy, but running fine at higher rpm. Offroaders.com says the cause is almost always clogged idle...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Ignition refresh or HEI swap (AMC sixes)

Hard starting, rough idle, hesitation and poor economy. Hagerty calls ignition the weak point of AMC-engined CJs, and Jeep-CJ.com's write-up blames the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Rear main seal (232 / 258 / 304)

Oil dripping from the joint between the engine and bellhousing.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Floor pan and tub rust repair

Soft or holed floors, rot along the rockers, rear corners and under the roll bar, and rusty body mounts. Hagerty says floors usually go around the chassis mounts.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side; a new tub is a full strip-down

Jeep

Jeep CJ-7

Full guide →

Convert the AMC 20 to one-piece axle shafts

A clunk under load, a rear wheel that suddenly stops driving, or a hub that wobbles on its shaft. The key between the shaft and the pressed-on hub shears...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day, plus tube welding if you do it

Repair a cracked frame at the steering box

Steering that wanders or clunks, a steering box that moves when someone turns the wheel with the engine running, or a visible crack in the driver's frame...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend, or a day at a weld shop

Clean the Carter BBD idle tubes

Stumbling and sputtering at idle, stalling at stop signs, poor fuel economy, or an idle that someone has turned up to hide the problem. Offroaders.com says...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Replace rotten floor pans and body mounts

Daylight through the floor, wet carpet, a tub that shifts on the frame, or body mounts you can push a screwdriver through. The buyer's guide points to the...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend or more per side

Rebuild rusted rear shackle mounts and replace shackles and bushings

A rear end that sits crooked or crashes over bumps, squeaking leaf springs, or a shackle hanger with rust holes. The buyer's guide calls the shackle mounts...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day per end

Service the front wheel bearings and locking hubs

Play at the top and bottom of the tire, growling that changes when you turn, grease flung inside the rim, or hubs that won't engage. The stock five-bolt...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours for both sides

Reseal a leaking Dana 300

Gear oil on the skid plate, wet yokes or a drip from the rear output. The Dana 300 holds only 2 quarts, so a slow leak can starve it.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours in the truck

Jeep

Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

Full guide →

AMC 20 one-piece axle conversion

Clunks on take-off, a rear hub loosening on its shaft, or spun splines. Quadratec explains that the factory hardened hubs cut into softer axle-shaft...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Steering box mount and frame cracks

Wandering steering, a box that shifts on the frame, or cracks around the box mounting holes. RockCrawler.com blames cheap stamped brackets, age, mileage and...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day if the frame is sound

T-5 jumping out of gear: rebuild or swap

On a 1985 CJ-7 thread, a T-5 behind the 258 popped out of first and third, grinding on downshifts.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Carter BBD rough idle (258)

Stumbling or stalling at idle and poor economy, but fine at higher rpm. Offroaders.com says the cause is almost always clogged idle tubes. It also says...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Ignition refresh or HEI swap (258)

Hard starting, rough idle, hesitation and poor fuel economy, which Jeep-CJ.com's write-up blames on the factory Duraspark.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Clutch bellcrank (Z-bar) rebuild

A sloppy clutch, trouble selecting first, or linkage that pops apart. Jeep-CJ.com members say the plastic bushings wear out, and that worn motor mounts can...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Rear main seal (258)

Oil dripping from the joint between the engine and bellhousing.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Floor, bed and tailgate rust repair

Soft floors, rot in the rear bed corners, wheel wells and rockers, and a tailgate rusting around its seal and hardware.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side; a full tub swap is a strip-down

Jeep

Jeep Wagoneer & Cherokee (SJ)

Full guide →

Cure Quadra-Trac stick-slip and chain slap (1974–79)

A pulsing grunt or rasp when turning slowly or parking, worst after the truck has sat for a week; or a slapping noise against the case, even at idle, which...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (fluid) · 4 / 5 (chain) · ≈ 1 hour (fluid) · a weekend (chain)

Rebuild the carburetor or convert to throttle-body injection

Stumbling or stalling cold or hot, hard hot starts, rich running, fuel smell.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (rebuild) · 3 / 5 (TBI) · ≈ An afternoon (rebuild) · a weekend (TBI)

Fix the power tailgate window

The rear glass won't drop, so the tailgate can't be opened, or the glass binds and stalls. On 1970–83 trucks the key switch could stick on (recall 87V-178).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Patch floors, rockers and lower quarters

Wet or crunchy carpet, holes under the mats, soft rockers, bubbling paint low on the quarters and around the fuel tank.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends

Selec-Trac or NP208 won't engage 4WD (1980–83)

The 2WD/4WD switch does nothing, the 4WD light stays on or off, or the truck stays in one mode.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Tighten up sloppy steering

Free play at the wheel, a clunk when you turn, power-steering fluid weeping from the box.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (rag joint) · 3 / 5 (box seals) · ≈ 1–2 hours (rag joint) · a day (box reseal)

Service the front hubs, bearings and ball joints (Dana 44)

Wheel play when you rock the tire top to bottom, a growl that changes with speed, uneven tire wear, grease flung on the inside of the wheel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Replace the rear main seal (258 or V8)

Oil dripping where the engine meets the transmission, with nothing wet above it.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A long day

Jeep

Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ)

Full guide →

Rebuild the Motorcraft 2150 or convert to throttle-body injection

Hesitation, stumbling or stalling cold or hot, hard hot starts, fuel smell, poor idle. Hagerty's specialist blames the carburetor for about 40% of owner headaches.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (rebuild) · 3 / 5 (TBI) · ≈ An afternoon (rebuild) · A weekend (TBI)

Replace the rear main seal (AMC 360)

Oil dripping from where the engine meets the transmission, with no obvious leak above it. Hagerty lists rear main leaks as a common 360 fault.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A long day

Fix a dead power window (flex rack and motor)

You can hear the motor run, but the glass doesn't move or moves in jerks. Hagerty says window flex tracks snap often on these trucks.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per door

Revive the tailgate window

The rear glass won't go down, so the interior tailgate handle can't be reached. YourMechanic says the tailgate window is 'notorious for failing'.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Patch floors, rockers and lower quarters

Wet or crunchy carpet, holes under the driver's floor mat, bubbling under the woodgrain, rotten rockers that can let exhaust into the cabin.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends

Drop the fuel tank and replace the skid plate and straps

Rust where the tank meets the body, a sagging or perforated skid plate, fuel smell, a sending unit that reads wrong. Both Hagerty and YourMechanic name this area.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Selec-Trac won't engage: vacuum system and transfer-case service

The dash 2WD/4WD control does nothing, the truck stays in one mode, or 4WD drops out. Hagerty says to check that 4WD engages on the fly; seals leak with age.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Jeep

Jeep Cherokee XJ

Full guide →

Replace a cracked 0331 cylinder head (2000–01)

Unexplained coolant loss, brown or dirty coolant, milky residue under the oil cap, and often a recent overheat. Wikipedia says the crack sits between...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Replace the rear main seal (4.0 two-piece)

Oil dripping from the joint between engine and transmission. Rule out the valve cover gasket, oil-pressure sender, oil-filter-adapter O-rings and (on...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Reseal the oil filter adapter

Oil on the driver's side of the block and dripping onto the exhaust or crossmember, which is often mistaken for a rear main leak.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Fix the overheating: radiator, fan clutch, pump and mounts

The gauge climbs on hills or in traffic, the electric fan doesn't come on, or the radiator's plastic tanks seep. OffroadXtreme found factory radiators...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Replace the crankshaft position sensor (hot stalls)

The engine dies when hot and restarts after cooling. No spark, and fuel pressure checks out but fuel doesn't reach the injectors. Sometimes the gauges go...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Cure death wobble: track bar, steering linkage and box mount

Violent front-end shake after a bump at speed, wandering, clunks. OffroadXtreme says the track bar is the usual cause.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Replace rusted floor pans and rockers

Wet carpet, holes under the mats, rockers that crumble under a screwdriver, rusted lower rear quarters.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Jeep

Jeep Comanche MJ

Full guide →

Replace rusted floor pans and rockers

Wet carpet, rusty seat-bracket bolts, holes under the mats, crumbling rockers, and rust at the rear cab bulkhead where the bed meets the cab.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Replace a leaking clutch master cylinder

A soft or sinking clutch pedal, fluid on the firewall, or electrical faults from fluid dripping into the fuse box below. Comanche Club members also...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours plus bleeding

Hot stalls and no-starts: CPS, ballast resistor, grounds

The engine dies when hot and won't restart until it cools, cranks without spark, or the fuel pump won't run. Comanche Club owners name the crankshaft...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Reseal the oil filter adapter

Oil on the driver's side of the block and dripping off the crossmember. Comanche Club members warn that a bad adapter O-ring is often misdiagnosed as a rear...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Sort out the cooling system (and the Renix closed system)

Overheating on hills or in traffic, coolant loss, or a cracked pressurized plastic coolant bottle. Comanche Club members suggest replacing the plastic...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Rebush the rear leaf springs and shackles

Clunks over bumps, a rear end that steers itself, rusted or seized shackles, or bent lower shock-mount bolts. Comanche Club owners recommend upgrading the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Fix or bypass the front axle disconnect (CAD)

4WD that engages at the transfer case but doesn't drive the front wheels, or grinding from the front axle. Comanche Club members say to check the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Cure death wobble: track bar and steering

Violent front shake after a bump at speed, wandering and clunks. The MJ front end is the XJ's, with the same weak points: the track bar, tie-rod ends, drag...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Jeep

Jeep Wrangler YJ

Full guide →

Fix the vacuum front-axle disconnect (or convert to cable)

4WD light stays off, the front axle won't drive in 4H, or it engages and drops out with a clunk under load at speed.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An afternoon to diagnose; longer if the axle shift parts are worn

Replace the clutch and internal slave cylinder (early YJs)

Sinking or spongy clutch pedal, fluid loss from the clutch reservoir, a slipping clutch after fluid has soaked the disc, and fluid at the bottom of the bellhousing.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A full weekend

Rebuild the 4.2's Carter BBD feedback carburetor (1987–90)

Stalling, flooding, hunting idle, loss of power or running hot. Many of these are vacuum leaks or ignition faults rather than the carburetor itself.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day, including diagnosis

Replace leaf springs, shackles and bushings

Sagging or uneven ride height, clunks over bumps, cracked or squeezed-out bushings, broken leaves and rusted shackles.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour per pair of bushings (ExtremeTerrain); longer for full springs

Replace the rear main seal (4.0 / 4.2 six)

Oil dripping from where the engine meets the bellhousing, and an oily transmission and crossmember. Rule out the valve cover and oil pan gaskets first,...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Cut out and replace rusted floor pans

