83pingpong

I just got an ’83 SR5 long bed from dry and warm Southwestern life. I think it is 100% stock, besides wheels tires, bumpers. It has over 200k on it, but it had no problem driving about 1500 miles to get me home. In fact, it ran smoother than ever in the last 300 miles. This is my first post The frame has only minor surface rust, and the body has a sunburn (paint burned totally off in some places), but otherwise no evidence of rust-through.

Eventually, this truck will get a diesel 2.2L engine I am pulling from an ’82 2WD. The donor has complete wiring harness and peripherals, and it ran great before I began dismantling. I know it will be gutless, but this is going to be a ranch truck. The 1L is actually a nice little engine. I am hoping for 35-40 mpg… maybe more. The 22R in the ’83 is still running, though it seem to have an oil leak from area in front of the oil filter, drops onto the front differential case. It took about 1/3 quart in the 1500 miles, so needs attention.

I was unable to get it to engage 4WD, but the transfer case changes gears shift smoothly (hi or lo), and it doesn’t make any weird noises. My assumption was that the locks are full of crud. I rebuilt the left lock today (was bad enough to suspect it wasn’t engaging), and will tackle the other one next weekend. We’ll see. This has original drivetrain, so I don’t suspect transfer case or front differential issue (I hope I am not wrong about that!).

MudHippy

The L engine you mean. Toyota never actually called it the 1L. Just as the 1st engine of the first generation/family of 4 cylinder diesel engines they made was called the B. And not the 1B. It wasn't until the third generation/family of 4 cylinder diesels that a 1 was added before the letter/name of the original engine of the family. Which they called the 1C. And not just the C.

83pingpong

Yes, it is 1st generation of US released normally aspirated diesel "L"
This one had 169k when I shut it down. It was starting effortlessly to a smooth idle after brief glow delay, even in freezing temps. I haven't closely inspected the engine bay of the recipient 83 SR5 to see how many peripheral mounting positions are there (or will need custom installation). Things like fuel pump, oil filter, air filter assembly, etc. I did notice that the driver side battery position is occupied in the 83, and no plate there for battery mount. I will use the 22R that is in there for a while if I can find/fix the oil leak. The L will sit on an engine stand for rebuild and assembly.

This is going to be fun!

83pingpong

With one piston available in the USA, most bearings unavailable, severe limits on parts for this VIN, I have decided NOT to make this conversion. I do have the head completely rebuilt by RCE, ready to reinstall. I need to get it all back together and running again to sell it. It should be fine for a replacement engine for a diesel L owner. With 169k miles on it, it probably has a good 100k or more left.

Instead, I am searching for a 22R block. There is a pair of them locally, and I may get them soon. I don't want to have my truck sitting without the engine for any longer than necessary, and I can take my time with a used engine.