Hey yotatech; I'm new to this wonderful world filled with small beastly pickups, and had some questions I was hoping could be answered. I'm currently in the market for a 2wd toyota (4x4 conversion in the foreseeable future) and there are two options I have, and they both cost the same amount of money ($1000)

the first option is this: 1979 pickup with a 20R motor, 5 speed, 185,000 miles on original motor that is a 3/4 ton.

the second option is this: 1983 pickup with a 22R motor, 5 speed, 220,000 miles on original motor, comes with 4 sets of tires and rims, tool box and CD player. Needs a turn relay replacement.

both of these trucks run well and clean up nice. I'm just wanting to know which one is best for use on terms of daily driving, 4x4 conversion in the future, parts availability (especially for HID lamps ), strongest trans, and best motor. Which one is the better platform????

 

here are some more images of the 83' for sale

 

And here are some more images of the 79'

 

Since we can't check both of them out ourselves it's hard to say. These trucks are always projects that are never finishied, so I would chose the most rust-free one as good base. Also if you want to go 4x4 in the long run, it will be much cheaper and simpler to get a 4x4 one right now, they look better too (they have small differences). The 20r head has a better port designed and has double row timing chain, the 22r has ,2L more displacement and aluminum rockers, both are great engine but head gasket failures are a known fact and timing chain maintenance or replacement have to be done every 100k.
You could always get them inspected to see if they have been hit, they the frames are good etc, things you can only see on a lift up in the air.

But I still think that if you want to go 4x4 you should buy one in the first place, unless you know exactly what you are getting into, because it will cost you more money in the long run. And since we aren't there to check them out, we can't tell you wich one is the better choice. If you are unsure of what to look for get them checked out by somone who is.

 

For a fun car, I would pick the '79 because I love the old pickups, but for a daily driver, I would Definitely pick the '83 because they are so much more common, so therefore, more information available, more options as far as parts, and cheaper parts, but it's up to you.

Bottom line: If I already had one car and I was just getting a 2nd, I would get the '79 hands down. If I was getting one car for a daily driver, I would pick the '83 hands down. It's up to you to decide, and it depends on what condition they are in, so I would test drive them both, and get whichever you like best.

Bottom Bottom Line: Just go with your gut and get whichever you like best. Both will be great trucks, and you'll be happy with them both.