Soft, flaking or holed metal under the driver's carpet, water in the footwell, and rust around the seat and roll-bar mounts.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Chase down front-end shimmy and worn steering

A violent side-to-side shake after a bump at around 45 mph, wandering, or a clunk when you turn the wheel with the engine off.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An afternoon to inspect; parts swaps vary

Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ

Full guide →

Kill the death wobble: track bar, tie rods and ball joints

Violent front-end shaking after a bump at 35–50 mph that only stops when you slow right down; vague steering and wander.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (bolts) · 3 / 5 (ball joints) · ≈ 1 hour (inspection and bolts) · a day (ball joints)

Stop the 4.0's oil leaks

Oil on the driver's side of the block, drips from the pan or bellhousing, burning smell from the exhaust manifold.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (adapter, valve cover) · 4 / 5 (rear main) · ≈ 1–2 hours (adapter) · a weekend (rear main)

Fix the Magnum V8's oil leaks

Oil running down the back of the block, a flickering oil-pressure gauge, oil on the exhaust manifolds.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (sender) · 3 / 5 (valve covers) · ≈ 1 hour (sender) · half a day (valve covers)

Sort out a sticky or binding transfer case

The lever won't go into a mode or won't come out, 4WD won't engage, or a Quadra-Trac truck binds and scrubs in tight turns.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (linkage, fluid) · 4 / 5 (rebuild) · ≈ 1–2 hours · a weekend for a rebuild

Free a stuck rear hatch

The liftgate won't open from the handle or the remote, or won't latch shut.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Refresh the cooling system

Temperature climbing on hills, when towing or at idle with the A/C on; coolant smell; a low-coolant warning on the EVIC.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Stalling at speed: check the crankshaft position sensor

The engine cuts out without warning, often warm and sometimes at highway speed. It may restart after sitting, or crank but not start. NHTSA's complaint file...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · About an hour, once diagnosed

Fuel pump failure and a flaking tank

Hesitation, low fuel pressure, stalling or a crank-no-start, and replacement pumps that keep failing. Fuel-pump complaints to NHTSA cluster on 1995–96...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day (tank drop)

Jeep

Jeep Wrangler TJ

Full guide →

Cure death wobble: track bar, ball joints and tie rods

Uncontrollable side-to-side shaking of the front end, usually triggered by a bump at around 45 mph and stopped only by slowing right down.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An afternoon to diagnose; a day to replace parts

Replace the oil pump drive assembly (OPDA)

A chirping 'laughing monkey' noise from the top of the engine, most often on 2005–06 4.0s. Left alone, Dorman says the center shaft can seize and destroy...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours, if you're careful with the timing

Replace the 4.0's rear main seal

Oil weeping from the joint between the engine and bellhousing, and an oily crossmember and transmission. Rule out the valve cover, oil-filter adapter and...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for a first-timer

Replace a leaking plastic-tank radiator

Coolant smell, green crust at the top tank seam, and eventually a split tank spraying coolant over the engine.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours including bleeding

Replace a cracked exhaust manifold

A ticking exhaust leak that's loudest from cold and may fade as the engine warms. Drivingline says it's more common on 1997–2000 trucks and is something you...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A long day

Repair rusted rear lower control-arm mounts

Flaking, swollen or holed frame around the rear lower control-arm brackets, clunks from the rear, or a bracket that moves. Quadratec warns it can lead to...DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Fix a transfer case that won't shift (linkage bushings)

The shifter moves but the transfer case won't go into 4-Low, or the lever flops around. The rod has usually popped out of a worn plastic bushing.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Jeep

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ)

Full guide →

Replace the oil pump drive assembly (2005–06 4.0)

A squeak or 'laughing monkey' chirp from the back of the engine, sometimes with a check-engine light. Left alone, Quadratec warns, OPDA failure can damage...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon

Repair rotted rear control-arm frame mounts

Flaking, swollen or holed frame around the rear lower control-arm brackets, the transfer-case crossmember or the central body mounts. Quadratec's...DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · A weekend per side

Hunt down death wobble and set toe in the driveway

Violent front-end shake after a bump, usually at 45–65 mph, that stops only when you slow right down.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon to diagnose; minutes to set toe

Replace the radiator before the plastic tank lets go

Coolant smell, green crust or seepage at the upper tank seam, often around 100,000 miles, and creeping temperatures on the trail. OffroadXtreme notes that...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Replace a throttle position or crank sensor

Stalling, rough idle or random check-engine lights. Quadratec's example was a TJ throwing P0122 that stalled while driving; automatics rely on the TPS to...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Under an hour (Quadratec's TPS how-to)

Fix a transfer case that won't go into 4-Low

The lever moves but the transfer case won't fully engage 4-Low, or pops out of it. Quadratec says the factory 'Z-bar' linkage pops out of worn plastic bushings.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Under an hour

Replace a front axle U-joint and unit bearing

A squeak that fades as speed rises, a vibration or bind on slow turns as if you were in 4WD, and visible play in the axle-shaft U-joint. Quadratec's...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day per side

Stop the rear main seal leak

Oil dripping from the joint between engine and transmission and a wet bottom of the bellhousing. Rule out the valve cover and oil-filter adapter gasket...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A long day or more

Jeep

Jeep Wrangler JK (2-door)

Full guide →

Replace the Pentastar oil filter housing (2012–18)

Oil (and sometimes coolant) pooling in the valley between the cylinder banks, a burning smell, slow oil loss. You often won't see drips on the ground until...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · About 6 hours in one owner's write-up, including prep

Cure death wobble: track bar, tie rods and steering

Violent side-to-side shaking of the front end after a bump at 45–65 mph that won't stop until you slow right down.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon to diagnose

Press in new ball joints

Vertical play at the top and bottom of the tire, wandering, uneven tire wear, and wobble after bumps. Quadratec says factory JK ball joints 'often wear...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day for both sides

Replace a front unit bearing

Play when you rock the tire with the truck in the air, a growl that changes with steering, and, as part of the death-wobble checklist, looseness in the front end.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A couple of hours per side

Fix a ticking exhaust manifold (broken bolts)

A tick-tick-tick on cold start that quiets as the engine warms, from a leak at the rear of a manifold. Quadratec says the rear manifold bolts on both the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day to a day, depending on how the bolts come out

Replace the clockspring

Airbag warning light, horn or steering-wheel buttons that don't work, and cruise or audio controls dropping out. Quadratec lists it with the TIPM as the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour or two

Change the spark plugs (and don't over-torque the Pentastar)

Misfires, rough idle and lost economy, or simply a truck past the interval. ExtremeTerrain quotes Chrysler's interval as 102,000 miles [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]....DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An hour or two

Gusset or truss a bent front axle

Camber you can't align out, odd tire wear or changed steering on a JK running 35s or bigger. Quadratec warns that heavy tires and hard use can bend the axle...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day (welding required)

Jeep

Wrangler JK Unlimited

Full guide →

Chase down death wobble (track bar first)

Violent side-to-side shaking of the steering wheel and front axle, usually at 45–65 mph after a bump or bridge seam, which stops only when you slow right down.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours to diagnose; longer if parts need replacing

Replace the Pentastar oil filter housing / cooler (2012–2018)

Oil pooling in the valley under the intake, running over the back of the engine and dripping from the bellhousing. Sometimes coolant leaks too.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 6 hours the first time (one owner's log)

Replace a cracked 3.8 exhaust manifold (2007–2011)

A ticking or puffing noise at cold start that quietens as the engine warms, a smell of exhaust in the engine bay, and soot marks at the manifold-to-head joint.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side, more if studs break

Press in new front ball joints

Clunks over bumps, wandering, uneven tire wear, or play when you rock a lifted wheel top to bottom. Worn joints can contribute to death wobble.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Replace a front hub and bearing

A growl that changes with speed or while turning, play when you rock the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock, or an ABS light from a damaged sensor.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per side

Truss a front axle before it bends (or after)

Toe that won't stay in alignment, inside-edge tire wear, or a visibly bent tube after a hard hit. It's common on lifted trucks running 35s and up on the...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend with welding

Re-spring the rear for an overland load

A rear end that sags below the front, bottoms out on washboard, or sits on the bump stops with a full load of water, fuel and gear.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Jeep

Wrangler JL

Full guide →

Fix steering wobble: damper, track bar, then the rest

Front-end shimmy or full death wobble after a bump at 45–65 mph, with the steering wheel shaking side to side.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to inspect and fit a damper

Replace a loose aluminum steering box (TSB 08-074-20)

Light, vague, loose steering and wandering on the highway, sometimes with play you can see at the pitman arm. One owner described it as 'super light, vague...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours plus an alignment check

Clutch: check the recall, then replace if it slips

Slipping under load, a burning smell, or a clutch-overheat warning after crawling. Recall 20V-124 covered manual Wranglers built from August 23, 2017 to...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A long day (transmission out)

Replace a leaking Pentastar oil cooler / filter housing

Oil, and sometimes coolant, pooling in the valley under the intake and running down the back of the engine. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists cracked Pentastar...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours

Fix 2.0T coolant hose leaks

A dropping coolant level, a sweet smell, or crusty residue around the turbo coolant lines or the coolant bottle hoses on a 2.0 turbo. Pickup Truck + SUV...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Replace a front hub and bearing

Press in new front ball joints

Clunks, wander, uneven tire wear, or movement when you rock a lifted wheel top to bottom. It's more common on lifted trucks with heavy tires.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Jeep

Wrangler JL Unlimited

Full guide →

Fix steering wobble: damper, track bar, then the rest

Front-end shimmy or full death wobble after a bump at 45–65 mph, with the steering wheel shaking side to side.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to inspect and fit a damper

Replace a loose aluminum steering box (TSB 08-074-20)

Replace a leaking Pentastar oil cooler / filter housing

Oil, and sometimes coolant, pooling in the valley under the intake and running down the back of the engine. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists cracked Pentastar...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours

Power-steering pump: recall check, then replacement

Loss of power assist or a 'Service Power Steering' message. AARP reports that the June 2026 recall covers about 1,077,000 2021–2025 Wranglers and Gladiators...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours DIY; recall work at the dealer

EcoDiesel: fuel-pump recall and fuel-filter service

Stalling, hard starting or a diesel smell. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists recall 23V-263 for possible high-pressure fuel pump failure on some 2021–2023...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour for the filter

Fix 2.0T / 4xe coolant hose leaks

A dropping coolant level, a sweet smell, or crusty residue around the turbo coolant lines or the coolant bottle hoses on a 2.0 turbo (the 4xe uses the same...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Re-spring for an overland load

