im looking at buying a 80 model 4x4. the truck doesnt have a bed on it and i really need one for hunting. What year beds will fit this truck, or how hard it it to make a nice flat bed, thanks. Also what kinda price range am i looking at to get this truck on 35's or 36's? Im new to the toyota trucks ive always had Silverados

 

Your going to want to buy a 79-83 bed...that is..if you can find one in decent shape...

 

i have one if your in or around the pnw

 

won't a second gen bed fit just not so nicely? (body lines)

 

I think I have seen that, But I think they might have had to mod the bed mounts.

 

I wish i was around the pnw, im in NC though. if you guys had the choice what would you do, a 80 4x4 with a 20r, everything works just no bed for 1000, or a 82 22r full body just the normal rust, needs a carb rebuild for 1250 maybe talk him down a little. Ill have to look into the 2nd gen bed, im not too worried about looks as its gonna be rattle canned and used as a hunting/wheeling truck.

 

if the 82 wasn't too bad i'd try get that for $1000

 

the mounts for a 2nd gen 84-88 are pretty close if you want to go that route.

since it is a wheeling/hunting rig-I would do a flat bed-this link has 12 pages of different ideas on toyota flat beds, mild to wild

as far as the choice between the 80 and 82, price wise they are basically the same. I would buy the one that is mechanically in better shaper. sometimes you think you are saving $200 bucks only to be spending twice that.

both trucks are approaching 30 years old and have had who knows how many different owners with just as many theories on how to save a buck...I am working through some wiring on mine that must have been done by a drunken...well you get the idea..

tires: you can fit them with a sawzall.

 

beds from '79 to '88 will bolt right up. all mounts match. the only thing that will be off is the body lines. I have an '81 with an '85-'88 style bed the body lines are just off. i had to shim up the front of the bed because it sagged lower that the cab and i didnt like how it looked. as soon as i find a '79-'83 style bed in decent shape ill buy it. a fiberglass is an option but they cost almost 2k. surtainley not in my budget. hope this helps.

 

have you tried, craigslist and wrecking yards, all toyota wrecking yards are somewhat common not for sure where you live though. also maybe making a bed could be a good substitute if you have the know how and tools or access to tools its not very difficult to make, you will need gears for those size tires on that truck if you want it to be somewhat capable on the street if you dont care about it being a dog then run em, and be prepared to do some cutting.

 

There was a longbed '79-83 on my craigslist yesterday.Or maybe Spokane craigslist, not sure right now...
They are out there, but mostly Colorado and west. Some things, if you want them bad enough, you're either going to have to travel, or set up some kind of delivery.