So, about a month ago I rolled my 85 Toyota 2wd truck. It was totalled, yet the engine still ran like a top (I love the 22r, lol). I traded the wreck and paid 900 for an 86 4x4 truck. The guy had taken terrible care of it. When I bought it, he didn't even have an air cleaner on it, the spark plugs were loose, and he only had one bolt holding the exhaust manifold to the rest of the exhaust system. So, I put a breather on it, replaced the truck bed with one from an 88 (so it has the rails), a new radiator (the one he had in it had a hole in the middle of it), and now I am doing a carburetor rebuild. Any other suggestions?

 

I would drop that thing like a hat... sell it and wait for a deal to come along on a decently cared for truck. it can nickel and dime you to death

 

You really think so? I mean it seems like the carb kit will get it running right. And I need something to drive to work.

 

normally i'd say toyota's will last forever and are tough as hell. yours sounds like it was beat and misused. dump it on some unsuspecting craigslister haha wait for a deal and get a beter one.

 

I think I will keep working on it. I mean, its really not as bad as it sounds.

 

Show us some pictures. Toyota guys gotta have pictures of your truck to become interested.

Toyota trucks pictures have nearly the same draw as boob pictures.

 

Stupid question: how do I post pictures?

 

I use Photobucket. Upload your pictures and then there will be a copy and paste link for an img path.

How many miles on the '86? At the very least, I'd do a compression test to see if the engine needs a rebuild right off the bat. If too much crap got sucked in while running w/no filter, then I can see bad valve seals being a problem, in addition to other things.

 

The compression is fine and I checked the spark plugs, they have a nice tan color to them, so its burning good. I am almost done with the carb. I'll check the mileage tomorrow.

 

i gotta disagree I would much rather look at Boobs then Toyota Trucks.

Could be that i have lots of Toyota Trucks and no Boobs!!

we all have at least one major truck build that turns into a money pit fact of life.

Just know going in that any project can turn into one!!!

I can speak from experience I think i am on money pit project number # 4 or 5 not really sure.

Just make sure the important parts like brakes and Suspension and steering are up to spec first.

Good luck

 

Commit!!! Keep it man build it up nice and the rewards in the end are priceless. There's many times I go out and just look at mine and think to my self.... damn right....I built that! Granted it will cost you but I wouldn't trade mine for anything in the world... except a mint condition trailblazer lol

 

well then I go look shake my head and say never again!!

Till the next one comes along.

 

That's what I'm gonna do. It runs like a top after the carb rebuild. And the 4wd works like a dream.

 

This was the 85 2wd that I rolled.

 

This is the new truck, before and after the new bed.

 

I have bought nice trucks and they still wound up needing alot of work. They are nearly 30 years old and will have issues. If you have the skill and time, these can be brought back at a reasonable expense. Just make sure it is what you want before commiting to it. Looks like a solid truck in the pictures.

 

I like it a lot, which is why I want to keep it.

 

On my 88 Runner build below on the first page, you will find a lot of the common issues that need fixed on these. Most are cheap or free, just takes some time.

 

Agreed. Toyotas are very user friendly, and just plain fun to work on. I just fixed the exhaust leak and cleaned up the distributor (I'm going to get a new one, this one is on its last leg). It runs way better now. I'm really liking the way it is shaping up.

 

Well, I replaced the distributor and it now runs like a champ. Liking it!