Pre 84 parts source
12-09-2014, 07:07 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Pre 84 parts source
Since I AM a Toyota Hoarder. I have decided to delve into the mini truck. I already have 3 landcruisers, so why not get more!! Right?!
I had a question on parts. I know all the sources for landcruiser parts, what is available from OEM, and a large number of aftermarket suppliers like CCOT, SOR, etc.
Who are the sources for Pre 84 mini trucks for interior parts, lights, switches, etc Suspension and drive train seem to be readily available. How about the rest? Much available from OEM? Seems like Toyota still has a LOT of landcruiser parts, just not sure on the rest.
Enlighten me! I need to know!
I had a question on parts. I know all the sources for landcruiser parts, what is available from OEM, and a large number of aftermarket suppliers like CCOT, SOR, etc.
Who are the sources for Pre 84 mini trucks for interior parts, lights, switches, etc Suspension and drive train seem to be readily available. How about the rest? Much available from OEM? Seems like Toyota still has a LOT of landcruiser parts, just not sure on the rest.
Enlighten me! I need to know!
12-09-2014, 10:04 AM
#2
Registered User
You won't find much. Drivetrain, yes. Suspension...you need to look harder than you'd think, depending on the year, but it's out there. Some engine parts that are specific to 20Rs are being discontinued from Toyota, little by little, and they seem to have just recently taken the parts for older trucks out of the regular dealership parts-counter database and put them on some sort of microfiche or something...so it's that much more of a pain for your parts guy to look up.
Interior parts are pretty much only available through junkyards, or people doing custom fiberglass or carbon fiber work, for "not cheap". It hasn't been available through Toyota or any big aftermarket company for years and years.
The best bet is rehabbing the old parts or using them as a mold/template to make your own.
I have a 78, and it's even worse. The front shocks have coil-overs, and those are not available anymore for Toyotas. Luckily there's a guy who has experience and access to stuff I don't, who has cross referenced a lot of parts.
I have new coil-over shocks on my front suspension because he did some searching and found that some 90's model Saab rear springs had the same dimensions as 74-78 2wd Toyota pickups...otherwise I would have been out of luck.
Interior parts are pretty much only available through junkyards, or people doing custom fiberglass or carbon fiber work, for "not cheap". It hasn't been available through Toyota or any big aftermarket company for years and years.
The best bet is rehabbing the old parts or using them as a mold/template to make your own.
I have a 78, and it's even worse. The front shocks have coil-overs, and those are not available anymore for Toyotas. Luckily there's a guy who has experience and access to stuff I don't, who has cross referenced a lot of parts.
I have new coil-over shocks on my front suspension because he did some searching and found that some 90's model Saab rear springs had the same dimensions as 74-78 2wd Toyota pickups...otherwise I would have been out of luck.
12-09-2014, 10:16 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Great information---very helpful! I thought since they made a few hundred THOUSAND of those trucks they would be more available. Used are good though.
I agree with the parts guy issue. I could seldom get one to look up an old landcruiser part, but when I gave them a part number from toyodiy.com, I found many parts still available, or changed to one I could use.
I agree with the parts guy issue. I could seldom get one to look up an old landcruiser part, but when I gave them a part number from toyodiy.com, I found many parts still available, or changed to one I could use.
Last edited by hoarder; 12-09-2014 at 10:25 AM.
12-09-2014, 11:48 AM
#4
Registered User
More and more, these trucks just aren't around anymore. I mean when you're part of communities like this it's hard to believe, but from Toyota's perspective, it's getting less and less worth it to keep this stuff in stock.
I bought a parking brake cable, which was actually for a later model Toyota than mine (no one could find one for a 78), and the Toyota guy said "there are three left in existence". At least according to his database.
I don't know if anyone ever kept making any interior parts. I think those were just something you could get from Toyota when there were still leftovers from production of those model trucks.
I bought a parking brake cable, which was actually for a later model Toyota than mine (no one could find one for a 78), and the Toyota guy said "there are three left in existence". At least according to his database.
I don't know if anyone ever kept making any interior parts. I think those were just something you could get from Toyota when there were still leftovers from production of those model trucks.
12-11-2014, 07:49 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After general mechanical reliability, I consider the interior the most important part of a vehicle. Parts of my reasoning into getting something as old as my 81 were:
1. There's not much to begin with. I came from BMW's, for context.
2. What there is tends to be in relatively simple shapes. The doorpanels for example are easily redone in 3/16" plywood, as are the instrument panels.
3. The materials quality is quite high.
Some things are NLA, but between junkyards, eBay, Rockauto, cross-compatibility with other vehicles, and relative ease of custom work, parts availability does not feel like a problem yet. It's a lot better than some other early 80's Japanese vehicles, that's for sure.
1. There's not much to begin with. I came from BMW's, for context.
2. What there is tends to be in relatively simple shapes. The doorpanels for example are easily redone in 3/16" plywood, as are the instrument panels.
3. The materials quality is quite high.
Some things are NLA, but between junkyards, eBay, Rockauto, cross-compatibility with other vehicles, and relative ease of custom work, parts availability does not feel like a problem yet. It's a lot better than some other early 80's Japanese vehicles, that's for sure.
Trending Topics
02-04-2015, 10:36 AM
#10
Registered User
Thread Starter
02-10-2015, 09:42 AM
#12
Something to keep in mind, the 74-78 mini has a pretty lame front suspension compared to 79 and on 2wd trucks. At this point in their lives the front bushings get looser than the jowls of an old bloodhound. If you don't have any yet, I would highly suggest stocking some front control arm bushings. They are very easy to change as they are threaded, not pressed. If your truck wanders it's a good bet they're gone and it's loosey goosey up there.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Poncho0206
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
3
07-10-2015 06:21 PM
