854runner

Its a 1983 p/u was told it could be a hilux or something like that. Is that just what they called p/u trucks? What is the deal with the 5spd and a bad front bearing or something likr that. Could someone give me a run down of what i have as far as the drivetrain? I know it a carb 22r. From my understanding that likes to blow head gaskets, but why? 5 spd would mean i have gear driven transfer case. I think the rears are 8". What are the names of them to? like my 1ton chevy has a 4spd sm465. Also the frame is good. witch i know can be a problem. How do i keep the frame good tho? Does water just site in the box? I think the best front axle to have is the 85. How good is my 83 front? I am plan on 4" of lift and 35or 36 " tiers. Will it hold up? Would like to lock the front and rear as well with lockrights. With 4" lift how will the stock steering be? thats a lot of questions. Sorry for that. Trying to get a better idea what i have. Any help would be great thx mike

854runner

If anyone wants to see pics. take a look here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/854runner

Could someone tell me what the seats are in it? Dont think there stock. thx mike

coryc85

Mike, boy that's a lot of questions. Some people say that the tranny on the 83 and earlier trucks is weak (the L52 is the model for '83). If yours ever grenades on you, then you can always upgrade to the L52-HD (heavy duty) model from Marlin which will bolt right in. The 22r is not prone to HG failures, it's the 3.0 engine that has the HG problem. As far as I know, ALL 22r and 22re trucks/4Runners have the gear driven transfer case. Your 83 front axle is very similar to the 85 except that the 85 has an extra gusset welded to it for strength. This can very easily be welded to your axle, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. The stock steering will stink with 4" of lift and 35" tires. Most people would go with the steering box from a later IFS truck and at the same time switch to a hi-steer/crossover steering setup.

854runner

thx croyc85. yea, its alot of questions. Could i get away with stock steering and a 3" lift? thx

coryc85

Mike, yes you can get away with stock steering and 3" lift, in fact that's what I have on my 1983. As soon as it gives me a problem, I'm switching to crossover. Above 3" you start having a couple problems, namely the steering arm angle gets very steep and you lose some range on the movement of the wheel, and 2. the torque rod is really too short, so you would need a new one. You can do more than 3" with stock setup, but prob not recommended. Not to mention driveline angle...that's a different issue. You could do a 3" suspension lift and a 1" body lift if you just need the height to fit 35" tires.

kyle_22r

with 3" lift it'll work, but a drop drag link will improve the steering on the road.

you've got the best drivetrain setup out of the early(79-83) trucks, it's got the L52 transmission which has the larger bearing than the other early trucks. axles are the toyota 8" front and rear(third members are interchangeable if you ever need to).

854runner

thx

mike