'91 PU w/ 350 V8 - $5,500. Good Deal?
04-09-2006, 10:13 AM
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'91 PU w/ 350 V8 - $5,500. Good Deal?
Looking at a new toy... (At a dealer unfort.)
- '91 xtra cab pu
- Chev 350 V8
- 3-5" Susp Lift
- Front Locker (I think - there is a little extra box on diff with tubes or wires coming out of it)
- Very clean in/out
- 33" Mudders on nice custom rims
- 119 or 219K miles (Can't see first #)
- Nice alum and diamond plate work, tube steps, etc.
- SR5, cruise, tilt, AC, power, etc.
Going to take a test drive tomorrow - would really appreciate any thoughts on this price and what to look for on a conversion like this...
If this is not a total rip off, I will take and post some pics...
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
By the way, looking at trade/sell the following for above.....
'85 4 Runner - great shape - 190K auto: $1,750
'87 Toy PU - rust bucket but runs good. $1,750
84 4x4 Tercel - great ride - a little smoky. $750
85 Ford F150 - beat up but dependable - V8: $1,000
- '91 xtra cab pu
- Chev 350 V8
- 3-5" Susp Lift
- Front Locker (I think - there is a little extra box on diff with tubes or wires coming out of it)
- Very clean in/out
- 33" Mudders on nice custom rims
- 119 or 219K miles (Can't see first #)
- Nice alum and diamond plate work, tube steps, etc.
- SR5, cruise, tilt, AC, power, etc.
Going to take a test drive tomorrow - would really appreciate any thoughts on this price and what to look for on a conversion like this...
If this is not a total rip off, I will take and post some pics...
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
By the way, looking at trade/sell the following for above.....
'85 4 Runner - great shape - 190K auto: $1,750
'87 Toy PU - rust bucket but runs good. $1,750
84 4x4 Tercel - great ride - a little smoky. $750
85 Ford F150 - beat up but dependable - V8: $1,000
04-09-2006, 10:42 AM
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The little box on the diff, on the drivers side of the diff on the axle tube right? Thats the ADD for the front axle, not a locker.
With a 350 the stock T-bars cant hold up, see if he has replaced them. Other than that, check drivetrain..what is it?? Let us know
With a 350 the stock T-bars cant hold up, see if he has replaced them. Other than that, check drivetrain..what is it?? Let us know
04-09-2006, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 4x4nala
The little box on the diff, on the drivers side of the diff on the axle tube right? Thats the ADD for the front axle, not a locker. YES EXACTLY - THX!
With a 350 the stock T-bars cant hold up, see if he has replaced them. Other than that, check drivetrain..what is it?? Let us know
With a 350 the stock T-bars cant hold up, see if he has replaced them. Other than that, check drivetrain..what is it?? Let us know
THANKS!
04-09-2006, 01:37 PM
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Torsion bars are your front spring. The run from the upper control arm to the rear. The only reason I know the stock ones wont hold a 350 is because I bought the ones I have used from a guy who had a 350. He still wasnt overly happy so he was doing a SAS.... Funny, these torsion bars are now on their third truck...
04-09-2006, 01:52 PM
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Couple more things to look at. Is the 350 EFI or carb, how much power is it making. You really want a very mild 350 in a toy. Otherwise you will end up with 3/4 ton running gear on a toyota frame, FW axles look funny on a toy anyhow. Even a mild EFI 350 will spank any other toy outthere.
What type of lift is it. If its a 4" you should be good, the 3" rancho is junk. Check the rear to see if it has blocks or AAL's, or new springs. The best would be new springs. Blocks on stock springs with a 350 is just begging for severe axle wrap, probally enough to break springs, and u-joints when you get on it...
What type of lift is it. If its a 4" you should be good, the 3" rancho is junk. Check the rear to see if it has blocks or AAL's, or new springs. The best would be new springs. Blocks on stock springs with a 350 is just begging for severe axle wrap, probally enough to break springs, and u-joints when you get on it...
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04-10-2006, 03:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 4x4nala
Couple more things to look at. Is the 350 EFI or carb, how much power is it making. You really want a very mild 350 in a toy. Otherwise you will end up with 3/4 ton running gear on a toyota frame, FW axles look funny on a toy anyhow. Even a mild EFI 350 will spank any other toy outthere.
