I found a 83 2wd long bed truck online that has 140K but needs a head gastket. Im assuming 22R or 20R im not sure which one but my question is what things should i look for or be aware of with that year of truck. Any major issues or flaws? If i buy it and replace the head gastket is there anything else that I should replace or pay attention too with these motors? Ive had a 22RE before but ive never had a carb version. I know its basically just an EFI system that is the main difference but I thought Id ask about any small differeces. I was thinking that sinces its carb a head gasket should be easier to fix then on an efi system.

 

Less stuff to take off, but really no easier to do a carbed head gasket.

Biggest thing I'd look for is coolant in the oil. If it's been sitting with coolant in the oil, it needs a rebuild. Bearings are toast, possibly the crank is pitted and needs replacing. If they didn't let it sit with coolant in the oil...and it just needs a head gasket, not too big of a deal if you can do it yourself. It should be a 22R.

Other things to pay attention to...everything . It's an old truck. Look for messed up wiring done by lazy previous owners that will cause major headaches. Major oil leaks. Groaning transmission or differential. Make sure the carb doesn't need a rebuild. Most of this stuff can be fairly easily fixed (although wiring can be a pain), for not too expensive, independantly, but taken together, getting a truck this old roadworthy can add up to quite a bit more than you paid for it in the first place.

Everyone has their own brain they can use, but my philosophy and advice on these trucks, for whatever it's worth to you, is: it's a labor of love. Don't buy it thinking it's a Toyota and they last forever so you'll be able to just do a little work and off you go. There's always that chance, but chances are better that you'll be putting a lot of time, effort and money into this thing. Always. There will always be something going on with it.

Buy it with your eyes open on this point, and you may very well love the thing and be real happy you bought it. But buy it expecting it to act like your '88 EFI that never had any problems...and you may be kicking yourself.

 

Well said 83. I can say that man speaks the truth. Having recently bought an '83 myself.