Hey guys my name is Nick and I am purchasing a 1990 toyota pick up for $500. Its a 2.4 with a 4 speed. Its sat for about a year but i went and checked it out yesterday, I jumped it and it started right up, no engine knock or noises, there was some smoke coming from behind the heat shield on the headers but figured that it was just some leaves and gunk burning up.

Now Its a $500 truck so there are gonna be problems, the only problem i know of right now is the rear axle seals need to be replaced. Would i be better off getting this done at a shop or is it something I could could take on by myself?

Next weekend im having it towed to my house and thats when i plan on taking stuff apart, cleaning everything and seeing what all to replace. If anyone has any suggestions or any parts i should be checking out please let me know!

 

Just what part of the world do you live in that could make a huge difference in what to look for.

Rusted frame.

Dry rotted rubber hoses and rusted fuel and brake lines.

Chewed wires and rodents .

 

Welcome to YotaTech!
A Seafoam treatment plus oil and filter change would be a good place to start.

 

If you have time and tools anything is possible.

A 22RE with an Auto is going to be slooooow so just don't expect a whole lot!

 

It should be a 4spd manual, not auto. It sounds like a cool project! The easy stuff is rust, decay, things you can see. If the body and frame looks good and the engine runs, I say go for it! World is your oyster, man. The rear main isn't too hard of a job; exhaust, transmission and mount, driveshaft,etc, will have to be removed to reach it, but it's an easy bolt off bolt on job. You "could" pull the engine for it, but I don't see the point in that unless you have ample space and tools for it. You can drop a tranny with a jack, a couple stands, and a basic mechanics set.

 

He needs to replace axle seals not the rear main. If it runs and drives and its only $500 you cant go wrong.

 

The axles seals are fairly easy to replace. Sounds like good start to a Toyota, especially for 500$$

 

Well I have expierence working on cars so I know about all the filters and what not im just used to fords and volvos, this is my first toyota and my first pick up!

I plan on doing all the filters, plugs and wires and throwing on a new distributor. I guess my question should've been what I should be looking for in a pick up thats been sitting that long and are there any aftermarket parts you would recommend. Its been parked on gravel so theres been no moisture underneath, also no wet or oily rocks so no leaks. The frame looked good from what i saw and the exhaust had rust, which i expected.

I made sure i researched and found out it has plastic timing chain guides that if broken can sound like loose valves but I didn't hear anything but i'll pull the head off to double check when i get it this weekend. I'll post pictures this weekend if theres any problems. Thanks for the advice!

 

I know you add the seafoam to the gas and oil but which vacuum hose do you add it too?

 

Good find! I haf a 2.4 with 4speed and always ALWAYS wanted to throw in a 5. Is it fuel injected or carburetor?

 

Fuel injected.

Yea, my uncle found it for me! As far as i can tell it's a steal.

 

Brake booster line (disconnect the end from the booster, not the plenum).

Watch out for water in the gas lines or tank. When vehicles sit for a while condensation will start to accumulate. Also, make sure the driveline is greased. Both my truck and my brother's 4Runner had sat for a while when we bought them. Both had axle seals/boots bust within 6 months. I know yours already did, but there might be other seals close if they aren't taken care of.

 

@Gamefreakgc, thanks for the advice, i'll make sure i do that!