1982 Toyota Pickup

[pat92]

My new to me 1982 Toyota Pickup SR5. It is all stock with a 22r and currently is sitting on little 235/75R15's. Future plans are a complete engine rebuild (currently it has 280,000 miles and really bad compression). After that going to put some 235/85R16's on it and eventually some new paint on the old truck. Plans for it are to use it as a daily drive and some times to use it to hit lite trails, also this little truck will make a great camping rig for me. Tell me what you guys think of the mini truck from 82. And it you have any ideas for the truck let me know, others input on builds is always great.
95734957359573795978

[Owyhee H]

Love it! I really wany an 81 to rebuild, they have the best body ever. Great Start, and dont modd it too much.

Owyhee H

[tanglefoot]

That's beautiful! It looks a lot like the one a wheeling buddy of mine drove--only nicer. I agree--I would change as little as possible on it and just focus on the mechanical aspects. It'd even be a shame to swap out those SR5 wheels. They reflect the time period so well and they clean up really nicely with some balled-up aluminum foil and water. I have those same wheels on my '85 with 31x10.50R15's on them. I'm going to go with smaller 30x9.50R15 or 235/75R15 if I have to replace them though to get closer to the original final drive ratio. I love how the straight-axle Toyotas drive on smaller tires, myself. The steering and tracking feel much more precise on narrow, 28" tires and it brings the transmission gear spacing a little closer together. If you really want taller tires though, those SR5 wheels look great with 33x9.50's on them!

I'd even have a hard time re-painting it. It has such a nice, original patina. I'd just treat it to some wax.

If it were mine, I'd consider doing a round-headlight swap from a '79-'81 truck...just because you can! Here's someone on Yotatech who did the swap. I love the round headlight look. http://www.yotatech.com/f114/anybody-actually-done-square-round-headlight-conversion-168542/ That's a matter of personal taste though.

Although they are pretty capable off-road in stock form, if you feel you want some more crawlability, the two things that have made the most difference for me are a differential locker and a lower low-range gearset in the transfer case. I went with a Lock-right locker from Powertrax for the rear axle due to the low cost and ability to self-install without having to reset the ring & pinion contact patch. They take a little getting used to but make a big difference in traction. I've had it in there about 10 years with no regrets. There are also selectable locker options that act as stock differentials when disengaged, such as the air-locker from ARB. A Toyota electrically-actuated locker from later 4runners and Tacomas can also be installed with a little fabrication. For low-range gearing, I went with a 4:1 gearset from Advanced Adapters. It was also a self-install and it adds considerable low-speed control and torque in low-range. Adding a second transfer case is also a popular option but I didn't want to do the extra fabrication or replace/modify the drive shafts.

For extra suspension articulation, the front sway-bar disconnect modification works well. I think they drive nicely with the sway bar removed completely but in order to maintain the most on-road control for emergency maneuvers, it's easy to build some quick-disconnects out of hardware store items so the bar can be disengaged for the trail. I used this design: http://toyota.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/swaybar-disconnects-toyota-cheap-tricks-18343.html

If you feel the leaf springs are beating up your kidneys, these trucks ride very nicely on a set of OME (Old Man Emu from ARB) leaf springs and shocks. They completely transform the ride without adding too much lift and are available in different spring rates. They increase the ability to absorb bumps as well as the amount of wheel travel and articulation. I went with the OME front leaf springs in the "light" variety but skimped on the back with just some add-a-leaves to save cost. Just the front springs made a big difference in comfort and capability.

Enjoy--those trucks are getting even more unique and desirable each day!

Here's a video you might enjoy--how to four-wheel early-80's Toyota 4wds from Toyota Australia (mostly Land Cruisers but some trucks as well).
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz0hN05GyLQ
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2rWt9M1q8


Eric

[pat92]

Thanks for the input guys. And thank you tanglefoot for all the info. I'm also debating painting the truck but unfortunately there are a few rust spots, not bad cancer thought, just surface rust and I have to address those spots so they don't get worse. As for the rims I love them too, but 235/85 tires only come in a 16in rime size. 31x10.50r15 are a nice size but I didn't want to run anything over 9.50in wide. Thought about the 33x9.50R15 but will see on those, maybe just 30x9.50R15 will get the look and performance that I want. Hopefully this weekend all be able to get some interior pictures to post up for everyone. The inside is really nice other than the p.o. cutting holes in the door panels for speakers, so I'm planning of fixing all the holes and hopefully finding a place to get replacement door panels otherwise all be hitting the old junk yards in my area for some good used ones.

