If there was a pre-newbie title I would probably have it. I am very mechanically inclined and a quick study, however I have only done minor maintenance on the 8 or so Toy trucks I have owned starting with my first one a 1978 lovely mustard colored 2wd that drove like a 4wd.

I just purchased a 1983 SR5, the seller had started to pull some parts off the engine stating that there is a warped cylinder head. I thought it a good idea to pull the engine and do a full rebuild. I got this for my son who will be turning 16 this year and wanted him to get off on the right "Toyota" foot.

I will be coming and going in this forum for any help you can provide.

Step one, pulling the engine???
I can locate an engine hoist as my left arm has been hurting and I don't want to lift it by hand
What/how etc. to get started, part removal, etc., I have not looked to see if there are places on the block to hook the chains from the hoist or what, yes.... when you are done laughing at my newbiness I will accept your help

 

Disconnect everything.

Yes, there are two hooks, at opposite corners of the cylinder head.

You can get the engine out with the intake and exhaust manifolds still on, but you're going to need to take them off anyway, for a full rebuild, so you might as well do it first.

Drain everything. Take off the fan. Disconnect bellhousing bolts (engine to tranny). Don't miss the two on the top, hiding behind the cylinder head.

Taking out the radiator gives you some more space to work with, and less chance of damaging it when you're wrestling out the engine.

It gets expensive...but replace everything. No good to put in a nice rebuilt engine, then have a coolant hose explode. Go get the radiator flushed and pressure tested. Don't overheat your new engine.

And a million other things....

Welcome to Yotatech!

 

Zach,

thanks much for the reply and help. I am sure I will be back on many many times in the coming months for this project.

Thanks again.

Scott

 

If you have the funds on hand I would also replace the full wireing harness. It aint exactly cheep but it will save you a LOT of frustration with old, dryrotted, and broken wires.

 

Are you referring to all the electrical wiring in the truck, i.e. front to back everything electrical or something else?

If it is all things electrical, is there a pre-packaged kit or do I have to buy things piece meal?

Thanks for your help.

 

Not sure very many people do anything with the wiring harness. Doesn't mean it's not a good idea...but it depends on whether you're going for a rebuild, or a restore...

 

If you decide to replace the wiring buy a RON FRANCIS WIREWORKS kit. I have wired street rods, customs and trucks for 30+ years and they have the best and easiest wiring kits to install. Their techs are the best and I have never had any problems with the vehicles after installing one of their products. Go to their WEB site and look at the technical information they publish and the kits / components.

 

I am looking to replace the bed on this truck as well, the one the guy put on it who I bought it from built some crazy wood 2x6 bed and no longer has the original. The front body has OEM flaired fenders, any idea where to get a bed to match, and will the 2wd's of the same year be the same size as the 4x4 one? Thanks.

 

Two wheel drive beds should fit. There were different beds manufactured for 1979-1983 Toyota trucks. One was manufactured in Japan and one was manufactured in the USA. There are some differences between the two. The rear Red clearance lights is one difference. I do not know about the mounting bolt locations but you should check the location / measurements on your frame before purchasing a bed.

 

And you won't get the cool fender flares to match the front, if you get a 2wd bed.

 

Yeah I have noticed that about the 2wd fender flairs, but I have seen a few 4wd's that were 83's that did not have them either unless it was after market? Any suppliers you know of that are good for finding a bed?

 

The factory 4 WD fender flares can be obtained from junk yards, people on this WEB site whom are parting trucks out, and from vendors who sell reproduction units. The factory flares bolt on 2 WD beds.

 

Thanks