What type of lift is it. If its a 4" you should be good, the 3" rancho is junk. Check the rear to see if it has blocks or AAL's, or new springs. The best would be new springs. Blocks on stock springs with a 350 is just begging for severe axle wrap, probally enough to break springs, and u-joints when you get on it...
What type of lift is it. If its a 4" you should be good, the 3" rancho is junk. Check the rear to see if it has blocks or AAL's, or new springs. The best would be new springs. Blocks on stock springs with a 350 is just begging for severe axle wrap, probally enough to break springs, and u-joints when you get on it...
04-11-2006, 03:06 AM
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Some Pix!
Did not get to test drive or check under hood but should be able to today - here are some pix....
Any thoughts on these components?
- Engine brackets look horrible
- is this a pro comp lift? How good is it?
- T-bars look stock - how to tell if bad? An old timer told me V8 was comparible in weight to orig V6 - opinion?
- Do drive shaft angles look too steep?
- btw - from what I can see this is a carb engine - not FI.
Thanks!
Any thoughts on these components?
- Engine brackets look horrible
- is this a pro comp lift? How good is it?
- T-bars look stock - how to tell if bad? An old timer told me V8 was comparible in weight to orig V6 - opinion?
- Do drive shaft angles look too steep?
- btw - from what I can see this is a carb engine - not FI.
Thanks!
04-11-2006, 08:06 AM
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The front suspensionis is the same one I have, I think its a good one.
I have never seen a 350 swap before but that looks like homeade motor mounts, I dont like em.
The front driveshaft looks rigged, couldn't tell about the rear.
The rear has lift blocks which I would steer clear of on a v8 swap.
Have to see how it drives and such...what tranny is in it?
I have never seen a 350 swap before but that looks like homeade motor mounts, I dont like em.
The front driveshaft looks rigged, couldn't tell about the rear.
The rear has lift blocks which I would steer clear of on a v8 swap.
Have to see how it drives and such...what tranny is in it?
04-11-2006, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 4x4nala
The front suspensionis is the same one I have, I think its a good one.
I have never seen a 350 swap before but that looks like homeade motor mounts, I dont like em.
The front driveshaft looks rigged, couldn't tell about the rear.
The rear has lift blocks which I would steer clear of on a v8 swap.
Have to see how it drives and such...what tranny is in it?
I have never seen a 350 swap before but that looks like homeade motor mounts, I dont like em.
The front driveshaft looks rigged, couldn't tell about the rear.
The rear has lift blocks which I would steer clear of on a v8 swap.
Have to see how it drives and such...what tranny is in it?
04-11-2006, 04:04 PM
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Took this beast for a test drive:
1. Truck slips out of first gear when taking off - gives a nice grind, have to hold it TIGHT in 1st and EZ clutch to take off. Any ideas what this could be? Synchro? Bad linkage? Other gears are fine. Dealer indicates he had centerforce clutch put in.
2. The 350 runs cold. Seemed really doggy until is got around 210F then it seemed to pick up a bit. I would think a 350 would put you back in the seat more... Got rubber in 1st and 2nd EZ, but not third. Overall, I was UN-impressed with the power (for a V8).
3. Tranny is stock.
4. Truck has edelbrock carb and headers.
5. Dual elec fan setup
6. Truck drives like a dream on highway - did not have time to off road but will if I consider further.
7. Sucked alot of gas in the short test drive. Any thoughts on what I might get mileage wise?
Thanks for any input - I like the truck but I am on the fence.....
I will put more pix up in AM...
1. Truck slips out of first gear when taking off - gives a nice grind, have to hold it TIGHT in 1st and EZ clutch to take off. Any ideas what this could be? Synchro? Bad linkage? Other gears are fine. Dealer indicates he had centerforce clutch put in.
2. The 350 runs cold. Seemed really doggy until is got around 210F then it seemed to pick up a bit. I would think a 350 would put you back in the seat more... Got rubber in 1st and 2nd EZ, but not third. Overall, I was UN-impressed with the power (for a V8).
3. Tranny is stock.
4. Truck has edelbrock carb and headers.
5. Dual elec fan setup
6. Truck drives like a dream on highway - did not have time to off road but will if I consider further.
7. Sucked alot of gas in the short test drive. Any thoughts on what I might get mileage wise?
Thanks for any input - I like the truck but I am on the fence.....