[hks3sgte]

Tell me what you guys think of the mini truck from 82.

It's absolutely gorgeous! My birth year, too! Good to see that you have perfect mods in mind. Keep it original... please.

[Rot Box]

Nice looking 1st gen you've got there! :coffeedrink:

Power steering is the #1 on my list of upgrades but it looks like you already have that. Stock springs are brutal imo I have to agree with tanglefoot that a set of OME springs and matching shocks is going to be a huge upgrade and well worth the money.

I added a 4.7 gear set to my t-case and have used it for years. If I were to do it again though I would definitely spend a little extra and go for the dual transfer cases instead. The reason being more gears and having the stock low range is the best for driving off road in snow imo.

I know you aren't after a rock crawler, but there are some cheap mods you can do to your carb that make a HUGE improvement in off road driving. In stock form they flood out pretty easy even on washboards in some cases :Wow1: However with a little work you can get it to rarely (if ever) flood even on the most difficult trails without any negative impacts on street driving. This is second on my must do list. Also the stock carbs are incredible when tuned right I wouldn't bother with a Weber or any other aftermarket carb in an attempt to get more performance. Same goes for headers and cams too...

Anyway I can't wait to see what you do with it :bike_rider:

[matt marquardt]

Beautiful truck! I have and '82 also.
tanglefoot hit it on the head. Stock is great. I put in an Aussie in the rear and like it.

[JeffRRC]

I love that body style. Congratulations on your purchase.

[montypower]

I had an 1983 PU. The carb sucks! I replaced my engine with a built 22re and it got 23mpg on the hwy with 36" TSL Swampers.

I'd highly recommend EFI conversion. It's much more reliable and much better off road. Maybe high steer w/ IFS gear box swap. My personal favorite tire size is 33x10.5" for anything off road in the PNW 31" tires are small. 32" tires are alright for trail driving. 33" tires clear obstacles much better. You won't notice much if any difference in performance between 31 to 33" tire. BTW: on the BFG KM2 33x10.5" tires the tread width is actually 7.7".

Looks like a great project! Hope to see you on the trails. :)

[18seeds]

Very Nice!

I am also looking for an early 80's Toyota Pickup for my Homedepot/Beach Cruiser.

[86tuning]

Seeing pix of your 82 reminds me of how much I missed my 84. It was red too.

I put a single lockrite locker in the FRONT axle and it works wonders. It's 100% transparent on the street (because it's RWD on the street) and very effective when out wheeling on rocks or anywhere else. When you do the locker install, be sure to buy Marlin's front axle seals. I cannot describe the awesomeness of these seals. The previous owner had the front axle resealed yearly. Since I put those seals in, I did nothing for three years of 'wheeling. Never had birf grease in the front axle oil. Never had goopy mess of oil and grease in the birfs.

My truck was kept low slung. No lift, but we shoehorned some 33x10.5 BFG KM2s into the wheel wells. Minor (38mm) relocation of the front axle, and some trimming of the front bumper allowed them to fit. No regearing, nothing. I always wanted a Marlin Crawler box, but never found the time or money back in the day.

Eventually the bed was bobbed 9" to allow for better departure angle. Fun on the rocks. Fun (but slow) on the street.

If you want to see a pic of my red crawler click here (http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr160/keyofgrey/5-3-09%20Offroading/Truck2.jpg)

[Scott C]

Keep those stock wheels. . Also I agree with the patina of the original paint. Just fix the engine and enjoy!

[pat92]

Wow, seems like the general consensus is to keep the rims on the truck now. Didn't realize that those were the stock rims for that year truck. So I guess it will be worth while to just clean them up and find a good tire size to fit the 15in rim. What does everyone think? All never run anything like 33x12.50 or huge tires. I want to keep the truck as close to stock as possible but do want a tire a little bit taller. Ideally I want something like 32x9.50R15 but they don't make a tire that size, so I guess it comes down to 33x9.50R15 or 30x9.50R15. I'm trying to stay towards the pizza cutter style, kinda like the camel trophy guys. 10.50 wide tires might work I just prefer to stay in the 9.50 range. Again any input would be great.

[95Gstman]

Interco and I believe Mickey Thompson make a 32x9.50-15.

[Rot Box]

be sure to buy Marlin's front axle seals. I cannot describe the awesomeness of these seals. The previous owner had the front axle resealed yearly. Since I put those seals in, I did nothing for three years of 'wheeling. Never had birf grease in the front axle oil.

