I bought a 1980 Toyota 4x4 pickup when I got out of college, my first non POS car. In the intervening years I've owned a few different trucks, currently a 1973 LC with a 3FE.

I'm looking to buy a fourth gen pickup (I'm talking 79 - 83, some places call it 1st gen, some 3rd) in good condition to fix up and use. I was hoping the community here could help me pick the best year to go after. It seems no matter how much reading or searching I do, I end up with some odd duck that I should have stayed away from.

Thanks in advance.

 

They are all pretty much the same, you just need to find the cleanest one possible. I have a 1983 Shortbed that I'm restoring from what I noticed there are certain parts particular to the 81-83 models that are easier to find than 79-80 models - like grilles, headlight doors, certain engine parts, etc. I'd recommend finding one with a 5spd and a 22R. Do a thorough rust check before you buy - common rust areas include the frame rails just in front of the front shackle jigs where the frame turns downward, rocker panels especially where the bottom rear of the front fenders bolt on (this is caused by the water draining from the cowl vents down to that area), around the windshield seal, cab floor corners around the body mounts, around the battery tray, along bed seams and in the bed corners. Scroll through the 79-83 build up section and you can see where people have come across problems on theirs.

 

The early models 79/80 that I know of have some weak transmissions in them. Do some research on what trannies they had. Marlin Crawler has different pictures of them and maybe some info as to which one to go with.

I tried to convert one from a non SR5 model to a SR5 model and it was a bit more complicated. It wasnt just plug and play. SR5 is nicer gauges, tach and some other options.

I think 83 was the first year of the 22r, but it is the old style 22r. 84 and older blocks are one style and 85 and newer is another. If some one had an 85 block in one, that would be great in my book. Nothing wrong with the 20r, just the newer bocks are easier for getting parts.

I like having a Webber over a Toyota Carburator, but that is a personal preference. You may find one that has been converted already and is most likely a good thing.

There is also long beds and short beds in this generation of trucks as well.

 

If you're in the Carolinas check out the Richmond Craigslist for "Toyota." I've seen a couple for sale in the past week but I didn't pay attention to the details.

 

if you find one with a 4 speed..usually the L43 side shifter is pretty weak. the shifter is very sloppy.
you might find a top shift 4 speed (L45)

79-81 have a 5 digit odometer so hard to verify 100K, 200K etc

check the cab floors for rust, especially in the cab corners.

I think 81 is the first year of the 22R.
try to find one with power steering.. finding complete parts is getting difficult to find..