Leg0nd

Hey guys, I am seeking out some helpful advice from you guys on improvements i should make to my 4x4 yota!

Specs first so that you have an idea of what you are dealing with:

Factory 22r engine rebuilt less than 10k miles ago
Rebuilt 22r head replaced less than 10k miles ago
Longbed as u can see
factory straight front and rear axels
L42 transmission? (factory 4 speed from '81)
factory tire size 225/75R15

heres a pic taken a few months ago:


and one of the front:



Alright. So heres what I want advice about. I am a college student and am working winter break which starts December 8th for me and lasts until January 4th. I am guessing I can make around $750 for my pickup before I head back to school (some of that is coming from an R.O.T.C grant I will be getting in 2 weeks). I am going to work all next semester and should make at least 1k that is dedicated to truck parts before summer. So now that you know my spending capabilites... What should I do first? I would like to buy a header for it cuz I have an exhaust leak (emission's tubing that connects to the exhaust mannifold is cracked i think), a weber 38 carb, and eventually a 268 degree camshaft. Tires and a suspension lift kit is a must as well.

So based on factory settings, what is the largest tire I can put on my truck without having to change out axels (regearing the axels is a must If i go any larger than 31-33 is what I have read). I ideally want to go between a 33-38 possibly. What do you guys think, how would you recommend I go about my goal? Thanks in advance! I am sure you get stupid requests from college kids like me all the time! But this is how i learn more right? By ask questions!

I have more pics if you guys need to see the underside etc. My frame is straight, no wrecks from what I can tell.

Master_Yota

33s 4.88
35s or larger 5.29

Just a tip, I have found the Marlin Crawler forums very helpful with my solid axle toy. The people there are very nice and helpful too.

Master_Yota

thats a beautiful truck. really beatiful. show it on marlin. they freak over first gen trucks.

81yotalove

I'm joining the marlin forum too. And I have an 81 shortbed and in the same boat as you are, college student and working part time and getting into offroading yota's. I love my first gen so glad I bought it.

Leg0nd

Yeah couldn't agree with you more. I could drive my yota all the way across the nation and still be content.

But what about the axels, Do i have to get them rebuilt just for 33's?? or can I keep the stock gear ratio? And I am not skilled enough to rebuild them myself, I am going to have to pay someone to do it.

Master_Yota

Youll be fine with 33s. it probably has 4.38s being an 81. does it have 20r or 22r? my brother has an 80 with 4.38s 33s and a weber 22r and 5speed swap and it climbs about any sand hill in our town. it is VERY impressive.

Master_Yota

oh yeah 22r will push em just fine. throw a header on it. easy power and better mpg. Just free the exhaust up as much as you possibly can.

Leg0nd

sweet. So i don't have to rebuild the axels just yet! Am going to cut of the Cat cuz I am guessing it is 28 years old and probably restricting some airflow.

Master_Yota

yea if you dont have to worry about smog, just do a header and glasspak. it sounds really good. then get a weber carb and a nice performance cam and itll push the 33s really nice. i recommend TRXus Mt's. cant go wrong with interco unless you find some cheep used tires locally.

Leg0nd

Thanks man! Sounds awesome. I changed my mind about the carb though, gonna keep it factory. Have heard bad things about changing out to a weber. why does it say ur account is banned?

81yotalove

I have 32's right now and my 22re pushes it just fine, but when you need differential work then I'd regear.

Leg0nd

What do you mean by that? When and why would i need differential work?

81yotalove

When your gears and bearings get really worn, they will cause problems like humming noises, clucking etc.

Green_slime

you dont need to change the axels i have an 84 yota with a chevy 350 with 35s and i have had no problems with toyota axels they are tough as hell burnouts mud everything and ive had my truck for 2 years now and never broke a thing

refried

'81s came with 3.90 gears, 33s will work but performance will suffer greatly until it's geared properly. the orange trucks been on 33s forever and never had any problems

MuddfreaksOffroad

i have a 80 1st gen but its 2wd i love my truck but i want a 1st gen 4x4 i plan on building.

komh98

I have a 80' with 33's. It has a 20R. I am going to put lower gears in very soon. It does pull, but not all that well on the highway. Never can stay in 5th gear very long.

If you plan on doing some suspension work and little off-road, I would look into the 3 link or the 63" springs.

fyreandwater

Here was my progression from stock:
-lift and 33's
-regeared to 4.88's, with Aussie lockers front and rear.
-header and new exhaust without cat.
-body lift for more clearance up front
-wheel spacers
-4.70 trail creeper gear.

Your mods will depend on what you what to do with your truck.

yota81

if you are in college, then you will want to keep costs to a minimum. that is a very clean truck and I suppose that you are not going to do any wheeling with it. if that is the case, then there is no need for much larger tires and regearing. paying someone to do that can get expensive. maybe some 30/9.5 AT or MT tires and a nice stereo to get things started. I'd also de-smog the carb (which is basically free). then I would put a little money away for small (and large) things that will wear out. check everywhere for rust and take care of that. doesnn't look like your springs have sagged too much, I'd just get some nice new shocks to smooth out the ride.

Doug18

WOW! your truck looks like it just rolled off of the lot nice!