This ^ worth absolutely every penny and then some :bike_rider:

[Overbear]

Sir, there is no such thing as "too much mod" when it comes to a toyota :smiley_drive:

Nice looking rig, a few things to ponder as you grow with it.

1)if you lift, do it right, no blocks! marlin's kit, or even the rear up front/chevy out back setup is the way to go. I personaly went with Alcan springs but thats the $$$ way to go.
2)Once you do lift, crossover it, I suggest the TG 6 shooter knuckles. You won't have any of the problems the 4 bolt ones give (and I HATE my 4 bolt knuckles)
3)Pirate 4x4 has a FAQ on every posible mod/build done to 1st and 2nd gen toys, take a look at it, some great ideas in there.

[pat92]

Thanks for the info, overbear, but I'm not planning on lifting the old truck. I'm wanting to leave it as stock as possible. I won't be using it for rock crawling, or hard wheeling, just to go out camping and enjoy all the forest service roads here in Western Washington. I don't want to lose any on road characteristics of the truck and sure don't want to see gas mileage go in the toilet. All be driving more on road with the truck than off road, so that's why I'v decide to go the direction I am.

[Overbear]

One thing of note, as long as you gear it right for the tires, you can put a modest lift on it, and not suffer MPG changes. The key is in the gears, always in the gears.

As example, I am up on 33" tires, with 4.88 gears, and a heavy turbo, gas drinking engine, and I can still manage 15mpg, thanks to the 4.88's

[kletzenklueffer]

I drove an 82 LWB 4x4 from 87 until 97. The original battery lasted 13 years and only died (with the alterator) after soaking the engine in a water crossing.It went 90% of everywhere I wanted to go with no lift and 31" mud tires. I eventually lifted, regeared and went up in tires. I should have left it alone.

[TACODOC]

Nice score, those are getting rare!

FWIW and if it were me I'd replace the 22R carb with the 22RE EFI.

[pat92]

TACODOC, the 1982's had a 22r not 20r. The 20r came in earlier 79 and 80, but the 81,82 and 83 came with the 22r. For now I'm planning on leaving the 22r, but maybe latter down the road all swap in a 22re for the little extra horses.

[TACODOC]

Hadnt had my coffee yet. Thought I read 20R somewhere... Carry on.

[montypower]

Wow, seems like the general consensus is to keep the rims on the truck now. Didn't realize that those were the stock rims for that year truck. So I guess it will be worth while to just clean them up and find a good tire size to fit the 15in rim. What does everyone think? All never run anything like 33x12.50 or huge tires. I want to keep the truck as close to stock as possible but do want a tire a little bit taller. Ideally I want something like 32x9.50R15 but they don't make a tire that size, so I guess it comes down to 33x9.50R15 or 30x9.50R15. I'm trying to stay towards the pizza cutter style, kinda like the camel trophy guys. 10.50 wide tires might work I just prefer to stay in the 9.50 range. Again any input would be great.

You might be surprised... The BFG AT 33x9.5" compared to the BFG KM2 33x10.5" actual tread width is nearly the SAME! Check it out... Remember tread width and section width is vastly different. :)

[Owyhee H]

I like the idea of keeping it really close to stock. On my 85 I had 235/75's for most of the time and they never prevented me from going anywhere. The 31's I got later looked good too but I wouldnt go any bigger than that. 235's or 30X9.5 will retain more drivability with the 22R as well. People have been driving these all over with stock tires for well....30 years... I think you will be fine.

[Overbear]

TACODOC, the 1982's had a 22r not 20r. The 20r came in earlier 79 and 80, but the 81,82 and 83 came with the 22r. For now I'm planning on leaving the 22r, but maybe latter down the road all swap in a 22re for the little extra horses.

One thing some people do, is put a 20R head on a 22R block, it brings the comprssion up. Giving you some more HP and a better flame pattern across the piston, at the price of having to tune it a bit better than most would.

Also huge suggestion, as I remember my 22R blocks right, 81 was the last year they ran the double roller chain and metal guides. 82 introdused the plastic guide and single chain, might warrent pulling your valve cover to look. Its not a hard mod to do (upgrade to double chain and metal guides) and it will give you peace of mind as they dont throw like the single chains will at around 90k

[pat92]

Thanks for the advice again Overbear. I thought that the 1982 had the double roller as well but then again I'm not to sure. The plan is a complete engine rebuild, new valves, seats (if it needs them), springs, guides, resurface, along with new pistons, rings, hone or bore the block and deck the head as well. All have to see once I get the engine out. So far the plan is to pull it out in a couple of weeks. All try to make sure to take some pictures and keep everyone up to date on the build.

