So, it looks like I'll be inheriting an 80s Toyota Pickup that has been sitting for quite a while. I don't know a whole lot about it. I'm pretty sure it's from the 80s and has fuel injection and I know it's a 2 wheel drive. I'm going to have to fly to where the truck is and drive it home and I know I'll need to replace some parts before I can drive it long distance. I'm mostly hoping for some insight into what might need to be replaced.

It gets started regularly and I know the brake pads/shoes are new. One of the front wheels locks up when braking, so I think there's a problem with the caliper or brake cylinder (not sure if it has disks or drums in the front). I'm figuring it will also need a new battery, tires, serpentine belt, radiator hoses, and fluids changed.

Can anybody recommend anything else that I should replace before driving it home?

 

I think it would have front discs for sure. Aside from fixing that problem and checking to make sure the tires are roadworthy and it’s maintaining operating temp without any overheating probs, are belts are ok, grab the waterpump by the fan and make sure it doesn’t rock, clutch master and slave not leaking, no bad exhaust leaks, no check engine light or stored codes.

How far will you have to drive it? Sounds like fun. But you could always uhaul trailer it if not roadworthy.

 

Thanks! I guess that means I'll have to replace the calipers. The brakes probably need to be bled anyway. I can't imagine that the tires are road worthy, but I'll definitely check them. I'll have to drive it around and make sure it's not having any temp issues. It's being run regularly where it sits but not driven at all. I'll check the water pump. And no leaks that I know of but good to check.

It's only got about 40k original miles on it. I imagine there isn't really any mechanical wear and tear, just parts that will degrade on their own.

The trip would be about 1200 miles. It will be a lot of fun. I love road trips in classic cars. I have a 66 Mustang that I drove from Illinois to Idaho and it was a blast.

 

Man, that sounds like an amazing time, I would love to do a road trip like that. It's always been a dream of mine and my buddy to fly down to Arizona or somewhere and buy some fairly rust free 80s pickups or 4runners and driving them back up to the westcoast of Canada where we live.

All good advice from Melrose.

If it's being started regularly and is being taken care of you may be surprised in how good of shape it's in. Do you have any pictures of it?

 

That would be a pretty cool trip. The truck is in Southern California. Nice part about the Southwest is they don't get all rusty. I'd love to drive the West cost of Canada someday. Looks like it's beautiful area.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. I wish I did.

 

Your brake locking up when activated is likely a plumbing issue and not a pad or cylinder issue, more pressure on one line than another. You may have a stuck cylinder on the opposite side but this is an outlier scenario, there is over a ton of pressure on the brake cylinder it's not going.to stay stuck for long after a few presses..

You can throw new rubber at it, belts tires and hoses, but inspecting them for dry rot and cracks will.probably get you farther than you think.

 

40k miles?! Amazing! I for one hope you can post lots of photos when the time comes and let the rest of us live vicariously.
i have seen calipers on Toyota trucks have frozen pistons. I think you would have to change the caliper in that case.

 

Interesting. So, more likely a master cylinder issue then?

I'll definitely do that. Is timing done by a belt or a chain in these motors?

Melrose - It was my grandfather's truck and he drove it periodically but definitely not daily. I believe he bought it new as well. I'll definitely take pictures.

 

Was thinking more a crushed or rusted line

 

I'll check them all out.

 

Sounds great.

I would not trust the tires. Just buy a new set while you're there. Have the tire shop do a "pre-trip inspection" or something similar. Les Schwab does them for free.