hope this is the right section?

Hi guys, I wanted your opinion on this. I am not a mechanic, and working on cars is not a hobby of mine. I can do minor repairs such as changing out a water pump or something like that. I have owned several fords and the design behind them to me is ridiculous, they make it damn near impossible to do something as simple as change your spark plugs (tight space, hard to reach etc). I just had the most ridiculous time changing a lower radiator hose on a 02 ranger because it has an extra hose that connects to the thermostat that again is ridiculously tiny space and you have to remove the serpentine belt, radiatior, fan, etc just to make a stupid hose change. Anyways enough of that, from what I have been told toyota engines are easy to work on, So I had the idea of purchasing an older toyota so that I would have an easy engine to work on, that way I can do most of the work myself and if I cant do it I can always take it to the shop. But because I am not a mechanic Im worried I may be sort of biting off more then I can chew so to speak with my idea of oh I can work on this engine because its old and simple and easy to work on. What do you guys think? I do want to get into offroad, but I want my hobby to be offroading it, not working on it..lol....also I was thinking of getting an older truck with a carb rather then fuel injected cause again easier to work on. What year did they stop using carbs? thanks for the help

 

All vehicles require maintenance. Whether it be a ford or toyota.

Carbureted models were made into the early 90s. but fuel injection came out in 85. Your better off with a fuel injection in my opinion.

IF you're gonna wheel it, you're gonna be fixing ˟˟˟˟. its part of the game.

Im not a mechanic, yet I work on my cars as a "hobby" I love/hate doing it, but the "getting it done" factor is pleasing.

The problem with older toyotas is that they're gutless. the 3vz v6 is a lost cause. I had one for 6-7 years and finally sold it because i couldn't stand it any longer.

i'd go for a 95.5+ Tacoma or 96+ 4Runner if i were you. get the 3.4 v6

 

if anything get a first gen, factory soild axle, carb motor, who cares if its gutless, its a 4 banger with big tires, if you want something reliable and simple to work on again, 22r, carb, timing, fuel air spark, bam it runs, i dont see how something putting out 100 horsepower can turn 37s and a bed full of gears and get 15 mpg is gutless myself...

 

I think your getting in way over your head!!!

while these trucks are pretty simple to work on the fact that they are for the most 20 plus years old . Things are worn out they do need attention.

How much is in the budget finding a well maintained Toyota can take awhile.

It is one thing to work on things for fun if it turns into because you need to so you can drive to work it gets old real fast.

Good luck no matter how it works out.

 

im in the same situation now with my ford, change your spark plugs? sure just get down into this tiny ridiculous impossible to reach spot and do it. I just want to get a truck when they designed them to last and ppl to work on them from home. the trucks now a days seem to be designed that in order to repair something, you gotta take it to the"ford" dealership because everything is inaccesible or you have to remove 100 things to do the simplest job.

im regularly repairing a 91 explorer so I can get to work. I htink I would be better off regularly reparing a 91 toyota to get to work.

 

that was basically my thinking. and I am not going to extreme offroad or rock crawl like you guys. I want offroad just so I can get to remote areas to hike my dogs. 33's and a 6" lift should do me fine

 

6" of lift? more like 31-33s and no lift would do you fine.

 

With 6" you could fit 40" tires under it!

Seriously...try 3"-4" some 32's or 33's...trust us on this...these Yota's will pretty much go where you point em..but please use common sense in understanding this.

As to your Ford statement...I've been raised with Blue oval and while I agree that some things might be a bit difficult to get to ALL mfg.s have issues in one model or the other. Ask a Toyota tech if he'd like to change the starter on a 4th Gen 4.7 V8? Talk about the engineers missing that one..? Just curious though what engine do you have in your Ford? And I always have a second vehicle for the very reason you mentioned...gotta gets to work some how. Sounds like you might want to leave the simpler thing to the pro's as well.

 

Oh yeah, wasn't trying to flame ya cause I feel the same way about Chrysler Corp. But I've never owned a Dodge/ Chrysler/ Jeep...but I've made good money fixing em though.

If you're looking for reliability then the EFI engines are good...that's why everyone kept with technology and moved away from carburetors. In the line up you might be looking at (truck/ 4Runner) the 3.0 is one to steer away from..use the search button here. The 3.4, 2.4, 2.7 and 4.0 engines should give long life if cared for properly...be selective and really look at the vehicle you want and if you don't know what you're looking at then take some one who does. Admitting ignorance is better than making a foolish purchase and getting hosed for it.

 

One thing to remember all vehicles for the most are built on a line .

pretty impressive how the whole engine just comes down from above and most times just settles right into place.

with little thought as to changing things down the road.

I agree working on the 22r engine family are pretty easy with the exception of the fuel injected fuel filters.

It just takes awhile to learn all the little tricks and shortcuts.

 

i also love the look of the old school toyotas, i like that classic look and once they are all fixed up and restored they are awesome. I would love to be driving this thing!

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4013_large.jpg