[Overbear]

If you plan on rebuilding it, remember if it does have the single roller. You will need to source a double roller front cover if you plan on going double (and I recomend it)

Another thought, LCE preformance parts has a ton of things to give you a little edge here and there, might want to take a look at their stuff. Keep in mind, the more effecient you can make the motor, the more HP and the better MPG you get out of it.

[montypower]

You might talk with Engine Parts Network in Portland. http://www.engnbldr.com/
He specializes in the 22r/re motors. I had him build the 22re for my 83. Best prices anywhere. Has hard to find stuff like: steel chain guide, new timing chain covers... He has designed cams for them too.

I disagree about 31s being big enough for NW trails. It's fine for gravel roads but not trails around here. We have plenty of rock, mud and roots... I guess it depends on where you plan on taking it...

[Overbear]

I disagree about 31s being big enough for NW trails. It's fine for gravel roads but not trails around here. We have plenty of rock, mud and roots... I guess it depends on where you plan on taking it...



I have to agree with this too. Anything under a 33" is really just not enough for about 90% of the trails we have on the west coast. Now if you are going to stick to gravel roads and maintained fire trails thats fine, however the moment you want to get off into anything a bit deeper you are going to need the clearence.

However again I point out a lift/bigger tires doesnt mean you have to loose driveablity or MPG. Think it out, look to what others have done, and you can maintain the truck as it is now and get some extra lift out of it.

My personal recomendation for a good day to day driver that has offroad capaiblities and can take you out camping and such would be a long term goal of....

1)Modest lift
2)Crossover stearing (push pull sucks, to ease to break)
3)33" tires, good M/T's with good road behaviour. I run the Goodyear MTR's myself.
4)Marlin crawler dual case (or inchworm, stay away from the TG one) stay stock gears in both transfer cases. From what you are saying your uses are, you just won't need the 4-1 gear set. Dual stock on a stock transmission gives you 100:1 in low/low 1st gear. Plenty for just about everyone short of the guys running big tires and crazy trails.
5)4.88 gears (with 33" tires it should put you right about spot on same RPM level at freeway speed as you have now)
6)A good bumper, winch, rear bumper, and rock bars. protect your body, don't thrash it like so many do out here, thats a clean truck.
7)(Optional) a resonable locker. I run the truetrac in the rear and a arb up front, just the truetrac out back is enough for me to hit 99% of the trails with confidence and they behave on the road.

The above mods will give you a truck that scoots down the road to work every day, get resonably gas millage, and on a trail get you about anywhere you could ever want it to go and a few places you might not.

[Rot Box]

One thing you can look into is what gear ratio (R&P) the truck came stock with. A lot people assume because it is a Toyota pickup it came with 4.10's and that is not always the case especially with the 79-83's.

My 79 came with 4.37's stock and a friends 80 came with 3.90's. The difference was quite noticeable between the two as the 4.37's were much better for the 31-32" tire size I was running at that point in time especially on the highway. You can remove a drive shaft on either axle and look at the color of paint on the pinion. Thats really the only way to know for sure :bike_rider:

Man this thread really makes me want to dust the cob webs off my 79 :coffeedrink:

[Owyhee H]

Re-read first post.....I am eating my words. Carry On all....

[Overbear]

One thing you can look into is what gear ratio (R&P) the truck came stock with. A lot people assume because it is a Toyota pickup it came with 4.10's and that is not always the case especially with the 79-83's.

My 79 came with 4.37's stock and a friends 80 came with 3.90's. The difference was quite noticeable between the two as the 4.37's were much better for the 31-32" tire size I was running at that point in time especially on the highway. You can remove a drive shaft on either axle and look at the color of paint on the pinion. Thats really the only way to know for sure :bike_rider:

Man this thread really makes me want to dust the cob webs off my 79 :coffeedrink:

Don't count on that, the only real way to be sure is to pull the 3rd and count teeth. My old 83 had never had the 3rd pulled, but had no marking at all for what gear set was in it.

[pat92]

So I know I started this thread to show my new to me 1982 Pickup, but if anyone else has any first gen Toyota 4x4 PICKUP'S (1979-1983)please share a photo and quick list of specs or any mods. Only Toyota Pickups though please, there's already other threads for latter year Toyota's.

[randito]

I love seeing older, relatively stock trucks on here. Therefore my advice would be to not be afraid to keep your truck stock. Get it mechanically solid and use it a little before you worry about upgrades. You said your goals were light trails and camping so I don't think you need 33's, lockers and a winch for that. Just because others have highly modified trucks to suit their purposes doesn't mean that you need one to suit yours.

