Thinking about buying a 86 4x4
 

hey guys, i'm new to the board and need some good fast advice. the truck is a 86 4x4 automatic 176k miles. the 4 wheel drive works good and motor runs smooth. there is oil leaking from the valve cover and front cover, but i am planning on replacing timing chain, front cover gasket and the valve cover gasket along with the header gasket. the interior is in decent shape. the cap has a few surface rust spots and the bed is terrible. i might be able to buy a better bed or put a piece of diamond plate on the bottom. the transmission jerks fairly hard when put into gear from park. is this a tranny problem or some worn out mounts. can anyone tell me some things to look at/for when i go back with money, please. what would you offer? thanks, brian

I would buy it for cheap and swap the auto for a 5-speed. :rockon:

Go for it! Tranny sounds like the throttle cable just needs adjustment...easy job.

...and then flat deck it unless you need a bed.


Good luck,

Warren

Can't tell you about an auto tranny, but 176k is still a baby. I've got 230k on my original engine and still running good/great. Can't tell you about rust either, cuz we don't have it here in AZ. Personally, I'd flatbed it, but maybe your needs are different.

How much is he asking for it?
Sounds like a great truck/good project!

http://allprooffroad.com/images/flatbed%20truck01.jpg
Allpro Offroad flatbed kit!!

he only wants 800 for it, and i need a bed, i wanted the truck for hauling trash and stuff like that. are the automatics something i need to think about in the near future or are they solid like the motor? thanks for the help, keep it coming. thanks, brian

i'd keep lookin. it will cost more to fix all the stuff you listed than the truck is worth. Also, toyota beds have a problem rusting out so IF you find one in good shape it will be expensive.
good luck!

Well you could always talk him down. I bought my '87 truck for $550, and he was originally selling it for 800. Granted, I've already invested more in it than I spent on it, but in all honesty I think I practically stole the thing from the guy.
If the motor runs smooth, the 4WD works, and the tranny isn't shot, then I'd say $800 is a steal.
Make sure you're able to register it though :pat:

The automatics are as tough as the truck. mine is a 83 with 220k on it. and it had a rough life of farming before I got it. pulling cattle trailers-hay bailers. 16 foot trailer with 3-round bales of hay. My Grandpa said a Toyota can do anything and he was correct. About 2 years ago the tranny started slipping from a dead stop and i was thinkin well it's been a good one. Then to my surprise I put half a quart of fluid in it to fill it up and it hasn't slipped again.:drink:

i second that, my 4runner has an auto tranny and its doing pretty good considering i beat the piss out of it on a daily basis