Rear sag, bottoming out on washboard, or the truck sitting on its bump stops once the drawers, fridge and water are loaded. Payload can be as low as 880 lb...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours for rear coils; a day for a full kit

Jeep

Jeep Gladiator JT

Full guide →

Cure steering wobble: damper, track bar, steering box

Front-end shimmy or full death wobble after a bump at highway speed, or a steering wheel that shakes side to side. JeepGladiatorForum owners report dealers...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours to inspect and fit parts

Replace a leaking Pentastar oil filter housing / cooler

Oil, and sometimes coolant, pooling in the engine valley under the intake and running down the back of the block. The 3.6 Pentastar shares this housing with...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4–6 hours

Power steering: recall check, then hoses and reservoir

Loss of power assist, a 'Service Power Steering' warning, fluid weeping from the hoses or reservoir, or a burning smell. NHTSA's June 2026 recall 26V-363...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours DIY; recall work at the dealer

EcoDiesel: fuel-pump recalls and fuel-filter service

Stalling, hard starting or a diesel smell on a 2021–2023 EcoDiesel. NHTSA recalls 22V-767 and 23V-263 cover high-pressure fuel pumps that may fail and stall...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour for the filter

Manual trucks: clutch recall status, then clutch replacement

A burning smell after slow off-road work or towing, slipping, or a 'clutch overheating' message. NHTSA recalls 20V-124, 21V-028 and 23V-116 cover pressure...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day

Driveshafts: recall check and U-joint service

Vibration under acceleration, a clunk on take-off, or a squeak from the driveshafts. Recall 19V-636 covered 2020 Gladiators built between December 15, 2018...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Re-spring the rear for a real load

The rear sags or bottoms out once a camper shell, bed rack, rooftop tent or trailer is added. Payload is as low as 1,105 lb on a 2020 Sport automatic with...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours for rear coils

Jeep

Jeep Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer (WS)

Full guide →

Diagnose a 'Service Air Suspension' warning

'Service Air Suspension' in the cluster, the truck stuck at one height, or air ride not working front and rear. On early 2022 trucks the code C15AE-00...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to inspect

Change the oil and filter (Hemi or Hurricane)

The oil-life monitor is due, or the history is unknown.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 45 minutes

Service the front and rear differentials

Unknown history, a deep water crossing, or towing. You may hear whine or chatter in tight turns from the electronic LSD.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–1.5 hours

8HP75 automatic: fluid and pan service

High mileage, heavy towing or an unknown history. Harsh or slurred shifts are the warning sign.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Front and rear brake pads and rotors

Pulsing under braking, squeal, or a pad-wear warning. A 6,000-plus-lb SUV that tows is hard on brakes.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours for both axles

Blank screens and glitches: updates and the battery

A blank or unresponsive 10.1- or 12-inch center screen, a rear camera that doesn't show, Wi-Fi or remote functions dead, or warning messages after a short drive.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes to an hour

Engine air filter and Hurricane spark plugs

Dusty-road use, a misfire code or an unknown history.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 (filter) · 3 / 5 (plugs) · ≈ 10 minutes (filter) · 1–2 hours (plugs)

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser J20 / J25 (FJ25)

Full guide →

Drum brake reline and adjustment

Pulling, a long pedal or brakes that need pumping, on a truck with four drums and no booster.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for all four wheels

Master cylinder rebuild (brake and clutch)

A sinking pedal, fluid at the firewall, or a clutch that won't fully release.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–4 hours including bleeding

Water pump rebuild

Weeping from the pump weep hole, a growling bearing or wobble at the fan.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Ignition tune-up (points, condenser, short-reach plugs)

Hard starting, misfire or a rough idle on a truck that hasn't been tuned in years.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Valve adjustment and valve cover reseal

Ticking from the top end, oil weeping down the block, or poor running from tight valves.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Radiator re-core or replacement

Creeping temperature, a weeping core or a radiator a shop refuses to repair.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours to remove and refit

Carburetor and fuel-system refresh

Stumbling, rich running or a truck that won't start after sitting.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser FJ40

Full guide →

Front knuckle and Birfield rebuild

Grease and gear oil oozing from the knuckle wiper seals, a mix of grease and 90-weight inside the knuckle, or play when you lift a front wheel and shove it.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Two days the first time; half a day once experienced

Valve adjustment on the F / 2F

Loud ticking from the top end (loose valves), or poor running and burned valves (tight valves, which are the ones to worry about).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Carburetor rebuild

Hesitation, stumbling, rough idle or stalling at low rpm on a truck with an original carburetor.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Front disc brake conversion (pre-1976 trucks)

Drum brakes that pull, fade or need constant adjustment on a 1960–1975 truck.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4 hours with a bolt-on kit

Lift and anti-inversion shackles

Sagging springs, cracked leaves, or a rear shackle that flips over center on a lifted truck.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Floor pan replacement

Soft or holed floors, often found with rotten body mounts on 1979–84 trucks.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Tighten sloppy steering

Excessive play or backlash at the wheel after tie rods and the center arm have been checked, or fluid weeping from a factory power-steering box.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for a seal job

Five-speed swap

Screaming highway rpm on 33s with a 1:1 top gear.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A long weekend

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser FJ45 / FJ55

Full guide →

Front knuckle and Birfield rebuild

Grease and gear oil weeping past the knuckle wiper seals, sludge inside the knuckle, or play in the front wheel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Two days the first time

Carburetor rebuild

Stumbling, hesitation, rough idle or stalling at low rpm.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Valve adjustment

Ticking from the top end, or a rough-running engine with tight valves.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Front disc conversion

Fading or pulling drum brakes on an early truck.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 4 hours with a bolt-on kit

Fabricate rust repairs

Bubbling at the drip rails, cowl, rockers and wheel arches, or soft frame rails and body mounts.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Days to weeks

Fresh springs, shackles and bushings

Sagging, cracked or S-shaped leaf springs and worn bushings.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Clutch master and slave cylinders

A clutch that slowly loses pressure, has to be double-pumped to shift without grinding, or a pedal that sinks. Look for fluid under the dash or around the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day including bleeding

FJ55 power tailgate window won't move

The rear glass won't go up or down from the dash switch or the key. It may work only with the tailgate down. Or you hear the motor clunk while the glass stays put.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon to a weekend

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser FJ60

Full guide →

Carburetor rebuild and vacuum check

Stumbling, hesitation, sputtering, rough running or stalling at low rpm. If it only runs with the choke off, suspect the EGR valve.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Compression test before you buy or rebuild

Low power, blow-by or an unknown engine history on a truck past 200,000 miles.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Front knuckle rebuild

Grease sludge leaking from the steering knuckles where axle grease has got past the seals.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Two days the first time

Cure the death wobble

Violent front-end shake after a bump, especially on lifted trucks; or a shake you feel in the truck but not the steering wheel.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

H55F five-speed swap

About 3,250 rpm at 75 mph in fourth gear.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend; the pilot bearing took Off-Road.com's author a full day

Replace the front heater core

Coolant smell in the cabin, a damp passenger carpet, poor heat or unexplained coolant loss.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Two-inch lift with fresh springs

Sagging leaf springs, worn shocks or a nose-down stance.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser FJ62

Full guide →

Chase down a rough idle

Rough or hunting idle, hesitation, or a hiss under the hood.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Diagnose oil leaks before pulling the transmission

Oil drips at the bellhousing or under the engine.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to diagnose

Front knuckle rebuild

Grease sludge leaking from the steering knuckles.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Two days the first time

Two-inch lift with steering damper

Sagging springs, worn shocks, or front-end shake after bumps.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Fix power-steering leaks

Fluid on the driver's-side axle and spring, low fluid, or a groaning pump.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Rust repair at the rear wheel wells

Bubbling at the rear wheel arches, a patched-feeling inner well, or a mud flap that sits unevenly.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per side

Push-button 4WD stuck on: vacuum solenoid and lines

The green 4WD light stays on after you switch 4WD off, the front driveshaft won't turn by hand with the switch off, or the truck won't shift in or out of 4WD.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Fuel tank leak and the 91V-110 recall

Fuel smell, or fuel dripping near the rear axle, especially when filling. NHTSA owner complaints describe a tank split at a spot weld and a corroded fuel...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to drop and replace the tank

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 70 Series

Full guide →

Adjust or replace the front wheel bearings

A hum from the front that becomes a growl, then a howl, and gets louder with speed. With the wheel off the ground, there's play when you rock it at 12 and 6 o'clock.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for both sides

Stop dust getting past the airbox (1VD V8)

Red dust on the clean side of the filter, MAF sensor faults, limp mode in the middle of a dusty trip, or a noisy turbo.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes to check

Fit proper bulb-type door seals

Wind noise that gets worse with age, whistling at town speeds, diesel fumes in traffic, and a dusty dash after a day on dirt roads.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Refill the manual gearbox with the right oil

Crunching shifts, especially between second and third.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Repair a cracked rear spring hanger

A clunk from the rear under heavy load, such as towing up a hill, and a wandering feel in corners if the crack has grown.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day, with welding

Upgrade the clutch on a tuned V8

Revs climb while acceleration stays the same or drops off, the clutch bites only near the top of the pedal, and shifts start grinding.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day

Revive or upgrade the alternator

Hard starting, slow charging of auxiliary batteries and charging warnings on the dash.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Make the air conditioning work

The cabin never gets cool on a hot day, and the back seat of a 79 dual-cab is miserable.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 80 Series

Full guide →

Front knuckle / Birfield rebuild

Gear oil and grease caked on the outside of the knuckles, runny grease at the knuckle fill plug, wheel-bearing play or noise, or a seal that started weeping...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A full weekend for both sides

Replace the 'PHH' (pesky heater hose)

A coolant leak low on the driver's side of the engine, or an original-looking hose clamp on a high-mileage truck. Members warn a failure on the trail can...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Starter contacts and plunger

Intermittent no-crank: you turn the key and get a click, or nothing, until the third or fourth try.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Power-steering leak? Check the reservoir first

Power-steering fluid weeping around the top of the system. It's often blamed on hoses or the pump, but Unsealed 4X4 says the usual culprit is the rubber...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Rear axle seals and bearings (1991–92 semi-float)

Gear oil soaking the rear drum brake, cracked or contaminated shoes, and grabby rear brakes at low speed.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side

Diagnose coolant in the oil before tearing down

Milky oil, a dropping coolant level, coolant weeping where the head meets the block, or a radiator that's already been replaced.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Testing ≈ 2–3 hours; a head job is far longer

Reinforce the frame at the steering box

Cracks in the frame around the steering-box mounts, a loose-feeling steering box, or wandering steering on a truck with big tires.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day, with welding

