Advice on buying old toyo pickup.

[shootmymime]

Saturday I'm going to go check out a 79 toy pickup.

All I know is what's on this CL post.
4x4 240k miles 20 r motor. Asking $1200

I'm looking for advice on buying this old truck. Maintenance, things might be wrong or watch out for?

 

[Hyde802]

Normal stuff for an old high mileage truck. Watch for oil leaks or drips. Hear the engine run, listen for timing chain slap or loud valves. Check springs/shocks bushings. Hows it drive? Shift smooth? Dont get too excited and remember to inspect everything.

1200 seems like a great deal for that truck!!

 

[nevada]

what will you be using it for? im assuming a wheeler?

I think those came with a 4 speed. not a very good one if I remember right.
probably also manual steering.

they can for sure be built into a good wheeler, but it will take a bunch of work/money.

 

[68dave]

If the frame isn't rusted beyond repair buy it! Those old straight front axle toyotas are getting harder & harder to find. I sold my 1985 dd 4x4 (85 is the last year for the sfa, 1986 went to ifs) and i'm kickin' myself for selling that truck. The new owner drove it to Mexico so no chance of buying it back.

 

[fourwd1]

check for frame rust, they're notorious for it.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I had a blast with my old 82 but they can be a money pit. Check it over really well. Ask for receipts of any maintenance or if any has been done. Pop the valve cover if he will let you and look for gunk (it's a rubber seal for that series of emgines) and see if the chain is in good shape. It should be. 20r had dual row timing chain. Look for leaks and listen for clapping valves. It might be a 4 speed but even if they swapped to a 5 speed w56 you will never use 5th. If it has a weber on it check to make sure it's a legit one. There should be a rounded edge square inlaid with a raised w in the center of that.

Frame rust is a given and just fair warning....a lot of money can disappear very quickly with these trucks. Awesome truck though!