Woogies

First off, hello everyone!

So, I'm looking at a '94 yota truck today (regular cab, 5spd manual) and I was hoping for some advice on what to look for besides the usual. there is supposedly only 64k original miles on it; although all the dash trim has all been removed, so I'll be looking for signs of odometer rollback.

Are there anythings in particular I should for that are common issues for this year? Also, any hints for spotting odometer tampering?

Chip N Sawbones

The 1989-94 pickups were virtually identical, with some minor differences in the trim and paint jobs. I can't think of any unique problems that would be issues when buying one. If you do buy the truck, some specific problems you may encounter are a broken clutch pedal bracket and an overheating thermostat. There are plenty of threads on Yotatech addressing both issues. Other than that these trucks are pretty tough. Of course you'll want to check for the same things you would on any used car, like compression, frame warping, oil leaks and similar issues.

It's impossible to detect odometer tampering, since switching out the instrument cluster from a wrecked vehicle will give an different mileage unless you take the time to reset the odometer. There's even a thread on here someplace with excellent instructions on switching the instrument cluster and changing the odometer. I'm not 100% certain about Toyotas, but on my Nissan truck you can also just disconnect the speedometer cable to keep the odometer from spinning. Of course the speedometer won't work either, but a GPS solves that problem.

Woogies

Good to hear! As for the odometer, I guess the best I can do is check the carfax and see if it matches up. I'm only really concerned because all the dash trim is removed and I can't think of why they'd want to do that. Of course, on the flip side, if they were trying to hide it why leave the dash a mess?

Another question, this a Florida car and assuming the frame and body are in decent shape (aside from some clear coat peel) and mechanically its solid (and really has 56k miles) how do you think is a fair offer? I do believe these trucks came with either a 2.4L 2L or 22-re engine. I'm hoping for the latter

Chaser Johndoe

they came with a 2.4 22RE or 3.0 V6 manual or auto trans for both. Most of us prefer manuals. I payed $1000 for my truck which is about 2-3 k less than what they usually go for in my condition. It did need 4 tires and a front bumper. But that is still stupid cheap.

RobertIII

I paid 4k for mine, but it was in great condition, had new 22re motor with paperwork, new tires and 2 inch lift.

Gamefreakgc

64k miles would be an awesome buy! With only that many miles you don't have to worry about anything except for perhaps some bad fuel in the tank. You can just buy and enjoy!

And about the dash, I've probably ripped my dash off a dozen times. It makes working on the cab or installing speakers/stereo much easier.

Stetson_md

In fl 1.5-3kfor a v6
2-8k for a 4cly is what I see thrm sell for 8k was for one that still had dealership stickes and plastic over the seats
4-6k for extra cabs

Woogies

Just bought it! Carfax confirmed mileage. 65k. Got it for 2800.

The underside and frame are pristine (Florida truck) the outside has some dings here and there and the clearcoat is bad on the roof and hood; but no major rust anywhere.

Mechanically it's got a tick going on, I suspect maybe the valves need adjustment. Also at high speeds 50+ there's a very load humming noise that gets louder the faster you go. Maybe a U-Joint? Also there's ALOT slop in the wheel. I don't know if its because of tie rods or maybe just because there's no power steering?

KtrainHurricane

Where in FL are you? And post some pics of that truck!

Woogies

Well the truck has been in FL all its life until now. I'm actually in IL. I'll post some pictures after I get her cleaned up a bit.

Gamefreakgc

The joints need to be greased it looks like. Get a grease gun and hit up all the zerk fittings on the propeller shaft and drive line.

Dude, 64k... that's killer. BTW, that ticking noise is probably your fuel pressure regulator, not valves. It's the saucer looking thing on your fuel rail.

RSR

If you have a driveshaft grease problem, you're steering wobble might be a lack of grease in your wheel bearings... Definitely check that out. Idler arms failing is the other common wobble... TRE's can do it, but usually aren't the typical culprit (unless you're running Moog or some other piece of Chinese junk). If you take it to get aligned, the shop will tell you about TREs and wheel bearings, but they might not find the idler arm (typically the idler arm will give some noise while turning if it's the culprit however).

JohnnyCanuck

Nice, welcome to the forums and your new truck.

Woogies

I dropped it off at my mechanic down the street, mainly because they have a lift. The only thing they could find was bad spark plug wires. Clicking noise was indeed the injectors, front end looks normal, and noise over 50 is the tires apparently. Underside is prestine.

Looks like I might have scored on this one. I'll get some pic when I get off of work!

AZ-YOTA

What engine did you end up with on that thing?

If it's the 3.0 V6 (which is what I have) look out for head gasket problems (they were recalled back in the day), rear main seal leaks (off back of transmission), and timing adjustments. I guess that's really all I ever had to deal with in my truck, other than regular maintenance.

If it's the 22RE, you're golden. haha. Legendary reliability on that one.

$2800 sounds like a steal for that truck! Nice work!

Gamefreakgc

With only 64K miles though, HG problems aren't even an issue! That engine is basically in pristine conditions. Once again, a great buy. That truck is going to last you a loooooong time!

Woogies

Here is a little teaser

Lextreme

Welcome! I too just purchased a 94 Toyota pickup and live in Illinois!! Good luck with yours!