Re-set the rear brake proportioning valve after a lift

Weak rear braking or a changed pedal feel after lifting the truck, because the load-sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) now reads the truck as lightly loaded.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Mega Cruiser

Full guide →

Hub-reduction and differential gear oil

No records, weeping seals at the hub housings or diffs, or noise from the driveline.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Rear axle shaft and wheel bearings

Clunks, play or noise at a corner. BaT trucks have had a left-rear axle shaft replaced and the wheel bearings serviced.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a day

Engine and transmission mounts

Vibration or clunking on take-off. One BaT truck had both its motor mounts and front mounts replaced.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Engine gaskets and leaks (15B-FT)

Oil seeping from the sump, valve cover or exhaust manifold. One BaT truck had the oil pan, valve cover and exhaust manifold gaskets replaced, plus a coolant...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day

Fuel filter and batteries

Hard starting, or a truck that has been sitting. BaT trucks had fuel filters and batteries replaced after import.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · 1–2 hours

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser Prado 90

Full guide →

Replace the front lower ball joints

Heavy steering, poor self-centring, vibration or shudder in turns, a torn boot, or simply no record that they've ever been changed. A worn joint can let go...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for both sides

1KZ-TE timing belt and water pump

No warning; it's on a schedule. HD Automotive quotes 100,000 km or 5–6 years, Roughtrax's UK sheet 60,000 miles or 60 months.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · HD Automotive says labor is often quoted at around an hour for the belt

Cooling-system overhaul on a 1KZ-TE (save the head)

The temperature gauge climbs on hills, while towing or in hot traffic; coolant smells, or the level keeps dropping. AustralianCar.Reviews says overheating...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ A day if you do the hoses and fan hub too

Replace a cracked 1KZ-TE cylinder head

Bubbles or coolant pushing into the overflow bottle, coolant loss, rapid overheating, rough running and lost power. A pressure test may not show the crack.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend for a capable home mechanic

5VZ-FE timing belt and water pump (V6 trucks)

None until it snaps. The 5VZ-FE is non-interference, so a broken belt strands you but shouldn't bend valves. Plan on about 90,000 miles.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 8–14 hours the first time (AdventureTaco, on the same engine in a Tacoma)

Rebuild the rear axle seals and bearings

Gear oil on the inside of the rear wheel or brakes, a low diff level, or a clunk in reverse after the diff has run low.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Front pads and rotors, using 4Runner interchange

Pulsing pedal, grooved or thin rotors, squealing pads.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Diagnose a sub tank that won't switch

You flick the sub-tank switch, the sub-tank light comes on, but the main-tank gauge keeps falling.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to diagnose

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 100 Series

Full guide →

Timing belt, water pump and thermostat (the 90k service)

No symptoms until it breaks. It's on the service schedule at 90,000 miles, so a truck without receipts is due.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A long weekend (one owner logged about 15 relaxed hours)

Replace the heater-hose pipe tees

None until a brittle tee cracks and you lose coolant, possibly a long way from home.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Press in new lower ball joints

Clunks over bumps, play at the bottom of the knuckle, or simply a high-mileage truck with original joints.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day

Replace the starter contacts

The solenoid clicks but the starter doesn't turn, usually on a cold start, then it fires after two or three tries.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours with experience (one owner's first try took 6.5)

Flush the AHC fluid

Old, dark fluid, a truck that's slow to level, or a lift via the height-sensor links that has left the reservoir low.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Check spark plugs for walking out

A tick-tick or pop-pop at cold start that sounds like an exhaust leak and, as the plug loosens, doesn't go away when warm. Premature coil-boot and coil failures.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Set the front ride height at the torsion bars

A front end that has settled or sits lower than the rear, or new tires that need more clearance.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour plus an alignment

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser Prado 120

Full guide →

1KD-FTV injector seats (washers) and oil-pickup check

White smoke and a rattle after a cold start, oily carbon in the rocker cover, and in the worst case low oil pressure from a blocked pickup.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Workshop-dependent; often done alongside an injector service

Replace worn 1KD-FTV injectors

A loud knock when cold, poor fuel economy, rough or erratic idle, and rough running under load. AustralianCar.Reviews puts typical failure at...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A diesel-specialist job for most owners

1KD-FTV timing belt and water pump

None until it fails, and HD Automotive notes the 1KD is an interference engine, so a broken belt means serious internal damage. Interval: 150,000 km or five...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1.5–2 hours of workshop time with the water pump (HD Automotive)

Clean a carboned-up 1KD intake and EGR, then fit a catch can

Reduced performance and a choked, flat feel on a high-kilometer common-rail diesel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Unsealed 4X4 calls the cleaning 'extremely laborious'

Front lower ball joints

Torn boots weeping grease, clunks over bumps, vague steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for both sides

Replace a front wheel bearing hub

A growl or vibration from one front corner that changes with speed or load.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours per side

Rear air springs: repair or convert to coils

The rear sags overnight or sits on the bump stops, the compressor runs constantly, and the height-control light blinks.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours for a simple coil swap

Front CV axle or boots

Grease flung around the inside of the wheel, split boots, clicking on tight turns.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per side

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 200 Series

Full guide →

Replace a weeping water pump

Dried pink coolant trailing down the front of the engine from the water-pump weep hole, and a slowly dropping coolant level.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A few hours

Diagnose secondary air-injection faults

A check-engine light, often with the slip light flashing and 'Check VSC' on, that may come and go, especially in cold or damp weather. Codes such as P2438...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours to diagnose

Close the KDSS valves after suspension work

Alarming body roll on uneven roads, or a truck that feels wrong right after a lift or shock install.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Grease the driveshaft U-joints

A clunk when you come to a stop, as if you'd nudged the car ahead, and another clunk when you pull away.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Swap to an aluminum oil filter cap

A plastic cap that rounds off, lets the wrench slip, warps or cracks after many heat cycles.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 20 minutes at an oil change

Add rear air helper springs for towing

Almost 4 inches of sag at the hitch with a 5,000 lb trailer and about 600 lb of tongue weight, even with weight distribution set up.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours on a lift

Seal the airbox (1VD diesel)

Red dust on the clean side of the filter, MAF faults, limp mode and, in bad cases, a failed right-hand turbo.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes to check

Replace leaking injectors (1VD diesel)

Rough idle, smoke, poor fuel economy, sludge in the intake and DPF trouble, often caused by leaking injector seat washers.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ A long day or more

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Full guide →

Repair rotted rear frame sections

Flaking, swollen or holed frame rails, rear control-arm brackets and crossmembers, often hidden under fresh undercoating on salt-belt trucks.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ A weekend or more, with welding

Cure the downshift clunk at the rear driveshaft

A harsh jolt, as if you'd been rear-ended, when the transmission drops into first after the truck has been sitting in Drive. Toyota's bulletin covers...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Fix a failed front-axle disconnect actuator (automatic 4x4s)

The transfer case goes into 4WD but the front wheels don't drive. The actuator may have water inside.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Replace a front wheel bearing hub

A growl or vibration from one front corner. One owner's bearing failed at 64,000 miles.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours per side

Silence a squeaking clutch release bearing (six-speed)

A squeak or rattle from the transmission with the clutch pedal up that goes away when you press the pedal (2007–2011 FJ six-speeds).DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 3.2 hours (Toyota flat rate)

Chop the front body mounts for bigger tires

Oversize or wide tires rubbing at full lock or under compression, usually the inside of the tire hitting the front body mount.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Half a day, with welding

Check, and live with or fix, cracked inner fender walls

A bulge, then a crack or tear, in the engine-bay inner fender aprons at the crumple zones, usually on both sides. 2007 and early-2008 trucks are the usual...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes to inspect · body-shop work to repair

Repair a chip before the windshield cracks

Chips from road debris that grow into long cracks, often from the bottom center of the glass. More than 60 NHTSA complaints across the 2007–2014 model years...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes for a chip · replacement is a glass-shop job

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser Prado 150

Full guide →

Timing belt (1KD-FTV 3.0 diesel)

None until it fails. Unsealed 4X4 and Auto Buyers Guide both put the change at 150,000 km, so a 1KD truck without a receipt is due.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a day

1KD injector service and seat washers

Knocking, a noisy idle, black smoke, poor economy and crankcase pressure, according to Unsealed 4X4.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A day

DPF regeneration problems (1GD-FTV)

Heavy white smoke, a foul smell, DPF warnings, limp mode and higher fuel use, mostly on trucks that only do short trips.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (diagnosis) – 4 / 5 (replacement) · From a highway drive to a dealer visit

EGR and intake clean

Sluggish response, smoke and DPF trouble. Unsealed 4X4 has seen diesel intake runners choked down to a hole the size of a 5-cent coin, and says the 2.8's...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day to a day

Dusted MAF on the 2.8

Sudden power loss and limp mode with a 'see your dealer' message after fine dust, per Unsealed 4X4.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · 30 minutes

Early brake booster and master cylinder (pre-2012)

A spongy or very hard pedal with a hissing booster.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

Suspension bushes, shocks and rear air springs

Clunks, a jiggly ride, uneven rebound, or a harsh rear end on air-sprung Kakadus.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 250 Series

Full guide →

Engine oil and filter change

Scheduled service. Many owners also change the factory oil early, at around 1,000–1,500 miles.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Differential and transfer-case fluid

Scheduled service, or after deep water crossings or heavy towing.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Fix front-brake squeal in reverse

Squealing from the front brakes when backing up, especially at low speed.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Clear the hybrid-battery cooling intakes

A 'battery cooling fan maintenance' message, or a fan running louder than usual.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Keep the 12 V battery alive at camp

The truck won't go into Ready after the doors or hatch have been open for a while with the engine off.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Make room for 35s

Rubbing at full lock or compression after fitting tires over about 33 inches.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day plus alignment

Sunroof leak and a damp headliner

Water dripping through the overhead console with the roof shut, a damp headliner or passenger footwell, or a musty smell after rain. NHTSA complaints...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour to clean the drains; a dealer visit if the seal is at fault

Quiet a vibrating driver's mirror

At highway speed the driver's mirror glass shakes enough to blur the view. Owners say the passenger side is solid. One NHTSA complainant says the dealer...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser 300 Series

Full guide →

Transfer case and front diff fluid service

Scheduled service. One IH8MUD owner also reported less low-speed 'rocking' in traffic after changing the transfer-case fluid at 19,500 miles.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1.5 hours

Early oil change and oil analysis

A new or new-to-you V35A truck, especially one built before the recall fixes.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour plus lab turnaround

ATF drain-and-fill

Rough or erratic shifts on a truck with 'lifetime' fluid, or towing and hard off-road use.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Rear hatch won't close

