I keep finding all types of different answers online from 4.5-6.1 quarts. I put about 5 quarts in my dipstick is reading to high but my oil gauge is reading low . The guy I bought it from said the engine was rebuilt before he got it so I have no damn clue if something was changed .

 

I can't speak specifically to a 2WD '83... but will at least lend my .02 in regards to my 4WD '83...

I have the FSM, as well as all of the original manuals that came with the truck when new. Everything calls for 4.9 quatrts.

I put 5 in and it was reading a good bit over the high mark on the dipstick. I've just kind of let it ride, and its been running fine. Figured I would put my faith in the manuals I guess.

 

I believe the 2WD and 4WD do have the same capacity. I put 4.5 LITERS in my 4WD which works out to 4.75 US QUARTS, so close enough...but the jugs are 5 liters up here!!!!

You say the oil gauge reads low...the gauge is not the oil level but the oil pressure. Different problem. Sounds like the engine really wasn't rebuilt or just a bum oil pump. Normal running oil pressure should be between the two middle marks, idling should be any where from the L to the first middle mark, the light should not be on...normally about half way though. The relief opens at the second of the middle marks, about 65PSI.

You should get full oil pressure according to the factory gauge at about 2000RPM

You can get a new Aisin pump from Rockauto for about $50. It should take about 2hrs in your driveway.

 

thanks for the info man!

 

IF you checked oil level right after doing an oil change, it could read high like this. Depending on the oil filter & if you installed the filter "dry"*, it can takes a bit of time to get the filter medium inside completely soaked/permeated with oil. Once the filter medium does get soaked, the oil level on the dipstick will drop down.
I always take a little extra time to put some oil in the filter to saturate the filter medium before installing the filter. Not completely full (too messy to install that way) but somewhere close to half full. This is usually half a quart or less.