I am looking into buying a older Toyota 4wd, would like some info as far as reliableness, gas mileage, etc. thanks

 

Well, I'll try to answer but your questions aren't super specific.

Reliability: They were known to be reliable when new, but now they are 30+ year old, so it's just like any 30yr old car, it depends on how it's been driven, maintained, and what type of parts where used for maintnance and repairs (oem quality or cheap stuff). But they are simple to work on and maintain if you have a bit of mecanical know how.

gas mileage:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...3-only-205721/

 

Boom

 

Your sig says you own a 87? So what is "older" to you? They will be very similar to the 87.

 

Im going to assume you mean , older than your 87 (second gen). I had a 79 2wd that got about 20 mpg consistently, if my 80 4x4 got 20 i think i would cry tears of happiness. 15 is normal for me, if im heavy in the foot 12, all flat highway maybe 17. As far as reliability is concerned, It isnt that they wont act up once in a while like any old car, its that they have an amazing way to just keep going, 2 cylinders dead... tranny only has 3rd, core support smacked through the radiator,thoroughly wetting the birds nest of wires under the hood... that little steam blowing chain smokin, creaky, rattling little brick of a sewing machine will pull its battered self into its (your) driveway before it quits or suffers the embarrassment of having a bigger truck carry it down the road like some defeated ford explorer. Fist gens have heart. They ride stiff, big tires are thirsty and once the duct tape on the seat wears through theres a spring that will keep you awake on long drives, but give it some love, and your own personal touches... you will be hooked.

 

Thanks Gilles, I want to buy something I can work on.

 

Thanks 83toy, that's pretty cool

 

We'll I was thinking 87 to late 70 s, depends what comes up. Thank you

 

Your pretty good with words Kilgore, I appreciate that, I notice people swap the stock carb for the 32/36 , does that work good for you ? How much do you think that affects the mileage ? If any?'

 

they are old trucks and are going to have reliability issues unless well maintained.

 

That pretty much sums it up, sometimes a man desires the details.

 

Hi, my daily driver, and usually my only vehicle, since I bought my 1st truck in 1993, has been a 79-83 gen toyota 4x4. I am on my 5th now. (I buy beaters, and drive them till a better deal comes up). Of those 5, I still own 3 and use all 3. I have found them to be astoundingly durable and reliable. As for fuel economy, I live in Canada so you will have to figure out the conversion, but over the years I've seen a best of 50 liters, and a worst of 85 liters, (85 liters was pulling another truck) between Dawson City and Whitehorse. The distance is 535 kms. Of course around town daily driving differs, usually 400kms/ 50liter tank is good though occasionally I better that. If you find one with a decent body, frame and interior they are probably worth fixing up. Especially if the transmission is good, they seem to be the weak link, mechanically. These trucks are simple, and easy to work on. Have fun!

 

Thanks wood, that's encouraging, here in hawaii it is difficult to find one that is not rusted out, I just passed up a 82 that was in good condition with 106k miles on it,he wanted 7500$ for it, a bit much even for hawaii, maybe I will get a fixer upper, as far as mpg seems to range from 6-28 per gallon, I am looking for something stock, That's all I need. I will have fun looking and check it out well before I buy.

 

As far as checking out a truck before purchase, besides the obvious stuff, is there any hard to find things to look for such as, cracks in the frame, is there any reason to do a compression test if it runs well?

 

The spot to check on the frame, in my experience, is near the front spring mounts, for the rear springs. This may be more likely to show up on the inside faces, rather than the outside faces, of the frame. Try tapping this area with a screw driver or something, if it punches through there is a problem! Also check the centre cab mounts, right about where your feet rest while riding in the truck. They pretty much all rust out here, and while it is not hard to fix, if let go too long the cab will take a beating. Look for cracks near and above the wheel wells, in the engine bay. I personally don't worry about compression if the engine runs fine, shows no indication to smoke, and has no blowby. (Checked at the PCV valve [when removed]). Have fun shopping!

 

Thank you wood, I will be sure to check that blowby, that's one thing I noticed about the one I just checked, it did purr but had some smoke from the tail pipe, a little moisture as we'll.