Hello all....another new guy here.

The family work horse has been passed down to me...and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it...

I'm sitting on a 1985 xtra cab 22re automatic trans 4x4

About 5~ years ago, though it was still running, the engine was on its last leg. Dad decided to pull it out and have it rebuilt. He had some back yard mechanic do the work at the house (dad was always good and getting random people to do work on the cheap)...but the mechanic split before finishing.

Engine is on a stand...and the rest of the parts are in a box. All the gaskets look fresh so I'm assuming the engine is buttoned up and ready to go. From what I remeber my dad said its done ready to go back in...but not sure why he never attempted to put it back in himself...I hear its a pain. (Dad is on a sebbatical in Costa Rica for who knows how long so im not sure when I'll be able to pick his brain about..hahah)

Getting quotes around town from $300-500 to put it in and get it running. Some mechanics are hesitant...warning me that if the rebuild isn't what i think it is it might end up being double work..double money. I'm not afraid of turning wrenches myself...and I have all the tools, space and time I need...so if I can avoid the double money part i'll do what it takes.

What do you guys think I should do? Recommendations on any Los Angeles/ Long Beach area mechanics? Any tips on making sure its ready to go back in?

I've seen some of the threads on instalation...recomend any other good detailed writes ups?...if i attempt to take a stab at it myself

As you see can see in the pictures the truck looks rough. It has its trouble spots...and the interior doesnt look any better...but i'd say the body is still cherry...the whole truck just needs a little love.


Thanks

 

Fist of all that is an awesome truck. Don't give up, and if you do then just let me know. There are some parts I need lol.

Buy yourself a repair manual and see if you can find a factory service manual there are some liks on here somewhere. The Chiltons or Haynes repair manuals are second best, get them at any auto parts store.

I would say just go for it but the main thing would be making sure the engine is what you think it is. Pop the valve cover and oil pan and take a look inside to make sure everything looks right and good. Then just take your time and put it in. If you have any problems you can ask us.

In my opinion you should get a used manual trans, they are much easier to deal with and you will have alot more power when driving. Without having to spin that damn torque converter all over the place.

Good luck!

 

Just PM me your address and I'll come tow it away for you. FREE>>>

 

Welcome to YT
other than the auto transmission, you have the HolyGrail of Toyota trucks IMO.

try the FSM link in my sig line. it has the '85 Factory service manual there that you can download.
Do the install yourself, you will learn a lot about it etc. you know the deal. That way if the rebuild was hosed you can deinstall and get it done correctly if you chose to go that route. If you decide to sell it, you will have your inbox full of offers from your craigslist ad

Good luck...

 

awsome truck, finish it, its not that hard, if i were closer, id help for beer.

 

hehe...that's awesome....someone to "supervise" while they drink my beer. I'd be into it just so that I have some sort of direction.

So if you are close give me a shout!

...so yeah I think im gunna take a crack at it myself. Downloaded the manual and making sure I have everything.

Thanks guys for the motivation and input!

 

Am looking for a good L.A. area mechanic myself. Let me know if you come up with anything if you would. Hard to find a good, honest mechanic who knows these trucks anymore it seems

 

Get to know some of your local part store guys. They deal with mechanics all of the time and can usually recommend who is the best mechanic for your area and model of truck even if it isnt a Toyota. Just let them know that it is for the 22r series motor.

 

While Terry gives good advice for where he lives.

I have found anymore not really much difference between the majority of autoparts counter people then the ones at Walmart.

Walk in with a part tell them what it is for they bring you another part that the computer tells them is correct nothing like what you need.

It is very hard to find a good mechanic Cheap and Good never go together.

 

I agree with Wyoming, Good and cheap don't normally go too well together. Just remember you get what you pay for. It is better to do the work yourself, that way, not only are you saving tons of money, but you are also learning a lot about your truck which will help you keep it running in the future. the 4 cyl are a lot easier to work on than the 3.0 which I have in my 89 so feel lucky and nice truck.

 

I understand. Wishful thinking on the good and cheap of course. At any rate, I don't have time with my busy schedule to work on my own vehicle anymore so I need an honest mechanic who knows these trucks. If I gotta pay a little more so be it as long as the job gets done. Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! I live in Crestline (San Bernardino mountains) but am willing to travel as far north as woodland hills, south as Newport Beach, and inland as far as Palm Springs. Thanks in advance for any help you might give

 

you could put the motor in back and have the whole thing towed to yotamasters in corona.