I have an 87 runner with a 22RE. bout 70 miles from home, my charge light came on and I lost indication on temp and fuel gauges, and my blinkers. everything else worked fine electrically as far as I can tell. Made it home, alternator is good, charge is good, drives fine. At the same time, and I'm not convinced it's the same issue, my muffler started making a tinny, rattle sound when the engine wasn't under load. sounds like the guts are done in it maybe, but I don't know. anyone have any ideas?

second issue is that I have an oil leak from my steering box. at least that's where it's wet, and on the frame under it. How big a deal is it, will it drive without assistance, or will it eat itself at the worst possible moment, and how hard/expensive to fix, with any part recommendations, please.

thanks

Well first off I know exactly how your probably feeling right now as I have gone through similair situations. In terms of the charge light coming on I'm not too sure about what the problems is. I had the same thing happened except my e-brake light was also coming on. It turned out that my alternator needed to be replaced and that took care of that problem.

Your muffler has probably already lost its guts. Same thing happened on my old '83 2WD Hilux. It was making a horrible puffing and rattling noise from inside the muffler. Went to a local muffler shop to have a new one welded on. When they took the old one off I turned it upside down and the rusted guts literally poured out in a million peices. I think they charged me $60 for the muffler and labor.

Also had the same problem w/my power steering box. It turned out that mine was leaking from the spindle that the steering shaft bolted onto (probably a blown seal). The fluid would leak out, drip onto the frame rail and leave a fresh puddle overnight. I drove it in this condition for about a month and a half w/out serious injury. The only hassle was I kept on having to fill the reservoir about every other day, that and my p/s pump made a bad whining noise. Most parts stores as well as the dealer wanted an arm and a leg for a new or reman. unit. I was luck to find a used (and much cheaper) unit from a salvage yard for about $120. After the installation I had the p/s system flushed at a nearby Firestone. Hasn't given me a problem since. I still have my old unit which is currently collecting dust. I plan on rebuilding it soon too keep as a spare or sell. Unless you have the $$$ I would try to find a used box. Its not that hard to replace on your own provided you have the right tools. Hope you get everything worked out. If you need any more help replacing the p/s box just PM me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Here's the info on rebuilding the p/s box.