Hello Yotatech forum, I wanted to introduce myself. I am Joe from Castro Valley, CA and I have an 82 4x4 pickup that needs a lot of work. It runs really rough right now and only on the days that it feels like starting. The body is rough and needs a lot of TLC. It does have a lift kit on it but it rides so stiff that I hesitate to drive it anywhere.
I have two problems with my project; the first one is that I have no idea where to start. Should I just get it running and drive it while working on it or should I tear the whole thing down and rebuild it from the ground up?
The other problem is that I keep losing focus all the time. I will spend countless hours scouring the internet for other projects and look at the things others have done to their rigs and think to myself “Man I wish I could do that” I just keep getting off track.
I also have no help over here. I do not belong to any clubs and I don’t want anyone to build the rig for me, I am looking for people in my area (Bay Area CA) that know what they’re doing and would like to lend a hand for the same in return.
I recently bought and parted out a 94 toyota 2wd pickup for the motor and wiring harness cause I wanted to go with injection. Now I have the motor torn down so that I can have it rebuilt and I am not sure how to make the wiring work in my 82. So I decided to buy an aftermarket SDS fuel injection kit and put that on the rebuilt motor but then changed jobs and ran out of money. I am lost at this point.
I don’t know how to post pictures but I know that there is a link, and I intend to use it soon. If you have any suggestions for me or advice please let me know.
I also plan on posting this message on another forum so if you see it there too, please don’t flag. I am just trying to get as much help and direction as possible.
Thanks for looking and thanks for the help.
Joe

 

I suggest you start with the simple things, new plugs, cap, rotor, wires, new air & fuel filter. Change everything that's slippery (oils), engine, trans, transfer, axles. Wouldn't hurt to put new belts & hoses on it too. If it still runs crappy have the carb rebuilt. That will spend some of the money burning a hole in your pocket!
Rough riding is something you probably have because the lift is kit has stiffer springs than stock.
I have a problem staying on track sometimes.

 

Thanks UPS, I just get moments sometime when things go crappy or I don't have any way to figure out what the problem really is!

I will start with the simple stuff and go from there. The other issue is that I have a garage full of crap that I keep acquiring and have no idea where to turn anymore.

I need a Beer!!!

 

Ebay?
It's been -12 at nite and +15 day here so I can bearly work on my truck for a half hour at a time. My garage is full of motorcycles so no room there.
I'm gonna be in San Luis Obisbo area working on OHV trails for the next 2-3 weeks if you want do some trailing.