I purchased a 81 longbed 4x4 from a second owner. It has the square headlights, the owner told me that was how he bought it from the first owner in 92. I have done alittle research and some guys say the later 81"s came with the 82 grill and lights. I'm just seeing if anyone on here know this for sure or if I'm getting bad info. I'm doing a complete stock restore and I want it to be like it was straight from the factory.

 

my 81 was built in june 1981, which is pretty much as late as they go as an 81 model (I'm guessing in july they started building the 82 model). I am the third owner the second owner bought it in 83. I have the 79-81 front end with the round headlights, pre 81 cluster, grill, etc.

Just imagine, built in june 1981, then sent on a boat from japan to canada (3-4 months maybe?), it must have been in the dealership in around october 1981 and the original owner bought that instead of an 82, he must have liked the round headlights better just like me

 

My 81 was built in Aug 81 so it was one of the last and it has the round lights....I highly doubt they would have released any 81's with the new front end design of the 82-83's.....what is your mfg date on your data plate?...Perhaps the dealer changed it over to make it more saleable in the lot full of 82's?......stranger things have been known to happen on Dealer lots!..

 

The truck is at my mechanic right now getting power steering so I don't have the dealer plate in front of me. Thanks for the info though. I'm gonna go back with the round lights, I really like the looks better anyways but I want to make sure this thing is all original.

 

August 81 sweet!

 

Check the inside of rad support to see if someone drilled holes for the square headlights. and the plug for side running lites.On an 81 truck its round.on a 82-83 its square. That should help narrow it down.

 

little known fact .. but AUGAUST is the change over year for Toyotas .
anything AFTER July 31st production is considered the next year


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