1988 Toyota Land Cruiser — metallic rattle for a few seconds after cold start — New Jersey owner question

Log the conditions before you spend. Move a coil or plug on the 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “metallic rattle for a few seconds after,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Any freeze-frame data saved? If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. That's my plan before I call anyone.

Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. When does it actually happen? Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.

Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Move a coil or plug on the 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “metallic rattle for a few seconds after,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. If the story changes I'll post the new data.

I wouldn't throw parts yet. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.

I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser in New Jersey with 129,500 miles. Any freeze-frame data saved? Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.