SeattleCobra

New user, long-time lurker here. I'm starting this buildup thread for a 1985 22R single cab pickup that I've had for about a year now. The truck came mostly stock with 242k miles on it. I've been using it for hauling garbage, runs to the lumber store, etc. for about a year now, and am finally ready to start throwing some money at it. She's made it thirty years, why not breathe some life into her and see if it'll go thirty more?

The guy I bought the truck from removed the stock torsion arm and put 3" shackles on the front springs because the front leaves are sagging due to age. He also found a bed off an '87 that is in good shape, so the '85 bed has been replaced. He also stated the timing chain and clutch had been replaced recently, but I have no evidence that it ever was. There's some pretty sick sounding ticking coming from the motor, but it may just be loose rocker arms and sloppy wrist pins. The clutch rod under the dash is maxed out and it sometimes grinds a little going from first to second when the tranny is cold. She smokes on startup but runs clean once warm. Probably worn out umbrella seals.

So far, I've been focusing my efforts on getting the mechanical aspects fixed before I start dumping money into something that is likely bound for the junk yard. Fixes so far include:

• New exhaust
• New exhaust manifold gaskets and studs
• New air filter, plugs, and wires (cap and button looked okay)
• New alternator brush set, now produces 14.6V at idle
• Changed fluids in tranny and rear diff

The next items on my list include a front end rebuild (already purchased parts) and a valve adjustment and timing chain inspection. The stock carb sticks at about 1200 rpms and doesn't want to idle down without manual manipulation, so a Weber replacement is also high on the list.

My future buildup plans are as follows:

• 3-4" suspension lift (Rough Country?) with new front leaves and axle moved forward
• 2" body lift
• Torque locker in rear diff, Ausie locker in front
• 34"x9.5 skinny swampers
• Backplate spacers for tires, front and rear
• High steer mod
• Torsion arm for front axle
• New front bumper
• 9500 lb Tiger Shark Superwinch

After that, I plan on starting phase II - body work. We'll cross that bridge later.

Let me guys know what you think. I live in the Pacific NW, so the plan is take it out on some trails at the ORV parks this coming summer. My daily driver is the bus and/or a 2011 GT500, so I'm not that concerned with gas mileage, highway drive-ability, and so forth. I'm mostly interested in having a trail worthy rig that won't make the neighbors cringe in disgust.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Sweet project

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Your truck looks to be in great condition for it year. There are several easy fixes that can be done on these that just take a little time. Welcome to Yotatech and looking forward to your build.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

Any signs of front body damage?
Has an 87-88 grill, just curious

Gizler00

iTrader: (1)

Nice looking project you have there.

SeattleCobra

There's some slight damage to the front. By the way the bumper is pushed up, it looks like it rear-ended a family sized car that was lower to the ground; i.e., the bumpers didn't match. At least that's how I imagine it.

I plan on replacing the bumper with something more substantial anyway. I'll have to heat and beat the horns and bumper mounts to straighten them out a bit. Either that, or I might be able to be able pull it back into place via a comealong, chain and a tree.

Good eye on the grill -- I hadn't noticed that. The guy I bought it off of scavenged a bunch of parts off of an '87 before they sent it to the junk yard. The hood, the bed, and apparently the grill are from an '87.

rustED

iTrader: (2)

Nice truck, sounds like you have some great plans for it!

kornhuskerwizard

Love the avatar pic...nice rig,welcome!!