You press the hatch button, it beeps once as if it's going to close, then beeps twice and doesn't move.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Driver's-side windshield rattle

A rattle at the bottom corner of the windshield.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Tame rolling-stop hesitation

Delayed or missing throttle response, or a clunk into first, when accelerating from a rolling stop. Owners say it's worse in Sport and Sport+ modes.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes

Diesel: keep the DPF and EGR healthy

Loss of power, a check-engine light or limp mode on an F33A diesel, sometimes with extra smoke and fuel use.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A weekly highway run; an intake clean is a workshop job

Diesel: guard the exposed fuel filter

The engine cuts out off-road and there's a pool of diesel near the right rear wheel.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 5 minutes for a bolt-on guard (maker's claim)

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover Series I–III

Full guide →

Swivel housing rebuild (Series IIA/III)

Oil weeping past the swivel seal, pitted chrome on the swivel ball, wandering or heavy steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Several hours per side

Rear half-shaft and drive flange swap

Clunk when stopping or taking up drive, a wheel that won't drive, or a snapped shaft (usually at the diff end).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · About an hour per side

Leaf spring and chassis bush replacement

Clonks over bumps, the truck leaning or sitting low, cracked or perished bushes, or you're fitting parabolics.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A weekend for all four springs

Clutch cross-shaft pins

Clutch pedal suddenly stops a quarter to a third of the way down and the clutch won't disengage, while the hydraulics still work through their full stroke...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day with the floor out

Rear crossmember and outrigger repair

Flaking or perforated steel at the rear crossmember, soft outriggers, fresh underseal hiding something.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend or more

Fit 235/85R16s and set the steering stops

Tyres touching the frame at full lock after fitting larger or wider tyres.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · An hour plus tyre fitting

Steering relay: free it, reseal it, refill it

Steering that is very heavy or tight, especially on a truck that has stood outside for years, or oil weeping from the bottom of the relay.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day; the radiator has to come out

Gearbox jumping out of gear: find the cause

The lever pops out of gear, often second or fourth, on the overrun or over bumps. Some owners resort to holding it in, or to a bungee cord on long trips.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An hour for the external checks; a weekend or more if the gearbox comes out

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover 90 / 110 / Defender

Full guide →

Swivel housing rebuild and preload

Grease or oil weeping from the swivel seal, pitted chrome ball, wobbly or vague steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour both sides for a shim/preload adjustment; longer for a full rebuild

Top up a leaking swivel with one-shot grease

Grease smeared on the inside of the wheel and around the swivel seal retainer.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Short job

300Tdi timing belt with revised kit

Due on the service interval, belt edge wear, or debris inside the timing cover; early-type kits can let the belt track off.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Several hours

Td5 injector harness oil leak

Oil and dust on the ECU plug under the driver's seat, misfires or running issues.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Short for the injector harness; much bigger if the main loom is contaminated

LT230 rear output seal and flange

Oil running down the back of the transfer box, contaminated transmission handbrake.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A few hours

Chassis outrigger and rear crossmember repair

Perforated outriggers, flaking rear crossmember, failed inspection.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend or more

Bulkhead footwell repair

Damp carpets, holes in the footwells or the bottom corners of the bulkhead.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Weekend

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover Defender (L663)

Full guide →

Engine oil and filter (3.0 Ingenium diesel)

Due on the oil-life counter, or you want shorter intervals than the factory schedule.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours including undertray removal

Lower steering shaft joint and gaiter

Split rubber boot on the lower steering shaft, often spotted on weekly checks or flagged at MOT, sometimes with a knock through the wheel.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · 1–2 hours

PM sensor for P24C6 / P24C7

Engine light after cold starts, codes P24C6/P24C7 (particulate matter sensor temperature circuit), and regenerations every 100 miles or so.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Chase a P0401 EGR flow fault

Judder and hesitation at low-speed acceleration, especially on 1–2 and 2–3 shifts, then P0401 (EGR flow insufficient) and sometimes P006B.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Diagnosis can take several drives

Coolant loss on the P400

Coolant dropping from max to min within 100–150 km with no obvious puddle.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours plus diagnosis

Track rod end for a random clunk

Metallic clunk when steering or when the suspension articulates, at no particular angle.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per side, plus alignment

Re-bond lifting wheel-arch extensions

The outer edge of a dealer-fitted arch extension peeling away from the body.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · An hour per arch

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover Discovery Series I

Full guide →

Reseal leaking sunroofs and replace drains

Water dripping from the roof lining or rear vents, wet carpets, sagging or stained headlining.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · A day with the headlining out

Rear propshaft rubber coupler

Clonk or jerk on take-off and gear changes, visible cracks or splits in the rear propshaft's rubber 'doughnut' coupler.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Idle air control valve (14CUX V8)

High idle on start-up (1,100–2,000 rpm), hunting idle, or idle that won't drop despite the ECU asking for about 700 rpm.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour plus diagnosis

Swivel housing rebuild

Oil on the inside of the front wheels, pitted chrome balls, vague steering.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · A day for both sides

Sill and boot-floor repair

MOT advisories, soft metal at the sills or body mounts, daylight through the boot floor.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Several weekends

Overheating: bleed and cap before head gasket

Coolant pushed out of the expansion tank, rising temperature after recent leaks or top-ups.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

300Tdi timing belt with revised kit

Due on interval, or belt debris inside the timing cover.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Several hours

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover Discovery Series II

Full guide →

Td5 injector harness replacement

Oil inside the red ECU plug, poor starting, misfires or rough running, injector fault codes.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Td5 oil pump bolt (preventive)

None until it fails: the bolt holding the oil-pump sprocket can loosen and fall out, and the engine is destroyed. Early engines are most at risk, but owners...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

Td5 fuel pressure regulator

Diesel leaking from the back of the engine on the driver's side; fuel smell.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

SLS air springs, or convert to coils

The rear sags overnight or when parked, then pumps back up; the compressor runs for long periods. Ignored leaks burn out the compressor.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

ACE leaks: pipes, filter or delete

Hydraulic fluid on the chassis or around the anti-roll bars, ACE warning, body roll returning. Pipes rust through and the aluminium valve block pits until...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day to a weekend

Three amigos: ABS sensors and hubs

ABS, TC and HDC warning lights on together, sometimes intermittently.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

V8 head gaskets and cooling refresh

Coolant loss, overheating at idle, coolant weeping at the head-to-block joint, mayonnaise under the filler cap.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend, plus machine-shop time

Rear chassis and crossmember repair

Flaking or holed metal at the rear crossmember, rear chassis legs and around the fuel tank; collapsed suspension hangers; MOT failures.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Several weekends, or a week on a ramp

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover LR3 / Discovery 3

Full guide →

Rebuild or replace the air suspension compressor

Slow height changes, suspension faults, a compressor that gets very hot and slows before cutting out with an error. One DISCO3.CO.UK owner's unit reached...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day

Front air spring or strut

One corner leans or drops, the fault keeps coming back, or you hear air hiss over bumps. A soapy-water test shows the leak.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An evening per side

Ride height sensor replacement

Uneven ride height, suspension warning lights, or a truck that won't hold the height it's asked for. Height-sensor faults are one of the electrical causes...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour plus calibration

Electronic parking brake actuator

The parking brake won't apply or release, or the motor grinds or whines without effect. A seized EPB can leave the truck stuck.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Many hours the first time (one LR4 owner took 11)

Front lower control arms and bushes

Clunks, vague steering, tyre wear, split boots and oil leaking from the hydraulic rear bush.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · 45 min per side on a lift; a full day if bolts are seized

ZF 6HP26 fluid, pan and filter

Judder, flare or harsh shifts, an unknown service history, or a weeping valve body sleeve.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

TDV6 timing belt and water pump

Due on age or mileage, no paperwork, or a weeping water pump. PistonHeads also notes the oil-pump casing that the timing-belt tensioner bolts to can snap off.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full day

4.4 V8 thermostat housing and coolant tube

A slow coolant drip from a crack in the plastic thermostat housing, low coolant, rising temperature.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours plus an hour to bleed

Land Rover Series & Defender

Land Rover LR4 / Discovery 4

Full guide →

Coolant crossover pipe, water pump & thermostat (5.0 V8)

Coolant smell after driving, slowly falling coolant level or 'low coolant' warning, crusty coolant around the front of the engine or the back of the block,...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 day DIY (pump and both pipes)

Supercharger-off cooling refresh & isolator (3.0 SC V6, 2014–16)

Coolant odour with no visible leak, slow coolant loss, a gravelly rattle from the supercharger at idle.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend DIY

Timing chain tensioners & guides (5.0 V8)

Rattle or click from the front of the engine, more pronounced at idle and most obvious on a cold start.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Land Rover allows 8.1 h for tensioners and levers; one shop quoted 18.75 h for a full chain kit

Air suspension compressor

Slow to rise, 'suspension fault' message, compressor running constantly or overheating, truck stuck at a low height.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Air strut / air spring replacement

One corner sags overnight, the truck leans when parked, hissing from a wheel well, bouncy ride from a leaking damper.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per axle

Front lower control arms (bushings & ball joints)

Clunk over bumps, wandering on the highway, uneven front tyre wear, torn ball-joint boots.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–4 hours for both sides

Automatic transmission fluid & pan/filter service

Harsh or flared shifts, judder, a weeping pan or valve-body sleeve. The handbook calls the fluid 'filled for life', but owners and specialists change it.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Brake pads, discs & parking-brake shoes

Wear warnings, vibration under braking, squeal when reversing (early trucks had a TSB for rear squeal), a weak electronic parking brake.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per axle

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus LX 450

Full guide →

Front knuckle rebuild and birfield repack

Grease and oil caked on the outside of the knuckle balls, runny grease at the knuckle fill plug, and diff oil migrating into the knuckles.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies. Allow a weekend for a first rebuild.

PHH (heater hose) replacement

A coolant leak low on the driver's side of the engine, or a sudden loss of coolant that leaves you stranded. Old original clamps are a warning sign on their own.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon. It's easier if the starter is already out.

Head gasket replacement

Coolant loss, overheating, combustion gases in the coolant (confirm with a block test kit) and coolant weeping at the head-to-block joint.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Multi-day. The head has to go to a machine shop.

