Just came back from looking at an '83 with a straight body, no rust. The only issue I see is grease build up on each of the front inside wheel hubs. An absolute newbie here, The only Toyota I've ever owned was a '66 Stout when I wasn't quite 20 many years ago. My main concern is that the truck is 100 miles from the house and I'm wondering if it would be safe to drive the truck at highway speeds if I bought it. Any help appreciated, replacing an inner hub seal (or axle seal?) can be my first project, but first I have to get the truck home.

 

hard to say if it would be safe to drive that far with out seeing the truck. give it a good once over and test drive it
a 35 year old truck is gonna definitely need some TLC. the knuckle grease build up is pretty common

 

Thanks DropZone, appreciate the reply. Absolutely right on grease build up. A month before coming across the '83 I looked at an '85 long bed 4x4 with 180K on it and the typical grease build up you mentioned was also present (hub housing inside front wheel. I'm just stuck on whether to drive it the 100 miles back home or play it safe and fork over another $300.00 or more to follow a flat bed tow truck as it hauls the '83 back home.

 

What is the story has the truck been sitting the last ten years and is covered in dust and bird droppings infested with Rodents ??

Hoses and belts cracked and dry rotted ??

Your pre purchase inspection and road test should give you a idea

Been driven around the block every few months

No friends with a truck and access to a Tow Dolly up for a adventure ??

 

No, not sitting for 10 yrs, but up till now it's only been used by a Search and Rescue team for the County. When a hiker gets lost, they used it on the back roads and trails to go find 'em. Otherwise, it sits and has all of about 45k original miles (documented) and has been routinely maintained by the County mechanic. Starts right up, Dropzone said grease build up around the inside hub is common, I'm just wondering if zipping down the road at 65mph for a hundred miles is a wise idea. Selling for about $3,000. Appreciate the response Wyoming.

 

I am sure there has to be some nice country roads allowing you to drive 45 to 50 mph rather then on the interstate pedal to the floor.

If this was serviced by tax payers $$$ It should be fine for your trip home.

It is after all Mechanical things do fail

 

I drove an '89 pickup from Tacoma WA (where I bought it) to Laramie WY then to Oakland CA to ship it to Hawaii. This is when I had zero knowledge of Toyotas or 22re's. I learned at a rest stop at the foot of Yellowstone how to change an alternator. Unproven Toyotas s#!+ 100 miles for breakfast. lol

 

Drive it to my house. If it makes it I will probably give you $3,005 for it.