Okay, here's the deal. I've been a Jeep guy since I was just a tyke (don't hate), but...I've always had a thing for solid-axle Toyotas. My opportunity to get one is finally presenting itself. A friend is selling a truck he has only owned for a couple weeks and only driven 40 miles, so I don't know every detail (yet).

The truck (which I've only looked at once) is an (I think) '82 pick-up with a (short) flatbed and 35" tires...so it's already lifted. I believe it's spring-over-axle, but maybe all these trucks are? (I don't know - remember, I came from the Jeep world) It's got no lockers, no power steering and the interior is decent. The paint is new(er) and the rig's got 143k miles on it. I'm fairly certain it's a rebuild. I've got a couple questions:

-What are these things worth with this mileage?
-What do I do to install power steering - high steer set-up with IFS box (I'm gonna' need a walk-through)? Is there a better option?
-What common problems do I need to look out for?
-Should it have the 20R? The 22R?


Thanks, guys. This awesome forum has roped in another Jeep guy (I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so...).

-Tyler

 

Also...axles! What axles did these trucks use?
How strong are they?
(Oh crap...I think I might be starting an argument with a question like that...)

Will those 35s be dangerous to the stock running gear?

Tranny? Is it beefy? Is it good?

Transfer case - what will it have? Is it tough enough?

 

1. How much is it worth? Check around on the for sale section of Pirate4x4, that'll give you some idea.
2. Power steering. Yes, you should go with high steer with an IFS box. Pirate has a FAQ thread that you should read. Most of you questions will be answered there. You can get the high steer kits from marlin, allpro, trail gear, etc.
3. Common problems. Don't know
4. Engine. Don't know
5. Axles. The stock axles are actually pretty strong, depending on how you drive. If you are a pedal to the metal type of guy, then maybe not. Upgrade to 30 spline longfields and you'll never break them.
6. Tranny and transfercases are pretty strong...although some toyotas are stronger than others. I doubt you'd have a problem.

 

- 143k?! its a baby!

- Trailgear sells Tapped IFS steeing boxes and hydro ram assist... there are quite a few people on here that are TG dealers, (including myself, so let me know)

- 79 and 80 had the 20R, 81 thru 84 had the 22R 85+ had the 22RE (if i remember correctly)

- toyota axle are fine if you dont have a locker in the front... if you lock the front you'll want to replace the Birfs with some Long-fields

-35s with 22R's want 4.88 or higher

-with only 143k the tanny and x-case should be fine.

 

All Toyota 4wd trucks are spring over

143K is actually low mileage for an '82. Like others have said, it's just a baby. Most Yota engines are good for 200K+ with only moderate maintenance. As for what it's worth, I'd guess $1000-1500 depending on condition and geography. FWIW, double the value of a '82 Jeep with similar mileage and condition

A visit to the local boneyard will provide you with everything you need. Find a '86-'94 4wd truck with power steering and a 4 cylinder engine and get everything (pump, reservoir, gearbox, hoses, bracketry, etc.). For the most part, everything will bolt up or is easily adapted to your truck.

In areas with high salt use in the winter, frame rot (especially right in front of the rear spring hangers) is quite common.

Should be a 22R

Think of it as being rescued from the dark side

 

143k on a Toyota, its still getting broken in.

 

Toyota corporate 8"

Comparable in most respects to a Dana 44.

Not really unless the front is locked or welded. Sure, there will be usual accelerated bearing wear, etc, but nothing too serious (unless you like to wrap it to 4K and dump the clutch )

Most probably a L42 (4-speed) or L52 (5-speed). Could also be an early G52 (which would be better). The L series have a separate aluminum bellhousing and cast iron tranny, later series are one-piece aluminum. The L series aren't the greatest trannies out there but for the limited amount of hp available, they do adequately. Good thing is that trannies are more-or-less interchangeable; swapping to a G, W, or R series (better, very good, excellent in that order) isn't too difficult an affair.

21-spline, gear driven RF1A. It may be top or front shift depending on the tranny. These are quite durable transfers and are easily regeared to 4.0,4.7, or 5.1 as well as doubling (or both ).

 

I'm assuming you're the same Burtonsnowman from Spokane on USMB....

as long as this truck isn't rotted out (which it probably isn't, as long as much of that mileage was on the west coast), it sounds like you've got a sweet rig! I'm not sure of cost. they're pretty pricey here in the midwest, because they're such good trucks, but rot out so easily with our salted roads....

But I think you'll find the yota to be a nice upgrade!

 

I'll be damned, another Spokanite!
Thought I was the only one.

 

I know! It's sweet! Coming from the Jeep world, where I'd be on my third engine, I'm totally psyched! (Okay, I'm also a Subaru dude...143k on one of those is child's play...)

Good to know. I wasn't sure. I wish (CJ) Jeeps were, too.

That's me. And it isn't. Rust free since '83!

Heck yeah, man! Holding it down for Spokanistan! Okay, really I'm closer to Newport...or Deer Park...kind of between the two...

 

It might help how mild to wild yer plans are for the truck....

 

Well, it's darn near as wild as I want it (for now). The 35s are big enough for now...the flatbed is nice...

Basically I want to make it a hair more streetable (power steering) and a little more capable off the beaten path, too - with perhaps a little more oomph from the hamster farm, a locker (or two, someday), and some good protection (bumpers, cage, etc).

 

 

I'm working on it! I've only seen it once!

 

I dunno if there is an FAQ for ths - I remember seeing one someone once...

Basically the 79-83? have the round headlights and "weaker" tranns but solid front axles

84-85 has the Gen2 cab, solid axle and avail 22RE (I think)
86-88 has the Gen2 cab, IFS, but 22RE and avail v6

etc...

If yer planning a SAS - then I think the rumor is that the IFS frames are stronger?

 

Great advice all around here. You will love that truck. I cannot stress enough though to triple check that frame for rust, even if it looks clean (they rust from the inside out). My 83 broke in front of the spring mounts (from rust) and is now waiting for me to build a tube frame for the rear

BTW - I'm about to turn 270K on my 4 banger, still runs great (knock on wood).

I always love to see a Jeep guy turn to the light

 

It's a '79-83. Solid axles. Not round headlights, though. 22R, I believe.

 

I had a 82. Tough as nails, almost impossible to kill. Get it. Seriously.

 

DEfinitely get this truck...

 

Yeah 143K is nothing, and if it's in decent overall shape, go for it.