[pat92]

You nailed it on the head perfectly randito, KEEP IT STOCK! To many of these old trucks along with so many other old Toyota's, Land Cruiser's, and many more get ruined (imo), with all the lifts and huge tires. Now making a dependent overland vehicle is a different story and for the most part that is kinda what I'm shooting for. A wannabe overland vehicle. I know that a standard cab 82 pickup with a little four cylinder isn't the pinacale overlander, but for me it will be perfect. Although I'm always day dreaming about trips down the coast and into South America those won't be happening for a while (I'm only 19 right now) a stock 82 pickup will be great. That's where the tire debate is coming from. A lot of people have said 30in or 31in tires are not big enough, but when I'm out on the road in some little unknown town it sure will be nice knowing that almost everyone carries 30x9.50rR15's on hand and that there will be no wait when getting spares.

[Unorthodox]

So I know I started this thread to show my new to me 1982 Pickup, but if anyone else has any first gen Toyota 4x4 PICKUP'S (1979-1983)please share a photo and quick list of specs or any mods. Only Toyota Pickups though please, there's already other threads for latter year Toyota's.

here's my '79, PO upgraded to a 22r and 5spd though its on 31x10.5's which were the smallest tires I could fit on the rims it came with, once I get new rims I'm aiming the same way as you, 33x9.5's. Im saving up for a VW TDI swap though, the 22r in this one is pretty tired (very) and the yards here in DFW dont get many old toyotas in and they part them out before I can ever make it out.

96450964519645296453

[ExpediT-100n]

I picked this up at a yard sale nearly three years ago for $250:

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/46410/2280338010062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2280338010062605357fBmSQp)

The previous owner had hacked up the bed and stripped the interior as he planned to turn it into a buggy. It was running rough, had an oil leak, needed some better doors and was overheating. I took care of everything and then pressure washed the engine to prep it for tearing into the engine to replace the head gasket. On a whim I checked the thermostat and that was the culprit so I did not have to do the head gasket. A few weeks after purchasing the truck, I took my son out camping in it. We were taking a two lane highway to the mountains near where we live. There was a full sized Ford truck behind me at the base of the hill so I pulled off to let him by so that I wouldn't hold him up. I ended up riding his tail up the inclines as my little truck had no problems with the steep grades.

I have used it as a tractor on my property for the past two years and the only problem I have had is that it cuts out on me at times going up the steep switchback road at the back of my property. Not sure if this is a float issue or something else but I will need to get if fixed before I do much with it I am planning on building it up for moderate to hard trails here in Colorado and Utah. I have a pile of parts to do high steer, dual cases, Rear up front and Chevy's in rear lift and 35" tires. With that and a locker in the rear I should be good to go for the trails I plan on running.

Good luck with yours and please keep us posted.

Kevin

[pat92]

Sorry no new pictures yet but all have some soon. I was wondering of what everyone thinks about running Mobil 1 10w30 in the 22r once it is all rebuilt. All run a conventional oil for break in but once everything has settled in what does everyone think about Mobil?

[Overbear]

Last 8 cars (two 4x4 toyota trucks, 2 vw bugs, 1 honda, 1 subaru forester XT, 1 camry, and a 470whp SBC in a 70 nova) I ran and still run on Mobil 1 exclusively. I only use Mobil 1 filters, and oil, and I have yet to have any problems at all.

[BrageGundersen]

I added a 4.7 gear set to my t-case and have used it for years. If I were to do it again though I would definitely spend a little extra and go for the dual transfer cases instead. The reason being more gears and having the stock low range is the best for driving off road in snow imo.

For driving in snow i'd absolutely use the 4:1 gear. ButI'd also have at least 35x12,5x15" gladly 37x12,5 or 38x15,5 with 4 lbs ... 38" would make the car silly, but for DRIVING IN SNOW i'd choose a modified car. Not stock.

[pat92]

Well sorry it took so long everyone, but the engine's finally out and here't the latest on the old truck. 102333102334102335

[dirtdobberoffroad]

Any Updates?

[JPL]

Any Updates?

It's probably taken a while to get all that gunked-on oil off the engine block.

Great little truck. Is the body still intact? These early-80's have a real steel cancer problem - it's difficult to find them with much of a body left.

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

I saw this truck on craigslist! I live in Port Orchard Wa, near Bremerton area. Nice truck!

[JWP58]

This has potential to be a badass rig....

Love this model/bodystyle.