Question for the Toyota Guys

[Silly Willy]

Hey Guys,

I've spent most of my time around Jeeps. Basically have only driven jeeps, from CJ5 - TJ's.
Unfortunately I've found a situation that a jeep isn't going to work for me without some modification i don't have time or space for.

I'm looking to get a toyota pickup. (still capable offroad, yet can serve my needs as a truck)

I've located one that fits in my budget but i don't know the first thing about Toyota, and thats why i'm asking.

I've found a 1990 Toyota, Ext cab, 3.0, auto trans, 4x4. This is pretty much stock, ~150K on the engine.

Are there any known issues with these that would require immediate attention. Are there any particular years that have issues?

Also where is recommended for upgrade parts for Toyota. I foresee a SAS in the near future.

Thank you very much for any help.

 

[TRD270]

Head gaskets/Heads were an issue on the 3.0, some people have no problem, so people have huge problems. I think it basically depends on what day of the week your motor was made Also check to make sure the 4wd works, the 89 on until the taco used a vacuum system to engage the front end, and could be problematic.

If it's in your budget I would go with 95+ and get a Tacoma, 3.4 motor is far superior to the 3.0, optional TRD E locker in later years, and way better front suspension system.

 

[Max Power]

The head gaskets have had issues on the 3.0. That model has the stronger rearend(bearings and gears). Transfer case upgrades could be more expensive with that drivetrain combo.

 

[Coreshot]

My 3.0 had 260,000 on the odo when I disconnected the speedo cable for dual cases. Still runs like a champ, but the head gaskets were done way back in the day...

 

[Kevin B.]

The specific problem with the 3.0 is where an exhaust pipe runs near the head and creates too much heat there. Plug 6 is where that gasket blows almost every time, according to the 3.0 guys on another board I read at. Aftermarket headers solves the problem nicely. And you'll want aftermarket headers, because the 3.0 with a slushbox behind is what gives that motor a rep for having no power. Trail-gear is the common source for SAS kits and other swap parts - are you planning on some serious crawling? If not, the IFS may serve you fine, give it a shot.

150k is awesome mileage of course, what's the asking price?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Lots of great info on here.

Here are the rigs that are typically the most desirable:
'79- 85 (because of the solid front axle)
'86-95 with the 22RE (fuel injected 4cyl. The 22REs also came with the gear-driven t-case which allows you to do a 4.7:1 for about $350 total)
'95.5+ this is when they officially became "tacomas." All trucks prior to this are called a "pickup", unless you were overseas where they were called a hilux.


What are your goals for the rig? Super capable rockcrawler? DD? how many seats do you need? You'll find that the more desirable toyotas go for quite a bit more than the less desirable ones. Once you've purchased the vehicle, it's really quite inexpensive to modify them and keep them running.

If it's in your budget I would go with 95+ and get a Tacoma, 3.4 motor is far superior to the 3.0, optional TRD E locker in later years, and way better front suspension system.

x2. You can't go wrong with either the 2.7 (4cyl) or the 3.4 (6cyl) in a tacoma. I'd stay away from a taco with the 2.7 and an automatic, it'll be pretty gutless. The tacoma t-cases cannot be modified to a 4:1, you need to use some adapters and get an older t-case in there to make that work.


They say the 3.0 gets the mileage of a v8 with the power of a 4cyl. That's why you'll see that the 3.0's are a lot cheaper than the 22REs. Another viable option is buying a pickup with a blown 3.0 (plenty around for cheap) and swapping in another motor (I'd do a 3.4 from a taco). But that's lots of work and time.



IFS vs Solid Axle. We all know the solid axle will articulate a lot more, but for mild wheelign (golden spike, hell's revenge, rattlesnake and constrictor, etc) I think IFS is just fine. If you're planning on doing any fire roads in the future, I think it's worth it to keep the IFS. A little OME or 2-3" suspension lift and some 33's, and that thing will go more places than you'd think. I just went from a solid axle 22RE x-cab 5 seater (one of the most desirable models) to a IFS tacoma, and I don't miss the solid axle one bit. But then again, I'm doing more car camping, bombing down fire roads, and daily driving than hardcore crawling. If I ended up going to moab more than 8 times a year, I'd probably want a solid axle. Otherwise I'm going to stick with IFS. FOr my needs, my current rig is my favorite rig I've ever had.

 

[ricsrx]

FOr my needs, my current rig is my favorite rig I've ever had.

Steve for me the jury is still out on which one of your rigs was my favorite.

 

[sixstringsteve]

your 83 is still my favorite.

my current rig is my favorite to drive.

 

[Silly Willy]

Wow thanks for all the info

The specific problem with the 3.0 is where an exhaust pipe runs near the head and creates too much heat there. Plug 6 is where that gasket blows almost every time, according to the 3.0 guys on another board I read at. Aftermarket headers solves the problem nicely. And you'll want aftermarket headers, because the 3.0 with a slushbox behind is what gives that motor a rep for having no power. Trail-gear is the common source for SAS kits and other swap parts - are you planning on some serious crawling? If not, the IFS may serve you fine, give it a shot.

150k is awesome mileage of course, what's the asking price?

Lots of great info on here.

Here are the rigs that are typically the most desirable:
'79- 85 (because of the solid front axle)
'86-95 with the 22RE (fuel injected 4cyl. The 22REs also came with the gear-driven t-case which allows you to do a 4.7:1 for about $350 total)
'95.5+ this is when they officially became "tacomas." All trucks prior to this are called a "pickup", unless you were overseas where they were called a hilux.


