1981 1st Gen questions

[Combat Chuck]

some dumb questions for you all here today.
I'm looking into buying a 1981 Hilux; it's one that's been around the corner from my friend's house forever, I've always drooled over it, but I'd like some sound advice from folks who know.

It's a 22R with a 5-speed (recent addition) 4WD with a rebuilt front axle, new carb, no visible leaks, clean motor, clean body, passed smog a few months back, likely will upon sale. Interior was gutted and cleaned up, replaced with seats from an 81 Corolla. sounds great, starts smooth, idles great, clutch doesn't have to be forced to the floorboards to open.
Seller's asking $3500 for it, and that seems a bit high (I would be okay up to 3000, though hesitant) What would be reasonable for you?

Second question: this truck is manual steering, which is no problem for me, unless it's comparable to 40-series manual steering (IE death wobble with hopes of going the right direction) is the manual steering less loose, and sloppy than 40-series?

Tomorrow morning, the truck has a date at Yodaman's for an inspection, and I asked him to pull out the white glove on this one, so I'll post up any findings. I really hope this is the truck I need right now.

 

[KLF]

There's no way we can answer your first question. It comes down to, is it worth it to YOU.

Earlier FJ40's had a goofy relay rod system for steering that caused things to get loosey-goosey over time. The factory push-pull steering on mini-trucks isn't as bad and can be fine as long as you keep the draglink maintained and tight.

Post pics!!

 

[toy4xfun]

X2 on what KLF said!

 

[Combat Chuck]

Pics coming today, I'm getting ready to pay yodaman a visit right now. i love having a reputble shop I trust nearby!

Thanks for the info!

 

[WristPin]

3000 for any stock first Gen is way too much unless its got good trail mods

Which yers don't. If u want to keep it stock, fine but if I was buying I'd factor in the cost of every trail related part I planned on installing in the next year. Then offset that high price ur looking at. I just sold a suck second Gen 22RE for 2500. I rebuilt the engine and everything on the truck works

 

[Combat Chuck]

Yodaman never fails, turns out there's more wrong with this thing than I can afford:
Carb needs adjustment, and there is blow-by from an over tightened exhaust valve on cylinder #3.
Rear axle seals are toast, oil has leaked onto right rear brake shoes, and right matching cylinders are shot, as a consequence, the truck shimmies when it stops.
Bushings in the trans are shot, u-joints on the driveshafts have play. body is rusting out in areas hidden by gaskets, wiring has "gremlins", battery is near dead. with these issues, the vehicle will not pass smog, and I'll be jumping from one dying car to another.

 

[frobuster]

Combat; you have quite the eye, and one hek of a good decision maker on your shoulders.

You did however mention the word "Hilux", so I did want to put my two cents in; if it is truly an imported Hilux, and that held clout with you, then I would have said that the "Hilux" part of the equation, would boost the price a lot, making this a better deal; but when it all comes down to it, I think you made the right decision, my 82 was five hundred, looks its age, but probably in better shape than that one.

 

[petescoffee]

Chuck,
Yodaman Rocks. keep looking you'll find you are looking for.

Dave

 

[Combat Chuck]

Chuck,
Yodaman Rocks. keep looking you'll find you are looking for.

Dave

Hey Dave, long time no see, there buddy.
Yeah, Larry and his Team are incredible, he's actually got an 83 with a rebuilt engine for 2 grand I'm looking at right now.
As it sits, I have to draw a line between CPR and necrophelia with my Oldsmobile, I'm just hoping I can get something to tag along with the PMC crew with, it'd just be a plus if it didn't have body panels blowing off on the freeway.

 

[petescoffee]

Hey Dave, long time no see, there buddy.
Yeah, Larry and his Team are incredible, he's actually got an 83 with a rebuilt engine for 2 grand I'm looking at right now.
As it sits, I have to draw a line between CPR and necrophelia with my Oldsmobile, I'm just hoping I can get something to tag along with the PMC crew with, it'd just be a plus if it didn't have body panels blowing off on the freeway.

So basically you would be just paying the price of the motor. Take it out for along drive and make sure you are comfortable in it. I like my 83 but I had to change the seats to Acura Integra seats to be able to fit reasonably. There are lots of used and new parts for the 83 so they are more reasonable to work on than an Fj40, so that s a big plus. Though my nephews 85/86 hybrid extended cab has lots of interior room and even has AC.

 

[Combat Chuck]

So basically you would be just paying the price of the motor. Take it out for along drive and make sure you are comfortable in it. I like my 83 but I had to change the seats to Acura Integra seats to be able to fit reasonably. There are lots of used and new parts for the 83 so they are more reasonable to work on than an Fj40, so that s a big plus. Though my nephews 85/86 hybrid extended cab has lots of interior room and even has AC.

I'm hoping to look at this beastie up close as soon as I have a day off on Yodaman time. I'm a little rusty on my manual trans, so that may be a problem.

The best thing is that I'm short, and have nubby legs, so the tight spaces won't be as much a problem.
I have to say, though, all this time looking at yotas has got me flasing back to my dad's old S10 we used to romp around in. I can't wait to run a barebones work truck. I really want to take my granddad hunting this winter.