Time to say goodbye? Or can I fix it?

I have limited mechanical skills and not too many people for free labor, so is it time to let my 4runner go?

Leaking transmission fluid and coolant. BIL and nephew believe coolant is coming from the underside behind the fan?

No major repairs ever done, except water pump, timing chain, serpentine belt and pulleys around 100k miles. Front wheel bearings 2 months ago.

2004 with 215,000 miles, Limited, 4x4, V8. Am I better to sell or start repairs? I hate to sell, she's been good to me!

Edit: I had to have the transfer case replaced a year ago. A small leak at the O-ring on the Actuator, so the transmission has to come apart to fix because of the snap rings. I have never had it flushed or fluids changed as I was under the impression the system was sealed. Has started shifting hard very recently when taking off.
Pics are from the last few days, each time it was cleaned up so all leaks are new fluid.

 

Aside from what you've mentioned, It's probably due for another timing belt.

If water's coming from behind the fan up front, it could be the water pump, which you should replace when doing the timing belt. Does it seem to be seeping from the lower timing belt cover?

Is transmission fluid coming from the transmission? Or, up front? Could be just a hose.

If the truck is in otherwise good condition, it's worth fixing, IMO. But, it depends on what the real problem is. With maintenance, that motor will last quite a bit longer.

 

Transmission fluid is coming from the transmission. I am aware that it is leaking at the o-ring. Edited my post with the additional info.
I guess I need to have it looked at by someone else and see what all I'm looking at for repairs.

 

I guess all you can do is get an estimate and decide if it's worth it to you.

I wonder if the hard shifting could be due to the fluid being low. It might be worth topping it off and seeing if the shifting improves.

I still miss my '03 sometimes. I can understand not wanting to let it go. I think the truck is worth keeping and fixing, but it could start to nickel and dime you. It will probably need shocks (unless they've been replaced) and front CV axles soon, also. So, that could play into your decision.

Good luck with your decision! If you buy a new(er) 4runner, post pictures here. Otherwise, post pictures of the current 4runner. We like 4runner pictures here!

 

Get some tranny fluid in sealed tranny (fill hole). Maybe some stop leak and stop slip too. Worth a try at this stage. Agree with Thatbassguy the tranny is low on fluid - bad.. bad.. Hope you can save it. Aisin is best tranny manufacturer in the world.
I have SR5 2005 with 150,000 miles V6 2WD. No leaks ever.

Had the T dealer do a "service" on Tranny at 100,000 miles. They billed me for 6 quarts of fluid (+filter gasket);so there's a reason Toyota don't do complete 13 quart exchange.

You need to find repair shop that is very good with reasonable prices. Contact Aisin somehow and maybe they know someone in your area.

$11 CRC 402015 Trans-X Slip-Stop Leak-Fix - 15 Fl Oz.

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-402015-Trans-X-Slip-Stop-Leak-Fix/dp/B000CITXQM

$12 Bar's Leaks High Mileage Transmission Repair, 16.9 Fl Oz

https://www.amazon.com/Bars-1400-Tr...60WR3TDZ0QQ&psc=1&refRID=5WYNZEZBR60WR3TDZ0QQ

Sometimes a simple drain and fill (5 quarts of the 13 quarts WS in your 4runner) will solve the slipping (but not the leaking).

 

Drop your skid plates and look closely or have someone look very closely at your radiator and hose connection. Replaced mine earlier this year. Rad leaks on driver side bottom and is the most common coolant leak location in our gen. Several threads at T4r.org.

Water pump is also a good idea, should have already been done at around 120k-150k.

Dont give up on it yet.

 

Be sure you bring it to someone you know or at least trust in my opinion sounds like you've got some work to be done ahead of you if you decide to keep it. Leaking Hoses would be a savior at this point but who ever has just that happen, certainly not me. If any of these issues end up being the costly fix you will be into the thousands I'm afraid. You know your own threshold for your budget but that also needs to me measured against what simply makes sense. Much over a grand with those miles on it personally I'd be looking new but everyone's different.

 

Take it to the dealer for a diagnosis.

 

I'd strongly consider fixing and holding on to 'er. But like others said, go ahead and get an estimate for everything, then see what you and your bank account think. Best of luck

 

I'd fix it and then sell if privately for a new one.