I will put more pix up in AM...
04-11-2006, 05:03 PM
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Not sure why it would slip out in first. Stock trannys can hold up to V8's if you baby the crap out of them, but it eventually wont last. Espically burning rubber. Not suprised it didnt burn in 3rd, 33's provide lots of traction, and if gears are stock 3rd is pretty tall.
Most carbed engines wont run for crap until they are warm.
I wouldnt expect more that 10mpg city, and mabye 14hwy.
If you realize all that is entalied with a rig like this there would be nothing wrong with buying it, but if you want a turn key rig its probally not it.
Personally if I were to buy a v8 truck I would want EFI, even the setup from 88-95 is pretty good. I also wouldnt want the stock tranny/xcase. Too much Tq at wheeling speeds, probally going to break on the trail.
Also do you have emmisions where you live, better check the laws, most states require the donor motor be newer than the truck.
Most carbed engines wont run for crap until they are warm.
I wouldnt expect more that 10mpg city, and mabye 14hwy.
If you realize all that is entalied with a rig like this there would be nothing wrong with buying it, but if you want a turn key rig its probally not it.
Personally if I were to buy a v8 truck I would want EFI, even the setup from 88-95 is pretty good. I also wouldnt want the stock tranny/xcase. Too much Tq at wheeling speeds, probally going to break on the trail.
Also do you have emmisions where you live, better check the laws, most states require the donor motor be newer than the truck.
Last edited by 4x4nala; 04-11-2006 at 05:06 PM.
04-12-2006, 04:06 AM
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Originally Posted by 4x4nala
Not sure why it would slip out in first. Stock trannys can hold up to V8's if you baby the crap out of them, but it eventually wont last. Espically burning rubber. Not suprised it didnt burn in 3rd, 33's provide lots of traction, and if gears are stock 3rd is pretty tall.
Most carbed engines wont run for crap until they are warm.
I wouldnt expect more that 10mpg city, and mabye 14hwy.
If you realize all that is entalied with a rig like this there would be nothing wrong with buying it, but if you want a turn key rig its probally not it.
Personally if I were to buy a v8 truck I would want EFI, even the setup from 88-95 is pretty good. I also wouldnt want the stock tranny/xcase. Too much Tq at wheeling speeds, probally going to break on the trail.
Also do you have emmisions where you live, better check the laws, most states require the donor motor be newer than the truck.
Most carbed engines wont run for crap until they are warm.
I wouldnt expect more that 10mpg city, and mabye 14hwy.
If you realize all that is entalied with a rig like this there would be nothing wrong with buying it, but if you want a turn key rig its probally not it.
Personally if I were to buy a v8 truck I would want EFI, even the setup from 88-95 is pretty good. I also wouldnt want the stock tranny/xcase. Too much Tq at wheeling speeds, probally going to break on the trail.
Also do you have emmisions where you live, better check the laws, most states require the donor motor be newer than the truck.
Yes, I would resign to this being a "project" not a DD. Emisions are an issue until Jan 06 when they go away in our county - I can wait / dealer can't. Also, dealer is interested in trade in because he can move my 85 Runner and 87 PU EZr than this thing.
Here are a few more pics. Thanks again!!
04-12-2006, 08:11 AM
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If you looking for reliable rig in the snow, a 350 swapped P/U doesnt come to mind. The best rig I have driven in the snow has been my runner, with its lower power and good weight ratio it was awesome.
Whats wrong with a 4" lift on your 85 and some 35's, or 34x9.50 if the snow is powder??
Whats wrong with a 4" lift on your 85 and some 35's, or 34x9.50 if the snow is powder??
04-13-2006, 03:33 AM
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Power Hungry
Originally Posted by 4x4nala
If you looking for reliable rig in the snow, a 350 swapped P/U doesnt come to mind. The best rig I have driven in the snow has been my runner, with its lower power and good weight ratio it was awesome.
Whats wrong with a 4" lift on your 85 and some 35's, or 34x9.50 if the snow is powder??
Whats wrong with a 4" lift on your 85 and some 35's, or 34x9.50 if the snow is powder??
Thanks for the reality check!
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