upstatecrx

well i currently own a 88 nissan patherfinder. i like the truck a lot, but i need a pickup to haul my dirtbike around. i have my heart set on a 85-95 toyota 4 cylinder, 4x4, 5spd, extended cab pickup. is there any usual problems this trucks are known for? some of the older ones in my local want ads say that the frame is rotted. is this common?

thanks

kyle_22r

'79-88 toyotas are known for rusting, especially the bed. supposedly in '89 it was fixed, but i'm sure there's not much you can do if you live in the rust belt

since you're looking at the 4 cylinders, you don't have to worry about the v6 that has quite a few problems. most of the 4 cylinders used the same basic components from 1975 until 1995, and they will rarely let you down. since you're looking at '85-95 trucks, there's 2 seperate body styles, that's mainly personal preference. 1985 was the last year that the pickup and 4runner had a straight axle in the front, and the first year of EFI, so it's typically quite desirable and a lot of pickups of that year are quite pricey. i believe '88 was the last year of carbed engines, but EFI was an option since '85 if that matters any to you.

the only main problems are rust and the engine timing chain guides are plastic and sometimes need to be replaced. check listen for a loud rattle when you start the truck up, if there's a rattle when the engine is just started it's usually a sign that the guides need to be replaced

gdf_77

since we are on the subject and not to hijack your thread upstatecrx but i also have been thinking anout what year to buy. ive owned both carbed and efi 4 bangers as well as a 90 v6. i was looking into a tacoma because of the bigger 4 and 6 cyl. i have heard that you can get the 95-96 tacos for around the same $ as 95 and earlier pickups is that true, and if it is some of the low and high points.

upstatecrx

thanks for the reply kyle. yes i do live in the "rust belt" in New York. i've done some research on the toyotas and know about the solid axle in the 85s along with the fuel injection. i'm not looking for a truck with the perfect body. i plan on banging it up a little out on the trails. also i've heard about the problems with the V6s thats why i want a 4 cylinder.

amusement

If you get a 96 or newer pickup then pull the ECM codes

I check drive line for slack by turning the drive shaft and measuring the rotation while the transmission is in either park of 1st gear ... should have very little.

I check the bumper (if its a bumper hitch) to see if there any distoration from being over worked.

Check radiator fluid for discoloration or specks of oil.
Check oil for any foaming and for any coolant that leaked int it.

that's some of my basics.