What are your goals for the rig? Super capable rockcrawler? DD? how many seats do you need? You'll find that the more desirable toyotas go for quite a bit more than the less desirable ones. Once you've purchased the vehicle, it's really quite inexpensive to modify them and keep them running.



x2. You can't go wrong with either the 2.7 (4cyl) or the 3.4 (6cyl) in a tacoma. I'd stay away from a taco with the 2.7 and an automatic, it'll be pretty gutless. The tacoma t-cases cannot be modified to a 4:1, you need to use some adapters and get an older t-case in there to make that work.


They say the 3.0 gets the mileage of a v8 with the power of a 4cyl. That's why you'll see that the 3.0's are a lot cheaper than the 22REs. Another viable option is buying a pickup with a blown 3.0 (plenty around for cheap) and swapping in another motor (I'd do a 3.4 from a taco). But that's lots of work and time.



IFS vs Solid Axle. We all know the solid axle will articulate a lot more, but for mild wheelign (golden spike, hell's revenge, rattlesnake and constrictor, etc) I think IFS is just fine. If you're planning on doing any fire roads in the future, I think it's worth it to keep the IFS. A little OME or 2-3" suspension lift and some 33's, and that thing will go more places than you'd think. I just went from a solid axle 22RE x-cab 5 seater (one of the most desirable models) to a IFS tacoma, and I don't miss the solid axle one bit. But then again, I'm doing more car camping, bombing down fire roads, and daily driving than hardcore crawling. If I ended up going to moab more than 8 times a year, I'd probably want a solid axle. Otherwise I'm going to stick with IFS. FOr my needs, my current rig is my favorite rig I've ever had.

This would be my DD, hunting, camping, and offroad vehicle
Quite a bit of the offroad is when hunting. Its never fun trying to get an elk or deer on the 4wheeler and taking multiple trips.

As far as budget to buy it.
I'm looking to trade my current wrangler (91 YJ) for the truck. (Its easier to buy parts for a rig than to buy another rig. (The wife has no idea what any of the parts are or that there are new ones collecting)

To throw it out there, I found one that has a sas, 35" tires, 4.3 L swap
Any advice there?

 

[sixstringsteve]

To throw it out there, I found one that has a sas, 35" tires, 4.3 L swap
Any advice there?

Let's see some pics and some more details. Year? Price? Sounds like there's not much toyota left to it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But things like blue book and loans, and going to the auto parts store and looking for a thermostat and remembering what year it came off of, etc. Then again, it could be a killer deal. Let's here some more info.


For your needs, I'd look for an IFS truck and keep it IFS. A 96+ (tacoma) would be ideal, but most likely out of your price range.

 

[Silly Willy]

Let's see some pics and some more details. Year? Price? Sounds like there's not much toyota left to it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But things like blue book and loans, and going to the auto parts store and looking for a thermostat and remembering what year it came off of, etc. Then again, it could be a killer deal. Let's here some more info.

J
For your needs, I'd look for an IFS truck and keep it IFS. A 96+ (tacoma) would be ideal, but most likely out of your price range.

Here's their ksl page
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=13...body=48&make=205&year_low=1958&year_high=1988

 

[Kevin B.]

If you look at what he's got invested in parts and labor that's a screaming deal. I'd be nervous about going into another guy's project like that though unless I knew him, or the work looked really clean.

 

[Venture13]

get a tacoma 3.4 and do the front axle conversion cheaper than a 5" IFS lift kit. All parts are through TG exclusively.. lol

You can polish a terd so long before it gets flushed..

 

[Silly Willy]

If you look at what he's got invested in parts and labor that's a screaming deal. I'd be nervous about going into another guy's project like that though unless I knew him, or the work looked really clean.

I'm pretty interested in this one. But as you said I am a bit nervous seeing as I don't know him.

 

[ricsrx]

If that truck from KSL is what you want to end up with and you can handle the possible problems that may come with the motor swap, i would say go for it.

But if your limited on the ability to trouble shoot the engine electronics and after reading what your going to use it for, is a big lift and big tires going to work for you.... X2 on what Kevin B said, the mods and upgrades better be very clean and professional.

 

[Silly Willy]

get a tacoma 3.4 and do the front axle conversion cheaper than a 5" IFS lift kit. All parts are through TG exclusively.. lol

You can polish a terd so long before it gets flushed..

Anyone on here have a toyota with a 3.4 that wants a 91 wrangler?

Ricsrx

Trouble shooting issues are no problem for me.

The big thing for me regarding the one from ksl would be as kevin b and yourself said. It would neet to look like a clean job. (I would prefer if it was done by a shop and has paperwork rather than the owner. I'm waiting to hear back on that)

 

[sixstringsteve]

The only thing I don't like about the TG tacoma sas kit is how high the truck sits after the conversion. Even with the 3" springs they're WAY too tall. My friend has one, and it's a monster truck, albeith a very capable monster truck.

Willy, drive as many of these as you can to see what you like. And take your time, you'll find the right one eventually. I think a 3.4L auto would be ideal.

 

[ricsrx]

I am running a set of TG 3'' springs in the front that i got used and are completely flat and i love them.

Sorry i just bought a 91 wrangler for my daughter Shelby so now im out of my comport zone as i get ready to build this one......

 

[sixstringsteve]

oops, I meant the Trail Gear tacoma sas kit. I think the regular TG mini truck sas kit is fine, even with 5" springs. a 3" tacoma sas sits higher than a 5" pickup sas.

 

[STAG]

Just have to add that the truck in the ad is legally too tall to be street legal. (frame height)