I picked up the direct drive starter from Advance - part number P6449S (WorldWide brand, reman, lifetime warranty). $134.99 + $49.00 core charge (ouch).
Next step is for me to work on the IAC, where my check engine light is coming from. This was in existence before the starter died though, so I'm not super concerned with it, but I do want to get it fixed. I've been told that it is a dirt/carbon buildup in front of the IAC. I replaced it just to make sure that wasn't the problem ($20 part, if I remember right), and that didn't fix it. So I need to pick up some carb cleaner to spray around that area and clean it up. (IAC = Idle Air Controller)
After that, the list is long.
- It needs all fluids serviced: oil change, coolant flush/fill, and transmission fluid service (it has been about 90K since the last time).
- I need to address the exhaust at some point, because it is a rusted out mess (leaks are starting).
- I think I need to replace the heater core, as I occasionally have water/something wet on my passenger floor and the coolant reservoir is always empty (this could be a lot of things, not necessarily the heater core).
- The suspension needs redone. If it were just shocks, I'd do them myself, but I think the leaf springs are about due also.
- The engine compartment and the undercarriage really need cleaned. Leaking oil from somewhere (bad valve cover gasket...?) is getting on everything down there.
- I need to replace the actuator for the 4-wheel drive, and probably have that system checked out since I haven't used 4-wheel drive in over 3 years now.
- The above mentioned oil leak needs tracked down and dealt with. Probably easier after the engine is cleaned up though.
- I see new tires in the next 6-8 months. I've been running the same Toyo Open Country set for over 6 years now (only about 25K on them though).
- The passenger door lock, the tailgate lock, and the rear glass release need to be fixed. I think the actuator to release the rear glass is just dead. The lock for the hatch is just messed up - you'd have to see it to understand (very hard to unlock, will not stay shut unless you hold it shut and relock with the key, which is very hard to turn). The passenger lock just spins, so I think some rod fell out of place. Should be an easy fix on that one once I take the door apart (fun).
- The weather seal on the rear glass is shot. Rain water doesn't flood in, but the rear carpet is always slightly damp after a hard rain (or the car wash).
I could go on with nit-picky stuff, but that's the general list as it sits now. I'm just taking a minute to enjoy the fact that it runs again. I'll create another thread to deal with the problems as I tackle them though.