Ok, I have been looking for a 85 and newer for some time and yotas in New mexico cost much more than in CO. So i found a 82 2 hours away. It needs a cam, and I am sure a timing kit as well. Question is how hard is the cam swap?

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/2717942347.html

Thanks

 

replacing a cam isnt a very difficult job. You have to pull the valve cover and the rocker arms. just make sure you adjust the rocker arms per the FSM or Repair manual. i would suggest replacing the head bolts with aftermarket head studs. as for the cam i would check out engnbldr.com. they have good inexpensive cams that will improve performance and fuel mileage. for the timing kit i would go with the metal chain guides. the plastic chain guides are a pos and dont last very long.

 

$1K tops.
you can down load the FSM from the link in my sig.

and what makes the guy think it needs just a cam? I would be prepared for more than that...

 

x2 on that.
In addition to what ocdropzone said I would do a compression test. Pull the cover and look down the chain guides and see whats up with those. If you have to pull the head to do the cam I would have the head re-done. Enginebuilder is the way to go.
Whatever the issues are a 1st gen is loads of fun to own! I love my 82!

 

yeah, i didnt even think about that. in that case i would make sure you check it over really well before buying it. will it start? if so i would definitely do a compression test, listen for any strange noises, look for leaks, MAKE SURE there is no coolant in the oil, etc.

 

I talked to the guy on the phone he said that all it needs is a cam. I asked him about the timing chain he had no idea when it was done last. He said he took it to the shop the guys there said it needs a new cam and a $1100 to fix.
That is why he is selling.
I dont mind some work but I do not want to get into a whole engine rebuild.

Thanks guys for the posts. I will call him again today and let you know what he says.

 

So I talked to the guy again, got him down to 1k. He says that it starts and runs wont drive down the road. His local shop told him it was the cam. He also said no coolant in the oil.

Good write up.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/camshaft/

So what do you guys think?

 

yeah, sounds good to me. I would still make sure i look it over really well before handing over the money. 1k is a pretty good price for that truck.