[LSUfan71]

Hi guys, I need some of you to knock some sense into or let me know if I'm considering something worthwhile. I currently own a '99 Tacoma 2WD (reg cab/SWB, auto tran, A/C) but my new hunting grounds require me to have 4x4. I borrowed a 2WD Silverado (equipped with 2 rear mud tires) this past fall but it just didn't cut it.

I am considering an '85 Toyota 4x4 (4cyl/5-speed, solid frnt axle) which is being sold by a coworker. No lift, stock tires. I just got home from test driving this beast; the engine, tranny, 4x4 system all operate flawlessly. But there's some minor-moderate body rust, A/C doesn't work. Just to get it on the road it will need a new windshield and brakes (rt brake caliper seems to stick quite a bit). There's light rust on the surfaces of the axles and frame but nothing looks even close to rusting through. Overall it won't take much to get it on the road fairly quickly.

I'm liking this '85 4x4 a whole bunch, I'm thinking I'll sell my '99 and buy this thing.

Pros..cons? I'ld like to hear your .02 worth on this...

 

[fourwd1]

Depends, what are you buying it for? offroad play toy, daily driver, work truck, etc
And how much $?

 

[LSUfan71]

Depends, what are you buying it for? offroad play toy, daily driver, work truck, etc
And how much $?

Just for travel to-from the deer camp, 180 miles round-trip. Weekly for 4 months and then monthly for 8 months.

The guy is asking $1,500 for the '85 4x4 but he isn't firm, I think I can get it for $1,100-$1,200.

I believe I can sell my '99 Tacoma for $2,200-$2,300.

 

[fourwd1]

Assuming there's no frame rot, which 80's Toys are famous for, 1100 would be good.

 

[LSUfan71]

Assuming there's no frame rot, which 80's Toys are famous for, 1100 would be good.

Yea, I think I'm gonna buy it. There's a grinding noise from the rt frnt brake caliper but I'm sure it's just a brake pad that disintegrated. I'm gonna pull the tire for a close inspection and then hammer on the frame in a few places to make sure everything is solid before I make an offer.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

Yea, I think I'm gonna buy it. There's a grinding noise from the rt frnt brake caliper but I'm sure it's just a brake pad that disintegrated. I'm gonna pull the tire for a close inspection and then hammer on the frame in a few places to make sure everything is solid before I make an offer.

keep in mind if the rotor is damaged a front rotor replacement can be a pain on these, you're looking at 3-4hours to do both sides. good time to re pack the barrings though

 

[IRONTOYS]

did you ever buy the truck...that was a smokin deal !!!!!

 

[LSUfan71]

did you ever buy the truck...that was a smokin deal !!!!!

Finally sold my '99 taco yesterday evening (got $3500), gonna finalize the deal on the '85 4x4 later today! :chug:

I'm gettin' an '85 4x4 with 126,*** miles, no leaks, runs fine, minor rust, for $1,200. The more I read about the '85s the more I think I'm getting a steal. The current owner doesn't realize what he has and how easy it will be to get/keep this truck in top condition, and I don't plan on telling him till he signs over the title.... :naughty:

I've got some work ahead of me, though. The only things I don't plan to do myself will be replacing the front windshield and flushing the tranny. The windshield took a baseball directly to the middle of the driver's view, won't pass an inspection without some new glass. I'll have to do that plus a add new battery and new front brakes just to get it road-worthy. The engine starts like a champ (with jumper cables) and purrs like a kitten, been sitting up for at least one calendar year.

I'll post some pics when I get it in the driveway.

 

[LSUfan71]

I'll post some pics when I get it in the driveway.

This is the '85 4x4 sitting in current owner's driveway, about 2 weeks ago:

 

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. Those old '85 and older solid axle 4X4s are indestructable. can't believe you found one and at such a great deal.