Center diff lock (CDL) switch install

You want to lock the center differential in high range on snow, sand or washboard, but US trucks only lock it automatically in low range.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Under 1 hour

Power-steering reservoir seal leak

A steady power-steering fluid leak that has been blamed on the hoses or the steering box.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Rear axle stud and cone-washer repair

Snapped rear axle-flange studs.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ half a day

Parking brake that won't hold

The handbrake won't hold the truck on a slope, or the lever comes up a long way before it bites.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ An hour to adjust; half a day for shoes and hardware

Driveline clunk: grease the slip yokes

A clunk or a 'grabbing' feel when you take up drive, shift into gear or get on and off the throttle.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to pull and grease both shafts

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus LX 470

Full guide →

AHC fluid flush and bleed

A harsh or bouncy ride, dark or metallic-gray fluid in the reservoir, sluggish leveling, or a flush that's overdue (owners say Lexus recommends one every 60k miles).DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour (owner report)

AHC height-sensor lift

You want more ground clearance in Normal without giving up AHC.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon plus an alignment

Timing belt, water pump and 90k service

The mileage says 90k, 180k or 270k with no proof the belt was done, or there's a weeping water pump or a rough idler bearing.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A weekend (about 15 leisurely hours in one write-up)

Starter (or starter contacts) replacement

Clicking or no-crank conditions that come and go and get worse until it won't start.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Big job: the intake manifold has to come off

Spark plug check and replacement

A tick-tick-pop at cold start that can sound like an exhaust leak, a misfire or coil failure. In the worst case a plug blows out of the head and takes the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Exhaust manifold replacement

A tick from the engine bay that's loudest cold and fades as the manifold heats and expands.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Same-day job at a specialist shop

Steering rack replacement

Power-steering fluid leaking from the rack boots, play in the steering or a heavy feel.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A full day, with a friend

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus LX 570

Full guide →

Radiator replacement (cracked top tank)

A wet line or pink crust along the top plastic tank next to the molded platform, slow coolant loss and a sweet smell after a drive. It's most often reported...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Parts plus labor. The FSM procedure is posted on IH8MUD.

Water pump replacement

Pink crust or drips around the water pump weep hole at the front of the engine. It's commonly reported on 2008 trucks.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Most of a day

Valley coolant leak (heat-exchanger cover)

Pink coolant dripping from the top of the transmission hump at the back of the engine, with the water pump area dry.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A long weekend

Driveshaft service (grease and re-index)

A clunk or 'thunk' when pulling away or stopping, driveline vibration and dry slip yokes.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · An afternoon

Starter replacement

A sudden no-crank, usually with no warning. The failure is typically in the solenoid, the high-current relay built onto the back of the starter.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Parts plus labor

Spark plugs

Service interval due (one high-mileage owner did his at 120k miles), misfires or rough idle.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · An afternoon

AHC leak inspection

Wet hydraulic fluid at line junctions or actuators, uneven leveling, a sagging corner or a harsh ride.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour to inspect

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus LX 600

Full guide →

Engine recall check (24V-381 / 25V-767)

Possible engine knocking, rough running, a no-start or a loss of motive power. Many trucks show nothing.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 10 minutes to check. Dealer time varies.

Early differential, transfer case and transmission fluid service

None. This is preventive work. Some owners choose to change gear oil early after reports of debris in V35A Tundra differentials after break-in.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Front skid plate install

The factory underbody protection on most LX 600s isn't trail-ready. The LX 700h Overtrail is the exception, with a steel skid from the factory.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Laggy throttle at rolling stops

Delayed or missing throttle response pulling out of a rolling stop on 2024 trucks. Owners say it's worse in Sport and Sport+.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 5 minutes

Bigger tires on aftermarket wheels

Not a fault. The factory 22s limit you to low-profile tires that dislike rocks.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Front brake squeal (bulletin L-SB-0036-24)

A squeal from the front brakes when moving forward or in reverse. Owners mostly hear it on the first stops of a cold or humid morning, and it fades once the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours for front pads and rotors (estimate)

Windshield rattle or buzz at speed (bulletin L-SB-0019-24)

A rattle or buzz from the windshield's outer edge molding above about 55 mph. Separately, owners chasing a rattle at the lower driver's-side corner of the...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Dealer visit. A few minutes to clear leaves from the cowl.

Power back door won't close (pinch sensor)

The hatch opens normally, but when you press close it beeps once or twice and won't move, so you have to shut it by hand. The hands-free kick sensor may only beep.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 5 minutes for the checks. Dealer visit for sensors.

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus GX 470

Full guide →

Rear air spring replacement or coil conversion

The rear sits low or sags overnight, the ride turns harsh, the height-control light blinks, the compressor runs nonstop, and in the worst case the truck is...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours (simple coil swap) to half a day (with new trailing arms)

Timing belt and water pump

No symptoms until it fails, which is the problem. Due every 90,000 miles. The water pump is belt-driven, so a weeping pump or coolant crust behind the...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ a full weekend for a first-timer

Exhaust manifold replacement (often the driver's side)

A ticking noise from the engine bay that is loudest cold and often fades as the manifold heats and expands. The cause is a paper-thin crack where the flange...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Same-day job at a specialist shop

Steering rack replacement

Wet rack boots, a falling power-steering reservoir, and creaking or whining on every turn of the wheel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ half a day plus an alignment

Front lower ball joints and control arms

Torn ball-joint boots weeping grease, clunks over bumps, and vague steering. Worn lower control arm bushings add knocks of their own.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ half a day for both sides

Front CV axle replacement

Grease slung around the inside of the wheel, split CV boots, and clicking on tight turns.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per side

Front differential support upgrade (2003–early 2005)

Usually nothing until it breaks. GXOR warns that the original passenger-side front differential support can fail catastrophically, which can take out nearby...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours (estimate)

Secondary air injection pump (2005–2009)

A 'vacuum cleaner' whine for about 30 seconds after a cold start that gets rougher as the pump fails. Owners report codes including P2440, P2442, P2445 and...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · A long day. The intake manifold has to come off (GXOR).

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus GX 460

Full guide →

Coolant valley leak

The coolant level keeps dropping, with pink or red coolant running down the back of the engine and the transmission bell housing. It typically appears...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 6–8 hours shop labor, a long weekend DIY

Water pump

Seepage or crust at the water pump weep hole, often found at a routine service, and a coolant level that slowly drops. Owners have reported leaks from about...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Half a day DIY

Secondary air pump and valves (2010–2013)

Check engine light with P2440, P2442, P2445 and/or P0418, sometimes with limp mode.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ half a day

P2714 / P0761 cold-start shift problem

On cold starts, especially below about 50°F, the truck won't shift 3–4 within the first 5–15 minutes. It sets P2714 and P0761 and turns on the check engine,...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 (fluid side) – 5 / 5 (transmission) · 1–2 hours for fluid and sensors

Timing cover oil leak

Oil residue around the oil filter area and bottom of the engine, traced to the driver-side timing cover.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ 10 hours dealer labor

Rear air spring replacement or coil conversion

Rear sags after sitting, the compressor runs a lot, or the height-control warning appears. This applies only to trucks with rear air ('10–'13 Premium and...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Add Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select

Not a fault. Most 2010–2019 US trucks left the factory without Crawl Control or MTS.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Lexus LX & GX

Lexus GX 550

Full guide →

Engine recall 25LA07 (25V-767) check

Possible engine knocking, rough running, a no-start or a loss of motive power. Many affected trucks show no symptoms.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 10 minutes to check. Dealer time varies.

Fitting 33–35 in tires

Not a fault. You want more sidewall and clearance than the factory tires provide.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Oil and filter change on the V35A-FTS

The oil maintenance reminder is on, or it's been 10,000 miles or 12 months since the last change. Lexus's schedule cuts that to 5,000 miles or 6 months if...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Cabin filter, engine air filters and wiper blades

Weak airflow from the vents, a musty smell, a dusty filter after trail miles, or wipers that streak. The 2024 Lexus schedule replaces both the engine air...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Front brake squeal and pad checks

A squeal from the front brakes when driving forward or in reverse. Lexus bulletin L-SB-0036-24 covers it on some 2024 GX 550s. Owners of the twin LC250 on...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 15 minutes to inspect · 1–2 hours for front pads

Tire rotation, wheel swaps and TPMS registration

It's 5,000 miles since the last rotation. Or the tire positions are wrong on the display after a rotation, or you're fitting a second set of wheels. If the...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour, plus a 10–30 minute drive

12V battery: test, jump-start or replace

Slow cranking or a no-start, the smart access system not unlocking the doors, or a red or clear eye in the battery indicator (on trucks that have one). Blue...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 45 minutes to replace

Clear the camera, cluster and label recalls

The rearview camera freezes or goes blank in reverse on trucks with Panoramic View Monitor (25V-744, 2024–2025). The instrument cluster may not show some...DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 10 minutes to check. Dealer or over-the-air update.

Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero

Pajero / Montero (First Generation)

Full guide →

Inspect the pitman-arm ball joint and steering boots

Wander, play at the wheel, or split ball-joint boots. Mitsubishi Japan's notice lists every first-generation code (L041G–L149G). It warns that on old,...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Timing and balance-shaft chains (2.6 4G54)

A chain rattle from the front of the engine, worst at cold start. The 4G54 has Mitsubishi's 'Silent Shaft' twin balance shafts, and aftermarket timing kits...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Fuel pump, filter and the 'won't stay running' fix

Hard hot starts, stumbling or dying under load. Several Bring a Trailer sellers list a replaced fuel pump and filter in recent work on 2.6 Raiders and Monteros.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Set the front ride height at the torsion bars

A nose-down stance, or one front corner lower than the other. Like every Pajero up to 1999, the first generation has double-wishbone front suspension on...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour plus an alignment

Rear drum brakes and wheel cylinders

A spongy pedal, fluid on the inside of the rear tyre, or pulling under braking. US Raiders and Monteros on Bring a Trailer have front discs and rear drums,...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Check the automatic locking hubs and part-time 4WD

4WD that won't engage or won't release. US trucks have automatically locking front hubs as standard. Mitsubishi says the first generation's part-time system...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to check; longer to rebuild a hub

Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero

Pajero / Montero (Second Generation)

Full guide →

Timing belt, tensioner and water pump (6G72 3.0 / 6G74 3.5)

Usually none before it fails. A whirring from the belt area can mean an over-tight belt or a failing idler. Australian owners change it about every 100,000...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A long day

Cure a flashing 4WD light (front axle engagement)

The Super Select lights keep flashing after you select 4H, or the front axle never engages. Owners say the system 'sometimes plays up if not used very much'.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours to diagnose and fix

Inspect the pitman-arm ball joint (Mitsubishi's procedure)

Steering play, a clunk through the wheel, or a split ball-joint boot. Mitsubishi Japan warns that on old, hard-used trucks with integral ball-nut steering,...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Reset or upgrade the front torsion bars

