Well, I just returned from Pensacola FL over the holidays and towed my son's x-'97 GEO Tracker back to Albuquerque, NM. Because of the snow storms, road closures, and a flat U-haul trailer tire, it took me 30 hours to get from Amarillo, TX to ABQ, NM (normally 4 hrs); An experience I hope NEVER to repeat again in my life. Anyway...
After the tranny started slipping, Nick (my son) bought another car and the track had been sitting in the gararge for the past 3-4 months. I have around 2k of my money tied up in it, not to mention the $4500 he paid for it two years ago (6.5k). I bought him a new 2-piece hard top (nearly 1k), gave him 1k for timming belt service, tune-up, brakes, tires, and to help with tag and tax cost when he bought it. Now, I have it sitting in my driveway.
It needs, as best as I can tell, tranny work, 4x4 work and some minor odds and ends. Otherwise it's in great running cond., looks good, and is (was) FUN to drive.
I can drive it a short distance but, once the tranny warms up, it slips when changing gears (3spd auto). I tried the 4x4 in the snow yesterday, just around the block, and I heard this strange clunking noise while in 4Low, especially when turning the corner. It seems to go in and out of 4x4 pretty easy and the hubs seem to lock in and out with ease but, the noise tells me something is definately wrong. Duh!
So, where to start, what to do, how to do it, and finally and most importantly...is it worth it?
My wife and I really liked runnning around in it the few times we drove it, when it was right. I wouldn't mind having a nice little 4x4 like this, for days when we need 4x4 to depend on, like now! And, I could, little by little, get it fixed up but, it's extremely hard to find mechanic's to trust around here, even find. And tranny shops around here, forget about it.
I do have a general knowledge of cars. I have a limited inventory of basic tools and can access a "do it yourself, auto hobby repair shop" at the Air Force base, where I can have access to a lift, tools and a base knowledge of experience from other 'shade tree' backyard type mechanic's for a small daily fee. Of course it's more convenient to be able to do it at home, but...
Anyway,...I need your input, advise, suggestions, opinions, make a deal?, or just tell me off...I don't care. Of course a good solid game plan with reasonable and workable guidance would be best, if that's an option.
Thanks!