check6

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. I just picked up an ’85 4X4 pickup for next to nothing ($200 from an old logger) and am digging into the deferred maintenance and repairs it has. My aim is for mild off- roading the truck, and lots of around the property hauling. Since I’m tearing into the engine to do a timing chain/gear/guide job, is there anything else I should repair or replace while I got the front of the engine apart? The odometer says the truck has 150k on it, the compression (cold) is 180-185 lbs each cylinder, no smoke, and no notable oil leaks. I’m considering pulling the head for a valve job, or just to do the chain job right and change the head gasket. However, my “don’t- fix -what’s- ain’t- broken” alarm is going off saying to leave that sleeping dog alone. Down time on this rig is not a factor…I’ve got a new car for a DD.

Just an aside. When I got this truck the driver’s side window regulator was busted, in the down position, for a year, (of course) and there was a terrible vibration (and flying objects) when I turned on the heater blower. Thinking it was just tree/leaf debris in the squirrel cage fan, I pulled the motor out. Imagine my surprise when I found a paper wasp nest inside the heater duct. Not fun. Then, while (detail) inspecting under the truck, I found another nest. The hard way.

The observation...allways look for hitch hikers in you rig when you leave it sitting outside (in the forest) with the wndows down for a year.

Hopefully, they have not colonized the inside of the timing cover.

HighLux

I hate wasps. Those regulators are ALL OVER ebay dirt cheap.

Im in the same boat about leaving head on the 88 or taking off for timing chain.

check6

Yep Highlux, those guys are not good company. I got stung twice in the back in about a second. I didn't even see the nest. Just WHAM! I though I'd been shot with a .22

camo31_10.50

i say leave the Head on...

with nothing else wrong with it....just leave it alone.

you could however do a valve ajustment! very simple, all ya gotta do is pull the valve cover off and go at it!!!

camo31_10.50

ouch..idk wtf a paper wasp is...but i know how yellow jackets feel :\

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Welcome to Yotatech.

I used (4) full cans last Saturday on hitch hikers (red wasps and yellow jackets 50+ or more of each) on my 90 4Runner 2 door after moving it to start the 3.4 swap and SAS.

Does the timing chain make noise? Or is there some reason you think it needs it? I'd get it running and don't fix what ain't broke.

:wabbit2:

check6

Camo31…a paper wasp is my name for the SOBs that look like half-scale models of yellow jackets. So, I guess they are really hornets. What they lack in size, they make up in bad attitudes, and wallop. Also, they’re small size lets them come in under the radar, so they’re the Stealth Fighters of our area. (We have yellow jackets also, they like to fly up our pant legs when we’re mowing weeds. Oh my, that is a thrill.) LOL

Wasskillywabbit…After reading the posts on this forum (as a lurker) and then doing a turn-the-crank-while- looking-at-the dist rotor test, my chain seems to have about 20 deg of slack in it. That, along with some suspicious noises from the front cover area, and the old logger not ever changing the chain, (or his clothing, by the looks of ‘im) makes me think it’s time for a new one. BTW, what in God’s name is a Red Wasp?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Sounds like a timing chain then. Ted at engnbldr for your parts.

Red Wasp


Not as bad as yellow jackets but they still don't feel good.

:wabbit2:

camo31_10.50

no bueno......

have hornets here too...DEFINITELY NO FUN!!!

i can deal with red wasps lmfao they don't hurt as bad

check6

Man-o-man, those red things look like something out of a boilermaker and greasy anchovy pizza nightmare.

I’m going with engnblder. All you folks swear by them, and I think my local shops are way over charging for the same, or lesser, parts.

fourtrax

you can always go to 1sttoyotaparts.com and look up the OEM part/ internet price. it would give you something to compair against. all the local parts stores will price match where i live, i can usally talk them into knocking at least a few dollars there suggested price. give it a try sometime...

LSUfan71

Hi check, I'm about to pull the trigger and buy an '85 4x4 myself. The one I'm looking at actually runs very well but is still cheap. Seller is asking $1,500 but I should be able to get it for about $1,100-$1,200; I'll be following your progress.

check6

Fourtrax= Thanks for the tip on the parts place. Good idea you got there.

LSUfan71= This ’85 is not the only Toyota keeping me company. I’ve had an ’72 FJ40 (totally stock, including 3-on-the-tree and stove bolt six) for 15 years. Then when I saw the Afghans driving Toyota 4Runners and pickups around I knew I had to own one of each. So, I bought an ’87 4Runner SR5(7 years ago), and then this truck. I figured any vehicle tough enough to handle Afghanistan, should be able to eat whatever I can serve up! I was right. My FJ40 and ‘Runner have proven to be the best vehicles (in terms of reliability, serviceability, and ease of repair) I’ve ever owned. I know this ’85 will be the same. Plus, these vehicle hold their value…far better than my house or 401k have. Not that I would ever part with them. In fact, I’d marry them if they could say “I do.”

LSUfan71

I've had a '99 Tacoma 2wd for about 5-6 years, has never given me a bit of trouble but that's my only experience with Toyotas. I'll have to get ride of the '99 first and I know it'll be tough. Kinda like gettin attached to a good dog, you hate to see 'em go.

LSUfan71

Finally sold my '99 taco yesterday evening, gonna finalize the deal on the '85 4x4 later today!

check6

Hope it works well for you LSU! Did you get a long bed, or short? SR5? My ’85 is basic. I mean it doesn’t even have power steering. And that’s the way it’s staying. I don’t rock crawl with it, so I don’t need much. The only things I’m getting (besides fixing maintenance issues like worn out parts) is an Aussie locker, Marlin 4.70 transfer case gears, a soft top, and possibly a winch.

LSUfan71

I thought there was only one size bed, but it looks to be long. It's got the 22R engine/carb/5spd, it's basic. Other than maintaining what it's got I may consider a rear locker and possibly a winch. I may consider dismantling the suspension to clear up the rust, apply some paint.

Here it is about 2 weeks ago in the current owner's driveway:

check6

Yep, it's a long bed. Nice. I wish mine was. LOL you got rust to clean, and I got wasp nests! LOL I've had to get rid of three so far. I'd rather have your rust.

LSUfan71

There were several dauber nests in the engine compartment, quite a few underneath. No telling what I'll find when I get it home. At least they're not aggressive...