The nose sits low. One ExplorOz contributor says many high-mileage Pajeros 'almost look like they're sitting on the front bump stops.' A heavy steel bull...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour to adjust; half a day to replace the bars

V6 head gasket replacement (and do it properly)

Coolant loss, milky oil on the dipstick or under the filler cap, overheating. One NJ 3.0 owner on ExplorOz had replaced the head gasket twice in about three...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 days

Replace the front brake hoses

Cracked, chafed or weeping front hoses. NHTSA recall 96V143 says the wheel-side front hoses on 1992–94 Monteros could crack at full steering lock and full...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Nissan Patrol

Patrol 60 Series

Full guide →

Front swivel (closed-knuckle) rebuild

Grease and oil weeping from the knuckle seals, play in the swivel, or heavy, notchy steering.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend per axle

Rear axle shaft bearing

Gear oil on the rear brake shoes, a rumble from one rear wheel, or axle end-play.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side

Transfer-case output seals

Oil on the transmission-mounted handbrake drum, a handbrake that won't hold, or drips from the transfer flanges.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Drum brake overhaul

Pulling, a low or spongy pedal, seized adjusters or wheel cylinders on a truck that has been parked.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Reseal the P-series six

Oil weeping from the rocker cover, sump or manifold joints, or a tired head gasket on a high-mileage engine.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ A day for valve cover, sump and manifold gaskets

Leaf springs and hangers

Sagging, a harsh ride, home-made hangers, or cracked leaves.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day per axle

Fix the speedometer drive after fitting free-wheeling hubs

A dead speedometer after fitting free-wheeling hubs, or a stripped speedometer pinion.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day with the transfer case out

Nissan Patrol

Patrol 160 / MQ

Full guide →

Swivel hub (kingpin) and front wheel bearing rebuild

Grease and oil weeping from the swivel seals, play at the top and bottom of the wheel, or a rumbling front wheel bearing.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for both sides

Leaf springs, shackles and bushes

A truck that sits low or leans, harsh ride, cracked leaves, or shackles worn at the pins.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day per axle

SD33/SD33T overheating: cooling system before the head

Coolant disappearing with no visible leak, pressurised hoses after hard work, or temperature that climbs when a thermostat is fitted.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day for the cooling system; two days for a head job

Extend the axle, gearbox and transfer breathers

Water in the diff or gearbox oil after crossings, or snagged and split breather lines.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Steering: drag link and joints

Wandering, clunks over bumps or play at the wheel. Owners rebuilding tired MQs report worn ball joints throughout.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

SD33 slow cranking or no-start

Clicking relays, a starter that barely turns the engine, or a truck that needs several key cycles to start.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours

Fit a rear locker

Lifting a rear wheel on cross-axle ruts and losing drive, even with the LSD.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day

Nissan Patrol

Nissan Patrol Y60 (GQ)

Full guide →

Swivel hub (kingpin) bearing and seal rebuild

Greasy gunk on the front swivel balls, steering that wanders, or play when you rock the top of the tyre with the wheel off the ground. On a GQ the swivel...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A full day per side for a first-timer

Front wheel bearing service

Rumble or growl that changes with speed, play at the wheel, or bearing grease slung onto the brake parts. It's also due whenever you rebuild the swivels.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per side

Cure the front-end shimmy

The steering wheel shakes at about 70–80 km/h (45–50 mph), sometimes again around 110 km/h, and often after hitting a bump. CarsGuide notes early GQs did...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours to diagnose and fix

TD42 tappet adjustment and rocker cover reseal

A louder-than-usual top-end clatter, or an oily rocker cover. One forum member says the TD42's tappets want adjusting about every 20,000 km, and that poor...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Cooling system refresh (overheating prevention)

The temperature gauge climbs on long climbs or when towing, the truck boils at low speed, or the clutch fan roars without cooling much. GQs have a...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Re-pin dropping front doors

The door drops when opened and has to be lifted to latch. Forum members call door hinges a common GQ problem; worn pins can be in either or both hinges.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per door

RD28T timing belt service

No warning before it breaks. Unlike the gear-driven TD42 and TB42, the RD28T's camshaft is belt-driven, so a truck with no receipts should be treated as...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day for a first-timer

Replace radius-arm and panhard bushes (with caster correction)

Clunks over bumps, vague steering, the shimmy above, or a lifted truck that wanders because the lift has reduced caster. One owner expects to replace the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Nissan Patrol

Patrol Y61 (GU)

Full guide →

ZD30 'engine saver' setup (gauges, oil level, breather)

None until a piston fails, usually number three or four. Warning signs include high EGTs when towing, boost spikes or drops under load, sooty oil, and oil...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ Half a day to a day

Front wheel bearing service and hub seals

Play in the wheel when rocked top to bottom, grinding, grease on the inside of the rim, or an auto hub that runs hot after a drive.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per side

Cure overheating under load (TD42 and others)

Temperature gauge climbs when towing or climbing in fifth gear on hot days, and the A/C cuts out because of the radiator temperature sensor.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours to a day

Caster correction after a lift

Light, wandering steering that won't self-centre after a suspension lift.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day (bushes) to a full day (arms)

Rear axle seal and bearing leak

Wet backing plate or inner rim, oily brake shoes or pads, a falling diff oil level.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side

Fit a rear locker

Not a fault. The rear LSD on many GUs isn't enough on rocky climbs and cross-axle ruts.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A full day (setup is critical)

Swap auto-locking hubs for manual hubs

Front drive drops out when you rock a stuck truck back and forth. CarsGuide notes this is a known trait of the auto hubs.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours

Nissan Patrol

Patrol Y62 / Armada

Full guide →

Automatic transmission fluid and filter service

Harsh or late shifts, flare between gears, or fluid that's dark and smells burnt, especially on a truck that tows.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Fit an auxiliary transmission cooler

High transmission temperatures when towing, climbing or crawling in sand.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3–4 hours

Brake pads and rotors

Squealing or grinding, a brake warning light, pedal pulsation, or stopping that feels weak under load.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per axle

No-start: brake light switch

The push-button start won't crank the engine, often along with brake lights that don't work.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 30 minutes

Front wheel hub and bearing

A hum or grinding that rises with road speed, vibration through the wheel, or an ABS light.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours per side

Serpentine belt and tensioner

Squeal from the front of the engine, a vibrating belt, or a cracked or glazed belt.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Thermostat and water pump

Overheating, an engine that runs cold, an erratic temperature gauge, or coolant weeping from the front of the engine.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–4 hours

Front inner CV boot

Grease flung around the inside of the wheel or on the suspension, or a clicking CV joint on full lock.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours per side

Land Rover Range Rover

Range Rover Classic

Full guide →

Swivel ball seal replacement and regrease

Oil weeping from the swivel housings onto the chrome balls and wheels; the truck rolling while in park can mean a CV joint ran dry and failed.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Viscous coupling replacement (Borg Warner transfer case)

Tyres scrub or chirp on tight, slow turns; premature tyre wear on the edges; the truck needs a lot of throttle in slow, tight corners; driveline wind-up. A...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours

Air suspension to coil conversion (1993–95)

Truck sagging at one corner overnight, the compressor running constantly, height-sensor or valve-block faults, or a truck that won't rise to off-road height.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3.5 hours

Heater core / blower motor (dash out)

No heat, a sweet smell or fogged windows (core), or a dead or noisy blower — Atlantic British suggests replacing the blower around 150,000 miles.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ 9–10 hours (owners report about 12 book hours)

Front radius arm bushes (chassis end)

Vague or wandering steering, clunks over bumps, and cracked or perished rubber where the radius arms meet the chassis.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Rear crossmember replacement

Rust holes in the boxed rear crossmember, a sagging or bulging rear floor, cracked welds, movement under load, or a tailgate that no longer lines up.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 full days

Cooling system refresh

Creeping temperature gauge, coolant weeps, or simply unknown history on an aluminium V8 that hates overheating.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Land Rover Range Rover

Range Rover P38A

Full guide →

Cooling hose and thermostat refresh (GEMS V8)

An ageing cooling system on a 4.0 or 4.6. Cracked or soft hoses, a high or overfilling expansion tank, or a heater that blows lukewarm. On these engines,...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Half a day

EAS valve block reseal and compressor rebuild

The truck sags overnight, the compressor runs for a long time or keeps cycling, the reservoir is slow to fill, or there's an audible hiss from the valve...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Air spring replacement

One corner drops after parking, cracked or bulging bellows when the truck is at full height, or EAS faults that come back after you clear them.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Heater matrix O-rings (wet footwell)

Wet carpet beside the transmission tunnel that smells or tastes sweet, a misting windscreen, or a coolant level that keeps dropping.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Blend motor diagnosis

Hot air on one side and cold on the other, a 'book' symbol on the climate display, or temperature that doesn't change.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

XYZ gear-position switch alignment

'Select Neutral' or gearbox-fault messages during range changes, wrong gear indication, or the transfer box refusing to change range.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Front suspension bushes and ball joints

Vague steering, wander, clonks over bumps, uneven tyre wear. The front usually wears out first.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · 4–6 hours for all four ball joints

Land Rover Range Rover

Range Rover L322

Full guide →

Ride height sensor replacement (2003–2005)

The air suspension won't change height or adjusts erratically, often with no stored fault codes. The sensor pivots seize, and cracked rear sensor bodies let...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

BMW M62 timing chain guides (2003–2005 4.4)

Clatter on a cold start, more chain noise as the engine ages, or in the worst case an oil-pressure light. Nylon guide debris can block the oil pickup.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · ≈ 2 days (owner estimate, engine in car)

Cold-start rattle: VANOS seals and non-return valves

A brief rattle on a cold start that goes away on a quick restart, on a BMW 4.4 whose guides may still be fine.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Transfer case range-change faults

A chime and a warning message, then the transfer case drops into neutral. Low range engages but high won't, or a 'trans failsafe' message appears.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Differential and transfer case oil change (2003–2005)

An overdue service. Old oil breaks down and collects condensation, and water in the diffs or transfer case destroys bearings.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · Varies

ZF six-speed transmission service (2006–2012)

Slow or harsh shifts, fluid weeping from the valve-body connector sleeve, or a high-mileage 'sealed for life' gearbox that has never been serviced.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour (owner estimate; one dealer quoted 7 hours)

5.0 V8 timing chains (2010–2012)

A rattle on cold starts from worn tensioner-to-guide contact. Ignore it and the chain can jump timing or snap.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Varies

Land Rover Range Rover

Range Rover L405

Full guide →

Front air strut replacement

One front corner sitting low after standing, a hiss when the truck lowers to access height, the compressor working overtime, or air-suspension faults that...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours per side (forum labour estimate for full-size Range Rover struts)

