‘87 Toyota Truck Questions

CarolinaColtCollector

CarolinaColtCollector

It’s never a “War Crime” the first time.
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I’ve always wanted a little Toyota truck to tinker on, always liked the concept of them and reliability. I found out a friend has a ‘87 Truck (non SR5?) and think I might take it on as a project. It seems to be pretty sound body wise, couple small spots on the bed I see and a dent here and there, but the frame looks to be in surprisingly good shape as is the cab. I didn’t see any rust on the bottom of the doors or rockers, etc. But unless rust on these likes to hide, it’s better than any of my J10’s

The truck does apparently need a headgasket, it is popped on the exhaust side. Bubbles the coolant but isn’t mixing anything, and it lost a bearing in the trans so it has 2nd, 4th and reverse. It does come with a spare trans and Tcase, as for the HG, I’m on my own. The engine has a Weber carb, header and apparently an RV cam.

If I get it, I’m swapping a Colt Python for it, I think with the pricing on the Toyota’s, it’s about even. ($1800 or so?)

My questions are:
Is there any thing I need to look for on the truck specifically?

Any places in NC that sell parts to these like a seat/dash/fan shroud?

Are these capable of being converted to EFI/ac/etc?

Any way to tell what trim package it is? I have the vin, but the truck has a basic speedo and all that.

Should I stud the motor or do anything performance related when I put a head on it? I’m going to try and re use the cam if it’s not damaged.

Pull the body lift off? With it being IFS I’m sure there’s not an easy way to put a suspension lift on it, but I hate body lifts.


Assuming the truck does not have a diff lock, it has things on the rear axle but I’m assuming they are parking brake related.

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You must want that thing pretty bad....keep in mind that Toyota’s will still be available after the confiscations.
 
Those trucks were awesome..... there are 4 old yodas in the parking lot at work.....82, 92, 94 and 97.

Check out the toyota nation forum , good luck!! The 94 was in a collision not long ago (not his fault) and IIRC the value on it was still over 4k. That is ridiculous!!!
 
I’m a Toyota fan and would love to have another 80’s truck but that thing isn’t worth $1800 as you described it with engine and transmission issues. I gave a couple decent bottles of bourbon for my T100 that needed a clutch 6 years ago.
 
Those old Toyos have a damn near cult following. Even junk ones are pulling a premium.
 
I see it from both sides, I know these are normally good for 400K plus with minor work besides normal service. A headgasket or trans to me isn’t a massive deal, I’m used to tinkering on my old J10’s and similar. I keep looking for an EFI model and they are either rusty or I don’t get responses on my ads/inquiries
 
You're gonna need a new trailer hitch too. 😂
 
My questions are:
Is there any thing I need to look for on the truck specifically?
Frame rust is typically near the gas tank location on both sides.
Fenders, bedsides, and tailgate get the worst body rust.

Any places in NC that sell parts to these like a seat/dash/fan shroud?
You can get the plastic covers for decent price but uncracked dashpads are a premium.

Are these capable of being converted to EFI/ac/etc?
Yes! Need ECU, Wiring harness, upper lower plenum with attachments (use 90-95 model for better IAC valve), airbox and ducting.

Any way to tell what trim package it is? I have the vin, but the truck has a basic speedo and all that.
DLX came without the upgraded instrument cluster, interior clock, several other items

Should I stud the motor or do anything performance related when I put a head on it? I’m going to try and re use the cam if it’s not damaged.
New head bolts and top end gaskets are always a good idea

Pull the body lift off? With it being IFS I’m sure there’s not an easy way to put a suspension lift on it, but I hate body lifts.
There are 4" bracket lifts. You can look into Ball Joint Spacers to get 1-2" easy but ride will suffer as you loose down travel. I always like to rebuild the front end of the IFS if it hasnt been done. Ball Joints, CV axles, repack bearings, check idler arm bushings, and tie rod ends. And brakes all around.


Assuming the truck does not have a diff lock, it has things on the rear axle but I’m assuming they are parking brake related.
No diff locks came on the 87s from the factory. Not saying someone didn't add one. The metal arm that goes to valve on passenger frame is a Load Sensing Proportioning valve for the brakes.


With that being said definitely not worth $1800 as is. I would say $800-1200 is fair if it runs smooth. There is no way to know if the motor has other issues or the replacement trans is any good until you install it.
 
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