85 pickup save or part out???
Aug 17, 2018 | 05:01 PM
#1
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From: Brandon, MS
85 pickup save or part out???
Been a while since I posted on Yota Tech. I am currently at a crossroads and would like some guys input. I picked up a 85 pickup truck strictly to salvage the front axle on another project. Now not sure if I want to separate the axle from the truck as these trucks are getting harder to come by.
Issues with truck:
-no bed
-needs gas tank and components
-needs head gasket
-rust repair on driver/passenger floor boards
all other parts are intact and truck is other wise completely stock.
so build or not to build???
Issues with truck:
-no bed
-needs gas tank and components
-needs head gasket
-rust repair on driver/passenger floor boards
all other parts are intact and truck is other wise completely stock.
so build or not to build???
Aug 17, 2018 | 06:57 PM
#4
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From: Brandon, MS
No real budget here. Just not sure that I want to send another 85 to the graveyard. I planned on stealing the front axle to build a 2004 taco SAS. Mainly going to use the knuckles and components for a diamond axle on the 04. My thoughts are the 85 would be worth the money to save vs building the 04. Budget for the 04 was around $5k. If I keep that truck like it is, I’ll use the $5k for the 85. I’m $300.00 deep in the 85
I agree on the basket case since. But for the most part the truck is all there. All drivetrain is good, interior is there. True sr5 truck. If the interior were gone/destroyed or the frame was bent I wouldn’t even think about breathing life back in it. A lot of hard to find parts still here and in decent shape.
I agree on the basket case since. But for the most part the truck is all there. All drivetrain is good, interior is there. True sr5 truck. If the interior were gone/destroyed or the frame was bent I wouldn’t even think about breathing life back in it. A lot of hard to find parts still here and in decent shape.
Last edited by NIGHTMARE; Aug 17, 2018 at 07:06 PM.
Aug 17, 2018 | 07:06 PM
#5
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From: Northern AZ
It would depend on a few things for me. What would it cost to make it a reliable truck and if I did the fix ups what would it be worth when I sell it.I agree sending off god old vehicles to the bone yard is not always a good thing.
Aug 17, 2018 | 07:12 PM
#6
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From: Brandon, MS
So far, pricing everything. Including a timing chain kit, head gasket kit and all filters etc to make engine reliable. I’m estimating close to $800. Brakes $300. Tires $800. Locate a good bed $?. Fix the rust, my own labor and extra metal I currently have $0.
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Aug 17, 2018 | 07:26 PM
#10
After each of these answer "Do you still want to do this?"
Assume the brake system needs a total return.
Assume the engine needs a major rebuild.
Assume you need to refurbish some wiring harness.
.. The rest you already know. These beds are hard to find in good shape, it's going to need atleast a couple hundred dollars to put a flatbed on it. Fuel system isn't a deal breaker, cheaper to replace then clean a tank (sadly). Unless the cab mounts are shot patches are easy but time consuming.
Assume the brake system needs a total return.
Assume the engine needs a major rebuild.
Assume you need to refurbish some wiring harness.
.. The rest you already know. These beds are hard to find in good shape, it's going to need atleast a couple hundred dollars to put a flatbed on it. Fuel system isn't a deal breaker, cheaper to replace then clean a tank (sadly). Unless the cab mounts are shot patches are easy but time consuming.
Aug 17, 2018 | 08:29 PM
#11
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From: Portland, Oregon, USA
I would save this Truck, personally, just out of my love for these trucks.
These old trucks don't make sense to keep on the road, purely from a financial (and maybe safety) standpoint. I do understand that for financial reasons, your may be better off parting out the truck.
However, the only reason this forum still exists today and is going strong is because of the people who go beyond seeing these old trucks as just yesterday's scrap metal, and put their own blood, sweat, and tears back into them, revive them, and keep them going. The payoff of these trucks usually does not come in the form of greenbacks, but rather in the form of pure joy driving such a well made, spartan, go-anywhere vehicle, either stock or built by you.
Can you tell I am just a little sentimental?
In the end, you should do what makes the most sense to you.
What would you do with the 2004 Tacoma if your kept the 1985 Truck?
Aug 17, 2018 | 08:40 PM
#12
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From: Brandon, MS
Thanks for the responses guys and I am much like most of y’all with the love for Toyota’s. That’s the reason I haven’t just said f-it and yank the front axle and parted it out. None of the work scares me as I build custom trucks here currently and have built countless cars and trucks.
Only reason i picked this truck up was strictly for the front axle knowing they sell for 3-500$ depending on condition. Once I got the truck home, guilt has struck for wanting take apart.
The taco is paid aid off and not going anywhere. Best year taco in my opinion. Spent a grand last year under the hood of the taco in preventive maintenance. Taco runs great. I have always wanted to do a SAS on a Taco and have the funds to do it.
The question is really. Do I keep the Taco like it is? Or do I save the 85 from the graveyard?
Only reason i picked this truck up was strictly for the front axle knowing they sell for 3-500$ depending on condition. Once I got the truck home, guilt has struck for wanting take apart.
The taco is paid aid off and not going anywhere. Best year taco in my opinion. Spent a grand last year under the hood of the taco in preventive maintenance. Taco runs great. I have always wanted to do a SAS on a Taco and have the funds to do it.
The question is really. Do I keep the Taco like it is? Or do I save the 85 from the graveyard?
Aug 17, 2018 | 10:47 PM
#13
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If I have place to store it I'd keep the 85 and look for another axle.
And, slowly, I'd search for the missing parts to do a full resto in the future, those trucks're something to be proud of, even more if you restore it.
And, slowly, I'd search for the missing parts to do a full resto in the future, those trucks're something to be proud of, even more if you restore it.
Aug 17, 2018 | 11:40 PM
#14
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From: Brandon, MS
Great part is I already have access to the parts needed. I have a friend that has most if not all parts already minus a bed. Also have room for storing the truck. It’s in the garage already. 4 bay garage makes it nice lol.
Ill see see if I can get some pics of the current condition of the 85 uploaded this week.
Ill see see if I can get some pics of the current condition of the 85 uploaded this week.
Aug 18, 2018 | 10:57 AM
#16
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From: Brandon, MS
Aug 19, 2018 | 08:24 AM
#17
only things you could use would be the third, hubs/spindles etc. axles would be too short, since with going to the expense of a diamond housing you would be going with the correct width for the Taco
Last edited by dropzone; Aug 19, 2018 at 08:26 AM.
Aug 19, 2018 | 09:13 AM
#18
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From: Brandon, MS
If if I can source a set of knuckles and components for a decent price I could keep the 85 complete for now.
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