Air-suspension lift rods (height-sensor links)

Not a fault — it's the cheapest lift on the planet. The truck sits too low for bigger tyres or rough tracks, or scrapes its sills in ruts.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 20–30 minutes

Front lower control arms (clunk fix)

Knocks or clunks from the front over broken surfaces and under moderate braking; vague steering; uneven tyre wear.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

5.0 supercharged cooling-pipe and water-pump refresh

Unexplained coolant loss, sweet smell, weeping at the back of the engine or around the thermostat housing. Plastic pipes typically go around 100,000 km and...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Varies — the rear crossover pipe sits under the supercharger

5.0 V8 timing chains, guides and tensioners

A rattle for a second or two on a cold start, later joined by cam-timing codes P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019.DIFFICULTY 5 / 5 · Varies — a shop job

Supercharger coupler / isolator

A metallic rattle or knock from the front of the engine at idle, often mistaken for timing chain; a louder-than-normal whine means dry snout bearings.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Varies — the snout must come apart

Auxiliary stop/start battery

Stop/start that works only sometimes or not at all, rough or slow restarts, low-voltage warnings and odd infotainment behaviour.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Land Rover Range Rover

Range Rover L460

Full guide →

Rear brake pads (electric parking brake service mode)

A pad-wear warning (one owner's P440e needed rear pads at 31,000 miles, another owner's at 16,000), or grinding at the rear. NHTSA has several similar...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

12-volt battery replacement and BMS registration

'Low battery, please start engine' messages, a truck that is electrically dead after a few days parked, or alarm and keyless-entry glitches.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

48 V to 12 V DC-DC converter

'Stop – electrical fault detected' with a red battery light, the 12-volt battery not charging, and possibly loss of drive. Often no stored faults, and it...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · Varies

Transfer box and driveline oil change

Preventive. Owners suggest doing the transfer box at around 60,000 miles, along with the ZF gearbox and both differentials.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Engine oil and filter (shorter interval)

None. Owners just don't trust a 20,000-mile interval, and the 2024 model-year D350 schedule dropped to 10,500 miles or 12 months.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Factory-style tow hitch and wiring

No receiver, and you have a 7,716 lb-rated truck and a trailer.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Cracked oil filter housing

Oil seeping around the oil filter housing, a hot-oil smell from the engine bay, or the oil level dropping between services. Land Rover recalled certain 2024...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · Varies

Rear camera water damage

A blank, fogged or distorted rear-view image, or a camera fault message when you select reverse. Land Rover has recalled the L460's rear camera twice for...DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · Varies

Suzuki Samurai & Jimny

Suzuki Jimny LJ series

Full guide →

Sill, corner-post and floor rust repair

Bubbling paint at the bottom of the corner posts and sills, holed footwells and soft spots around the body mounts.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Several weekends

Leaf spring bushings and shackles

Clunks over bumps, the axle shifting under braking, cracked rubber at the spring eyes and shackles, and wandering steering.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 day

Front wheel bearings and hub seals

Play at the wheel, a rumble that changes with speed, and grease or gear oil on the brake drum.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Drum brake overhaul

Pulling under braking, a low or spongy pedal, fluid behind a drum, or a weak handbrake.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1 day

Transfer case reseal and mounts

Gear oil weeping from the transfer case, noisy bearings, a clunk from worn mounts, and a split shifter boot letting in water.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 day

Ignition tune-up (LJ80 points)

Hard starting, misfires and poor idle on the F8A four-stroke.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2 hours

Suzuki Samurai & Jimny

Suzuki SJ / Samurai

Full guide →

Rebuild the front knuckles (kingpins, seals, wheel bearings)

Gear oil weeping from the knuckle balls, loose or wandering steering, play when you rock the top of the tire, and grease or oil inside the brake parts.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 day for both sides

Reinforce cracked transfer case mounts

A clunk when you shift on and off the throttle, a transfer case that sags or rocks, a cracked mounting boss or a frame bracket starting to tear. Lower...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day, plus welding

Replace the transfer case shift sheet and seals

Sloppy or stiff transfer case lever, trouble finding 4WD or low, a case that pops out of gear, and leaks at the output seals.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Rear wheel bearing and axle seal

Gear oil on the inside of the rear wheel or the brake shoes, a growl that changes with speed, or play in the rear wheel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours per side

Timing belt and tensioner (G13A)

Unknown belt history, a cracked or glazed belt, or a noisy tensioner. The G13A is a non-interference engine, so a snapped belt strands you but shouldn't bend valves.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours

Clutch replacement

Slipping under load in low range, chatter, or a pedal that engages right at the top of its travel.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 1 day

Brake master cylinder and front brake refresh

A sinking pedal, fluid around the master cylinder or booster, and pulsing or noisy front brakes.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 3 hours

Suzuki Samurai & Jimny

Suzuki Jimny JB23 / JB43

Full guide →

Replace the kingpin bearings and halfshaft seal

Steering-wheel shake around 45–50 mph, play when you rock a raised wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock with the brakes held, and diff oil mixed with grease leaking...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side

Chase down a death wobble that isn't the kingpins

Wobble remains after new kingpin bearings, or a sloppy, wandering feel at speed.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–3 hours per item

Fix vacuum front hubs that won't engage

The 4WD light flashes, the front hubs don't click in, or 4WD works one day and not the next. Common on trucks that rarely use 4WD.DIFFICULTY 2 / 5 · ≈ 1–2 hours to diagnose

Revive the push-button transfer-case actuator

On 2005-on trucks, the green 4WD light flashes (one owner counted 12 flashes) with a click, the 4L light may flash too, and 4WD won't engage even though the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ 2–3 hours

Repair rotten floors, sills and radius-arm brackets

Holes in the boot floor or under the rear seats, rust around the seat-belt anchors, MOT or inspection failures on body mounts, or a rear clunk from a...DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ Days, with welding

Renew radius-arm bushes and check the axle mounts

A clunk when letting the clutch up, vague steering, or cracked and split bushes you can open with a screwdriver.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Rebuild a noisy R72 gearbox

Grinding or whining when cruising in 3rd or 4th on 2005-ish to 2008 petrol trucks, and a furry drain plug or metal chunks in the oil.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A weekend

Change the G13BB timing belt (1998–2001 JB33)

No visible symptom until it snaps. It's a service item on early 1.3 Jimnys, which are exactly the trucks now eligible for US import.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day

Suzuki Samurai & Jimny

Suzuki Jimny JB74 / JB64

Full guide →

Diagnose steering wobble (kingpins first)

A shaking steering wheel around 45–50 mph, play when a raised front wheel is rocked top to bottom with the brakes held, or oil and grease weeping from the...DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side for kingpins

Fit a 40–50 mm lift properly

Not a fault. The stock suspension rides choppily, sags under accessories and limits tire size.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day

Upgrade the GVM for touring (Australia)

A bull bar, winch, roof rack, fridge and two adults put the truck over its factory gross vehicle mass of 1,435–1,450 kg.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ A day plus certification

Add a selectable locker

Brake-LSD traction control hesitates or runs out of grip on steep, cross-axled climbs. Unsealed found itself waiting for it to kick in, which cost momentum.DIFFICULTY 4 / 5 · ≈ A day per axle at a shop

Do the first full filter service

Unknown service history, a dusty air filter after gravel roads, or a musty cabin.DIFFICULTY 1 / 5 · ≈ 1 hour

Replace a worn rear wheel bearing

A hum or rumble from the rear that changes with speed, or play at the rear wheel when you rock it.DIFFICULTY 3 / 5 · ≈ Half a day per side

Repair guides

Toyota 4Runner 1st Gen

22R-E timing chain, guides and tensioner

3VZ-E head gaskets (1988–89 V6)

Rear leaf spring replacement

IFS idler arm and steering slop (1986–89)

Solid-axle front end refresh (1984–85)

Sunroof drain and leak control

Swap failing auto hubs for manual hubs

Power tailgate window that sticks or drops

Toyota 4Runner 2nd Gen

3VZ-E head gaskets

3VZ-E timing belt and water pump

Exhaust crossover delete (V6)

Rear coil spring replacement

22R-E timing chain and guides

Idler arm and front-end slop

Power tailgate window that sticks or drops

4WD won't engage: the ADD vacuum system

Toyota 4Runner 3rd Gen

Lower ball joint replacement

Timing belt and water pump (5VZ-FE)

Rear axle seals and bearings

Steering rack bushings

Valve cover gaskets (5VZ-FE)

Spare-tire crossmember and frame rust repair

4WD won't engage: ADD vacuum system and actuators

Rear hatch window drops or won't rise

Toyota 4Runner 4th Gen

Replace X-REAS with conventional shocks

Rear air suspension to coil conversion (Limited)

Differential and transfer case fluid service

Front wheel bearing / hub assembly

Radiator replacement and external trans cooler (V6)

2UZ-FE timing belt and water pump (V8)

VSC / TRAC light zero-point calibration

Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen

Automatic transmission drain and fill

Front and rear differential + transfer case fluids

Front axle (differential-side) seal

CV boot replacement (inner and outer)

Aftermarket upper control arms

Brake pads and rotors

Rear hatch window won't close (re-initialise and clean)

Propeller shaft greasing

Toyota 4Runner 6th Gen

Front brake squeal fix (TSB pad and shim kit)

Front and rear differential fluid

Transfer case fluid

Engine oil and filter (2.4 turbo)

Cabin and hybrid-battery filters

Propeller shaft greasing

Water in the liftgate (weep-hole plugs)

Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1st generation)

Brace the steering box mount before the frame cracks

Reseal the hardtop, liftgate and doors

Cut out and replace rotten floors, rockers and wheelhouses

Repack front wheel bearings and replace spindle seals

Replace worn locking hubs

Rebush the leaf springs and shackles

Service the brakes (drums to 1970, front discs from 1971)

Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1973–1991)

Repair and brace a cracked steering-box frame rail

Swap a worn or leaking steering box

Convert seized automatic hubs to manual locking hubs

Reseal an NP208 or NP241 and fix a leaking slip yoke

Rebuild the front axle ends (ball joints, U-joints, bearings)

Renew leaf spring bushings and shackles

6.2 diesel glow plugs and controller

Chevrolet/GMC Suburban (1973–1991 square body)

Brace or repair the frame at the steering box

Replace rotten rockers and floor supports

Convert automatic locking hubs to manual hubs

Repack front wheel bearings and replace spindle seals

Fix a power tailgate window that won't move

Rebush the leaf springs and cure the sag

Replace a cracked dash pad

Ford Bronco (1966–1977)

Floor pan, rocker and door-post rust repair

Front disc brake conversion (1966–75)