Recent content by SaturnAscends

I've done a bit of research and the consensus seems to be that the ring a pinion are simply too small for a truck of this size and weight. I’m not sure adding a locker would help much, since these parts would be reused. I suppose a 98-99 would be more likely to break the ring gear, but this...

This might not qualify as “hardcore,” but the Tacoma section didn’t seem to be very active. I was at a local off road fab shop the other day, and the guy commented on how much gear oil was getting slung around by the pinion seal on my rear diff. He said this would actually be a major...

I think the whole “2 pinion is weak” thing is way overblown. Just drive it with some finesse and you’ll be fine. In fact, I’d trust the 2 pinion without the shock loads of ATRAC more than the 00+. IME, ATRAC is not even that effective if you’re on wet/slick terrain and/or start lifting wheels.

I don’t think Tacomas are worth any more. It may just be easier to sell a rougher one due to the utility of the truck bed; they make nice little work rigs. The kind of people looking for an old Land Cruiser usually want a clean/collectible one, so rough examples can end up sitting for a while...

GMT800s are actually pretty solid. The transmissions don’t seem to last as long as the Aisin units, but parts are cheap and plentiful.

Really? I’d always heard the opposite - that exhaust manifolds and the starter were a PITA on the V8 for example.

Congrats on the sale. I would’ve made the trip down if I had my ducks in a row.

I'd say all of those things you listed would factor in. I know 100s are newer, but the 100s are getting up there at this point too, especially the 98-99s. Let's say you had to choose between a 98 and 97 with 250k, both with decent maintenance and without major repairs having been done.

It seems to be a commonly held belief that the 100 series is overall a more reliable vehicle than the preceding model. However, I've begun to question this dogma lately. It does em like the 2UZ doesn't have as many common oil leaks as the 1FZ, and head gasket failure is far less common in the...

So you’d say the driving experience with the 5 speed 80s iare enhanced over an FJ60; even one with an H55 and 4.10s? Many seem to prefer the 60 for its agricultural je ne sai quas, even under geared as it is from the factory, with the stock 4 speed. I’d imagine a 5 speed an less 90-s era...

The rust is probably hurting it the most; even if it's not that bad, when people see an old Toyota in Michigan, they think of crumpled Tacoma frames. Most people paying over 10k for an 80 will probably want the common leaks already taken care of - at least the more easily fixed ones like the...

Thanks, I might take you up on that. I’d like to drive one that’s in good condition and up to date on maintenance.

I went to look at this 2002 LX470 the other day. The AHC amazingly actually worked, though the sunroof did not. It had the exhaust manifold tick on startup, though it quieted down after a minute. I was shocked at how heavy and imprecise the steering was, however; the thing turned like a battle...

Now this is the kind of deal I live to see. How is it that all the good 80s get posted up in Springfield? I already know I’m too late to go and snap it up.

Looks like a nice solid driver. Has the top end ever been rebuilt? I’m guessing they’re mostly highway miles.