Just thought I'd introduce myself & say hello! I recently lucked into an '85 SR5 Extended cab 4x4(22RE,5-speed)for...$1,200. It needs TLC, but is overall still pretty clean inside & out(still wearing original paint) minus the minor front end fender bender. NO RUST to be found! My goal is to return it back to pretty much stock appearing w/ just a slight(2-3")lift & 31-32" tires on nice ,narrow wheels & use it as my DD/hunting rig & improve on what was a great platform from the factory.I want to retain/improve the performance,ride,traction + gas mileage This is my 1st solid-axle 'yota...so bear with me on some of my questions(I've owned a '91 & currently have a '98 SR5 4x4(to be sold) + '08 Tundra Limited 4x4). I already had a big winch bumper for the front & will probably build one for the rear(stockers are WEAK!). I need advice on how to improve the 22RE,suspension,off-road capabilitites,etc. Oh yeah...I HAVE TO keep it under/around $4K-$4,500 when all is said & done.Some things will have to wait due to me being back in grad school full time So bring it on..for better or worse!Sleepr71.

 

Welcome to YT.

There's a metric butt ton of info on suppin up a 22R-E on here(not that theres a whole lot for the little 4banger).

Good luck with the whole stock appearance thing...

 

I also have a 85 but it's a 4runner and is my hunting truck. I would say for the engine get the timing chain kit with water and oil pump from engine builder $140.00 you can do it in a weekend. Lots of write up on how to do it and just about every question you can think of in the last two weeks it seems. Replace the cap, rotor, plugs, wires air and fuel filter for a simple tune up on the engine. I don't know whats available in the 2-3" lift department with out cutting or moving hangers but I'm sure someone will.

 

Welcome to Yotatech and congrats on the find.

:wabbit2:

 

Sounds like you can get a lot done for that much cash, if you do all the work yourself.

On the engine, just go through it and tune it up. I would replace the timing belt, flush the cooling system and replace the water pump and thermostat, replace the fuel filter and check your fuel pressure if its low, replace the pump, get a new cap, rotor, plugs, wires, and set your timing . And don't forget to set your valve lash.

I suggest you run a can or two of sea foam through your fuel system, put one can in through the intake while it is running as described on the can, and put a can in the crank case, and dump a can in the gas tank, run the motor for a while drain your oil and replace. This will clean your motor out good and make everything work a lot better. Four of my friends have older Toyota trucks right now and two of them need to rebuild there 22r and 22re right now because or crap in the crankcase. I treat my fuel system and crank case with sea foam at every oil change, but I am anal with my maintenance.

As for the suspension you should be able to get a good lift kit for under six hundred, I have installed a few diffrent kits, they all seemed comprable, just don't do your lifting with blocks.

As for the tires, I can't say enough good things about my Hankooks I got last year, I drive my 94 with 33" x 12.5" Hankook m/ts every day, they work great off the pavement and preform great on the road.

 

Nice to meet you, sleepr! Great find, CONGRATZ!

If you just look at a few people's sigs(below in every post they make, like mine in colors), you'll find PLENTY of 'builds' and 'mods' that will help you down the road to finally deciding what all you want to do. (Also you can find them in the build forum of this site, easier, most likely)

I did a rebuilt, exhaust, cold air intake and exhaust for pretty reasonable by doing much of it myself(all installation, etc.). If you wanna keep it stock then I'll bet you'll hear that "A good set of lockers, or at just for the rear at least, will be the best investment you make over all"... Seems that is very sound advice. I'm looking up one now, just have to work out a few kinks first.

Hunter is right, as well, in getting everything cleaned up as best as you can. I don't disagree with the Seafoam, necessarily... but just make sure you READ CAREFULLY and maybe, first, take off the air intake and look in the plenum to see just how cruddy it is. You could do that timing kit, tune up, fuel filter, etc., for cheap, then maybe pull the plenum to clean really well and send in your injectors, if you find a bunch of crap in there. I had HUGE gains by doing so. Also, I know it's a lil 4banger, as said....but mine surprises everyone that rides in it. YOU CAN make them pretty quick and healthy up hills with the right set up!

Best wishes, NICE TO MEET YA and WELCOME TO YOTATECH!

Mark

 

Thanks guys! Sounds like solid advice so far & I am pretty picky about my vehicles too. First things first for me & that is a total degreasing/undercoating of the underside(I wanna keep it rust free). A tune up/timing check will follow,as well as new exhaust(currently leaks at muffler & manifold). I'm thinking of upgrading to a new header & 2 1/4'' pipe/muffler all the way back...while I'm at it.Basically, not getting in a hurry to put it on the road(I've never been good at "re-building" or "restoring" something while I'm using it)! Thanks again,Sleepr71.

 

I only ask that you put up some pictures. You'll also find it easier to get info if you add your location to your profile and make a signature with truck details in it.