Hi, I'm new to the Toyota world; picked up my 84 long bed 4x4 22r 5spd pickup about 3 months ago after my old jeep cherokee died for the final time (because i was fed up with it more than anything, tired of sinking money into it, i have the ability to fix it). Thought I'd share some questions I have about my NEW money pit!

First off; the engine is probably on the way out (maybe 20k left, 265k on it now), my boss (used to be an engine builder) said that the 3rd cylinder has more than likely seized one of it's compression rings. After some research and talking to local toyota guys I'm actually skeptical of this assumption; the engine runs smooth and it seems more like a head-located knock. Could it have something to do with a valve seat instead? If so, what are the common symptoms of a dislocated valve seat? Any info at all would help.

Next; I recently bought a used 32/36 weber from a Toy guy, plus an 83 block with pistons and crank, all for $70. Bought the adapter plate, linkage, and air filter for the weber and installed it (I've NEVER messed with a carb before, only EFI), finally think I got it tuned, but need some help getting the electric choke working.

The short block looks to be in great shape, so I'm planning on using it as a start to building an engine. Thinking about picking up a 20r head from the u-pick-it; what do I need from the original 20r, and will my current weber fit the intake if i have to take it too?

My thoughts on the new engine are;
Precision balanced crank/rotating assembly
bored .060 over (if cyl walls can take it safely)
20r head ported with oversized valves
titanium valve seats
some type of low end cam
new rocker assembly with extra oil galleys in rails
double roller timing chain
Everything ARP I can get

How does that sound to you guys, and what additional stuff should I consider? Also, what websites do you recommend and what types of pistons? I'm expecting this to cost ~$2k if I do all labor myself, sound reasonable?

The truck itself is sitting on probably 6" of lift and rides like crap, looks like PO might have put a rancho lift on it (judging by rancho shocks/steering stabilizer). I'm not too worried about this at the moment, but want to know what might help.

More stuff later, just got called into work, thanks!

 

Check out www.engnbldr.com he can answer all of your questions when it comes to building your engine.

 

www.ncttora.com/fsm

 

to do the 20/22r hybrid i think ur gonna need the head, intake mani, and exhaust mani or aftermarket header..and ur gonna have to buy a new adapter plate to fit the webber to the 20r intake, and i would get the intake port matched also just to get all u can sounds like a sweeeet truck man, what r ur plans for the truck? nice DD? or trail truck?

 

I've actually been reading up on the swap, i think the exhaust mani is interchangeable, since the engines have identical exhaust ports.

However, I haven't been able to find ANY info on the weber plate. You're the first person to confirm I will need another. I have no problem with buying another, but I'll continue asking just to make sure.

Also; I have a dremel. I'll be port/gasket matching everything I can.

My plans are a DD for now, that I can take anywhere offroad. After the engine I'll be looking at a cheap, durable paint job, regear, and a set of 35" mud terrains. I plan to have a higher paying job in not too long, so those plans could be accelerated easily and this thing may turn into trail only. I'll get pictures up eventually, for now they'll be camera phone pics though.

I've also read up on 63" chevy springs, and have my own ideas on the matter... (thinking about other options). I definitely don't need as much lift as I have, so I'm hoping whatever I choose will drop me a bit. What can I use for the front to make it softer? With a new job will come a good welder, so I'm considering a four link in the front...

 

I know I'm double posting, but finally got some pics up for you guys...






My girlfriend and I spent many hours scraping off the terrible decals and stickers, and still only got about half of them off... lots more to go, but when I'm done I've been promised a heavy-duty paint job for under $100. Not sure what color I should make it.

I also plan on getting "toyota" and "sr5" back on the tailgate... it's sad the PO just painted right over them.

The weak nerf bars are going as soon as I have money for some good sliders, what brand should I go with? Also considering tube doors.