Hey all, I just picked up this 85 4X4 for 100 bucks. Story Here

What do ya'll think of this rig?
I need to get a driver-side door and fender.
Has a couple oil leaks on the motor. Mostly lines and emissions gaskets.
Bolts missing from manifold
Wrong size head light on passenger side
Roll Bar needs to be secured
Seats are held down by only one bolt each...!!?!?
Crappy spray painted dash

Basically I am gonna do a 60k tune up and get new tired and shocks.
What should I look out for on these trucks?
What are some good (better-than) stock replacements?
I am hoping to spend about 700 to get her running really well, then UPGRADE!!

 

So, how do I know what motor I have?

It's a carbed 4-banger.
I've got the solid front axle, but it looks like the boots are leaking. Is that just axle grease?

 

nice find!!! You have the 22r motor. Good luck and keep us posted on the mods

 

what is the difference between that and the 22re?

 

I think you should make a tire rack on the roll bar to hold that loose spare. looks cool and is fuctional. provides a better center of gravity.

 

carb and no carb

 

22r - carbed
22re- EFI
22ret- turbo

Great looking truck. Seems like you have a great base for a good project

 

I dont suppose your interested in a 600$ resale??

As is. No questions asked. A quick 500 for you..

 

Thats a steal of a deal. If those "boots" you are talking about are the nuckles on the ends of the axle then that is gear oil leaking and you should get a reuild kit from www.trail-gear.com www.marlincrawler.com or www.allprooffroad.com you will also be able to find endless upgrades on those sites. Also get your self a good fsm. good luck and enjoy!

 

The front axle alone is worth at least $200

Nice find.

 

You lucky SOB!
Lots of stuff in here on good upgrades.
Engine and drivetrain and brakes first.
Likely due for some suspension -- before you get the shocks, look at full kits with new springs, etc
Oh yeah, and bolts for those seats!
Just make sure you post pics of your work...

 

WOW!! thanks guys, this is the info I was looking for! I am so stoked to get this thing going, now that my RX-7 is at a good reliable stage...


Just what I needed!!! I am sure then, that it is gear oil. Also, the Power steering unit is leaking.
Is there a link to the FSM here somewhere?

I've heard a lot about Old Man Emu suspension parts, I think this is the route I'll take.

So let me get this straight, the sold axle is a great, sturdy axle, but NOT ideal for crawling... is this right?

I'll look into getting something to hold that spare in place!
Thanks for the info about the engine models. So is the 22reT lower compression? (I like turbos)

 

Your one lucky man, i would have done the same thing ( pushing it into my garage). This sort of reminds me of when i had the chance to get a 1965 dodge coronet 440 for 800 bucks. Unfortunately my mom said she didnt want any more cars at the house and well you can guess what happend. I DIDNT GET IT!! I could just punch my self in the face for listenin to her.

 

LOL!! (@your /\ /\ /\ story)

It's hard for me to pass up a good deal, and I've gotten a few. I knew this thing was gonna end up in the city lot, and no one would bail it out. I couldn't let that happen.

 

Its always good to see a auto that has great potential saved from the crusher. Are you planing on turning it into a trail rig?

 

Nice deal. I was going to guess you were a Wankel guy when I saw your avatar.

Rob

 

LOL. I've always liked em..

I would definitly like to take this thing on trails. Especailly since I am here in AZ. I see there are some guys that go out quite often.

First things first, I just need it to run reliably.

 

Solid axle IS better for rock crawling. More articulation, stronger parts, more ground clearance.

Get the heavy duty inner axle seals from Marlincrawler. Take my word for it. You dont want to rebuild the axle every year after the cheap axle seals start leaking again.

Yes, the 22RET has lower compression heads.

The old 22r is going to be quite a different ride than your RX7. SLOW.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Ya'll are preparing me for my repairs, that's for sure... This truck is gonna be sweet when it's finished!!

I'm cool with a slower ride, epsecially if it can get to places the 7 can't!!!

 

oh trust me once you get it purrin, it will go everywhere your 7 cant, except past another car on the freeway. haha. nice find!