So i just impulsively bought this truck. I have been looking at them for a while and finally found one that looked to be just what i wanted. Its a 1982 pickup with a 3.8 buick v6 and turbo 350 transmission. 4in lift with 33in tires on trd rims.
What are some basic things i should start to do to it? I want it to be a trail rig and a crawler but it has to be able to get to the trail on the roads.
was thinking of going back to the original 22r setup.
thanks for any input or help!
PS i'm new to the forum so sorry if this is in the wrong area.

 

Although I don't see the SR5 decal on tailgate, it may be due to the wood grain dash, tach, and sun roof. Google " Toyota VIN decoder" and they should tell you the build specs

 

If you're going to swap out the v6 go with a 3rz over a 22r/re. If you want a 22r/re it's easier to just buy another truck.

 

is that the 2.7? how hard of a swap is that?

 

Yes, it is a SR5. Tach + Lower gauge pod = SR5

That sunroof is not a factory sunroof. Also, check your VIN tags (all of them) because 82's didn't have round headlights, but it is possible to swap them. I would just check to make sure that you have register-able vehicle.

I'll also move this thread to the proper forum

 

Thanks! And I think the whole grill is from an 81. The vin tags read 82.

 

Yes, 81 2WD grill
if it runs you might have got a decent deal
Does the front axle hit the oil pan?

You can pull the Grant steering wheel adapter and realign your wheel so it is where is should be.

Kind of sucks having to run wheel spacers to get the FJC wheels to clear the caliper

 

Runs and drives. Drove it 80 miles already. and yes i think those rims will go soon. i like the 15" option with the 33 or 35 tires.

 

and i dont believe it hits the pan,, (no dents in the pan) is there a quick way i can check?

 

Yep! Drive really fast into a really big bump...

 

So i had a day off work and got her registered and plated! Also stopped by a local yard and got an old vacuum actuator, with some tape and rustolium high temp paint it looks bran new!



After some paint





Easy install

 

So i have looked everywhere for info on the buick v6 swap and cant really find any that is helpful.I was thinking it might need new engine mounts but i have no idea which ones to use? are they the stock buick mounts? Does anybody have any experience with this?
Thanks in advance guys!

 

Been a while but finally have some time to work on old blue.







Pulled the engine and trans out.

 

I know you bought the truck with the swap already done but did the PO give you any more info on the transmission other than turbo 350? I've never seen a turbo XXX bolted to a Yota transfercase or an I not seeing the adapter in the photo????

 

There is a Downey adapter that bolts the two together!

 

Got the trans cleaned up and the engine is being dismantled. This cold weather really sucks the ambition right out of you..






I also managed to get the engine compartment painted.

 

Well got the motor torn down and cleaned up. New head gaskets are on. Rear main seals are the absolute worst, spent over 4 hours on that alone.









Also figured out my engine was bored .030 over!

 

Truck looks really clean. Some of the wiring people do to these trucks make you wonder. Looks like you are making progress. Looking good.

 

I have a copy of the Downey engine conversion instructions and another for V6 conversions, but neither one gives any part number to use for motor mounts. If yo want, I can e-mail the word files to you. My e-mail addy is praisegig@hotmail.com Hopefully they may be of some help

 

Installed the oil pump and oil pan and taped the motor off for paint. First coat is okish will have to do some touch up in the morning.